Chapter 5: Environmental Awareness and Protection

Learning Objectives
At the end of this chapter, the learners are expected to:
1. Define environmental protection, climate change and solid waste
management.
2. Discuss the causes and impacts of climate change.
3. Identify the different mediums of solid waste management
4. Develop and implement an action plan addressing environmental protection,
climate change, and solid waste management.
Overview
This chapter deals with the basic concepts and laws governing environmental
education, its principles, climate change, ecological solid waste management, and air
pollution awareness and prevention

In the past decades, we witnessed that the Philippines had a very rich and healthy
environment. There were vast trees and plants in the Philippine forests which were the
sources of our medicine, but sad to say, that situation in our environment today is no
longer true. The seas, rivers and waters are the sources of fish and some of our mineral
resources. It is only in the Philippines where the fish die of old age, and yet country
imports sardines

It is sad to note also that some Filipino fishermen still use dynamite in fishing,
and this destroys the ecological balance of the nature.

There is now a wanton destruction of our environment, which is brought about by

selfishness, greed, and the lack of concern and vision of our people and our leaders.

The limited natural resources of our country‘s environment has been destroyed to
an almost very dangerous level. If we do not watch out and become vigilant in involving
ourselves in protecting and preserving our environment, we might found ourselves
suffering from the evil of our own acts. The examples of incidents brought by our
negligence are:
1. The floods in Ormoc City which killed thousands of Filipinos;
2. The sight of fish dying in Manila Bay, the incidence of red tide, which stalls
the growth of marine life;
3. Industrial pollution which has caused many respiratory problems;
4. Water shortage;
5. Cholera;
6. Dengue;
7. Malnutrition
8. Payatas tragedy which killed hundreds of Quezon City constituents living in
the dumpsite;
9. Nuclear waste from nuclear tests which are very dangerous to our health;
 10. Flash floods in Baguio, Nueva Vizcaya, Antipolo and San Mateo;
11. Volcanic eruption in Bicol, Taal and Zambales;
12. Lahar floods where many of our brother and sisters died; and the latest is
13. The COVID 19 pandemic disease which is now affecting the whole world.

The Basic Concepts of Ecology

1. Environmental Awareness. is to understand the fragility of our environment

and the importance of its protection. Promoting environmental awareness is an
easy way to become an environmental steward and participate in creating a
brighter future for our children.
2. Environmental Protection. Is a practice of protecting the natural environment
on individual, organizational, or governmental levels, for the benefit of both the
natural environment and human. Due to the pressures of population and
technology, the biophysical environment is being degraded, sometimes
permanently. This has been recognized, and governments have begun placing
restraints on activities that cause environmental degradation. Waste
management is all about how solid waste can be changed and used as a
valuable resource.
3. Ecological Solid Waste Management. Refers to the systematic administration
of activities which provide for segregation at source, segregated transportation,
storage, transfer, processing, treatment, and disposal of solid waste and all
other waste management activities which do not harm the environment.
4. Solid Waste Management. Is a term that is used to refer to the process of
collecting and treating solid wastes. It also offers solutions for recycling items
that do not belong to garbage or trash
5. Global Warming. Human exploitation of the environment leads to the increasing
amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Along with other pollutants, carbon
dioxide traps the sun‘s heat and causes the Earth to warm up. Global warming is
―an increase in the average temperature of the Earth‘s atmosphere‖ (Markham,
2009).
6. Climate Change. Climate change is the build-up of greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere, significantly changing the normal or expected weather patterns and
conditions in specific regions of the Earth. If a particular region‘s climate
unpredictably changes from what it ought to be to what it should not be, dire
consequences occur.
7. Natural Hazards. Natural Hazards ―are elements of the physical environment
that are harmful to man and caused by extraneous forces‖ (Solidum, 2012). It
pertains to all atmospheric, hydrologic, geologic (especially seismic and
volcanic), and wildfire phenomena that, because of their location, severity, and
frequency, have the potential to affect humans, their structures, or their activities
adversely. The qualifier ―natural‖ eliminates such exclusively man-made
phenomena like war, pollution, and chemical contamination. Hazards to human
 beings not necessarily related to the physical environment are the infectious
diseases.
8. Pollution. Pollution is the concentration of any material or energy form that is
ultimately harmful to humans. It is something that is added to the ecosystem
which has a detrimental effect. The high rate of energy usage by a modern
growing population is one of the causes of pollution. The different kinds of
pollutions are:
a. Land Pollution
 Solid wastes include garbage, refuse, sludge products from
agriculture, forestry, and mining that all can pollute the land.
 These wastes are disposed by burying them in sanitary
landfills.
 Hazardous wastes are those that are potentially dangerous to
humans.
Soil erosion from overgrazing, deforestation, irrigation and
cultivation can disturb the balance between living things and
the soil.
b. Water Pollution
 Water pollution is anything that makes the water unit, harmful
or undesirable for use.
 Types of pollutants:
 Organic pollution – sewage
 Inorganic pollution – biodegradable
 Thermal pollution
 Radioactive substances
 Abnormal concentration of organisms
 Concentration of pollutants
 Aerobic and anaerobic bacteria
o Eutrophication – increased phosphates ad
nitrates provide nutrients for increased algae
growth.
c. Air Pollution
 Air pollution is the release of harmful materials into the
atmosphere.

