What is meant by “sustainable management”? Why is reuse considered better than recycling?
What is meant by “sustainable management”? Why is reuse considered better than recycling?
Sustainable management refers to the controlled and responsible utilization of natural resources in a way that meets the basic needs of the present generation while preserving them for future generations, without causing damage to the environment.
Reuse is considered better than recycling because recycling requires a significant amount of energy, water, and other resources to process waste materials into new products, which can also release pollutants. In contrast, the process of reuse involves using an item repeatedly for the same or a different purpose without any industrial processing, thereby consuming zero additional energy and causing no pollution.
Marking Scheme
- 1Defining sustainable management (meeting present needs while preserving for the future without environmental damage): 1 mark
- 2Explaining why reuse is better than recycling (no energy/processing required in reuse vs energy consumption/pollution in recycling): 1 mark
Hint
Think about whether energy is needed to melt down plastic for recycling versus simply washing and using a plastic bottle again.
Quick Oral Answer
Sustainable management means using resources wisely so they last for future generations. Reuse is better than recycling because recycling requires energy and resources to process waste, whereas reuse uses no extra energy.
Analysis & Explanation
Sustainable management balances human development with environmental protection. In waste management, the hierarchy of the 5 R's places 'Reuse' above 'Recycle'. When we recycle materials like plastic, glass, or paper, they must be collected, transported, melted down, or chemically treated, which consumes electricity and fuel and often generates secondary waste. Reuse, such as using empty jam bottles as kitchen containers or writing on the back of used sheets, bypasses this energy-intensive cycle entirely, making it far more eco-friendly.
Common Mistakes
- 1Confusing reuse with recycling, or thinking they are the same process.
- 2Forgetting to mention the energy/pollution aspect when comparing reuse and recycling.
Interesting Facts
Using a single reusable water bottle can save thousands of single-use plastic bottles from entering landfills, completely eliminating the energy cost of recycling them!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2015?
This question carries 2 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2015 examination.
Which chapter does this question come from in Science?
This question is from the chapter "Our Environment" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.
What topic does this question cover in Science?
This question covers the topic "Managing the Garbage we Produce" from CBSE Class 10 Science.
What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2015 paper?
This is a Short Answer question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2015 paper.