Island Survival

Source reduction can be defined as a collection of activities and actions that lead to a reduction in the quantity and/or toxicity of solid waste. Simply said, it is a process of using less material and energy. In this simulation, students will make lifestyle choices while considering the effects of these choices on the amount of waste generated. By making careful choices, students will be practicing source reduction strategies that can carry over into real life.

This activity works well as an introduction to source reduction. Through participation in the simulation, students will develop their own working definition of source reduction before actually being introduced to the concept.