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Garbology in the School System

Garbology has the potential to teach us more sustainable methods when it comes to managing our waste. Our lack of knowledge has resulted in many recyclable items being thrown out on a daily basis. This has negative effects on the environment and the health of the human population. Landfills continue to be filled up with unnecessary items that are taking up valuable space. In order to make a change, it is essential that we learn the necessary facts. In response, many schools have incorporated garbology into the curriculum. Not only have garbology studies been found in universities, but in primary and secondary schools as well. The general focus has been on the three concepts of reduce, reuse and recycle.ref>

The Lincoln Public Schools have made it a priority to teach their students the importance of garbology while making use of the previous three concepts. They have placed a particular focus on the younger grades, primarily grade two classes. Arlene Hanna, the extension associate and coordinator of enrichment programs in Lancaster County, states that the “students learn how to identify garbage as natural or manufactured, to describe how garbage impacts the environment and to describe ways to reduce, reuse and recycle.” She later reveals that they have seen positive outcomes from parents such as “children checking the codes on plastic bottles at home." ref>  The fact that these children are learning these lessons at such a young age is incredible and so extremely valuable. A large responsibility is put upon our younger generation to make a change as they have the most potential in creating a better future. The lessons learned in garbology programs are essential in achieving sustainability. There is nothing more effective than “learning by doing." ref>

Metro High School in Columbus, Ohio, is a secondary school which has been recognized for its garbology program. The most unique aspect of this program is that it is intertwined between all of the student’s courses and not just one in particular. Their program uses methods which include videos and graphing which the students then reflect on through assignments.

Garbology through Social Media

Over the years, social media has become a leading source for information. Garbology Kids, a series of books written by Sabbithry Persad, has created a facebook group and twitter account focused on waste management. The social media sites focus primarily on teaching kids lessons about sustainable waste methods by offering useful sources and activities. Many of the sources offer important information focusing on how to sort garbage, while the activities include crafts which use recycled materials. Their main goal is to “offer fun and interesting way[s] to learn about waste generation and waste management for the earth and future."