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Changing Waste in Changing Times

:

Moses, Shirley


1994

Very Useful
Lesson Plan(s)
Athabascan
Referenced by: ANKN Clearinghouse

Grade Level(s): 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Theme(s): Energy/Ecology, Applied Technology, Living in Place

Solid Waster and Natural Resource Issues in Rural Alaska - A Teacher's Guide
From INTRODUCTION:

I. General Information

Rural communities depend on the earth's resources for subsistence. Our Alaskan Native lifestyle has always emphasized the importance of taking care of our environment, because we live so close to the land. It is to our advantage to maintain healthy, diverse and undamaged land and ecosystems. Most Native Alaskan communities have customary rules for treating the land and the ecosystem. These rules have been passed on through the generations: "Do not waste," "Take only what is needed," "Treat the animals with respect," among others. We believe that if these and other rules are followed then the land will continue to provide. Subsistence peoples are the original conservationists (although we may not use that word), because our lives depend on maintaining natural resources.

"Changing Waste in Changing Times" was developed to present activities which inform the teacher and students of solid waste management problems that are becoming commonplace in our villages. Alaskan residents produce almost twice as much garbage as the national average. The average daily rate of garbage generation in America is 3.6 pounds/person. In Alaska, that rate is about 6.5 pounds/person. The ultimate solution for village residents is to reduce the amount of waste produced. Meanwhile, careful management of waste is needed to prevent pollution.

The importance of this curriculum extends beyond the classroom; the lessons present alternatives for taking care of the environment. The curriculum contains ways to make not only school children more sensitive to environmental problems, but hopefully to inspire a grassroots program that will address local concerns. Through community cooperation, we can work together to reduce the amount of solid waste that litters our villages.

Shirley Moses

For more information or copies of this document, contact:

Northwest Renewable Resources Center
1411 Fourth Ave., Suite 1510
Seattle, WA 98101-2216
(206) 623-7361

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