CBSE Class 6 Science Chapter 16: Garbage In, Garbage Out NCERT Solutions

Solution:

(a) Redworms are excellent composters, but they can only break down organic or biodegradable waste. Materials that are not biodegradable, such as pieces of synthetic cloth, plastic bags, broken glass, aluminium foil wrappers, metal nails, and broken plastic toys, cannot be converted into compost by redworms.

(b) Yes, besides redworms, a compost pit can host various other organisms. These might include spiders, small insects like ants and beetles, flies, and various types of microbes such as bacteria and fungi (moulds). These organisms also play a role in the decomposition process. Drawing pictures of these organisms would help in identifying them and understanding their role in the ecosystem of the compost pit.

Solution:

(a) Garbage disposal is not solely the responsibility of the government; it is a shared responsibility involving every citizen. If individuals continue to generate large amounts of waste without proper disposal methods, it can lead to widespread diseases and environmental pollution. Non-biodegradable waste, like plastics, poses a significant threat to the environment. Therefore, it is crucial for everyone to adopt practices that reduce garbage generation and ensure its proper management.

(b) Yes, it is definitely possible to significantly reduce the problems associated with garbage disposal. This can be achieved by adopting several strategies:

Prioritizing the use of recyclable materials in our daily lives.

Reducing the consumption of non-biodegradable materials.

Separating biodegradable waste (like food scraps and plant matter) from non-biodegradable waste (like plastic and metal) before disposal. This allows for effective composting of organic waste and proper recycling or disposal of other materials.

Solution:

(a) Leftover food at home can be utilized in several ways. A common practice is to feed it to stray animals like dogs or cows that roam in the streets. Alternatively, it can be added to a compost pit to decompose and enrich the soil.

(b) Given the choice between a plastic plate and a banana leaf platter, a banana leaf platter is a much better and more environmentally friendly option. Banana leaves are natural and biodegradable, meaning they decompose quickly after disposal, causing minimal harm to the environment. In contrast, plastic plates are made from non-biodegradable materials, which persist in the environment for very long periods, contributing to pollution and landfill issues.

Solution:

(a) Most types of paper commonly found and used are recyclable. This includes newspapers, notebook paper, magazines, plain paper sheets, and envelopes. These papers are typically made from wood pulp or recycled paper fibers, which can be processed again to create new paper products.

(b) Yes, there is often a noticeable difference between a new sheet of paper and a recycled paper sheet, especially if it's handmade recycled paper. Recycled paper might appear rougher in texture and may have a slightly different color or visible fibers compared to a brand new sheet made from virgin pulp. The quality and appearance can vary depending on the recycling process and the original materials used.

Solution:

(a) Different packaging materials are used for various purposes:

Cardboard: Commonly used for boxes to pack items like shoes, soaps, light bulbs, and other consumer goods. It provides structural support and protection.

Plastic Bags: Used for packaging toys, sarees, as shopping bags, and for many other retail items. They are lightweight and often waterproof.

Wooden Boxes: Used for packing fruits, vegetables, or heavier hardware items, offering strength and durability.

Jute Bags: Often used for school bags, shopping bags, or carrying vegetables, being a strong and reusable option.

(b) Packaging can be reduced in many instances. For example, instead of using individual small plastic packets for items like biscuits or snacks, they could be sold in larger, multi-pack boxes or directly from bulk dispensers where customers can use their own reusable containers. Another example is reducing the layers of plastic wrap on products that don't require such extensive protection.

(c) Once upon a time, there was a delicious chocolate bar named 'Choco-Delight'. To make it look extra special, the manufacturer wrapped it in a shiny golden foil, then placed it inside a colorful cardboard box, and finally put that box into a larger plastic bag with handles, just in case someone wanted to carry it around. When Maya bought Choco-Delight, she eagerly unwrapped the plastic bag, then tore open the box, and finally peeled off the golden foil to reach the chocolate. All the wrappers, the box, and the plastic bag were then tossed into the dustbin. The next day, the dustbin was overflowing with similar wrappers, boxes, and bags from other purchases. This unnecessary, multi-layered packaging, meant to attract customers, ended up creating a huge pile of garbage, contributing to the growing problem of waste management in the town.