Chapter-11
Caring for the Environment
Long Answer Questions:
Q1. Differentiate between biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.
Biodegradable Non-Biodegradable
This type of waste rots easily and This type of waste does not rot. It does
mixes with the soil. not mix with the soil.
They decompose easily in the soil with It takes a very long time to decompose
the help of earthworms and and hence, remains in the environment
microorganisms such as bacteria and for a long time.
fungi.
Left-over food, vegetable and fruit Plastic bags, synthetics, metal cans,
peels, paper and leaves are all glass bottles, aluminium foils are all
biodegradable. non- biodegradable.
Q2. What do you understand by waste management? Why is it important?
Ans. Waste management is collection, transportation, and disposal of garbage,
sewage and other waste products.
Waste management is important because one of the major reasons for
environmental pollution is waste and its improper disposal:
● When factory and household wastes are dumped into the water bodies, it
ends up polluting water.
● When waste is dumped on land, land or soil pollution is caused.
● Burning waste results in air pollution.
● Animals which accidentally eat them may die due to choking. Hence waste
needs to be managed properly
Q3. What is ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’? Explain.
Ans. Reduce: By using a lesser amount of resources, one can contribute towards
waste management hence, conserving the environment. Several steps can be taken
for reducing waste such as saving water by not letting it run while brushing our
teeth and using a bucket to take a bath instead of a shower.
Reuse: All those things which can be reused in any way should be made use of to a
great extent. At home, one can find many things that can be reused. Instead of
throwing them away, we can use them again. For example, clothes which do not fit
any longer can be donated and old cardboard boxes can be used again for storage.
Recycle: Recycling is a process by which waste materials are converted into new
reusable forms. They are processed and remanufactured to make new products. For
example, junk dealers buy old newspapers, magazines and books from us which
are sold to factories and recycled to make new paper. Glass bottles, plastic ware
and cardboard boxes can also be recycled similarly.
Q4. How can you help conserve the environment?
Ans. We can help to conserve the environment by the following ways:
● Planting more trees.
● Walking or using cycles for travelling short distances.
● Using paper or cloth bags instead of plastic ones.
● Using alternative sources of energy such as solar and wind energy.
● Disposing of our household waste in a careful manner
Q5. What do you understand by composting? Explain.
Ans. Composting is the process of turning kitchen and garden waste into rich soil.
Instead of throwing away items like fruit peels and leaves, we can collect them in a
bin. This helps reduce waste.
Tiny organisms, like bacteria and worms, break down the scraps into a dark,
crumbly substance called compost. This nutrient-rich compost helps plants grow
healthier. By composting, we support nature and recycle organic materials, making
it a great way to take care of the environment.