Problems associated with air pollution include:
 Health problems
 Acid rain
 Ozone depletion
 Global warming
 Pollutants are either gases or particulates (tiny solids
suspended in the air)
9. Ozone Layer Depletion. The ozone layer is an invisible layer of protection
 around the planet that protects us from the sun‘s harmful rays. Depletion of the
crucial Ozone layer of the atmosphere is attributed to pollution caused by
Chlorine and Bromide found in Chloro-floro carbons (CFC‘s). Once these toxic
gases reach the upper atmosphere, they cause a hole in the ozone layer, the
biggest of which is above the Antarctica. The CFC‘s are banned in many
industries and consumer products. Ozone layer is valuable because it prevents
harmful UV.
10. Natural Resource Depletion. Natural resource depletion is another crucial
current environmental problem. Fossil fuel consumption results in emission of
Greenhouse gases, which is responsible for global warming and climate
change. Globally, people are taking efforts to shift to renewable sources of
energy like solar, wind, biogas and geothermal energy. The cost of installing the
infrastructure and maintaining these sources has plummeted in the recent years.
11. Loss of Biodiversity. Human activity is leading to the extinction of species and
habitats and loss of bio-diversity. Eco-systems, which took millions of years to
perfect, are in danger when any species population is decimating. Balance of
natural processes like pollination is crucial to the survival of the eco-system and
human activity threatens the same. Another example is the destruction of coral
reefs in the various oceans, which support the rich marine life.
12. Acid rain. Acid rain occurs due to the presence of certain pollutants in the
atmosphere. Acid rain can be caused due to combustion of fossil fuels or
erupting volcanoes or rotting vegetation which release sulfur dioxide and
nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere. Acid rain is a known environmental
problem that can have serious effect on human health, wildlife and aquatic
species.
13. Wildfire. A wildfire also known as a wildland fire, forest fire, vegetation fire,
grass fire, peat fire, bushfire (in Australia), or hill is an uncontrolled fire often
occurring in wildland areas, but which can also consume houses or agricultural
resources. Wildfire often begin unnoticed, but they spread quickly igniting brush,
trees and homes.

Laws Governing Environmental Education

 R.A. 9003 – Ecological Solid Waste Management act of 2000

In partnership with stakeholders, the law aims to adopt a systematic,

comprehensive and ecological solid waste management program that shall
ensure the protection of public health and environment. The law ensures proper
segregation, collection, storage, treatment and disposal of solid waste through
the formulation and adaptation of best eco-waste products.

 R.A. 9275 – Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004

 The law aims to protect the country's water bodies from pollution from land-
based sources (industries and commercial establishments, agriculture and
community/household activities). It provides for comprehensive and integrated
strategy to prevent and minimize pollution through a multisector and
participatory approach involving all the stakeholders.

 R.A. 6969 – Toxic Substances, Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act
of 1990

The law aims to protect the country's water bodies from pollution from land-
based sources (industries and commercial establishments, agriculture and
community/household activities). It provides for comprehensive and integrated
strategy to prevent and minimize pollution through a multi-sectoral and
participatory approach involving all the stakeholders.

