What is Garbology?
If you have ever thrown out an important item by accident and had to fish it out of the dumpster, you’ve experienced a small bit of what garbologists do every day. Garbology, a small niche of archaeology, is the scientific study of trash and the way it reflects upon the lifestyles of a group of people. The concept was first introduced to the world of academics in 1971 by Professor William Rathje of the University of Arizona, and the field has gained popularity in recent decades. Garbology has provided the world with startling information relating to the amount of time it takes for refuse to biodegrade and the types of items that are sent to landfills. It has even produced revelations about popular culture in regard to presumed thoughts about the habits of certain groups, including different genders. The study of garbology may be as simple as dissecting the contents of a dumpster, or as involved as excavating a portion of a landfill. The use of garbology has also caught the eye of many
Welcome to the world of solid waste management. Although the topic may not sound exciting, it is one of today’s most pressing problems. We live in a throwaway society. You, as educators, can make a large impact by helping children understand that waste is a big problem. This solid waste management curriculum is designed to help children become aware of garbage and realize that waste doesn’t magically disappear once it hits the trash barrel. The activities lead to action and commitment on the part of the student. This program is designed for the second grade curriculum though it may be used in the third grade if the second grade does not participate. For Schools in Lincoln and Lancaster County, Nebraska: The Garbology 4-H School Enrichment project is divided into these areas: • What is Waste? • Where Does Waste Come From? • Where Does Waste Go? • What Can We Do About Waste? The Garbology Educational Kit includes activities. It is sectioned to meet Nebraska State Science Standards activi
