FINAL EVR
What is the difference between the amount of paper within the waste stream before and after recycling/composting? 1.2% 11.2% 16.2% 27.4%
11.2%
U.S. hydropower dam construction was greatest during the ________. 1970s to 2000 industrial revolution 1930s to 1960s late 1800s early 21st century
1930s to 1960s
As of 2014, under the jurisdiction of the EPA, approximately ________% of hazardous sites identified under CERCLA as a national priority have been cleaned up. 3 50 60 40 30
30
As of 2008, the average American generates about ________ pounds of solid waste per day. 40 4.4 1.5 13.7 9
4.4
The average American produces how much trash per day? 4.4 pounds 10 pounds 25 pounds 100 pounds
4.4 pounds
Approximately ________% of all U.S. residents are served by curbside recycling programs, and the part of the U.S. waste stream that is recycled is currently about ________%. 30; 90 50; 25 60; 100 40; 50 30; 30
50; 25
Recycling aluminum cans saves ________% of the energy needed to make the same amount of aluminum from virgin bauxite. 80 95 50 25 70
95
Why is there little to no growth expected for hydropower? Hydropower uses a nonrenewable resource that is quickly being depleted. Too much pollution is generated when the dams are in operation. The cost of generating power is much too high. Almost all rivers that can be dammed for power generation have been dammed already.
Almost all rivers that can be dammed for power generation have been dammed already.
Gasoline prices have doubled in a large Midwestern city and may continue to rise in the future. What may happen in this situation? People who live in the suburbs will want larger vehicles to drive. People who live in the suburbs may press local politicians and city planners to develop better mass transit for the area. Some people who live in the suburbs will search for new places to live closer to where they work. People who live in the suburbs will become active supporters of increased mass transit options. B, C, and D may all take place in this situation.
B, C, and D may all take place in this situation.
Bagasse and sugar cane-based ethanol are major items in the energy resources of ________. China Mexico the Maldives Brazil Tuvalu
Brazil
How does the burning of coal contribute to acid rain? Acidic pollutants from coal burning destroy the ozone layer. Burning coal releases sulfur and nitrogen acids. Burning coal releases sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Burning coal increases the probability of rain.
Burning coal releases sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
Which of the following countries exports the most oil to the United States? Kuwait Canada Saudi Arabia Venezuela
Canada
Which of the following is a positive effect that cities have on the environment? Concentrating people in cities containswater and air pollutants, which are removed by greenbelts. Air pollution from the Midwest and "Rustbelt" states is exported to the northeastern United States and Canada. Garbage from New York is distributed to Kentucky to fill up abandoned mines. Cities give people places to live with smaller land use.
Cities give people places to live with smaller land use.
________ is the conversion of organic waste into mulch or humus. Cogeneration Compacting Composting Injecting Reusing
Composting
Which of the following actions is required for the recycling loop to be successful? Consumers and businesses must purchase products made from recycled materials. Corporations must make more products from virgin (raw) materials. Genetically modified bacteria must be found to consume toxic components. Consumers must purchase only products made in the United States.
Consumers and businesses must purchase products made from recycled materials.
________ built the first offshore wind farm in 1991. The United States Mexico Denmark Spain France
Denmark
Most rapidly growing new component of hazardous municipal waste
E-Waste
Which statement about e-waste is accurate? Electronic devices die easily, so few of the devices thrown out in the United States could be reused. There is no financial incentive to recycle e-waste. E-waste contains toxic heavy metals that can leach into the environment. E-waste is biodegradable.
E-waste contains toxic heavy metals that can leach into the environment.
What sort of threat does wind energy pose to certain kinds of wildlife? The force of the wind emitted can divert the flight path of birds and other flying animals. Wires leading to the nacelle are often exposed, and this can shock creatures such as squirrels. The towers can topple during storms. Flying creatures such as birds and bats are killed when they fly into wind turbine blades.
Flying creatures such as birds and bats are killed when they fly into wind turbine blades.
Which of the following statements is NOT accurate regarding geothermal power? Geothermal power generators are one of the true fully sustainable energy sources. Geothermal power reduces but does not eliminate emissions. Geothermal energy can be used as heat exchangers for heat pumps for homes and businesses. Geothermal power can deplete groundwater sources.
Geothermal power generators are one of the true fully sustainable energy sources.
Which of the following statements about ethanol is true? We can supply all of the automotive fuel used in the United States if we just double ethanol production. Corn-based ethanol has a high energy returned on investment (EROI) value. Growing corn for ethanol requires substantial inputs of fossil fuel energy. We can easily grow enough corn ethanol and supply the world's food needs.
Growing corn for ethanol requires substantial inputs of fossil fuel energy.
Why do industries tend to produce so much waste even though it is not the most efficient way to do business? It is more profitable to be efficient with waste. Most of industry is run by disorganized people. Industry ecologists do not recommend streamlining industrial waste. In most cases, there is no financial incentive for becoming efficient.
In most cases, there is no financial incentive for becoming efficient.
How is cellulosic ethanol different from traditional corn-based ethanol? It is made from sustainably grown corn. It can be made from used grease and oil from restaurants. It is made from wheat or rice grains instead of corn. It can be made from the nonfood portions of plants and from wood.
It can be made from the nonfood portions of plants and from wood.
What is the basis for the use of hydrogen fuel cells? It is extremely energy-efficient. It will result in the release of pollution to the atmosphere. It has not been demonstrated to work for powering vehicles. It is an example of a renewable energy source in action.
It is extremely energy-efficient.
How is compost used? It is used as animal feed. It is used to enrich soil. It is used to generate energy. It is used as building material.
It is used to enrich soil.
Which of the following conditions results from the operation and subsequent use of old landfills built before 1976? Hydrogen gas is generated by the organic decomposition and can be sold as a by-product. Leachate from old landfills can contaminate groundwater. Decommissioned landfills cannot be used as locations for schools, industries, parks, or golf courses for 300 years after the closing of the landfill. Modern sanitary landfills are lined with a porous material.
Leachate from old landfills can contaminate groundwater.
Where does the United States keep an emergency stockpile of oil? Yucca Mountain, Nevada Fort Knox Chicago, Illinois Louisiana
Louisiana
Which of the following statements about U.S. landfills is true? It is against the law to build anything on an abandoned landfill. There are more active landfills in existence today than ever before. More than three-fourths of the landfills in the United States have been closed since 1988. Landfills should be kept as dry as possible to maintain high biodegradation levels.
