Beyond Recycling

In the picture

1. 1A mound of mixed plastic waste: bottles, bags, and wrappers piled together.
2. 2A circular-arrow loop on a bin: the familiar recycling symbol.
3. 3A compostable cup: a container made from plant scraps and algae.
4. 4Bacteria on a plastic sheet under magnification: microbes clustered on the film.
5. 5A basket of reusable items: glass jars, paper, and cardboard.

Examples

• Bringing a reusable water bottle instead of buying a new plastic one each day.
• Choosing a fork made from cornstarch instead of a single-use plastic fork.

Quiz: Beyond Recycling (Age 15)

1. 1

   Why does the card say recycling cannot solve plastic waste by itself?

   • It cannot process every kind of plastic waste, especially mixed or dirty plastics.
   • It works only for plastic bottles and bags.
   • It creates more plastic waste than it removes.
2. 2

   According to the card, what should people do in addition to recycling?

   • Put every kind of plastic waste into the recycling bin.
   • Use less plastic and choose alternatives such as plant-based plastics.
   • Use only glass, paper, and cardboard for everything.
3. 3

   Which statement best matches the main message of the card?

   • Recycling helps, but it cannot handle all plastic waste, so reducing use and choosing alternatives are also needed.
   • Recycling can handle all plastic waste if it is sorted correctly.
   • Plant-based plastics are the only solution to plastic waste.

The answers, each with its explanation, are in the app. This lesson has left the free week, so its quiz is part of the subscription.