Government and Waste

Abstract

Waste, debris, garbage, trash—all words for the unwanted material that is discarded (either intentionally or not) and has become a problem of immense proportions in the United States. Debris permeates not just the land we live on but other parts of the environment as well. Marine debris flowing from rivers as well as washed out to sea by hurricanes and tsunamis has accumulated in huge ‘gyres’ in the world’s oceans. Space debris (space junk) from satellites and space missions litters both low and high earth orbit, creating hazards for other satellites and space missions. Solid waste is a challenge and primary expense for every area, rural or urban, in the country. This exhibit, created by the Government Information Working Group of the WSU Libraries, presents a look at these 3 types of debris and a few solutions.