Learn about the concept of ‘Garbage In Garbage Out’ in Class 6 Science. This chapter explores waste management, types of garbage, recycling, and the importance of keeping our environment clean. Perfect for students seeking an easy-to-understand explanation of how waste affects us and our surroundings
Solutions for Garbage In Garbage Out
Solutions for the Class 6 Science chapter ‘Garbage In, Garbage Out.’ Learn how to manage waste, reduce pollution, recycle, and protect the environment with these simple and practical tips. Ideal for students and educators looking for easy-to-follow solutions for sustainable waste management
Answer the following questions
(a) Which kind of garbage is not converted into compost by red worms?
Ans: Garbage which contains broken glass, polythene bags, aluminium foil, bottles, nails, broken toys, old shoes etc. cannot be converted into compost by red worms.
(b) Have you seen any other organism besides red worms, in your pit? If yes, try to find out their names. Draw pictures of these.
Ans: Yes, a pit might contain other soil microbes such as bacteria, small insects, bugs, beetles, spiders etc.
Discuss
1) Is garbage disposal the responsibility only of the government?
Ans: No, garbage disposal is not the responsibility of only the government. A lot of waste is generated from homes, offices, schools, hospitals etc. So, it is required that every individual must reduce the production of wastes and help in the proper disposal of these wastes. Every individual must reduce activities that pollute the environment.
2) Is it possible to reduce the problems relating to the disposal of garbage?
Ans: Yes, it is possible to reduce the problems relating to the disposal of garbage by taking the following measures:
.3. (a) What do you do with the leftover food at home?
Ans: Leftover food is dumped into compost pits so that it gets converted into manure after some days.
(b) If you and your friends are given the choice of eating on a plastic plate or a banana leaf platter at a party, which one would you prefer and why?
Ans: We would prefer to eat food on a banana leaf platter because it is harmless and environmentally friendly. It can be used to make manure by the process of composting.
4. (a) Collect pieces of different kinds of paper. Find out which of these can be recycled.
Ans. (a) Paper without plastic coating on it can be recycled.
(b) With the help of a lens look at the pieces of paper you collected for the above question. Do you see any difference in the material of recycled paper and a new sheet of paper?
Ans. (b) Recycled paper appears a little rough whereas new sheet of paper appears smooth.
5. (a) Collect different kinds of packaging material. What was the purpose for which each one was used? Discuss in group.
Ans. (a) The different kinds of packaging materials commonly used are:
(i)Paper packets are used to cover light food items.
(ii) Plastic covers or bags are used for packaging clothes and dresses.
(iii) Cardboards are used for packaging crockery
(iv) Wooden boxes are used to pack delicate items.
(b) Give an example in which packaging could have been reduced.
Ans. The packaging of toys and clothes could have been reduced.
(c) Write a story on how packaging increases the amount of garbage.
Ans. Yesterday was Tom’s birthday. He had invited many friends to the party. All his friends had brought gifts for him. When the birthday party was over, Tom sat on a chair and opened each gift to see what was inside. Within no time, his whole room was full of empty cartons, cardboard, boxes, ribbons, plastic covers etc which had been used to pack the gifts. These useless packaging materials increase the amount of garbage.
Q6. Do you think it is better to use compost instead of chemical fertilizers? Why?
Ans. Yes, it is better to use compost instead of chemical fertilizers. This is because compost is prepared from plant and animal wastes, therefore it adds natural fertility to the soil. It does not add any harmful substances to the soil, whereas excessive use of chemical fertilizers causes soil and water pollution.
Extra Questions and Answers
Q1. What is garbage?
Ans: Any material that no longer serves a purpose in the house and is thrown away is called garbage.
Q2. What is a landfill?
Ans: A landfill is an area where the garbage collected from a city or town is dumped.
Q3. Define vermicomposting.
Ans: The method of making compost from kitchen garbage using red worms is called vermicomposting.
Q4. Name some important items present in domestic waste.
Ans: Some important items present in domestic waste are broken toys, old clothes, shoes, slippers, glass, plastic items, rubber, wood etc.
Q5. Write one advantage and disadvantage of garbage disposal by landfill.
Ans:
Advantage: Making a low-lying area usable for certain purposes.
Disadvantage – Emission of bad smell and attraction of animals, insects, pests etc.
6. What do you mean by recycling paper?
Ans: The process of converting useless and discarded paper products into new useful products is called recycling of paper.
Additional Extra Questions and Answers
Q1. What types of waste can be composted, and why is composting important?
Ans: Organic waste, such as vegetable peels, fruit waste, leaves, and leftover food, can be composted. Composting is important because it recycles nutrients back into the soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and minimizing landfill waste.
Q2. Why is plastic considered harmful to the environment?
