Over the Course of Three Days, Keep a Detailed Record

question 32

Essay

Over the course of three days, keep a detailed record of all of the wrappers, containers, bottles, cans, vegetable matter, and other items that you (a) throw into the garbage or (b) throw into a recycling bin. Record each item on a separate line, noting its size, weight, and makeup (animal, vegetable, mineral, paper, etc.). On the third day, compare your list to that of three or four classmates. How much of the waste was directly linked to popular culture? How might you change this pattern in the future? And in what ways did this project affect your habits-that is, did you throw away less waste because you were paying special attention, or were other factors involved? How would you judge the environmental impact of your classmates in comparison?

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Definitions:

Non-Controlling Interest

A portion of the equity in a subsidiary not owned by the parent company, typically shown separately in the consolidated financial statements.

Net Income

The total earnings of a company after deducting all expenses and taxes from revenue, indicating the company's profit.

Intercompany Profit

Profits that arise from transactions between companies under common control, which may need to be eliminated in consolidated financial statements.

Unrealized Profits

Gains on transactions that have occurred but have not yet been realized through the receipt or payment of cash.