 R.A. 8435 – Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997

It establishes that the Department of Agriculture, together with other appropriate

agencies, should take into account climate change, weather disturbances and
annual productivity cycles in forecasting and formulating appropriate agricultural
and fisheries programs.

 R.A. 8749 – Clean Air Act of 1999

This moves for an effective air quality management program that will mitigate
the worsening problem of air pollution in the country.

 R.A. 9512 – National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008

This promotes national awareness on the role of natural resources in economic

growth and the importance of environmental conservation and ecological
balance towards sustained national development.

 R.A. 9513 – Renewable Energy Act of 2008

It promotes the development, utilization and commercialization of renewable

energy resources.

SEVEN (7) ENVIRONMENTAL PRINCIPLES

1. Everything is connected to everything else. ( Ang lahat ng bagay ay

magkakaugnay.)
 Human interaction with the often times alters the ecosystems. The
waste we improperly dispose of brings about the deterioration of land and
water quality. This may in turn reduce their capacity to provide life for
other organisms. Deforestation causes soil erosion and the earth
deposited on the water bodies covers the coral reefs resulting to fishery
loss. Suspended particulates from vehicular and stationary sources may
cause lung problems among city residents War causes destruction of
wildlife and habitats. There is a cause and effect chain, even when it is
neither always visible nor observable.

2. All forms of life are important. (Ang lahat na may buhay ay mahalaga.)
All living organisms were created for a purpose in relation to
humans, other species on earth and global ecosystem in general. Thus,
when a species becomes extinct, it is like removing a piece of a jigsaw
puzzle from the web of life. The variety of life forms, manifested by the
different levels of biological diversity – community, species and genes –
contributes to the stability of the environment. Food webs, food chains
and ecological relationships link plants and animals together in the web of
life. Even bacteria, insects, snakes and rats have ecological functions
even though humans perceive them as parasites or pests.
The composition of biological diversity naturally changes slowly but
the rate of transition has become faster due to factors such as habitat
destruction. Deforestation may diminish forest species such as birds that
are vulnerable to modification of their home. Pollution of waters reduces
the quantity of fishes, shells, algae and other aquatic life. Over harvesting
of natural products likewise contributes to the unsustainable use of food
and material resources.
To maintain ecological balance, therefore, the conservation of
genes, species and ecosystems becomes essential to keep life together.
Biodiversity conservation strategies commence with the protection of both
terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Land uses, such as protected areas,
ensure that the natural state of these habitats continue to exist in
designated areas. Community-based approaches in conservation
maximize citizens‘ participation in protected areas. Integrity of natural
ecosystems can likewise be guarded through the preservation of
indigenous species.

3. Everything must go somewhere. (Ang lahat ng bagay ay may

patutunguhan.)
By-products of consumption go back to the environment.
Everything that we throw away – pieces of paper, left-over food, peelings
of fruits, plastic wrappers, used containers – have to go somewhere. Even
plants and animals have their own wastes – feces, urine, dead leaves and
 branches. It is the law of nature that the by-products of metabolism return
to the soil, acted upon first by worms, bacteria and fungi, and then
converted into minerals, to be again absorbed by plants and eaten by
animals. In short, they enter into a material cycle that is an integral part of
the ecosystem. But what happens if what we throw is an artificial product
such as plastic? Then natural bacteria can not recognize them and may
not be capable of breaking them apart. These non-biodegradable
products must enter another material cycle – the one that goes to the
factory to be manufactured into a new product. Thus the retrieval,
collection and recycling of these materials become necessary so that they
do not pollute land and water habitats.

4. Ours is a finite earth. (Ang kalikasan ay may hangganan.)

Everything that we need is provided by nature in abundance – food,
water, energy, minerals and air. However, some resources that we
depend upon nowadays are extracted excessively but are slow to replace.
These non-renewable resources experience limits of supply. For instance,
fossil fuels produced over thousands of years may be exhausted in a
hundred years. Some energy sources like water, and wood may be
replaced easier but have become inaccessible due to pollution and
excessive extraction. Diminishing forest cover have resulted from logging,
ineffective reforestation and continued land conversion. However, food
scarcity and poverty may have resulted from failed distribution systems
rather than inability of the land and water bodies to yield food.

