Treasure or Trash? Learning Technology Grant  Debra Hendry   JHS 144 Michelangelo  Bronx, NY

Trash or Treasure? One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Litter Facts Littering is a personal choice that can stem from a lack of personal responsibility for one’s actions and surroundings; litterers may also have a sense of entitlement—a feeling that other people should clean up after them. As for the effects of littering, there are obvious environmental consequences, but the cost of this national behavioral problem may surprise you. According to KAB, litter costs the US $11.5 billion every year. Plastic litter has increased by 165% since

PROBLEM  Litter and garbage are harming the Bronx community.  Aesthetics  Environment  Public Health

Is the Mayor right?  Mayor Bloomberg has proposed banning Styrofoam cups and fast food containers.

Climate Change & Litter – is there a connection? Many people suggest that litter and garbage contribute to climate change. Do your part to reduce waste by choosing reusable products instead of disposables. Buying products with minimal packaging (including the economy size when that makes sense for you) will help to reduce waste. And whenever you can, recycle paper, plastic, newspaper, glass and aluminum cans. By recycling half of your household waste, you can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide annually. paperplastic

What’s the evidence?  Gather statistics and plan an experiment to quantify the problem at school and in your neighborhood. Complete the Evidence worksheet at

RESOURCES:  bags.htm bags.htm   

What causes the problem?  Brainstorm with your group to identify causes of the problem. As you compile ideas, begin to consider how many of the causes might be subject to government regulation. Complete the worksheet available on the link below

Current Laws & Policies Complete the worksheet at the link below:   Research current laws and policies with regard to litter and garbage. Information about NYC laws is available at  Investigate public education campaigns such as Keep America Beautiful as well as civil laws to develop an understanding of the impact of public opinion and attitudes on behavior and public policy. There aren't many things that are universally cool, and it's cool not to litter. I’d never do it. - Matthew McConaugheymanythingsuniversallyoolnotlitterneverMatthew McConaughey

Can the problem be fixed?  Develop a list of three possible solutions to the problem and evaluate the solutions using the worksheet at  TIPS/bestsol.html TIPS/bestsol.html

Problem solved?  Create a poster that explains and illustrates the problem and proposed solutions investigated in this project.