This Landfill Is No Dump
1. There are hard sells, and then there are really hard sells. Anyone who has ever tried to build a landfill is probably keenly aware of this. People know that landfills are a disgusting, if necessary, evil and that they spread disease and pestilence throughout populated communities. People want them located as far from their homes and businesses as possible. They do not want trash blowing onto their properties, nor do they want to be downwind of putrid air that ruins their time outdoors.
2. For those in the trash disposal business, trying to open a new landfill site and fighting the legal battles that this often brings are par for the course. However, a trash disposal company south of Austin, Texas, has created a successful model for keeping everyone happy-from rural neighbors to local environmentalists. How did the owners of the company manage this? They chose to take themselves out of the fight. They are so committed to running a model business and being a good neighbor that, over time, opposition to their landfill has gone away completely.
3. Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) is a profitable business that operates a landfill, recycling/resale center, composting operation, conference center, and exotic animal farm in Creedmoor, Texas. Brothers and co-owners Bob and Jim Gregory set high expectations for themselves, and this has been key to their success. Although all solid waste management companies in a state are supposed to adhere to the same regulations, some companies try to get by with the least possible effort. Some companies put on a thin veneer of being good neighbors while they really focus on their own self-interests.
4. The Gregory brothers are different in this regard. For instance, they put their own facilities, notably a pavilion that hosts fund-raisers and dinners, downwind from the landfill's working face. Bob Gregory explains that showing people the reality of the operation is important. The owners would not ask a neighbor to put up with anything that they would not put up with themselves. They have prioritized controlling odors and picking up stray trash so successfully that the more than 10,000 people who visit the site annually are more aware of the pleasant views and clean, fresh air than the landfill nearby.
5. Two of the biggest challenges for waste disposal operations are odors and the trash itself. About 2,000 tons of trash is handled daily at the Creedmoor facility. The facility keeps the working part of the landfill as small as it can and also uses biofilters, recycle sprays, and other treatments to mitigate odors. The owners also built high fences to help prevent trash from blowing away. Furthermore, they have a street crew operating six days a week to patrol the area and catch any stray trash that makes it beyond the fences.
6. Searching for the right fences actually inspired the Gregory brothers to include exotic animals on the land. They did not want to use industrial chain-link fences around the property because they thought that would send the wrong message to the neighbors. The land would look forbidding rather than welcoming. The brothers wanted to find functional, but inviting, fences. As they shopped around, they saw a number of high fences on exotic animal farms and thought that maybe their neighbors would like the idea of animals on the land surrounding the landfill. The neighbors did, indeed, like the animals. Currently, hundreds of acres owned by TDS are home to more than two thousand native and exotic animals of eighty species.
7. TDS also reaches out to the community by allowing various charity groups to host fund-raisers on the pavilion. About 150 groups hold events each year, raising thousands of dollars per event. There are also two beautifully appointed cabins on the property designated for community use. In addition, TDS hosts its own outreach events, like hosting volunteers from Big Brothers Big Sisters on the ranch.
8. Moreover, TDS runs a drop-off center for items like grills, tools, bicycles condition and sells them at a garage sale, TDS also has a retail outlet for Compost products and sells topsoil, mulch, and compost produced an-site.
9. The Gregory brothers provide an example of how to run a profitable business to the needs of the community and is a great neighbor. One bonus of operating so well is that TDS can re-invest money into making improvements rather than fighting opposition in costly legal battles. Ultimately, TDS has shown that it owners mind doing business and are great neighbors, people are willing to welcome and fill in next door
Read this sentence from paragraph 1. 'People know that landfills are a disgusting, if necessary, evil and that they spread disease and pestilence throughout populated communities.' The reasoning in this sentence is unsound because it claims something is true simply because
- A. it has not been proven false.
- B. experts say it is.
- C. a popular opinion makes it correct.
- D. it has always been that way.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The reasoning in the sentence is flawed because it relies on the idea that widespread belief or popular opinion validates a claim. Just because many people think landfills are harmful does not inherently make it true; it requires scientific evidence to support such assertions. Option A is incorrect since the absence of proof does not automatically confirm a statement's validity. Option B is misleading, as expert opinion must be backed by research and data rather than being accepted as fact. Option D is also wrong, as tradition or historical precedent does not guarantee the accuracy of a claim; beliefs must evolve with new evidence.
The reasoning in the sentence is flawed because it relies on the idea that widespread belief or popular opinion validates a claim. Just because many people think landfills are harmful does not inherently make it true; it requires scientific evidence to support such assertions. Option A is incorrect since the absence of proof does not automatically confirm a statement's validity. Option B is misleading, as expert opinion must be backed by research and data rather than being accepted as fact. Option D is also wrong, as tradition or historical precedent does not guarantee the accuracy of a claim; beliefs must evolve with new evidence.
Other Related Questions
According to details in both the speech and the blog, which right was not granted for more than a century?
