Increased human population has led to more frequent interactions with the environment. The results of those interactions have affected the Earth's ecosystem. This manual contains hands-on, problem-centered activities to help students develop an environmental ethic and stewardship regarding waste management. The activities are grouped under three thematic headings: where wastes end up, options and choices we have involving waste management, and the interconnectedness of environmental issues. The introduction provides the theoretical foundation and principles of learning for the environmental education activities and a rationale for reducing, reusing, and recycling. Part 1 contains 18 activities on the problem of solid waste, alternatives to incineration and landfilling, and developing a school reduction, reuse, and recycling program. Part 2 contains 12 activities related to waste minimization, composting, hazardous wastes, recycling, product packaging, energy consumption, and consumer decision-making. Part 3 contains 12 activities concerning the additional environmental issues of population growth, ecosystems, finite natural resources, lifecycle analysis, air pollution, acid rain, wastewater treatment, environmental careers, ozone depletion, human resources, and land use. Each activity contains the activities' objectives, recommended instructional method, background information, materials needed, teaching procedures, and ideas for further study. Contains a glossary of 67 terms. (MDH)