2 marksShort AnswerSection A

"The improvement in our lifestyle has led to the generation of large amount of waste material." List two reasons to justify this statement.

OR

"The change in packaging has resulted in waste becoming non-biodegradable."

Giving two examples from daily life, justify this statement.

Q: "The improvement in our lifestyle has led to the generation of large amount of waste material." List two reasons to justify this statement. OR "The change in packaging has resulted in waste becoming non-biodegradable." Giving two examples from daily life, justify this statement.

### First Part The statement "The improvement in our lifestyle has led to the generation of large amount of waste material" can be justified by the following two reasons: 1. **Change in Attitude (Disposable Culture):** Improvements in lifestyle have changed our attitudes, making us prefer convenience. This has led to more and more items we use becoming disposable (such as disposable plastic cups, plates, and cutlery) which are thrown away after a single use. 2. **Changes in Packaging:** Modern packaging relies heavily on non-biodegradable materials like plastics, bubble wraps, and multi-layered packaging to keep food fresh and appealing, which significantly increases the volume of persistent waste. --- ### OR (Alternative Part) The statement "The change in packaging has resulted in waste becoming non-biodegradable" can be justified by the following two examples from daily life: 1. **Milk and Beverage Packaging:** Milk, juices, and other beverages which were earlier distributed in reusable glass bottles are now packed in non-biodegradable plastic packets, tetra packs, or plastic bottles. 2. **Disposable Cups in Trains/Shops:** Tea and water that were once served in reusable glass cups or clay *kulhads* are now widely served in disposable plastic cups or plastic-coated paper cups, which do not degrade easily and persist in the environment.

Our Environment

Managing the Garbage we Produce

Official Answer

First Part

The statement "The improvement in our lifestyle has led to the generation of large amount of waste material" can be justified by the following two reasons:

Change in Attitude (Disposable Culture): Improvements in lifestyle have changed our attitudes, making us prefer convenience. This has led to more and more items we use becoming disposable (such as disposable plastic cups, plates, and cutlery) which are thrown away after a single use.
Changes in Packaging: Modern packaging relies heavily on non-biodegradable materials like plastics, bubble wraps, and multi-layered packaging to keep food fresh and appealing, which significantly increases the volume of persistent waste.

OR (Alternative Part)

The statement "The change in packaging has resulted in waste becoming non-biodegradable" can be justified by the following two examples from daily life:

Milk and Beverage Packaging: Milk, juices, and other beverages which were earlier distributed in reusable glass bottles are now packed in non-biodegradable plastic packets, tetra packs, or plastic bottles.
Disposable Cups in Trains/Shops: Tea and water that were once served in reusable glass cups or clay kulhads are now widely served in disposable plastic cups or plastic-coated paper cups, which do not degrade easily and persist in the environment.

disposablepackagingnon-biodegradableplastic packetsdisposable cupslifestyleattitude

Marking Scheme

1For the first option: Stating 'Change in attitude / preference for disposable items' as a reason (1 mark)
2For the first option: Stating 'Changes in packaging (use of non-biodegradable materials like plastics)' as a reason (1 mark)
3For the OR option: Stating Example 1 (e.g., plastic milk packets/beverage bottles instead of reusable glass) (1 mark)
4For the OR option: Stating Example 2 (e.g., disposable plastic cups/bubble wraps instead of reusable/biodegradable alternatives) (1 mark)

Hint

Think about how packaging has shifted from reusable glass bottles or clay cups to single-use plastics, and how our preference for convenience has increased the use of disposable items.

Quick Oral Answer

Improvements in lifestyle have led to a 'use-and-throw' culture where we prefer disposable items for convenience. Additionally, packaging has shifted from reusable glass or paper to non-biodegradable plastics, which decomposers cannot break down.

Analysis & Explanation

The NCERT text highlights that improvements in our lifestyle have directly resulted in greater amounts of waste generation. This is driven by two main factors: changes in attitude (where disposable items are preferred for hygiene or convenience) and changes in packaging (where traditional reusable materials like glass or biodegradable clay are replaced by non-biodegradable plastics). These plastics cannot be broken down by the specific enzymes of decomposers (like bacteria and fungi) under ambient conditions, causing them to persist in the environment for a very long time.

Common Mistakes

1Writing general answers about industrial pollution instead of linking it specifically to lifestyle and packaging changes.
2Assuming paper cups are completely eco-friendly without realizing they often have a non-biodegradable plastic lining.

Interesting Facts

In India, an attempt was made to introduce clay cups (kulhads) on trains, but it was realized that producing them on a massive scale would deplete fertile topsoil, leading to the adoption of disposable paper cups.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2022?

This question carries 2 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2022 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 2022 paper?

This is a Short Answer question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2022 paper.