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Theokas, C., & Bloch, M. (2006). Out-of-school time is critical for children: Who participates in programs? Child Trends publication #2006-20. Footnote 1
The term “parent” in this paper refers to a child’s biological father, biological mother, stepfather, stepmother, legal guardian and/or primary caretaker.
RECYCLING HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTES: DETERMINANTS AND ATTITUDES THAT PROMOTE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AT THE LOCAL LEVEL Laura Harris Aymond, Lorenda Johnson, Millie Naquin, Ephraim Massawe, and Wynn Gillan Southeastern Louisiana University Abstract Hazardous wastes have the potential to cause harmful effects on the environment and on those living in it, if not disposed of properly. Once hazardous waste is mixed with garbage, it is almost impossible to separate it. In order to protect the environment and the people living in it, individuals should be responsible in disposing of hazardous waste properly. The purpose of this study was to evaluate determinants and attitudes that drive Louisiana residents to engage in an annual recycling program and to assess different types of household hazardous waste that are recycled at the local level. Residents of a small community in southeastern Louisiana who attended a Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Day were asked to complete a survey consisting of various questions on attitudes about hazardous waste and socioeconomic status. Most participants learned about the event by advertisement in the newspaper, and the majority of them were over the age of 50 and Caucasian. Participants and the researchers suggest better ways of advertising the event to also target younger adults. Participants also expressed that the event should be held more often than once per year. Only a small percentage of participants brought
unaccepted recyclables to local recycling facilities while others threw them away or burned them. With the exception of two participants, all were Caucasian. It is important to find ways to increase participation among minority groups through targeted advertisement and specialized education programs. By providing more education about what household hazardous waste is and why it is important to dispose of it properly, the end result will be a healthier and safer environment for those living in it. Introduction Human health is based upon environmental resources including water, soil, and air. It is up to the public to prevent contaminating these essential elements of human health. In order to promote a healthy environment, it is important that the public understands how to protect it (DeLongpre Johnston, Largo-Wight, & Wight, 2013). Hazardous wastes may potentially cause damage to homes and businesses, and may also cause harm to those being exposed in the population (Massawe, Legleu, Vasut, Brandon, & Sheldon, 2015). Wastes from oils, construction and demolition, and also from organic chemical processes tend to be categorized as containing the most hazardous materials. Waste may be considered hazardous if it can ignite, corrode, react, or is toxic. Hazardous substances such as lead, chlorine, and benzene are ingredients of several different types of household items including paint, detergents, and cleaners (Malandrakis, 2008). Changing the way these items are recycled or disposed of can help to reduce their environmental impact. There are several ways in which waste can be managed, all with both advantages and disadvantages. The most common form of waste management is through recycling, when materials from products are recovered after consumer use and then reused (Rushton, 2003). Another popular method is the deposition into a landfill or a specifically designated area controlled to minimize harmful emissions. Incineration is also a waste management method used to reduce the volume of hazardous waste. However, residents living near landfill sites are at greater risk for reproductive disorders and birth defects such as low birth weight