This video, created for a project between Central Michigan University and the Saginaw Chippewa Academy, is meant to introduce K-5 students to waste reduction, why it's important and what can be done about it.
(Video written and edited by Teresa Homsi)
Music: Cohesion by Minutemen, covered by Vladimir Gapontsev
Music #2 courtesy of Bensound
Video review:
Where does most of our waste go?
(A landfill)
What is a landfill?
(Dumping grounds for waste)
Why are landfills not the most sustainable, meaning not the best for people or the planet?
(Despite regulations to keep them safe, landfills take up lots of space and can pollute water. They release a gas called methane, which isn’t good for the planet in large quantities.)
What can we do?
(The 4Rs help us reduce our impact on the planet and live sustainably or in balance with the Earth.)
What are the 4Rs?
(Reduce, reuse, recycle, return)
Reduce: avoid creating waste entirely (only take what you need, look for products with less packaging)
Reuse: use what you already have, as often as possible or find reusable products (which can also be a part of reduce)
Recycle: save and take certain types of plastics, cans, glass, cardboards, papers to be recycled or broken down to be made into new materials
Return: composting food waste allows food to break down into soil and return nutrients to the Earth.
The 4 Rs are a means to respect the Earth and care for your peers and communities, as well as future generations.
