ENVIRONMENT

"We can each do our part to improve the environment. Unplug electronics. Turn down the AC. The possibilities are endless."
– Zachary Quinto, Heroes

What You Should Know...

People depend on the Earth in order to live, so it is up to all of us to take care of it. You can do your part to help take care of the planet. Choose one thing to do every day to "green your routine." It's actually really easy.

Going green is simple. It is also good for you and the environment. There are many ways to "green your routine" such as turning off the lights when you leave a room. Every simple action you take will help improve the world we live in.

Land
Trees have been around for over 300 million years. They are an important part of the Earth. They give us shade from the sun, materials to make paper and they even give us the oxygen that keeps us alive.

Trees begin from a seed. The seed needs light and water in order to grow. The roots go into the ground, the trunk starts to get taller and taller, and the branches spread out and begin to grow leaves.

When you step out of the sun under a tree, you notice that it is much cooler. Trees help to keep the planet cool with their shade. It also helps the earth by taking in water and releasing it back into the air.

Trees help people by giving us different fruits, wood and even medicine. Have you used anything today that came from a tree?

Air
We can’t see air, but we all know it is there. We breathe it in everyday. Air helps to keep us healthy, so it is important to keep the air around us clean. Pollutants are what make the air dirty and unhealthy. Air pollution is not only dangerous to our health, but also harms the trees, lakes and animals around us. Pollution comes from using things you can see like cars and from things you cannot see like electricity. So just by turning off your lights, you can help to keep the air around you clean!

Water
Did you know that the water you drink today might be the same water a dinosaur drank millions of years ago? The water on Earth is used over and over again. This is called the water cycle.

Every time it rains, the raindrops either fall into oceans and lakes, or go deep into the ground. The water that is under the ground gets cleaned and eventually comes out of your faucet at home. It is even used to turn your lights on at night. That’s right, electricity also comes from water!

Trees and plants also use the rain to grow. The rainwater in the ocean, lakes, and streams, along with the water in the plants and trees, then turns into gas and goes back into the air. This gas then forms into the clouds that you see in the sky. Soon, the gas in the clouds turn into rain, and the cycle starts all over again!

Recycling
Did you know that the paper that you write on can be turned into an egg carton? Recycling means taking things that you are finished using and turning them into new things. So, instead of throwing out your paper, you should recycle it so that it can be turned into something brand new.

Recycling also lessens waste on the Earth. When you throw something in the trashcan, it goes to a landfill, where the Earth’s trash is stored. When you recycle, it keeps your waste out of the landfill and makes it into something usable.

You can even recycle on your own. What can you make out of a milk carton? A pencil holder? A crayon box? Use your imagination!

What You Can Do...

Reduce
Make sure to turn off appliances like the TV and computer when you are not using them. Also, turn off the lights and running water when you leave the room.

Reuse
Think of ways to reuse things that you are throwing out. Reuse plastic bags and containers, and donate clothes and toys instead of throwing them out.

Recycle
Recycle things like cans, bottles, paper and plastic.

Plant a tree
Planting trees is a great way to help save the environment, and it is fun, too!

Spread the word
Tell your friends and family different ways that they can reduce and recycle. Be creative- find new ways to use different objects.

To Know More...

Green is Universal
www.greenisuniversal.com

Environmental Defense
www.environmentaldefense.org

Ad Council
www.adcouncil.org