- A. women's right to receive a formal education
- B. women's right to practice law nationwide
- C. women's right to equal protection under the law
- D. women's right to own property in their own name
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The right to equal protection under the law was not granted to women for over a century, as it was only recognized with the passage of the 14th Amendment in 1868 and further solidified through various court rulings. Option A is incorrect because women began receiving formal education in the 19th century, although access was limited. Option B is also wrong; women could practice law in some states earlier than the 20th century, although it varied widely. Option D is misleading, as some women could own property in their own name through state laws, though restrictions existed. Thus, equal protection remained the most significant right denied for the longest duration.
The right to equal protection under the law was not granted to women for over a century, as it was only recognized with the passage of the 14th Amendment in 1868 and further solidified through various court rulings. Option A is incorrect because women began receiving formal education in the 19th century, although access was limited. Option B is also wrong; women could practice law in some states earlier than the 20th century, although it varied widely. Option D is misleading, as some women could own property in their own name through state laws, though restrictions existed. Thus, equal protection remained the most significant right denied for the longest duration.
A slight breeze at this moment sprang up, and the great sails began to move, seeing which Don Quixote exclaimed, 'Though ye flourish more arms than the giant Briareus, ye have to reckon with me.' According to Greek legend, Briareus was a giant with a hundred arms and fifty heads who helped the gods in battles against foes. How does the author's comparison of the windmills to mythological giant function in the excerpt?
- A. The comparison advances the author's perspective about the dangers involved in acting before considering the consequences
- B. The comparison supports the author's characterization of Don Quixote as brave but misguided.
- C. The comparison advances the author's view that helping someone in need is an indication of true friendship.
- D. The comparison supports the author's purpose of showing the foolishness of Don Quixote for attacking windmills
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The comparison to Briareus highlights Don Quixote's bravery and misguided perception of reality. By equating the windmills to a formidable giant, the author emphasizes Don Quixote's noble intentions but also his delusions, showcasing his valor in the face of imaginary threats. Option A misinterprets the focus on bravery, as the excerpt centers more on Don Quixote's misconceptions than on the consequences of actions. Option C is irrelevant, as the passage does not address friendship or helping others. Option D, while touching on foolishness, overlooks the deeper characterization of Don Quixote's courage amidst his folly.
The comparison to Briareus highlights Don Quixote's bravery and misguided perception of reality. By equating the windmills to a formidable giant, the author emphasizes Don Quixote's noble intentions but also his delusions, showcasing his valor in the face of imaginary threats. Option A misinterprets the focus on bravery, as the excerpt centers more on Don Quixote's misconceptions than on the consequences of actions. Option C is irrelevant, as the passage does not address friendship or helping others. Option D, while touching on foolishness, overlooks the deeper characterization of Don Quixote's courage amidst his folly.
Why are Aristotle's conclusions mentioned in the text?
- A. to show why Burl is becoming frustrated by working with his bees
- B. to emphasize that Burl thinks bees are superior to humans
- C. to suggest that bees effectively demonstrate laws of nature
- D. to compare two different philosophies on the nature of bee behavior
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Aristotle's conclusions are mentioned to illustrate how bees exemplify fundamental laws of nature, highlighting their intricate behaviors and social structures. This connection supports a broader understanding of natural order. Option A misinterprets the focus, as Aristotle's insights are not primarily about Burl's frustrations. Option B mistakenly suggests that the text centers on Burl's perception of bees' superiority, which is not the main theme. Option D, while relevant, does not capture the primary purpose of showcasing bees as representations of natural laws, rather than comparing philosophies.
Aristotle's conclusions are mentioned to illustrate how bees exemplify fundamental laws of nature, highlighting their intricate behaviors and social structures. This connection supports a broader understanding of natural order. Option A misinterprets the focus, as Aristotle's insights are not primarily about Burl's frustrations. Option B mistakenly suggests that the text centers on Burl's perception of bees' superiority, which is not the main theme. Option D, while relevant, does not capture the primary purpose of showcasing bees as representations of natural laws, rather than comparing philosophies.
Based on details in paragraph 9, which generalization can be made about Brannick's Superstore?
- A. Brannick's is concealing its frustrations with the Antrim Zoning Commission.
- B. Brannick's is considering adapting construction plans for other superstores.
- C. Brannick's is concerned that its new superstore will hurt future profits.
- D. Brannick's is concerned about the way consumers perceive the company.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Brannick's Superstore expresses concern about consumer perception, as indicated in paragraph 9, highlighting the importance of public image for business success. Option A suggests that Brannick's is hiding frustrations with the Antrim Zoning Commission, which is not supported by the text, as it focuses on consumer perception rather than zoning issues. Option B implies that Brannick's is contemplating changes for other superstores, a notion not mentioned in the paragraph. Option C suggests a direct concern about future profits, which is not the primary focus; instead, the emphasis is on how the new superstore is viewed by consumers.
Brannick's Superstore expresses concern about consumer perception, as indicated in paragraph 9, highlighting the importance of public image for business success. Option A suggests that Brannick's is hiding frustrations with the Antrim Zoning Commission, which is not supported by the text, as it focuses on consumer perception rather than zoning issues. Option B implies that Brannick's is contemplating changes for other superstores, a notion not mentioned in the paragraph. Option C suggests a direct concern about future profits, which is not the primary focus; instead, the emphasis is on how the new superstore is viewed by consumers.