America produces too much waste. The problem is not
just an American one. Many nations are recognizing and seeking solutions
to the problem of too much trash. "Packaging is the single largest
product in the waste stream. Packaging makes up 32 percent of the municipal
solid waste stream by weight, or 27 percent by volume."*
The costs of disposing of the waste materials is rising
significantly. Very few communities want to have disposal facilities
in their environs. The rising cost of fuels makes hauling garbage a
pricey affair. This is all compounded by the environmental issue of
materials like petroleum-based plastic that do not breakdown.
Your club has developed a new product. It is a hard
plastic model of your school's mascot. It is about 4" x 2"
x 3". You anticipate it will be a great local fund raiser that
you can sell for years. Several team members want to make a website
to facilitate marketing your item to alumni and school supporters. You are deciding
on the packaging of the product.
What material(s) will you use to package your item?
How will you package it?
Resources:
* Energy Information Administration Source Reduction - http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/saving/recycling/solidwaste/sourcereduction.html
Corn Plastic to the Rescue - http://www.smithsonianmag.com/issues/2006/august/pla.htm
Excessive packaging environmental woes - http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-08/01/content_465038.htm
Excessive packaging Issue paper 07 - http://www.packcoun.com.au/issues/issues07.html
Council gets tough on excessive packaging - http://www.york.gov.uk/cgi-bin/wn_document.pl?type=6131
Packaging Choices that Reduce Waste | In Northern California Less Waste Means More Profit
National Library
for the Environment - Congressional Research
reports
Images as Messages - pbl | Only
action produces change
eFundraiser project - pbl | Diminishing Consumer Waste Video - pbl
Green Maps Around the World