Human Impact Activity:
Trash Awareness Journal

Artist: Rachel Liu (alumni Teen Production Council)

Introduction

Hi! Have you ever stopped to consider how much trash you produce?
And where it all ends up?  

Studies estimate it would take 5 Earths to support the human population if everyone's consumption patterns and waste production were similar to the average American. Major systemic changes need to occur within government and corporate regulations to support the ecological crisis that is unfolding. But it is also important to become more aware of our own personal impacts as part of a cultural shift that needs to occur. Did you know that only 4.6% of plastic in the US was recycled in 2021? Reducing and repurposing our trash starts with each of us, our families, and communities.   

At the end of the two days, look back through your photos or sketches. 

Copy the chart onto a piece of paper, and include however many rows you need based on the number of items you threw away. (ex: 30 photos of waste = 31 rows in chart) 

If you are unsure, use sites like LA’s guide and NYC’s guide to recyclable items. Use this website to see which items are compostable. (You may need to research the recycling and composting guidelines for your own community/city.)   

Stuck on the notes? Here are some examples: 

• This banana peel is compostable, but I sent it to the landfill. 

• Didn’t dump out food remains from container, so it’ll probably not be recycled after all since it’s “contaminated.”

• I thought I could recycle this paper cup but it’s coated in a plastic that can’t be recycled.  

In one or two paragraphs, reflect on the past two days and what you discovered about your waste. Consider these questions: 

Think of one change you believe you can make in your consumption and waste habits. Talk to your family (or someone you live with or friend) to commit with you for one week. Check in with each other at the end of the week. Then try to do 2 weeks. See if you can get to 21 days-3 weeks. Research has shown that doing something for 21 days makes a new habit!

Feeling stuck?
Here are some examples!

• Tell restaurants that you're ordering takeout from that you don't need napkins or plastic cutlery. Use or bring what you have at home.

• When grocery shopping, bring your own jars for bulk items like nuts and beans and your own bags.

• Use a reusable water bottle.

• Use rags instead of paper towels when cleaning.

• Start composting.

• Only buy a shirt, bag, or any new belonging, if you donate or give away one you already have.

• Bring your own containers to restaurants for leftovers.

Curious? Extend the learning with some cool videos!

Links for the extended learning videos:

• Beginners guide to composting 

• Composting 

• Landfills 

• Repurposing 

• What happens to NYC Trash?

• Salvaging food waste