2022 Hybrid Texas Envirothon

Students will learn the concepts of different waste streams and the impacts of waste generation and disposal on natural resources and society. Students will also learn effective ways to manage waste regeneratively; as well as the social, economic, and political impacts of turning waste products and degraded lands into resources.

1. Landfills and Hazardous Materials
   • Describe different types of landfills and explain how they are regulated.
   • Identify examples of hazardous materials and toxic substances and describe their proper disposal and handling.
2. Reuse, Recycling and Waste Diversion
   
   • Explain how the practices of reusing or recycling products conserves natural resources.
   • Describe how recycled materials can be repurposed and further diverted from landfills.
   • Explain how waste can be repurposed.
3. Composting and Food Waste
   
   • Describe composting processes and identify how composting supports waste diversion efforts.
   • Explain how composting improves soil health and provide evidence for how composting supports water conservation efforts.
   • Describe the problem of food waste and explain how it impacts the sustainability of the global food supply.
4. Combustion with Energy Recovery (Waste-to-Energy)
   
   •  Identify examples of closed loop energy systems and facilities.
   • Compare methods of carbon sequestration and describe their potential as an energy source.
5. Human and Animal Waste Treatment
   
   • Evaluate the differences between municipal waste treatment and home sewage treatment systems.
   • Compare and contrast the methods of waste treatment for human waste versus animal waste.
   • Describe the impacts to ground and surface waters when fecal waste is not effectively managed.
   • Identify innovative methods for managing fecal waste to lessen the impact to natural resources.
6. Brownfields and the Restoration of Degraded Lands
   
   • Define a brownfield and identify the impacts of brownfield materials on soil and water quality.
   • Explain methods for removing brownfield toxins and the role of federal and state entities in restoration.
   • Compare “green” approaches to re-using degraded lands and identify the benefits these methods provide to local communities.

• Virtual Tour of a Recycling Center
• We’re Cooked | A three part series from NYT Opinion
  
  • Part 1: Meet the People Getting Paid to Kill Our Planet
  • Part 2: See the True Cost of Your Cheap Chicken
  • Part 3: The Case For Edible Insects