More than three-fourths of the landfills in the United States have been closed since 1988.
For the United States, the primary fuel that we use for our energy is ________. wood nuclear oil coal natural gas
NOT NATURAL GAS ASSUMING OIL
A resource sink is ________. an area that produces a single resource and can control the price of that commodity or service an area that produces many things and needs to export them to a variety of places an area that is able to trade for all of the things that it needs an area that produces almost none of the things that it needs a resource that is desirable, such that different cities must compete to obtain enough of it for their citizens
NOT a resource that is desirable, such that different cities must compete to obtain enough of it for their citizens
E-wastes are a source of ________. acid corrosives ignitables heavy and precious metals radioactive materials compostable organic compounds
NOT acid corrosives
The average miles per gallon rating of U.S. vehicles has ________. doubled in the past two decades made no improvement the past two decades now matched the 45 mpg rating mandated by the European union doubled since the 2008 election been raised to 40 mpg because of the 2010 energy bill passed by Congress
NOT doubled in the past two decades ASSUMING: idk
Of the following, ________ is a method that governments use to improve urban transportation. making some public buildings and some communities accessible only by public transportation giving tax rebates to people who use only public transportation providing bicycle lanes on freeways constructing light rail and expanded bus systems providing motorcycle lanes in the center of rail lines
NOT giving tax rebates to people who use only public transportation
The world's urban populations are ________. shrinking, compared to rural populations growing faster than the population as a whole shrinking in developed nations growing most rapidly in the developed nations growing at about the same rate as the rural populations
NOT growing most rapidly in the developed nations ASSUMING shrinking in developed nations
Worldwide, the most widely used renewable energy resource is ________. bioenergy nuclear wind solar hydroelectric
NOT hydroelectric
________ represent(s) the largest source of unregulated hazardous waste. Small businesses Utilities Farmers Large industry Households
NOT large industry
The first stage in generating power from a hydrogen fuel cell is to ________. split methane (CH4) into hydrogen atoms and carbon react water with CO2 reduce water to hydrogen and oxygen gases convert water into a hydrocarbon split hydrogen atoms into hydrogen ions (H+) and electrons
NOT reduce water to hydrogen and oxygen gases ASSUMING convert water into a hydrocarbon
Energy can be conserved by ________. replacing compact florescent with tungsten bulbs repealing the Law of Entropy cogeneration in power plants, fuel efficient transportation, reengineered appliances replacing mass transit with more and larger roads for cars and trucks cogeneration in automobiles, especially in SUVs
NOT replacing compact florescent with tungsten bulbs assuming: cogeneration in power plants, fuel efficient transportation, reengineered appliances
________ leads the world in percentage of its electricity derived from hydropower. Russia The United States Norway Sweden Canada
Norway
What is true about the importance of location for cities that were founded over 100 years ago versus the cities that are rapidly growing today? Older cities were founded along waterways or rail hubs so that goods could be easily transported. Older cities were founded in areas where the interstate highway system could easily connect them with other major cities. Modern cities are located in areas of abundant natural resources to meet the future needs of their growing populations. Modern growing cities are found in locations where there is space to contain their rapid expansion.
Older cities were founded along waterways or rail hubs so that goods could be easily transported.
Which of the following categories comprises the greatest proportion, by weight, of solid waste before recycling in the United States today? Glass Plastic Paper Yard trimmings Metal
Paper
What is the greatest negative environmental impact that occurs when people live in suburbs instead of living in cities? Suburbanites are not aware of resource use. Suburbanites take up many times as much space as city dwellers. Suburbanites do not recycle. Suburbanites have higher rates of cardiovascular disease.
Suburbanites take up many times as much space as city dwellers.
What is an abandoned waste site that poses a direct threat to health and the environment, designated to have U.S. government funds applied to its cleanup? landfill leachate-producing site Superfund site surface impoundment site hazardous waste site
Superfund site
How can an engineered cover on landfills reduce decomposition of the trash? The cover causes paper to bond to plastic in the landfill. The cover keeps the landfill dry, which decreases the ability of bacteria to decompose trash. The cover keeps the landfill moist on the inside, preventing decomposition. The cap prevents hawks and blue jays from decomposing the trash.
The cover keeps the landfill dry, which decreases the ability of bacteria to decompose trash.
How does the existence of densely-packed cities help preserve wilderness and rural areas? Cities tend to be separated from rural areas by roads and waterways. The people of the wilderness form a barrier against urban dwellers and their ilk in a savage ongoing battle that spans time itself. Pollution is largely an urban phenomenon, so it tends to occur only near large cities, not rural areas. The fact that populations are unevenly distributed across the face of the Earth allows for areas that are basically empty to exist.
The fact that populations are unevenly distributed across the face of the Earth allows for areas that are basically empty to exist.
How is the sun's energy production different from the process in which energy is produced in current nuclear power plants? The sun releases energy through nuclear fission, whereas our current nuclear power technology releases energy through nuclear fusion. Both the sun and nuclear power plants release energy through the chemical reaction of uranium and hydrogen. Both the sun and nuclear power plants release energy through the chemical reaction of hydrogen and helium. The sun releases energy through nuclear fusion, whereas our current nuclear power technology releases energy through nuclear fission.
The sun releases energy through nuclear fusion, whereas our current nuclear power technology releases energy through nuclear fission.
________ strongly influences the amount of energy generated from hydropower. The temperature of reservoir water The volume of water released and the height of the fall The phase of the moon Latitude The temperature of water in the boiler and turbine
The volume of water released and the height of the fall
What do chromium, mercury, copper, and tin have in common? They are all gases. They are all corrosive materials. They are heavy metals. They are ignitable
They are heavy metals.
Which of the following is one of the three current major drawbacks of solar energy? It emits radiation. The resource is nonrenewable. Certain greenhouse gases are emitted with its use. This resource is intermittent in nature.
This resource is intermittent in nature.
Which of the following statements about current U.S. waste disposal is true? We incinerate 90% of our trash and landfill the rest. We landfill half of our trash and recycle a third of it. We incinerate 50% of our trash and the rest is in open landfills. We landfill half of our trash and recycle the other half.
We landfill half of our trash and recycle a third of it.
