Municipal Solid Waste-to-Energy: Traditional Ecology and Environmental Justice

The Bioenergy Research and Education Bridge Program (BRIDGES) creates case study curriculum. BRIDGES is "focused on topical, authentic case study scenarios in the bioenergy field." The cases studies explore "... solutions for a more secure energy future using bioenergy technologies while addressing cultural responsiveness and issues surrounding diversity."

This case study, from the U.S. Department of Energy, introduces "the challenges of managing municipal solid waste, opportunities for turning these products into usable energy sources, and exciting careers in the bioenergy field." During the activity, students are introduced to the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation in Idaho. Students assume the role of a chemical engineer at Idaho National Laboratory and assist the Tribal Youth Council in finding sustainable waste management solutions. The activity is designed for high school, community college, technical institute, or university courses and can be taught in-person or online.

A .zip file includes all case study materials, such as a fact sheet, instructor guide, and supplemental materials. Users may download the materials for one or all four case studies.