5. Nature knows best. (Ang kalikasan ang mas nakakaalam.)

Nature manifests certain processes that enable it to maintain
balance and remain in a state of equilibrium. The nutrient cycling of
nitrogen, carbon, sulfur and phosphorous in the air, water and land
indicates that minerals are utilized within the confines of the earth. The
flow of energy from the sun enables light to be converted into sugar in
plants through photosynthesis, and later for consumer organisms to
obtain energy from plant starch. Food chains and food webs allow
transfer of energy from producers and consumers and provide the means
for all living organisms to acquire nutrition. Population control also occurs
naturally through predator – prey relationships.
The equilibrium in the ecosystem is maintained, thus if humans
intervene, unforeseen negative impacts known as ecological backlash,
may arise. Floods are often times backlashes of excessive felling of trees.
The importation of golden kuhol, that became a pest, reminds us that
biological organisms may not acclimatize in a new environment or may
cause harm to indigenous species.
 6. Nature is beautiful and we are stewards of God’s creation. (Ang
kalikasan ay maganda at tayo ang tagapangasiwa ng lahat na nilikha
ng Diyos.)
Different religions from Islam to Buddhism to Judeo-Christian to
indigenous people‘s animism express the belief of caring for the earth,
including all creatures. Thus it is the goal of environmental education and
biodiversity conservation education to motivate target audiences towards
developing an eco-spirituality that moves them into a more meaningful
relationship with nature and a greater participation in the biophysical
economic processes that make this world a better place to live in.

7. Everything changes. (Ang lahat ay nagbabago.)

Changes in the biophysical world occur naturally. As they say, there
is nothing more permanent in this world than change. Consider the following
examples. Metamorphosis of caterpillars to butterflies illustrates
morphological changes that occur in living forms. The increase of
vegetation on earth augmented the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere
through time. Seasons are cyclic changes that contribute to the diversity of
flowers, fruits, vegetables and other crops during the year. Random changes
manifested by natural catastrophe such as typhoons destroy forests, coral
reefs and mangroves. Volcanic eruptions annihilate surface flora and
submerge rivers.

Human-induced alteration such as climate change may cause more

massive repercussions. Land use change – from forests to agricultural land to
human settlements – change the composition of vegetation and animals.
Human-induced changes can be managed so that the negative impacts are
minimized and positive changes accentuated. Environmental impact
assessment (EIA) provides a tool for the projection, planning and
management of change brought about by industrialization and human
settlement expansion. Effluents can be managed through policy and pollution
control techniques by both industry and government to achieve clean air and
water.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change is a change in the statistical distribution of weather over periods

of time that range from decades to millions of years. It can be a change in the
average weather or a change in the distribution of weather e (for example,
greater or fewer extreme weather events). Climate change may be limited to a
specific region, or may occur across the whole Earth.

What makes the climate change?

 The Earth climate is influenced by many factors, mainly by the amount of
energy sun, but also by factors such as the amount of greenhouse gases and
aerosols in the atmosphere, and the properties of the Earth ‗s surface, which
determine how much of this solar energy is retained or reflected back to
space.