What is a potential, and likely, drawback to the deep-well injection of hazardous wastes? The wells tend to catch fire. Large buildings must be constructed to house these wells. It is hard to drill very deep into the ground. Well casings can corrode leaking hazardous waste into soil, rock, and gravel.
Well casings can corrode leaking hazardous waste into soil, rock, and gravel.
Which of these statements is NOT true of wind power? Wind speeds--and therefore power generation--are greater over water. Wind power has a better EROI ratio than do nuclear power, coal, or natural gas for electricity production. Wind turbines take up large amounts of land that is then unsuitable for other purposes. Enough wind is present in the United States to provide all of the U.S. electricity needs.
Wind turbines take up large amounts of land that is then unsuitable for other purposes.
Read the following scenario and answer the question(s) below. The United States consumes 25% of the world's petroleum. Most is used for transportation, and most of it is imported. In 1992, after the first Gulf War, the federal government passed the Energy Policy Act, whose goal was to replace transportation-related petroleum with alternative fuels. Biodiesel made from vegetable oil or animal fat is an economical alternative to petroleum-based fuels. It is safe, biodegradable, nontoxic, and has the highest energy balance of any liquid fuel. Unlike unrefined oils that can be burned directly as fuels, biodiesel can be used in conventional diesel engines without engine modification. It reduces wear without compromising performance, due to its high lubricity. It is renewable and emits far less air pollution when combusted as compared to petrodiesel. The raw material used to produce biodiesel exists in billions of gallons of vegetable oil used by restaurants each year, as well as in crops. Processing biodiesel yields an added benefit-its by-product, glycerine, is used to make soap. Although biodiesel burns well in pure form (B100), commonly it is blended with petrodiesel in mixtures such as B20 and B5, which reduce toxic air pollution proportional to their biodiesel content. Biodiesel is currently available at almost 500 filling stations nationwide. Demand is increasing due to federal and state tax incentives as well as the increased price and decreased availability of petrodiesel. More than 600 domestic fleets use biodiesel, including the military, NASA, Yellowstone National Park, and local governments. Many school districts use biodiesel-powered school buses. Musicians Neil Young, Bonnie Raitt, and Willie Nelson fuel their tour buses with biodiesel. Nelson, a lifelong supporter of American farmers, who benefit when their crops are used for fuel, sells his own brand, BioWillie Biodiesel, at many truck stops. Because biodiesel can be manufactured locally, fuel transportation costs are low, and dependence on foreign petroleum and the need for domestic oil exploration and development of sensitive wildlife areas, such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, can be reduced when biodiesel is used as an alternative fuel. There is concern, however, that biodiesel from crops may not be sustainable in the long term. Crops which are potentially food for humans, such as rape seed and soy, affect the price of foods and also require land, pesticides, fertilizers, and irrigation which may contribute to environmental degradation and stress on already limited resources. B20 represents ________. a variety of broccoli used in the production of cellulosic ethanol a ratio of biodiesel to petrodiesel in alternative vehicular fuels a new vitamin recently isolated from sugar cane bagasse a bacterial strain used to ferment corn to make ethanol a synthetic compound that can be mixed with fossil fuel to give more energy
a ratio of biodiesel to petrodiesel in alternative vehicular fuels
What is bitumen? a bitter form of crude oil eaten by birds a thick type of petroleum formed in clay and sand a rare form of uranium a vitamin-enriched form of coal
a thick type of petroleum formed in clay and sand
What disabled the emergency power generators at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in Japan and led to the reactor meltdowns? operator error a tsunami an earthquake a landslide
a tsunami
What occurs when coal mining exposes rock surfaces to weathering? acid drainage surface area reduction oil discovery acid flooding
acid drainage
Corn-based ethanol production has a number of drawbacks, including ________. depletion of fresh water substantial inputs of fossil fuel energy increased use of fertilizers increased use of pesticides all of the above are drawbacks of corn-based ethanol production
all of the above are drawbacks of corn-based ethanol production
Around the world, most major cities are situated ________. in agricultural areas at elevations above 500 m. on the more northern continents near mountains, usually in a valley along rivers, oceans, roads, or train routes
along rivers, oceans, roads, or train routes
The current state of e-wastes is that ________. although recycling is improved, the rate of e-wastes going into landfills and incinerators is rising because the EPA has classified e-wastes as toxic, more than 95% are being recycled only because of the actions of charitable organizations, the recycling rate is 5% by EPA mandate, all metals in electronics have been replaced by biodegradable materials the recycling rate has dropped significantly between 1999 and 2010
although recycling is improved, the rate of e-wastes going into landfills and incinerators is rising
Which of the following types of transportation consumes the most energy (in BTU per passenger mile)? heavy rail automobiles commuter rail bus
automobiles
Why are we so eager to find clean coal technologies? because coal is the most abundant of the fossil fuels in the United States because the government is charging industry for the amount of coal emissions being produced because coal is the most environmentally friendly of the fossil fuels because coal in its natural form costs too much for us to use
because coal is the most abundant of the fossil fuels in the United States
Heavy metals ________. bioaccumulate in animal tissues are not harmful unless they are directly ingested are unregulated by the U.S. government become less hazardous over time as they degrade chemically become less hazardous after incineration
bioaccumulate in animal tissues
What is an example of an energy source that is renewable and has less environmental impact than fossil fuels? natural gas bioenergy coal crude oil
bioenergy
Of the following renewable energy resources, which one has the highest life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions? solar power biomass wind power hydropower
biomass
Which of the following consume the bulk of the electricity used in the United States? automobiles street lights tire production buildings
buildings
What are green buildings? buildings painted green to help reflect sunlight inexpensively constructed buildings that help save taxpayers a lot of money buildings covered in vines and plant life that enable energy-efficient cooling and heating as well as providing food buildings constructed out of sustainable materials, which limit the use of energy and water, minimize health impacts, control pollution, and recycle waste
buildings constructed out of sustainable materials, which limit the use of energy and water, minimize health impacts, control pollution, and recycle waste
How can consumers decrease waste generation? by purchasing goods with the Energy Star label by choosing minimally packaged goods by choosing to buy locally made goods by choosing to purchase only imported goods
by choosing minimally packaged goods
How does an urban growth boundary attempt to limit sprawl? by limiting future growth into already urbanized areas setting a limit on the number of people that can live in the city establishing "zones" where only certain kinds of development can occur by setting limits on where growth can occur that can never be changed
by limiting future growth into already urbanized areas
