Exam 4 Review Flashcards

Flashcards based on Exam 4 Review notes, focusing on vocabulary from chapters 17 and 18.

Waste Stream

The complete flow of waste from its source through recovery, recycling, or disposal.

Composting

The process of recovering organic waste by converting it into humus.

Recycling

The process of collecting and reprocessing used materials into new products.

Cradle-to-Cradle

A design philosophy that considers the entire life cycle of a product, aiming for closed-loop systems where waste becomes a resource.

Landfill

A site for the disposal of waste materials by burial.

Landfill Gas

A mixture of gases, primarily methane and carbon dioxide, produced by the decomposition of organic matter in landfills.

Industrial Ecology

A field that applies ecological principles to industrial systems, aiming to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency.

Urbanization

The process of increasing human population densities in cities.

Sprawl

The expansion of low-density development outwards from a city center.

Mass Transit

Public transportation systems (e.g., buses, trains) used to move large numbers of people.

Waste Production Increase

Post 1960 factors leading to higher waste production in the US could be increased disposable income and consumerism.

Waste Stream Reduction

Reducing waste entering the waste stream can be achieved through source reduction, reuse, and recycling.

Company Waste Reduction Motivation

Companies may be motivated to reduce waste by cost savings, regulatory compliance, and improved public image.

Benefits of Mass Transit

Reduced traffic congestion, lower air pollution, and increased accessibility are some of the benefits of mass transit.

Austin Mass Transit

Examples of mass transit in Austin, Texas include buses and light rail.