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
What can the reader infer about the Gregory brothers from the sentence 'They chose to take themselves out of the fight' in paragraph 2 of the article?
- A. They wanted to reinvent how a landfill business operates.
- B. They decided to follow legal requirements ignored by other landfill owners.
- C. They decided to leave the landfill business altogether.
- D. They wanted to present their model for running a landfill to state and county officials.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
The phrase "They chose to take themselves out of the fight" suggests a deliberate decision to step away from conflict, indicating a desire to innovate rather than engage in traditional practices. Option A aligns with this inference, as it implies a focus on reinventing operations. Option B is incorrect because it does not specifically address the brothers’ intent to innovate but rather suggests compliance with existing laws. Option C misinterprets their action as leaving the business entirely, which is not supported by the context. Option D suggests they aimed to showcase their model, but the phrase indicates withdrawal from conflict rather than active presentation.
The phrase "They chose to take themselves out of the fight" suggests a deliberate decision to step away from conflict, indicating a desire to innovate rather than engage in traditional practices. Option A aligns with this inference, as it implies a focus on reinventing operations. Option B is incorrect because it does not specifically address the brothers’ intent to innovate but rather suggests compliance with existing laws. Option C misinterprets their action as leaving the business entirely, which is not supported by the context. Option D suggests they aimed to showcase their model, but the phrase indicates withdrawal from conflict rather than active presentation.
Other Related Questions
And no one could have made any mistake about it but one who had something of the same kind in his head.' In this sentence, Sancho Panza is stating that
- A. he and Don Quixote have a relationship that
- B. he and Don Quixote think alike.
- C. Don Quixote makes hasty decisions.
- D. Don Quixote has a distorted vision of the world.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Sancho Panza's statement implies that only someone with a similar mindset could misinterpret the situation, suggesting that Don Quixote's perspective is skewed. This indicates a distorted view of reality, aligning with option D. Option A is incorrect as it suggests a broader relationship without addressing the specific context of perception. Option B implies that they share thoughts, which does not capture the essence of misunderstanding. Option C focuses on decision-making rather than perception, failing to recognize the core issue of distorted vision. Thus, the emphasis is on Don Quixote's flawed worldview, making option D the most accurate interpretation.
Sancho Panza's statement implies that only someone with a similar mindset could misinterpret the situation, suggesting that Don Quixote's perspective is skewed. This indicates a distorted view of reality, aligning with option D. Option A is incorrect as it suggests a broader relationship without addressing the specific context of perception. Option B implies that they share thoughts, which does not capture the essence of misunderstanding. Option C focuses on decision-making rather than perception, failing to recognize the core issue of distorted vision. Thus, the emphasis is on Don Quixote's flawed worldview, making option D the most accurate interpretation.
How are the newsletter and the letter to the editor different with respect to their intended audiences?
- A. The newsletter is intended for a more knowledgeable audience.
- B. The newsletter is intended for a younger audience.
- C. The newsletter is intended for a smaller audience.
- D. The newsletter is intended for a more diverse audience.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The newsletter typically targets a specific group, often a smaller audience, such as members of an organization or community, providing tailored information relevant to their interests. In contrast, a letter to the editor is designed for a broader public audience, aiming to engage a wider range of readers by discussing general issues or opinions. Option A is incorrect because newsletters can cater to various knowledge levels, not just the knowledgeable. Option B is misleading as newsletters are not exclusively aimed at younger audiences; they can serve all age groups. Option D is inaccurate since newsletters often focus on a specific demographic rather than a diverse audience.
The newsletter typically targets a specific group, often a smaller audience, such as members of an organization or community, providing tailored information relevant to their interests. In contrast, a letter to the editor is designed for a broader public audience, aiming to engage a wider range of readers by discussing general issues or opinions. Option A is incorrect because newsletters can cater to various knowledge levels, not just the knowledgeable. Option B is misleading as newsletters are not exclusively aimed at younger audiences; they can serve all age groups. Option D is inaccurate since newsletters often focus on a specific demographic rather than a diverse audience.
According to paragraphs 1 and 2 of 'The Letter of the Law,' Lilly Ledbetter worked for Goodyear for nearly 20 years; however, conflict arose in 1998 when Ledbetter was nearing retirement. What can the reader infer from the information in these paragraphs?
- A. Women at Goodyear received fewer promotions than men.
- B. Male supervisors were indifferent about the salaries paid to the female supervisors.
- C. Company policy made it easier for Goodyear to violate the law.
- D. Female employees performed less strenuous tasks than their male counterparts
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The inference that company policy made it easier for Goodyear to violate the law aligns with the context of conflict arising as Lilly Ledbetter approached retirement. This suggests systemic issues that may have facilitated unfair practices. Option A, while plausible, lacks direct evidence from the text regarding promotions. Option B assumes indifference without supporting details about supervisors’ attitudes toward salaries. Option D inaccurately generalizes the nature of tasks assigned to female employees, which is not mentioned in the paragraphs and does not directly relate to the conflict described.
The inference that company policy made it easier for Goodyear to violate the law aligns with the context of conflict arising as Lilly Ledbetter approached retirement. This suggests systemic issues that may have facilitated unfair practices. Option A, while plausible, lacks direct evidence from the text regarding promotions. Option B assumes indifference without supporting details about supervisors’ attitudes toward salaries. Option D inaccurately generalizes the nature of tasks assigned to female employees, which is not mentioned in the paragraphs and does not directly relate to the conflict described.
Which conclusion is supported by the story?
- A. Burl will ask the widows to keep watch to protect the honey from thieves.
- B. Burl will make an attempt to better market his honey to consumers.
- C. Burl will continue to independently produce honey.
- D. Burl will work persistently to discover who took his honey.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The conclusion that Burl will continue to independently produce honey is supported by his determination and passion for beekeeping demonstrated throughout the story. This reflects his commitment to maintaining his craft despite challenges. Option A is incorrect as there is no indication that Burl seeks help from the widows for protection. Option B, while plausible, lacks direct support in the narrative, which focuses more on his production than marketing strategies. Option D suggests a shift in focus towards investigation rather than production, which contradicts Burl's established dedication to his craft.
The conclusion that Burl will continue to independently produce honey is supported by his determination and passion for beekeeping demonstrated throughout the story. This reflects his commitment to maintaining his craft despite challenges. Option A is incorrect as there is no indication that Burl seeks help from the widows for protection. Option B, while plausible, lacks direct support in the narrative, which focuses more on his production than marketing strategies. Option D suggests a shift in focus towards investigation rather than production, which contradicts Burl's established dedication to his craft.