Recently, how has Germany reduced its dependence on fossil fuels? by utilizing the feed-in tariff system by utilizing fusion power by mass producing biogas resources by subsidizing the hydraulic fracturing production in oil shale deposits
by utilizing the feed-in tariff system
Read the following scenario and answer the question(s) below. The United States consumes 25% of the world's petroleum. Most is used for transportation, and most of it is imported. In 1992, after the first Gulf War, the federal government passed the Energy Policy Act, whose goal was to replace transportation-related petroleum with alternative fuels. Biodiesel made from vegetable oil or animal fat is an economical alternative to petroleum-based fuels. It is safe, biodegradable, nontoxic, and has the highest energy balance of any liquid fuel. Unlike unrefined oils that can be burned directly as fuels, biodiesel can be used in conventional diesel engines without engine modification. It reduces wear without compromising performance, due to its high lubricity. It is renewable and emits far less air pollution when combusted as compared to petrodiesel. The raw material used to produce biodiesel exists in billions of gallons of vegetable oil used by restaurants each year, as well as in crops. Processing biodiesel yields an added benefit-its by-product, glycerine, is used to make soap. Although biodiesel burns well in pure form (B100), commonly it is blended with petrodiesel in mixtures such as B20 and B5, which reduce toxic air pollution proportional to their biodiesel content. Biodiesel is currently available at almost 500 filling stations nationwide. Demand is increasing due to federal and state tax incentives as well as the increased price and decreased availability of petrodiesel. More than 600 domestic fleets use biodiesel, including the military, NASA, Yellowstone National Park, and local governments. Many school districts use biodiesel-powered school buses. Musicians Neil Young, Bonnie Raitt, and Willie Nelson fuel their tour buses with biodiesel. Nelson, a lifelong supporter of American farmers, who benefit when their crops are used for fuel, sells his own brand, BioWillie Biodiesel, at many truck stops. Because biodiesel can be manufactured locally, fuel transportation costs are low, and dependence on foreign petroleum and the need for domestic oil exploration and development of sensitive wildlife areas, such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, can be reduced when biodiesel is used as an alternative fuel. There is concern, however, that biodiesel from crops may not be sustainable in the long term. Crops which are potentially food for humans, such as rape seed and soy, affect the price of foods and also require land, pesticides, fertilizers, and irrigation which may contribute to environmental degradation and stress on already limited resources. Vegetable oil ________. must be processed into biodiesel to operate engines is nonrenewable is a fossil fuel can be burned as fuel is a necessary ingredient in biodiesel
can be burned as fuel
Energy conservation in the United States ________. can be improved as individuals make conscious choices to reduce personal consumption can be accomplished only through changes in environmental laws will be a reality only if there is another major war is unlikely to ever occur can be accomplished by changes in tax laws
can be improved as individuals make conscious choices to reduce personal consumption
Plant-based organic matter that is compressed under high pressure to form solid carbon structures is known as __________. coal biomass charcoal peat
coal
The world's most abundant fossil fuel is ________. biodiesel natural gas methane oil coal
coal
The conversion of organic waste to mulch or humus usable for enriching soil by encouraging natural biological processes of decomposition in a controlled manner is called __________. composting composition combustion compromising
composting
__________ is the process of recovering organic waste through decomposition. recovery composting recycling combustion
composting
LEED-certified buildings could be described by all of the following, except ________. built with sustainable materials construction costs much less than for conventional buildings energy efficient reduce the ecological footprint of the building limit pollution and recycle wastes
construction costs much less than for conventional buildings
Substances that degrade the metals that make up storage tanks or equipment are called __________. toxics corrosives ignitables alkaline caustic agents
corrosives
The ________ drives the move to the suburbs from cities. desire to have a garden availability of more jobs in suburbs concern over demographic transitions desire for close-knit communities desire to live in less stressful, more peaceful park-like conditions
desire to live in less stressful, more peaceful park-like conditions
What are the goals of waste management? developing technology for more efficient incineration developing management training for supervisors of disposal companies promoting mid-level managers to high-level managers to more effectively manage waste disposing of waste safely as well as effectively, minimizing the amount of waste generated, and increasing recovery
disposing of waste safely as well as effectively, minimizing the amount of waste generated, and increasing recovery
Regarding PV cells, what is released from the "p-type" layer and transferred to the "n-type" layer, thus initiating an electrical current? electrons protons solar energy atoms
electrons
When assessing energy resources, it is helpful to use a measure called EROI, which is ________. energy returned divided by energy invested amount of energy invested minus heat released into the environment energy returned plus energy invested energy returned minus energy invested money invested in extraction and processing minus money in sales
energy returned divided by energy invested
Life-cycle analysis ________. defines how different organisms interact within ecosystems examines the cycling of carbon in the environment is the study of statistical changes in the human population examines the life cycle of products for ecological efficiency is an environmental movement designed to reduce municipal traffic and encourage alternative forms of transport
examines the life cycle of products for ecological efficiency
U.S. oil production ________. is now high enough for us to export nearly 50% will peak out in 2100, requiring for the first time imports to meet growing demand is sufficient to meet national needs thanks to major conservation efforts has to fit the quotas imposed by OPEC falls far short of U.S. oil consumption
falls far short of U.S. oil consumption
From where does the food that most city-dwellers consume originate? technologically advanced underground farms factories that produce food from plastic farms within the city limits farms surrounding the suburbs and from long distances away from the city
farms surrounding the suburbs and from long distances away from the city
Often the primary contributor to solid waste in developing nations
food scraps
Of the following, ________ represent proper ranking of the U.S. total primary energy consumed from the greatest to least used. fossil fuels, bioenergy, hydroelectric, new renewables, nuclear fossil fuels, bioenergy, hydroelectric, nuclear, new renewables fossil fuels, bioenergy, nuclear, hydroelectric, new renewables fossil fuels, nuclear, bioenergy, hydroelectric, new renewables bioenergy, fossil fuels, nuclear, hydroelectric, new renewables
fossil fuels, nuclear, bioenergy, hydroelectric, new renewables
Plastic ________. from grocery bags is labeled with recycling symbols #1 and #2 containers from motor oil are recycled with beverage bottles to make new bottles not made from recyclables is made from renewable raw materials polystyrene is considered a plastic contaminant from beverage containers is easily recyclable if decapped, washed, and squashed
from beverage containers is easily recyclable if decapped, washed, and squashed
American cities in the northern United States, such as Chicago, Illinois, ________. have maintained a steady state population since the 1970s had their greatest populations in the 19th and early 20th centuries have always grown rapidly and continue to do so have increased their rate of growth dramatically in the past 20 years have steadily lost population over the past 40 years