Causes of climate change; A. Natural Causes

1. Continental Drift - The continents that we are familiar with today
were formed when the landmass began gradually drifting apart, millions of
years back. This drift also had an impact on the climate because it
changed the physical features of the landmass, their position and the
position of water bodies. The separation of the landmasses changed the
flow of ocean currents and winds, which affected the climate.
2. Volcanoes - When a volcano erupts, it throws out large volumes of
sulfur dioxide, water vapor, dust, and ash into the atmosphere. Although
the volcanic activity may last only a few days, yet the large volumes of
gases and ash can influence climatic patterns for years. Millions of tons of
sulfur dioxide gas can reach the upper levels of the atmosphere (called
the stratosphere) from a major eruption. The gases and dust particles
partially block the incoming rays of the sun, leading to cooling. Sulphur
dioxide combines with water to form tiny droplets of sulfuric acid. These
droplets are so small that many of them can stay aloft for several years.
They are efficient reflectors of sunlight, and screen the ground from some
of the energy that it would ordinarily receive from the sun. Winds in the
upper levels of the atmosphere, called the stratosphere, carry the
aerosols rapidly around the globe in either an easterly or westerly
direction. Movement of aerosols north and south is always much slower.
3. The Earth's Tilt - Changes in the tilt of the earth can affect the
severity of the seasons - more tilt means warmer summers and colder
winters; less tilt means cooler summers and milder winters.
4. Ocean Currents - The oceans are a major component of the
climate system. They cover about 71% of the Earth and absorb about
twice as much of the sun's radiation as the atmosphere or the land
surface. Ocean currents move vast amounts of heat across the planet -
roughly the same amount as the atmosphere does. But the oceans are
surrounded by land masses, so heat transport through the water is
through channels. Winds push horizontally against the sea surface and
drive ocean current patterns. Certain parts of the world are influenced by
ocean currents more than others. Ocean currents have been known to
change direction or slow down. Much of the heat that escapes from the
oceans is in the form of water vapor, the most abundant greenhouse gas
on Earth. Yet, water vapor also contributes to the formation of clouds,
which shade the surface and have a net cooling effect.
b. Human causes
Greenhouse Gases and their Sources
a. Carbon dioxide - the most important greenhouse gas in the
atmosphere. Changes in land use pattern, deforestation, land clearing,
agriculture, and other activities have all led to a rise in the emission of
carbon dioxide.
b. Methane - about ¼ of all methane emissions are said to come from
domesticated animals such as dairy cows, goats, pigs, and horses.
These animals produce methane during the cud-chewing process.
Methane is also released from rice or paddy fields that are flooded
during the sowing and maturing periods. When soil is covered with water
it becomes anaerobic or lacking in oxygen. Under such conditions,
methane-producing bacteria and other organisms decompose organic
matter in the soil to form methane. Methane is also emitted from landfills
and other waste dumps. If the waste is put into an incinerator or burnt in
the open, carbon dioxide is emitted. Methane is also emitted during the
process of oil drilling, coal mining and also from leaking gas pipelines
(due to accidents and poor maintenance of sites).
c. Nitrous oxide - a large amount of nitrous oxide emission has been
attributed to fertilizer application. This in turn depends on the type of
fertilizer that is used, how and when it is used and the methods of tilling
that are followed.
d. Nitrogen - contributions are also made by leguminous plants, such as
beans and pulses that add nitrogen to the soil.

Human contribution to climate change

All of us in our daily lives contribute our bit to this change in the
climate. Give these points a good, serious thought:
 Electricity is the main source of power in urban areas. All our
gadgets run on electricity generated mainly from thermal power
plants. These thermal power plants are run on fossil fuels (mostly
coal) and are responsible for the emission of huge amounts of
greenhouse gases and other pollutants.
 Cars, buses, and trucks are the principal ways by which goods
and people are transported in most of our cities. These are run
mainly on petrol or diesel, both fossil fuels.
 We generate large quantities of waste in the form of plastics
that remain in the environment for many years and cause
damage.
 We use a huge quantity of paper in our work at schools and in
offices.
 Timber is used in large quantities for construction of houses,
 which means that large areas of forest have to be cut down.

A growing population has meant more and more mouths to feed.

Because the land area available for agriculture is limited (and in fact, is
actually shrinking as a result of ecological degradation!), high-yielding
varieties of crop are being grown to increase the agricultural output from
a given area of land. However, such high-yielding varieties of crops
require large quantities of fertilizers; and more fertilizer means more
emissions of nitrous oxide, both from the field into which it is put and the
fertilizer industry that makes it. Pollution also results from the run-off of
fertilizer into water bodies.

What impacts of climate change have already been observed?

Regional climate change is already affecting many natural systems.
For instance, it is increasingly being observed that snow and ice are
melting and frozen ground is thawing, hydrological and biological
systems are changing and in some cases being disrupted, migrations
are starting earlier, and species' geographic ranges are shifting towards
the poles.
Despite remaining gaps in knowledge, it is likely that these effects
are linked to human influence on climate. At the regional level, however,
responses to natural variability are difficult to separate from the effects
of climate change. Some previously unanticipated impacts of regional
climate change are just starting to become apparent. For instance,
melting glaciers can threaten mountain settlements and water
resources, and damage associated with coastal flooding are increasing.

How do people adapt to climate change?

 Humans need to adapt to the impacts of climate change, for
instance through technological solutions such as coastal defenses and
changes in consumption habits.
 Vulnerability of human populations to climate change and its
consequences can be affected by other factors, such as pollution,
conflicts, or epidemics such as AIDS. An emphasis on sustainable
development can help human societies reduce their vulnerability to
climate change.
 Mitigation measures that aim to reduce greenhouse gases
emissions can help avoid, reduce or delay impacts, and should be
implemented in order to ensure that adaptation capacity is not
exceeded.

Air Pollution Awareness and Prevention

Air pollution is a type of environmental pollution that affects the air and is
 usually caused by smoke or other harmful gases, mainly oxides of carbon,
sulphur and nitrogen. In other words, air pollution is the contamination of air due
to the presence or introduction of a substance which has a poisonous effect.

Clean Air Act

Republic Act No. 8749, otherwise known as the Philippine Clean Air Act
is a comprehensive air quality management policy and program which aims to
achieve and maintain healthy air for all Filipinos.

Guiding Principles of the Clean Air Act

The CAA provides that the State shall:
 Protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology
in accord with rhythm and harmony of nature;
 Promote and protect the global environment while recognizing the primary
responsibility of local government units to deal with environmental problems;
 Recognize that the responsibility of cleaning the habitat and environment is
primarily area-based;
 Recognize that ―polluters must pay‖;
 Recognize that a clean and healthy environment is for the good of all and should
therefore be the concern for all.

Coverage of the Clean Air Act

All potential sources of air pollution (mobile and area sources) must comply with
the provisions of the law. All emissions must be within the air quality standards;
Mobile sources refer to vehicles like cars, trucks, buses, jeepneys, tricycles,
motorcycles and vans;
Area sources refer to sources of emissions other than the above. These include
smoking, burning of garbage, and dust from construction, unpaved grounds, etc.

Compliance Mandates for Mobile Sources of Air Pollution

Exhaust emissions standards for various mobile sources that are either in use,
new, rebuilt, and imported second-hand have been set.
All new motor vehicles classified under the Philippine National Standards 1891
of the Bureau of Product Standards of the Department of Trade and Industry, whether
locally assembled/manufactured or imported are to be covered by a Certificate of
Conformity (COC). The COC is to be issued by the DENR to the motor vehicle
manufacturer, assembler or importer.
In-use motor vehicles will only be allowed renewal of their registration upon roof
of compliance with emission standards through actual testing by the Motor Vehicle
Inspection System (MVIS) of the DOTC/LTO, land authorized private emission testing
centers.
ECOLOGICAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

In partnership with stakeholders, the law aims to adopt a systematic,

comprehensive and ecological solid waste management program that shall ensure the
protection of public health and environment. The law ensures proper segregation,
collection, storage, treatment and disposal of solid waste through the formulation and
adaptation of best eco-waste products. Which is the R.A. 9003 – Ecological Solid Waste
Management Act of 2000.

*Ecological Solid Waste Management should start at the household

level. Management of waste materials in the households are normally carried
out by the servants and often the housewives. Thus, they must be well-informed
about proper waste handling and management.

WHAT IS SOLID WASTE?

SOLID WASTE refers to all discarded household, commercial waste,

nonhazardous institutional and industrial waste, street sweeping, construction debris,
agricultural waste and other non-hazardous and non-toxic solid waste.

The Importance of Ecological Solid Waste Management

The planet benefits from less methane and carbon monoxide in the air. Waste
emits these harmful gases, but waste recycling can reduce the impact. Waste recycling
also helps to reduce the amount of fossil fuels, as well as existing landfills and
incinerations, helping to create a greener and cleaner environment for all.

What are the three types of solid waste?

A. COMPOSTABLE WASTES. Compostable wastes are biodegradable wastes

such as food waste, garden waste, animal waste and human waste. They
undergo biological degradation under controlled conditions and can be turned
into compost (soil conditioner or organic fertilizer) by mixing them with soil,
water, air and biological additives/activators(optional).
Examples are:
· Fruit and vegetable peelings
· Leftover foods
· Vegetable trims
· Fish/fowl/meat/animal entrails
· Soft shells
 · Seeds
· Leaves
· Flowers
· Twigs
· Branches
· Stems

B. RECYCLABLE WASTES. Recyclable materials refer to any waste material

retrieved from the waste stream and free from contamination that can still be
converted into suitable beneficial use. These may be transformed into new
products in such a manner that the original products
may lose their identity.
Examples are:
· Newspaper
· Ferrous scrap metal
· Non-ferrous scrap metal
· Corrugated cardboard
· Aluminum
· Glass
· Office paper
· Tin cans