Ans: Plastic is non-biodegradable, meaning it does not decompose naturally. This causes it to accumulate in landfills and oceans, harming animals and polluting soil and water. Plastic waste also releases toxic chemicals as it breaks down over time.
Q3. Explain the difference between biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.
Ans: Biodegradable waste decomposes naturally over time through the action of microorganisms. Examples include food scraps, paper, and leaves. Non-biodegradable waste, such as plastic, glass, and metal, does not decompose and remains in the environment for a long time, causing pollution.
Q4. How do red worms help in making compost, and what conditions do they require to survive?
Ans: Red worms break down organic waste into fine compost by eating and digesting it. They require a moist, dark, and oxygen-rich environment with sufficient organic material to survive. Too much heat, light, or dryness can harm them.
Q5. What precautions should be taken when using a compost pit at home?
Ans: When using a compost pit, it is essential to avoid adding non-biodegradable materials, such as plastic or metal. The pit should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and it should be placed in a shaded area to maintain suitable temperature and humidity for decomposers.
Q6. Describe how recycling can reduce environmental pollution.
Ans: Recycling reduces environmental pollution by reusing materials that would otherwise end up as waste. It reduces the need for new raw materials, saving resources and energy, and it minimizes the production of greenhouse gases and toxins that result from the disposal and decomposition of waste.
Q7. Why is it important to separate dry and wet waste at home?
Ans: Separating dry and wet waste helps in efficient waste management. Wet waste, which is mostly organic, can be composted, while dry waste, such as paper and plastic, can be recycled. This separation reduces landfill waste and makes the recycling process easier.
Q8. What are the disadvantages of excessive packaging, and how can we reduce it?
Ans: Excessive packaging increases waste, consumes more resources, and contributes to environmental pollution. We can reduce packaging by opting for reusable bags, buying products with minimal or recyclable packaging, and avoiding single-use plastics.
Q9. How does improper waste disposal affect soil quality?
Ans: Improper waste disposal, especially of non-biodegradable and chemical waste, leads to soil pollution. Toxic chemicals leach into the soil, reducing its fertility and harming plant growth. It also disrupts the soil ecosystem by harming beneficial organisms.
Q10. What is the role of microorganisms in decomposing waste?
Ans: Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, break down organic matter into simpler substances through decomposition. This process returns nutrients to the soil, making it more fertile and promoting plant growth, which is a crucial part of natural recycling.
Q11. Why should we reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, and how can composting help?
Ans: Chemical fertilizers can harm soil health and cause pollution when they seep into water bodies. Composting enriches the soil naturally without harmful chemicals, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Q12. Give examples of waste materials that can be used for making compost.
Ans: Common materials for composting include fruit and vegetable peels, grass clippings, leaves, coffee grounds, tea bags, and eggshells. These materials decompose easily and add valuable nutrients to the compost.
Q13. What are some alternatives to plastic that are more eco-friendly?
Ans: Eco-friendly alternatives to plastic include materials like paper, cloth, jute, glass, and biodegradable plastics. These materials are more sustainable and break down more easily, reducing pollution.
Q14. Why do we need to educate people about waste management?
Ans: Educating people about waste management encourages responsible disposal, reduces environmental pollution, and promotes recycling and composting practices. Awareness can lead to healthier, cleaner communities and better use of resources.
Q15. How does garbage impact marine life, and what can be done to reduce it?
Ans: Garbage, especially plastic waste, harms marine life by polluting water and entangling or being ingested by animals. To reduce marine pollution, we can avoid single-use plastics, support beach clean-ups, and ensure waste is disposed of responsibly.
FAQs
Why is it important to study the chapter “Garbage In, Garbage Out”?
This chapter helps students understand waste management, recycling, and the environmental impact of garbage. It introduces the concept of reducing, reusing, and recycling waste to promote a sustainable lifestyle and environmental responsibility.
What key concepts should students learn from “Garbage In, Garbage Out”?
Students should grasp the types of waste, the importance of composting, the effects of improper waste disposal, and the benefits of recycling. They should also understand the roles of biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials and the environmental impact of waste accumulation.
How can learning this chapter benefit students in the future?
The knowledge gained here lays a foundation for environmental science and sustainability topics, which are increasingly relevant in various fields. Understanding waste management can lead to more eco-conscious choices, inspiring students who might pursue careers in environmental science, policy, or urban planning.
What are some real-life applications of the concepts in this chapter?
This chapter’s concepts apply to daily waste management, including separating recyclables, composting at home, and reducing plastic usage. These practices help reduce household waste, improve soil fertility through composting, and lower environmental pollution.
How does this chapter fit into the Class 6 Science syllabus?
This chapter aligns with the curriculum’s goal to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable practices. It helps students recognize their role in environmental conservation, preparing them to be responsible citizens who care for their surroundings.