have steadily lost population over the past 40 years
What is one problem associated with the incineration of solid waste? hazardous chemicals are often created and released into the atmosphere the waste is radioactive the volume of waste increases leachate the may contaminate groundwater
hazardous chemicals are often created and released into the atmosphere
The urban heat island effect is caused by ________. heat-generating buildings and dark, heat-absorbing surfaces air warmed over adjacent oceans blowing into urban areas nuclear power plants venting excess heat into the urban landscape green buildings street lighting and burning of wastes in landfills
heat-generating buildings and dark, heat-absorbing surfaces
Include mercury, lead, cadmium, and chromium
heavy metals
Why does the average U.S. citizen create more waste today than 50 years ago? higher rates of consumption lack of composting facilities high rates of recycling lack of landfill space
higher rates of consumption
Which of the following characterizes U.S. nuclear power plants? largely unregulated widely trusted and accepted by the public account for nearly half of domestic energy production inexpensive to operate highly subsidized
highly subsidized
The form of energy delivered to an electrical generating turbine in a geothermal facility is in the form of ________. warm soils and crushed rock molten magma heated hydrogen gas hot water or steam radioactive isotopes
hot water or steam
What are two components of sprawl? per capita land consumption and land availability ecological footprint and per capita land consumption human population growth and land availability human population growth and per capita land consumption
human population growth and per capita land consumption
Of the following, ________ represent criteria for classifying hazardous waste. inorganic and organic solid, liquid, gaseous ignitable, corrosive, reactive, toxic non-biodegradable and biodegradable municipal, industrial and agricultural
ignitable, corrosive, reactive, toxic
Organizations like OPEC have formed ________. as a military alliance to protect developed nations' energy reserves to protect their national members' petroleum reserves for their own use to ensure that developing nations get their fair share of fossil fuels in order to take maximum advantage of developed nations dependence on imported oil to develop technologies to conserve non-renewable energy resources
in order to take maximum advantage of developed nations dependence on imported oil
Then, in 2010, Metro Portland made a historic agreement between landowners and citizens which ________. converted all undeveloped land to restored natural ecosystems included a regional plan to identify exactly where urban growth would be allowed gave each individual landowner an equal portion of the region's land put up undeveloped land at auction to be sold to the highest bidders, public or private prohibited agriculture on any undeveloped land in the region
included a regional plan to identify exactly where urban growth would be allowed
In Johannesburg, South Africa, the South West Township (Soweto) was one of several areas established early in the last century for blacks to live away from the white ruling minority. On the hills surrounding Soweto, the company that provides South Africa's electricity, Eskom, built a large, coal-burning, electricity-generating plant. The electricity was for white areas of Johannesburg, miles away from the plant. The residents of Soweto had no electrical connections. The heavy levels of soot from the electrical plant upwind of Soweto, along with dust from gigantic mine dumps from gold and coal mines, created particulate pollution more than three times the recommended level. This resulted in ________. enriched agricultural fields and increased crop yields high levels of heart disease increased incidence of lung disease high levels of birth defects problems with running local automobiles and other machinery
increased incidence of lung disease
Any consideration of the true costs of sprawl must include ________. increased use of pesticides the restoration of natural areas to inner cities more time for families to be together increased use of fossil fuels the problems of decreased water and energy consumption
increased use of fossil fuels
Of the following, ________ produce(s) the largest amount of hazardous waste. utilities agriculture building demolitions industry households
industry
Which of the following sectors produces the most hazardous waste? residential grocery stores industry small businesses
industry
All of the following are considered to define types of hazardous waste except ________. ignitable toxic corrosive inert reactive
inert
Deep-well injection ________. has been banned as unsafe by the Dept. of the Interior is the EPA-approved method of disposing of low-level radioactive wastes is a method of disposing of hazardous wastes in deep aquifers is a pool of strong acids on the land surface used for breaking down e-waste injects mostly liquid hazardous wastes into porous rock isolated by impervious clay deep beneath human water supplies
injects mostly liquid hazardous wastes into porous rock isolated by impervious clay deep beneath human water supplies
Carbon sequestration ________. has been used by U.S. electrical plants since 1955, converting carbon dioxide to limestone is an unproven technology only begun in 2008 involves capturing carbon emissions and then releasing them into the stratosphere has proved to be more dangerous to the environment than releasing carbon emissions permanently removes captured carbon from the environment
is an unproven technology only begun in 2008
As recycling and composting efforts have grown, what has occurred with the annual amount of waste sent to landfills? it has proportionally increased it has proportionally decreased it has stayed the same it has disproportionally increased
it has proportionally decreased
Scientists currently assessing the environmental impacts of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico report that ________. the damage was limited to wildlife kills immediately after the spill it may take years or decades before the full impacts are known Gulf productivity has already returned to normal and no further effects will be felt the entire Gulf food web will eventually collapse the coastal marshes of Louisiana suffered no measurable damage
it may take years or decades before the full impacts are known
Hydropower uses the __________ energy of water to generate electricity. potential kinetic nuclear static
kinetic
Which of the following represents the largest waste disposal practice in the United States? recycling incineration composting landfills
landfills
The EPA is charged with cleaning up brownfields, which are ________. coastal sea grass beds damaged by industrial dumping desert regions used for unsafe nuclear waste disposal lands whose reuse or development is complicated by the presence of hazardous materials urban areas contaminated by acid drainage from mining agricultural lands polluted by acid and heavy metals
lands whose reuse or development is complicated by the presence of hazardous materials
Of the following, ________ are classified as hazardous heavy metals. lead, mercury, cadmium carbon, hydrogen, oxygen aluminum, iron, silicon nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium any non-biodegradable materials
lead, mercury, cadmium
Over the past 50 years, most U.S. citizens who could afford to do so ________. left the cities for the suburbs improved the cities migrated into the cities moved into high-rise condominiums moved into "downtown" city center areas
left the cities for the suburbs
Which type of analysis is performed by industrial ecologists when they examine a product from its beginning as a raw material until its disposal? disposal-tracking analysis full-term analysis reverse-engineering analysis life-cycle analysis
life-cycle analysis
