This article discusses the #Trashtag online movement to clean up trash from the environment.
To take it a step further, this article suggests that you keep track of the types of trash you find and what brands you find most to encourage those companies to change to more sustainable packaging.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This article may encourage students to think critically about what they buy and use on a regular basis and even encourage their families to change their purchasing habits.
It highlights a positive use of social media to achieve something tangible.
Additional Prerequisites
Let students know that they would need to have the proper protective gear if they chose to do this challenge.
Differentiation
Connections can be made with economics classes by discussing the importance of consumer demand when companies are making decisions about what they are going to sell.
Biology and science classes could discuss the differences between different types of trash materials and how long they take to biodegrade, if they do at all.
Trash tag is an important activity for students and young environmentalists to engage in daily. It is important to keep the environment clean and free from solid waste and pollution. Educators should note that this exercise requires hand gloves and other safety gear to prevent injury and skin infection and garbage bags to collect trash. This is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Science and Engineering
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
MS-ESS3-4 Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth’s systems.
English Language Arts
Reading (K-12)
R.6-8.12 Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
