A retailer may legally sell fresh or process meat and poultry products beyond the expiration date: A. Only if the food is wholesome B. At no time C. Only if the item has been frozen

Section 3-3 Environmental Awareness

Ecology Ecology: A science that deals with the relationships between living things and the environment. Ecologists study what happens when natural resources are misused and natural cycles disturbed.

Important Vocab Renewable Resource: natural resources such as plants trees, water, soil and air that ______ themselves by natural cycles over time Nonrenewable Resource: natural resources that ______ replace themselves Ex: Fossil fuels-energy sources formed in the earth such as coal, oil and natural gas (cannot be replaced within a reasonable time)

Environmental Concerns Depleting Nonrenewable Resources: The heavy use of fossil fuels increases the chance that the supply will be depleted, or used up, before alternatives are found. Water Pollution: Although renewable, it is limited. Ground water is being contaminated by toxic chemicals from ________, pesticides and other sources.

More Environmental Concerns Air Pollution: Tons of dust and chemicals are dumped into the air we breathe each day. Leads to health problems, acid rain, ______ ______, and _______ of the ozone layer. Waste Disposal: Many items remain intact for hundreds of years because they aren’t biodegradable (able to decompose naturally). Millions of tons of garbage is added to landfills and incinerators each year.

Government’s Role Gov’t wants to help with conservation, the careful management and protection of valuable natural resources to ensure their quality and longevity.

Government’s Roles They do so by: Restrictions and Penalties Incentives Funding International Efforts Agency Coordination

So the government is trying to help, but what can you do?

Do Your Part by: Start programs in your school Lobby government officials Conserve Energy by:

Do Your Part by (cont): Conserve Water: H2O Saver Website Cut Down on Waste: – The Three R’s R Be Cautious with Chemicals:

Jack Johnson: 3 R’s

Check Your Understanding 1.Explain two environmental concerns associated with the use of fossil fuels. 2.Describe two ways in which the government acts to protect the environment. 3.Choose an environmental problem. List 3 things consumers can do to help reduce it.