Our Environment Problems and Solutions

Problem: Too much trash!  All our trash has to go somewhere  It goes to dumps and landfills  We are running out of space to put our trash

How can you help?  Recycle: –Newspapers –Glass bottles –Plastic bottles –Aluminum cans –Hazardous waste Click below to find out where to recycle: –Earth 911Earth 911

Another way to help  Precycle: buy food in biodegradable containers, like: –Cardboard boxes –Glass jars  Do not buy food in non-biodegradable containers, like: –Plastic –styrofoam

Problem: Wasting Water  We use too much water.  This wastes energy and affects the quality of our drinking water.

Solution: Conserve water  Turn the water off when you brush your teeth.  Use your washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full.  Click below to see other ways to save water in your house.  Water Saving House Tour Water Saving House Tour Water Saving House Tour  100 ways to save water 100 ways to save water 100 ways to save water

Problem: Air Pollution  Caused by things like factories, cars, oil refineries  Makes our air unhealthy to breathe

Solution: Stricter rules  The government can make rules about factories, cars, etc. so there is less pollution

Solution: Use less energy  Carpool, take the bus or train, or walk  Turn off the lights when you are not in the room

Problem: Water Pollution  Trash, sewage, and chemicals pollute the water.  It hurts the animals in the water.  It can hurt people too.

Solutions  The government can make rules to limit water pollution.  You can help by not pouring chemicals down the sink or into the street sewer

More solutions  Make sure trash goes into the trashcan.  Don’t pour oil, paint, or other chemicals into the sewer.

Problem: Rain forest destruction  The rain forest in many countries is being cut down.  This is happening in Brazil, Indonesia, Zaire, Papua-New Guinea, Malaysia, Burma, the Philippines, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, and Venezuela

Problem: Rain forest destruction  As the world’s population grows, more people need land and wood.  Trees are cut down.  The animals who lived there die.  The native people who lived there have no home.

Solutions  There is no easy solution to this problem.  One thing you can do to save trees here is use less paper and recycle paper.

Problem: Oil drilling in wildlife areas  Companies destroy plants and animals to drill for oil.  Click below to learn about and see pictures of a wildlife refuge that is threatened.  Arctic Refuge Arctic Refuge Arctic Refuge

More Information  Click below to learn even more ways to help the environment.  50 Ways to Help 50 Ways to Help 50 Ways to Help