To safeguard against groundwater contamination, sanitary landfills are ________. lined with plastic and clay located on industrial sites where groundwater is not used for drinking or agriculture located on slopes so water runs downhill located in unpopulated areas lined with cement
lined with plastic and clay
Air travel, the Internet, cheap fossil fuels and television all have allowed people to ________. return to an agricultural society consume less energy and materials live within the UDB's demanded by smart city design live in less centralized communities live more densely packed into urban areas
live in less centralized communities
What prevents the contamination of groundwater in landfills? locating them below the water table locating them in deserts locating them in layers of impermeable rock locating them at least 6 meters above the water table
locating them at least 6 meters above the water table
Includes public systems of buses, trains, subways, and light rail
mass transit
People who live entirely within an urban environment ________. have insufficient choices for activities and lifestyles pay less for food and gasoline than rural areas have too many luxury goods at too expensive a price are never provided enough quality housing, even for those who can afford it may become disconnected from nature and from the true costs of their needs and activities
may become disconnected from nature and from the true costs of their needs and activities
Deep inside landfills, bacteria decompose organic wastes in a low oxygen environment. This anaerobic decomposition results in a mix of gases called landfill gas, which consists of about 50% ________. hydrogen carbon monoxide chlorine gas methane argon
methane
Which fossil fuel is produced as a by-product that occurs when bacteria decompose organic material under anaerobic conditions? methane anthracite coal peat oil
methane
The Trash Track project ________. tells managers which items should be recycled allows cities to charge polluters who dump large volumes of trash measures the volume of various categories of municipal waste in various cities monitors the movement of trash items to improve efficiency of management processes monitors the amount of hazardous items in municipal waste
monitors the movement of trash items to improve efficiency of management processes
Designing neighborhoods on a walkable scale
new urbanism
While Kayla is driving along a busy highway just outside a major city, she suddenly comes to a standstill in traffic. For the first time ever, she notices that alongside the highway are stretches of forest and wetland. She hears the noise of frogs and insects and birds that she never would have noticed if not trapped in traffic. Why does Kayla never notice these natural wonders on her route? noise pollution light pollution acid rain thermal pollution
noise pollution
More and more wind farms are being located ________ because winds are stronger there. in densely populated urban areas offshore in the Arctic in deserts in mature forests
offshore
Natural gas is ________. more damaging to the environment than coal when extracted only produced by bacteria during decomposition often associated with coal and petroleum deposits trapped over some cities for commercial use still much more expensive than other fossil fuels
often associated with coal and petroleum deposits
A city planner needs to consider ________ as a first priority. the amount of money investors have available for new business optimal land use strategies for different areas of the city local laws pertaining to property rights the best use of sales tax money within the city proper railroads, subway systems, and how much they charge riders
optimal land use strategies for different areas of the city
The largest component of U.S. municipal solid waste
paper
What is the largest component of the U.S. municipal solid waste stream? all varieties of plastics metals yard waste paper and paper products
paper and paper products
Which of the following is an example of a product found in a "throwaway society," such as the United States? reusable razor blades reusable cloth diapers fine silverware paper napkins
paper napkins
Oregon's strong policy of enforcing UGB's (urban growth boundaries) to create livable cities has been exemplary for many years, but between 2004 and 2007, voters ________. voiced their desire to have a state as populous as neighboring California passed a bill promoting unregulated development everywhere in the state have gone further by passing a bill capping population in all major cities passed a bill giving property owners the right to ignore UGB's passed legislation forbidding the construction of any new single-family homes
passed a bill giving property owners the right to ignore UGB's
Designing buildings to maximize absorption of sunlight during winter and to keep the interiors cool during summer is referred to as ________. active solar energy collection nuclear energy collection passive solar energy collection wind energy collection geothermal energy collection
passive solar energy collection
Harnessing energy by designing buildings to maximize or minimize the absorption of incident solar radiation are ________. photovoltaic cell collectors Concentrated solar power (CSP) devices hydrogen fuel-cell collectors active solar energy collection passive solar energy collection
passive solar energy collection
The earthworms, fungi, and bacteria in your compost pile will NOT be happy if you give them ________. paper plastic autumn leaves grass clippings food scraps
plastic
Waste that has taken up a substantially greater share of the waste stream since 1970
plastic
The original purpose of parks in eastern U.S. cities was to ________. provide a European style experience of the beauty and intimacy of formal landscapes protect passenger pigeons, Carolina parakeets, and other rapidly declining species provide wildlife sanctuaries within cities provide open places for picnics and games, such as football, cricket, and lawn tennis provide protected places for hunting foxes, birds, and deer
provide a European style experience of the beauty and intimacy of formal landscapes
Which of the following approaches best helps congested cities deal with the problems related to transportation? double-deck all roads and have more limited-access expressways provide access to rail and bus transportation in the inner city or other high-density areas make the city transportation "bus only" build more roads
provide access to rail and bus transportation in the inner city or other high-density areas
Closing the recycling loop refers to ________. purchasing items made from recycled materials composting of biodegradable plastic avoiding contamination of plastic and paper collectables during sorting finding ways to recycle all plastics, including polystyrene covering landfills once they have outlived their usefulness and converting them to public parks
purchasing items made from recycled materials
The energy bill passed by the U.S. Congress in 2007 ________. primarily focused on major new policies for conservation and for development of renewable energy sources raised the CAFE standard to 35mpg for vehicles by the year 2020 mandates the rapid development of all remaining fossil fuel resources as quickly as possible primarily focused on taxing polluters and those who profit from the fossil fuel industry will, according to analysts, allow us to import only 25% of our oil instead of 60%
raised the CAFE standard to 35mpg for vehicles by the year 2020
Which of the following types of hazardous waste are unstable and pose dangers when in contact with other compounds? toxic reactive ignitable corrosive
reactive
In Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, glass is ________. recycled into reflective paint and signs dumped at landfills incinerated melted down to make light bulbs composted
recycled into reflective paint and signs
Industrial ecologists ________. primarily analyze industrial inputs favor an economy that moves linearly rather than circularly advocate for taxes on green industries urge an emphasis on internal manufacturing costs rather than external costs redesign industrial systems to minimize physical inefficiency and maximize economic efficiency