C. RESIDUAL WASTES. Residual wastes are solid waste materials that are non-
compostable and non-recyclable. It should be disposed ecologically through a
long-term disposal facility or sanitary landfill.
Examples are:
· Sanitary napkins
· Disposable diapers
· Worn-out rugs
· Cartons which contain a plastic lining usually used for milk and juice
containers
· Ceramics
· Candy wrappers/sachets
· Other soiled materials that cannot be composted and recycled

D. SPECIAL WASTES. Special wastes refer to household hazardous wastes.

Examples are:
· Paints
· Thinners
· Household batteries
· Lead-acid batteries
 · Spray Canisters
· Bulky Wastes such as:
· Large worn-out or broken furniture
· Lamps
· Bookcases
· Filing Cabinets
· Consumer Electronics which refer to worn-out, broken and other
discarded items such as
· Radios
· Stereos
· TV sets
· White Goods which refer to large worn-out or broken household
appliances such as:
· Stoves
· Refrigerators
· Dishwashers
· Clothes Washers
· Dryers
· Oil
· Tires

Solid waste can be classified into different types depending on their sources:
a. Municipal Solid Waste(MSW)
These are non-hazardous solid waste from a city, town or village that requires
routine collection and transport to a processing or disposal site,
b. Hazardous Wastes
Are those that can cause harm to human and the environment especially if
they exhibit any of four primary characterizes based on physical or chemical
properties of toxicity, reactivity ignitability and corrosively
c. Industrial Wastes
These contain more of toxic and require special treatment.
Sources of Industrial Wastes;
a. Food Processing Industries
b. Metallurgical chemical and pharmaceutical unit‘s breweries
c. Sugar mills,
d. Paper and Pulp industries
e. Fertilizer and pesticide industries are major ones which discharge toxic
wastes.
d. Agricultural Wastes
The waste generated by agriculture includes waste from crops and
livestock.
 e. Bio-Medical Waste
These are wastes which are generated during the diagnosis, treatment or
immunization of human beings or animal or in research activities pertaining or
in the production of testing of biological.
f. Waste Minimization.
Waste production can be minimized by adopting the 3 R‘s principle:
a. Reduce the amount and toxicity of garbage and trash that you
discard
b. Reuse containers and try to repair things that are broken.
c. Recycle products wherever possible, which includes buying recycled
products i.e., recycled paper books, paper bags etc.

WASTE AVOIDANCE AND THE THREE R’s OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

AVOIDANCE
* Avoid disposable goods such as throwaway razors, pens, diapers, etc.
* Eliminate household toxic waste from the garbage stream
* Avoid products that are made from non-renewable resources

REDUCE**
* Reduce the amount of unnecessary packaging.
* Adopt practices that reduce waste toxicity

REUSE**
* Consider reusable products.
* Maintain and repair durable products.
* Reuse bags, containers, and other items.
* Borrow, rent, or share items used infrequently.
* Sell or donate goods instead of throwing them out.

RECYCLE**
* Choose recyclable products and containers and recycle them.
* Select products made from recyclable materials.
* Compost yard trimmings, food scraps and other biodegradable wastes.
* Do not burn

**Excerpted from The Consumer’s Handbook for Reducing Solid Waste, p.7 “Tips for
Reducing Solid Waste”, by the US EPA, 1996.

APPROACHES TO ECOLOGICAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

1. Segregation of wastes at source. All the members of the household must be
informed how to segregate wastes into compostable, non-recyclable,
recyclable and special or hazardous waste.
2. There must be a separate container for each type of waste. Segregated
recyclables must be properly cleaned before storing them in their respective
containers.
3. The use of special collection schedules and/or separate trucks or haulers must
be required for specific types of wastes.
4. Recyclable wastes materials should be taken to the Materials Recovery Facility
(MRF) in every barangay or cluster of barangays where they are received,
sorted, processed and stored efficiently and in an environmentally sound
manner.
Compostable wastes on the other hand, should be composted either in the
backyard or the community composting site. Hazardous wastes are further
screened and sent to appropriate hazardous waste treatment and disposal
plants.
5. The residual wastes or the non-recyclable and non-compostable wastes shall
be transferred to a long-term storage or disposal facility or sanitary landfill.

