NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?

SUMMARY

The U.S. produces more plastic waste than any other country in the world. Last year, more than 35,000 tons of it was shipped to Malaysia, which received more discarded plastic from rich nations than any other developing country. But in June, Malaysian leaders effectively banned future shipments. John Yang speaks with Anja Brandon, director of plastics policy at Ocean Conservancy, to learn more.

View the transcript of the story.

News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

1. Who produces more plastic than the entire rest of the world?
2. What is motivating wealthy countries to ship waste to Malaysia?
3. Where are people rejecting waste from wealthy, waste-producing countries?
4. When did the responsibility of the water disposal fall on the local governments and our state governments?
5. How big of a problem is plastic waste in the ocean, according to Anja Brandon?

FOCUS QUESTIONS

With growing resistances from countries not accepting foreign waste, what solutions would our country need to workshop to contain the waste problem? What values should be at the forefront of the waste solutions?

Media literacy: Would it be helpful to find other news sources to understand the issue of waste disposal better? Who would you want to hear from?

WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO

• Reflect on your personal waste and think about ways you could reduce it to lessen the impact on places such as Malaysia. (Example: think about items you use and disposable regularly that could be replaced with reusable alternatives)
• Research how your local community manages its waste. Where does the waste get transported to? Is there a way to make the waste management system better? If so, find ways to organize your community to petition for changes.
• Write letters to your local Representatives and school board to petition for changes reflective of improvements your community wants to see in its waste management.

Written by Kevin Roodnauth, PBS News Hour Classroom's intern and senior at Amherst College, and News Hour's Luke Gerwe.

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