redesign industrial systems to minimize physical inefficiency and maximize economic efficiency
The best solution to the solid waste problem is to ________. subsidize WTE facilities increase the number of sanitary landfills increase the number of WTE facilities increase the number of oceanic burial sites reduce the amount of material that enters the waste stream
reduce the amount of material that enters the waste stream
What is the goal of an industrial ecologist? to save endangered species to make industry more profitable regardless of environmental impact reduce the waste in industrial systems to increase expenditures in industry in order to generate more landfill space
reduce the waste in industrial systems
The process of __________ turns crude oil into the type of gases that can be used for cooking, in cars, and for other human purposes. refining primary drilling secondary drilling redefining
refining
Broad land use studies that may include several cities and adjoining non-urban areas
regional planning
RCRA is a U.S. law enacted in the 1970s to ________. restrict use of off-road vehicles in national parks reduce environmental levels of the 12 most toxic chemicals, called the "dirty dozen" regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants regulate how hazardous waste is handled protect endangered species
regulate how hazardous waste is handled
Corn-produced ethanol ________. cannot be mixed with other fuels results in higher food prices for corn and corn products yields more than 10x the energy required to produce it does not produce greenhouse gases when burned does not require inputs of fossil fuel energy
results in higher food prices for corn and corn products
In developing nations, such as India and Nigeria, ________. more people are moving to the suburbs than to the city centers small numbers of people have moved into the cities rural people are moving to the cities in large numbers very little change has occurred in the past 40 years regarding where people live most of the population is moving to the suburbs from the city centers
rural people are moving to the cities in large numbers
All of the following are advantages of nuclear power except ________. uranium mines cause less environmental damage than coal mines because less uranium is needed to generate power nuclear power plants generate no nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide the power-generating process is emission-free uranium generates far greater amounts of energy than coal by weight or volume safe disposal of nuclear wastes
safe disposal of nuclear wastes
The Fresh Kills Landfill ________. will remain open until late 2020 is the United States' first landfill conversion project is New York's first and only modern sanitary landfill site will be converted into a public park was abandoned in the late 1970s
site will be converted into a public park
Which of the following follows the philosophy of "building up, not out"? smart growth sprawl subdivisions unbridled growth
smart growth
What is the term that refers to the reduction of the amount of waste entering the waste stream? liquidation inventory source reduction recycling
source reduction
The spread of low-density urban or suburban development outward from an urban center
sprawl
Ethanol produced from bioenergy starts with ________ produced by ________. CO2; burning fossil fuels methane; sewage sludge hydrogen gas; wind turbines ammonia; anaerobic bacteria starch; corn and sugar cane
starch; corn and sugar cane
Residential/commercial communities that ring cities just outside city limits
suburban communities
The greatest general problem with suburbs is ________. decreased water quality high population density lack of nearby shopping lack of resources that they spread environmental impact over a larger area
that they spread environmental impact over a larger area
What is the process behind tidal energy? electricity generated by the rise and fall of tides the difference between high and low tides the back and forth movement of the daily tidal cycle waves rushing back and forth as a result of tides
the back and forth movement of the daily tidal cycle
Coal continues to be the main fuel used to generate electricity in the United States. This is partially because ________. the quality of coal in the United States is very consistent from deposit to deposit coal deposits in the United States lie very close to the surface and are easily extracted coal causes almost no air pollution when burned compared to natural gas and oil, coal contains very few impurities, such as sulfur the country has such large reserves of coal
the country has such large reserves of coal
What is energy intensity? the capturing of excess heat during electrical generation the energy use per dollar of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) a measure of the reduction of wasteful or unnecessary energy use the use of LED rather than incandescent light bulbs
the energy use per dollar of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
How can solid waste incineration be of benefit? the fly ash can be used as compost or mulch it can be used to clean the air it can generate methane the heat from waste combustion can be used to generate energy
the heat from waste combustion can be used to generate energy
A military base a few miles from a medium-sized city is being decommissioned. The base is a large one, sited along a coastline, and includes some small hills, pristine woodlands and wetlands, streams, a river, and a small lake. There is a railroad spur that connects the base with the nearby city, as well as a four-lane highway. The base contains housing, schools, a hospital, shops, and recreational areas for a population of 10,000. The city's options for using, selling, or leasing the land are numerous, and many groups come forward with proposals. A development group wishes to turn the area into a recreational facility, including an RV resort, a major-league sports arena, a small-craft harbor for water sports, a hunting lodge, and off- road activities, including motocross racing and dune buggy areas. An important concern ecological about this proposal would be ________. that the parking facilities would need to be increased whether the development group can attract major sports teams to a new arena a need to widen the highway to sustain the increased traffic that the developer's fees might not be enough to justify the long-term lease the impacts on the woodlands, wetlands, and waterways
the impacts on the woodlands, wetlands, and waterways
A military base a few miles from a medium-sized city is being decommissioned. The base is a large one, sited along a coastline, and includes some small hills, pristine woodlands and wetlands, streams, a river, and a small lake. There is a railroad spur that connects the base with the nearby city, as well as a four-lane highway. The base contains housing, schools, a hospital, shops, and recreational areas for a population of 10,000. The city's options for using, selling, or leasing the land are numerous, and many groups come forward with proposals. One group proposes to convert the base to a new city suburb, with low-cost housing for several thousand of the current inner-city residents. A possible major problem with this might include ________. the highway traffic to and from the city insufficient recreational opportunities for the new suburb that the inner-city residents may not be able to fully appreciate the natural areas and miss the inner-city quality of life the lack of jobs and lack of transportation to jobs that there is no guarantee that the buildings are in good condition
the lack of jobs and lack of transportation to jobs
What occurs as sprawl increases in, or adjacent to, a city? general health is improved pollution decreases the need for cars increases less land is used per capita
the need for cars increases
What is the ultimate source for geothermal energy? ignition due to crude oil and natural gas deposits the radioactive decay of elements deep within Earth rocks melting into magma due to geysers magma that wells up from Earth's core
the radioactive decay of elements deep within Earth
