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EL Civics Objective 43 (Environment) • Int Low
Task 3: Inform Others about Recycling and
Responsible Disposal
Language & Literacy Objectives:
2. Identify and describe environmental problems.
8. Identify actions people can take to alleviate environmental problems (e.g. recycle, use
less gas, less water, electricity, etc.)
INTRODUCTION
In this lesson, students will identify environmental problems, their causes, and their
possible solutions. Students will become empowered to make simple, positive changes in
their daily lives that will help protect the environment.
ASSESSMENT TASK
Student responds in writing to a set of consumer problems based on the rules and
services in Tasks 1 & 2. Student identifies environmental issues/problems and
recommends solutions. 12 points possible (all for content).
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES
 To spark discussion, watch and listen to this slideshow on Renewable Energy from
the U.S. Department of Energy:
http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/energy_in_brief/slideshows/renewable_energy.html
Students can watch/listen again in the lab or at home.
 Ask students to collect and share stories in the newspaper, on the TV news, on the
Internet, etc. about protecting the environment. Topics can range from recycling
to renewable energy to global warming. Emphasize solutions rather than
problems.
continued …
© 2009, Torrance Adult School • EL Civics: Environment – Spring 2009 (43.3, INT LOW)
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HANDOUTS PROVIDED
Handout
Handout
Handout
Handout
Handout
Handout
1:
2:
3:
4:
5:
6:
Vocabulary
Conversation Questions
Environment: Recycling
Environment: Household Hazardous Waste
Environment: Water Conservation
Environment: Reusing Household Items
COMPUTER LAB IDEAS
Create presentation about an environmental problem and recommended solutions.
Use the Internet to research statistics and the history of the problem, and to find
pictures, animations and/or video clips to include in the presentation.
(Word, PPT, Internet)
Research and summarize information about green jobs being funded in the
economic stimulus package and overall budget. What are some new opportunities
for work (both volunteer and paid) in regard to renewable energy and
conservation.
Have students use a Carbon Footprint Calculator & compare results:
http://green.yahoo.com/calculator/
http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx
http://www.climatecrisis.net/takeaction/carboncalculator/
http://zerofootprint.net/youth/neew (NOTE: designed for kids - make sure
students know to answer questions about themselves, not “parents,” as prompted)
Students register with Fresh & Easy – print coupon for free canvas shopping bag
www.freshandeasy.com/friends (opportunity to give students guided practice filing
out an online form, checking for security lock to ensure it’s a secure site, etc.)
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Task 3 – Handout #1
VOCABULARY – ENVIRONMENT: CONSERVATION & DISPOSAL
Adapted from Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Online (www.ldoceonline.com)
See Task 1 for vocabulary specific to recycling, sorting, etc.
environment: The air, water and land on Earth, which can be harmed by human activities.
“going green:” Making changes in your daily life to reduce waste, conserve energy
and protect the environment.
conservation: The protection of natural things such as animals, plants and forests, to
prevent them being spoiled or destroyed. Also: when you prevent something from
being lost or wasted (e.g. water).
sustainable: A product capable of being continued with minimal long-term effect on the
environment.
energy: Power that is used to provide heat, operate machines, etc., such as nuclear or
solar energy.
renewable energy: Power generated from natural resources—such as sunlight, wind,
and rain—which are naturally replenished, with low environmental impact.
replenish: To fill something again.
fossil fuels: Coal, petroleum, and natural gas are called fossil fuels because they are
made of fossilized, carbon-rich plant and animal remains. Currently, these are the main
source of energy worldwide. They are contaminating and non-renewable fuels.
global warming (“climate change”): The theory that the world's average temperature
is increasing due to the burning of fossil fuels and other forms of energy resulting in
higher atmospheric concentrations of gases such as carbon dioxide.
carbon dioxide (CO2): Main greenhouse gas behind global warming. Using fossil fuels
like oil, gas, and coal sends lots of CO2 into the atmosphere, and this traps heat.
carbon footprint: How much CO2 your lifestyle creates. Home energy use, cars,
and airplanes are how most of us produce carbon.
pollution: Contamination of the natural environment by harmful substances as a
consequence of human activities
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TASK 3 – Handout #2
CONVERSATION QUESTIONS – ENVIRONMENT:
CONSERVATION AND DISPOSAL
Adapted from http://iteslj.org/questions/environment.html (Conversations for the ESL Classroom, I-TESL-J)
1) Why is conservation important for the environment?
2) What can people do to prevent wasting water?
3) What can people do to stop wasting energy (e.g. electricity, gas)?
4) Should recycling be mandatory or voluntary?
5) What can people do to reduce the amount of waste they generate?
6) What is one thing you can start doing TODAY to help the environment?
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TASK 3 - Handout #3
ENVIRONMENT: ENERGY CONSERVATION
Adapted from: http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Why_is_Recycling_Important
Directions: Read the article, then answer the questions at the end.
Why is Recycling Important?
Recycling is one of the few green initiatives that we can all participate in with a minimum
of effort, yet it has far reaching and long lasting benefits. One important feature of
recycling is that it helps keep rubbish out of landfill sites. Landfill sites store all kinds of
waste and rubbish, however much of this waste is not biodegradable, meaning that it
will stay in its existing form in the landfill site for many years to come – perhaps many
hundreds of years to come. This means that the landfill sites become full and that new
sites need to be found.
Another key reason why recycling is important is that it often saves energy. For most items, it takes less
energy to process the recycled materials than it does to use new materials. For instance, it takes
significantly less energy to recycle paper than it does to create paper from new woodland.
One important feature of recycling that affects us all is the fact it can save money! The waste processing
costs incurred by waste management companies is reduced, the cost of manufacture are reduced and
other incidental costs can be reduced, meaning that cost savings are passed on to the consumer.
Household recycling initiatives such as recycling kitchen waste into compost also helps save money as this
reduces the need to buy compost from garden stores.
What Can be Recycled?
Recycling policies and specific guidelines vary from city to city, but most cities allow recycling of the
following: Paper, Metal, Hazardous Waste, Plastic, Glass, Electronics, Automotive, Garden/Yard Waste,
Construction.
QUESTION: Do you think recycling is an important community service? What
are some things that you recycle?
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TASK 3 - Handout #5
ENVIRONMENT: WATER CONSERVATION
Adapted from: http://www.wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve/index.php
Directions: Read the article, then answer the questions at the end.
Here are a few things each of us can do to help protect our valuable water resources:

When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill the sink basin and rinse when all of
the dishes have been soaped and scrubbed.

Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize
evaporation.

Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.

Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants retains moisture and saves water, time
and money.

Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap, then reuse it to
water houseplants.

Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons per month.

Use a commercial car wash that recycles water. Or, wash your car on the lawn, and you'll water your lawn
at the same time.

Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month. Also consider washing your face
or brushing your teeth while in the shower.
QUESTION: List three ways you can save water:
1. ___________________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________________________
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TASK 3 - Handout #6
ENVIRONMENT: ENERGY CONSERVATION
Adapted from http://www.purdue.edu/envirosoft/housewaste/src/reuse4.htm
Directions: Read the article, then answer the questions at the end.
Many household items can be reused or repurposed rather than thrown away or recycled. Save money
and help the environment! If you don't want to reuse items in any of the ways described here, try
contacting your local school, preschool, daycare, community center, or recreation center.

Buy a reusable metal coffee filter instead of using paper filters, and use a travel (reusable) mug. Also: Mix
used coffee grounds into potting soil or mulch. Plants love the nitrogen.

Use canvas shopping bags whenever possible; reuse paper grocery bags for recycling.

Pack your lunch in reusable containers and carry in a reusable bag or plastic lunch kit.

Use dryer sheets (fabric softener) more than once, or cut in half before use.

Cut up pieces of paper that have only been used on one side – use for scratch paper or phone messages.
Use whole pieces for kids’ scribbles, drawings & paintings.

Write out a grocery list on an old envelope and put redeemable coupons inside.

Use an old shower curtain as a drop cloth for painting.

Keep last year’s phone books in your car for reference.

Use rags or sponges for clean-up instead of paper towels. Use cloth napkins instead of paper for meals.

Use last year's birthday & holiday cards to make gift tags.

Reduce paper usage by using your answering machine, a chalkboard, or a dry-erase board to record notes to
yourself or instructions for others in your family.
QUESTION: List three ways you can save energy (electricity, gas):
1. ___________________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________________________
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