[FACTFUL MATH] Grade level: 4 – 6th grades
Math skills: Percent change
Related Environmental issues: Waster reduction
Northern Ireland has started charging 10 pence (about 13 cents) for a single-use plastic bag to reduce their plastic waste.
The annual use of plastic bag in Northern Ireland decreased from 160 bags per person to 45 bags per person after they introduced a 5-pence levy in 2013. The county attempts to reduce more plastic waste by introducing a 10-pence levy this time.
How much has the plastic bag use fallen by so far?
- 26%
- 2. 72%
- 3. 256%
ANSWER: 2
(160 – 45) / 160 x 100 = 72(%)
BBC, August 27, 2014. Plastic bag use down 72%in Northern Ireland since 5p charge
Factful Environmental Math Problems (2020)
About this book
The objective of Factful Environmental Math Problems is to cultivate our young people’s skills to analyze and evaluate fact-based data for understanding our world, while improving their math skills and critical thinking skills.
With the rise of the Internet and new technology, building skills to analyze and evaluate fact-based data becomes increasingly important for our young people to prepare for this rapidly changing world. These skills minimize their chances of being brainwashed by false information and making uninformed decisions and ultimately help develop their critical thinking skills. (Read more)
Published: March 26, 2020
Price: $6.25