Instructions: On a separate sheet of pad paper, write the best answer on each
of the questions below. INDICATE your NAME, COURSE and SECTION on your
answer sheet.

1. It is an increase in the average temperature of the Earth‘

a. Global warming
b. weather condition
c. Disaster
d. incessant effect
2. Which of these recent examples of incidents brought about by our negligence
that kill millions of people worldwide?
a. Malnutrition
b. Corona virus
c. Cholera
d. dengue
3. An approach to ecological solid waste management that materials should be
taken to the materials recovery facility for sorting, processing and storing.
 a. A. Residual waste
b. hazardous waste
c. Recyclable waste
d. compostable waste
4. The following are the R‘s of solid waste management EXCEPT ONE;
a. Reduce the amount of unnecessary packaging
b. Consider reusable products
c. Eliminate household toxic waste from the garbage stream
d. Choose recyclable products and containers and recycle them
5. It is an easy way to become an environmental steward and participate in
creating a brighter future of our children.
a. Environmental Awareness
b. Ecological Solid Waste Management
c. Environmental Protection
d. Solid Waste Management
6. Which type of solid waste that contain more of toxic and require special
treatment?
a. Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)
b. Industrial Waste
c. Hazardous Waste
d. Agricultural Waste
7. How good are you in identifying laws governing environmental education, for
example what is R.A. 9003?
a. Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004
b. Ecological Waste Management Act of 2000
c. Toxic substance, hazardous and nuclear waste control act of 1990
d. Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997
8. This type of solid waste are biodegradable wastes such as food waste,
garden waste, animal waste and human waste.
a. Special waste
b. Residual waste
c. Recyclable waste
d. Compostable waste
9. This is an approach to ecological solid waste management that the use of
special _________________and or/separate trucks or haulers must be
required for specific types of wastes.
a. Collection schedule
b. Segregation of waste
c. Separate containers for each type of waste.
d. Residual waste
10. Wh at is the first 3 R‘s principle in adopting waste minimization?
 a. Reuse containers and try to repair things that are broken
b. Reduce the amount and toxicity of garbage and trash that you discard
c. Recycle products whenever possible, which involve buying recycled
products i. e. recycled paper books, paper bags etc.
d. None of these
11. Special wastes are hazardous wastes. Which one is the example of special
waste?
a. Sanitary napkins
b. Newspaper
c. Leftover foods
d. Paints
12. What is the implication of this environmental principle? ―The variety of life
forms manifested by the different levels of biological diversity—community,
species and genes- contribute to the stability of the environment‖
a. Everything is connected to everything else.
b. All forms of life are important
c. Everything must go somewhere
d. Ours is a finite earth
13. _____________Is the build-up of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere,
significantly changing the normal or expected weather patterns and
conditions in specific regions of the earth.
a. Climate change
b. Natural Hazards
c. Global warming
d. Pollution

14. The following are the recyclable wastes EXCEPT ONE;

a. Newspaper
b. Corrugated cardboard
c. Disposable diapers
d. Office paper
15. Protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and beautiful
ecology in accord with rhythm and harmony. What chronological order does
this clean air act guiding principles belong?
a. No. 1 c. No. 3
b. No. 2 d. No. 4
16. What is a residual waste?
a. Solid waste material that are non-compostable and non-recyclable
b. Household hazardous wastes
c. Any waste material retrieved from the waste stream and free from
contamination that still be converted into suitable beneficial use.
 d. Biodegradable wastes
17. Which one is the first approach to ecological solid waste management?
a. There must be a separate container for each type of waste
b. Segregation of wastes at source
c. Recyclable waste materials should be taken to the material recovery
facility
d. Residual wastes or non-recyclable and non-compostable wastes shall be
transferred to a long-term storage or disposal facility
18. Where did the latest volcanic eruption happened in our country that
devastated the dwellings and resources of the people?
a. Mayon volcano eruption
b. Taal volcano eruption
c. Mount Pinatubo eruption
d. Mount canlaon eruption
19. Which of these kinds of pollution contribute global warming?
a. Air pollution c. Land pollution
b. Water pollution d. Market pollution
20. What caused the air polluted?
a. Smoke or other harmful gasses c.Earthquake
b. Acid rain d. Radiation