Can Rotting Vegetables Create Electricity?
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Provided by: The Kid Should See This|Published on: February 3, 2023
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This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This video describes how unsold or rotting vegetables can be turned into biogas, a cleaner-burning fuel used to create electricity.
- Students will learn about a vegetable market in India that converts the 10 tons of daily food waste into electricity that powers street lights, buildings, and a large kitchen.

Subjects: Chemistry, Biology, Earth and Space Sciences, Engineering
Authors: The Kid Should See This
Region: Asia, Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This video highlights an innovative solution to climate change that addresses issues surrounding both food waste and fossil fuel use.
- This resource contains links to 15 additional sites that can be accessed for further learning.
Additional Prerequisites
- The site for the Bowenpally Vegetable Market linked in the article is not in English.
- Though biogas is explained in the video, some background information on biofuels may help facilitate learning on this topic.
Differentiation
- Consider using a vocabulary-focused graphic organizer to demonstrate understanding of vocabulary from the video and article.
- While watching the video, provide students with a sequence graphic organizer to take notes on the steps taken in the process of converting vegetables and food waste into biogas.
- This video speaks briefly about some reasons why biogas doesn't have more widespread use, so consider using this video for a deeper dive into the topic.
- Have students create posters, videos, or persuasive essays explaining why using food waste for energy is a valuable way to reduce emissions.
- Put students in groups to explore other videos from the World Wide Waste series, and then have them share with class the benefits of each innovative climate solution.
Scientist Notes
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Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
The Kid Should See This
The Kid Should See This is a Webby award-winning collection of over 7,000 kid-friendly videos, curated for teachers and parents who want to share smarter, more meaningful media in the classroom and at home. Selections are grown-up-friendly, too. And thanks to TKSST members, it’s free and ad-free for everyone. Start conversations, spark questions, and inspire offline exploration for all ages.
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →




