Question 1: Distinguish between biodegradable and nonbiodegradable waste, giving two examples of each. ANSWER: Biodegradable wastes Non biodegradable wastes The wastes which can be decomposed naturally. The wastes which cannot be decomposed naturally. Examples include fruit and vegetable peels, paper etc. Examples include metals, plastics etc.Question 2: Why is there a need to segregate the two types of waste? ANSWER: There is a need to segregate the two types of waste because both the biodegradable wastes and non-biodegradable wastes require different methods of disposal. Question 3: Why do we say that composting results in ‘recycling’ of biodegradable waste? ANSWER: Composting is a natural process of recycling the biodegradable waste because it reuses the nutrients present in the wastes and restores them to the soil, thus increasing the productivity of the soil.Question 4: Why can compost not be made from nonbiodegradable waste? ANSWER: Composting is possible with the wastes which can decay by itself, like fruit and vegetable peels, leaves, flowers etc. Non biodegradable wastes will not decay by itself. Hence, compost cannot be made from non biodegradable wastes. Question 5: What is vermicomposting? ANSWER: Vermicomposting is a method of yielding manure, in which the biodegradable wastes are decomposed with the help of red worms, which is a species of earthworm.Question 6: How are metals recycled? ANSWER: Metals are recycled by smelting them to make fresh metal, which are then used to make other articles. Question 1: What concerns does disposing off garbage raise? ANSWER: One of the greatest problems that the cities and towns are facing today is the disposal of the garbage. The garbage collected from the entire city or town is so huge that it can neither be disposed to the river as this causes water pollution, nor it can be burnt as this releases poisonous smoke and gases which causes harm to the living beings.Question 2: Why has recycling of nonbiodegradable waste become so essential these days? ANSWER: The use of plastic bags, packaged cans and other non biodegradable substances has been increased over a few decades. A major part of the garbage collected consists of these non biodegradable substances. Hence, it is very essential to recycle the non biodegradable wastes these days to reduce their accumulation in nature.Question 3: Why is recycling considered to be an efficient method of disposing off biodegradable waste? ANSWER: The process in which the waste materials are collected and processed to make new products for future use is called as recycling. Recycling of biodegradable wastes reduces the amount of wastes and helps to maintain the environment neat and clean. It also helps to restore the nutrients from the waste back to the soil.Question 4: How can we reuse and recycle paper? ANSWER: Paper is a biodegradable waste which is made out of wood. Paper can be reused to make paper carry bags, for wrapping books, for making paper mache products, etc. Other than this, paper can also be recycled for future use. By doing so, we can reduce the accumulation of garbage and simultaneously conserve trees.Question 5: Why are plastics such a cause of concern for the environment? ANSWER: Over a few decades, the use of plastics has been increased extensively and has become a cause of concern for the environment. Since, it is a non biodegradable substance, it can neither be thrown off nor can be burnt. In addition to this, the foodstuffs are getting contaminated due to the absorption of the dyes from the plastic bags.Question 6: List five ways in which you can contribute to a better disposal of waste. ANSWER: Following are the ways by which we can contribute to a better disposal of waste: (i) Segregating the biodegradable wastes and non biodegradable wastes in separate dustbins. (ii) Composting the biodegradable wastes. (iii) Reducing the aggregation of plastic/metal cans and bags, replacing the plastic bags by jute bags and reusing the plastic/metal cans for storing things. (iv)Reducing the accumulation of paper either by reusing it or recycling it. (v) Recycling the non biodegradable wastes wherever necessary.Question 7: What are the four Rs of waste disposal? Explain each in a sentence. ANSWER: The four Rs of waste disposal are: (i) Refuse: Say no to the non biodegradable wastes such as plastic bags, packaging cans, metal wastes, etc. (ii) Reduce: Decreasing the accumulation of wastes consuming less and throwing less. (iii) Reuse: Instead of throwing the substances as waste, reusing them wherever possible. (iv) Recycle: Recycling the wastes whenever necessary and possible.