What is electrolysis? the splitting of water into component hydrogen and oxygen increasing the efficiency of wind turbines the generation of energy from wave motion the conversion of sunlight into electricity in a PV cell
the splitting of water into component hydrogen and oxygen
One of the things that contribute to sprawl is ________. developer's fees the trend toward increasing land area per capita zoning the steadily increasing prices for gasoline the steady state of human populations
the trend toward increasing land area per capita
The second step in the recycling loop is ________. the collection and processing of recyclable materials the use of recyclables by industry to manufacture new products the elimination of number 1 plastics the purchase by consumers of products made from recycled materials the incineration of paper
the use of recyclables by industry to manufacture new products
L'Enfant's 1791 Plan of the U.S. capital represented the first ________. effort to plan for agriculture in city areas effort to design a freeway attempt to address biodiversity concerns effort to address urban sprawl thorough city planning program
thorough city planning program
When did the use of coal for cooking, heating, and other purposes begin? with the industrial revolution in the 1700s, by people who needed cooking fuel sources thousands of years ago, by Native Americans (and other ancient cultures)
thousands of years ago, by Native Americans (and other ancient cultures)
The only energy source(s) from ocean water so far put into commercial production are ________. tidal and OTEC generators OTEC OTEC and ocean wave generators tidal electrical generators tidal and ocean wave generators
tidal electrical generators
What is the goal of "new urbanism"? to improve quality of life by separating residential areas from all other types of development to shift transportation planning away from SUV-sized vehicles to accommodate hybrid cars to provide modern urban attractions (high-speed Internet, cultural institutions, and so on) to rural areas so people will return to a rural lifestyle to create functional neighborhoods in which most of a family's needs can be met close to home without the use of a car
to create functional neighborhoods in which most of a family's needs can be met close to home without the use of a car
The United States and other industrialized nations devote the greatest proportion of their oil use to __________. agriculture transportation industry
transportation
The world's most abundant fossil fuel: coal oil natural gas coal, oil, and natural gas
unsure assuming coal
Used primarily in the United States for electricity generation: coal oil natural gas coal, oil, and natural gas
unsure assuming coal
A mixture of hundreds or thousands of different hydrocarbon molecules coal oil natural gas coal, oil, and natural gas
unsure assuming coal, oil, and natural gas
Created very slowly and considered nonrenewable at current extraction rates: coal oil natural gas coal, oil, and natural gas
unsure assuming coal, oil, and natural gas
Remains of ancient organisms, modified underground for long periods by temperature and pressure: coal oil natural gas coal, oil, and natural gas
unsure assuming coal, oil, and natural gas
Primary fuel used in the United States for space and water heating: coal oil natural gas coal, oil, and natural gas
unsure assuming natural gas
Produces the least carbon dioxide per unit energy when combusted: coal oil natural gas coal, oil, and natural gas
unsure assuming natural gas
Used primarily in the United States as a source of vehicle fuels: coal oil natural gas coal, oil, and natural gas
unsure assuming natural gas
All of the following are fossil fuels except ________. coal tar sands natural gas oil uranium
uranium
Which of the following elements is the starting material for nuclear fission reactions? carbon hydrogen iron uranium
uranium
The shift from rural to urban living
urbanization
Which of the following choices best describes a surface impoundment used for hazardous waste disposal? used for nuclear waste storage used to store and concentrate dilute liquid hazardous waste before it is moved to a permanent disposal option a permanent disposal option for liquid hazardous wastes any artificial lake created by a dam
used to store and concentrate dilute liquid hazardous waste before it is moved to a permanent disposal option
Secondary extraction of petroleum ________. causes less environmental damage than tertiary extraction is less expensive than primary extraction occurs immediately after primary extraction uses solvents, water, or steam allows the oil to be extracted to the last drop
uses solvents, water, or steam
What sort of waste is predominantly generated by U.S. industrial facilities? organic heavy metals radioactive wastewater
wastewater
Of the available policy options regarding eventual conversion to renewable energy sources, environmentalists would probably prefer that ________. we plan for the switch to renewable energy sources, but not implement any plans until all fossil fuels have been depleted we pass laws immediately banning the use of fossil fuels we prepare for a gradual changeover by slowly increasing funding and putting alternative energy resources into place over the next 100 years we encourage, with subsidies, tax rebates, and grants, the rapid development and widespread use of renewable alternative energy resources we pass laws immediately banning the exploration and development of further fossil fuel resources
we encourage, with subsidies, tax rebates, and grants, the rapid development and widespread use of renewable alternative energy resources
Which of the following would be characteristic of sprawl? an empty, ruined temple surrounded by nothing but grasslands and herds of wild animals a few single-family dwellings near the edge of an enormous forest, adjacent to some cabbage farms and a small town situated 15 miles to the north widely spaced homes spread evenly across a vast tract of land a state university surrounded by miles and miles of businesses and dwellings housed in large multi-story structures
widely spaced homes spread evenly across a vast tract of land
Members of several local environmental groups propose that nearly all of the buildings be removed and the area turned into a regional hiking and camping area, with very limited vehicle access. This will preserve the natural areas while providing recreation for the city dwellers. One issue that is raised by opponents is ________. whether there be sufficient space for RV camping will revenue generated from users pay for the changes and the maintenance of such a facility that no one will be interested in that kind of recreation that it will not be sustainable whether water sports be accessible to all
will revenue generated from users pay for the changes and the maintenance of such a facility
In Johannesburg, South Africa, the South West Township (Soweto) was one of several areas established early in the last century for blacks to live away from the white ruling minority. On the hills surrounding Soweto, the company that provides South Africa's electricity, Eskom, built a large, coal-burning, electricity-generating plant. The electricity was for white areas of Johannesburg, miles away from the plant. The residents of Soweto had no electrical connections. Along with many other governmental reforms that began in 1994, the electrical plant just outside Soweto was closed in 2000 and other plants were brought into use. Some parts of Soweto were then wired for electricity. It is estimated, however, that only about 30% of the more than 1 million black inhabitants have electricity in their homes; the remainder cannot afford the costs involved or live in areas that have no electrical access. So, they probably use ________ for fuel. wood and coal natural gas and backyard windmills charcoal and candles gas-powered home generators natural gas and solar cells
wood and coal
The second-largest component of U.S. municipal solid waste
yard debris
The practice of classifying areas for different types of development and land use
zoning
The practice of classifying areas for different types of development and land use is referred to as ________. deregulation zoning urbanism green-washing boundary-setting
zoning