1. Problems and Solutions
Our Environment
Problems and Solutions

2. Vocabulary Preview hazardous = dangerous, causing hurt
waste = trash, things we don’t need
pollute = make dirty
pollution = the dirt, smog, etc. in the air and water
landfill = a place to put a lot of trash
conserve = save, use less
conservation = the effort to conserve
energy = power such as gas and electricity

3. Problem: Hazardous waste in the trash pollutes our soil and water

4. Solution: Separate Hazardous Waste
oil, paint, cleaners, batteries, and many other products are hazardous waste and should not go in the trash.
No!
Click here to find out what else is hazardous waste:

5. Another Solution: Use other products and create less hazardous waste
Many household products are toxic.
You can use natural things to clean your house instead.
For example, instead of Windex, mix vinegar, warm water, and lemon juice to clean windows.

6. 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

7. Solution: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

8. Reduce Reduce = Make smaller.
How can we reduce the amount of trash we make?
Buy products in the largest size.
Buy products without extra packaging.
If you can, recycle. If you can’t make less trash.

9. Reduce and/or Recycle
If you buy individual juice boxes, you will create a lot of trash. If you buy the large plastic jug of juice, you can recycle it.

10. Reduce and/or Recycle
The plastic bag in the middle will create a much smaller amount of trash. It also wastes less water. However, the plastic bag cannot be recycled.
The Tide detergent on the left wastes some water and creates more trash, but it is a good choice IF you recycle it.
The all detergent in the cardboard box will create less trash, and it can also be recycled.

11. Reduce
All of these containers waste space, water, and create more trash.
They also cost more.
The detergent you see in the picture costs about $361. A five-gallon tub of detergent is only $70.

12. Reuse Re=again Reuse=use again Don’t throw it away…use it again.
Click here to find out more about ways to reuse:

13. Reduce and Reuse Buy items you can use many times
Reduce and Reuse Buy items you can use many times. You will save money and make less trash.
Instead of disposable diapers…
Instead of disposable batteries…
…use rechargeable batteries.
…use cloth diapers.

14. Reduce and Reuse
Instead of disposable plates, cups, towels, and silverware…
…use washable napkins, towels, plates, cups, and silverware.

15. Reuse: Compost
When you compost, you don’t throw away leaves, grass clippings, and food scraps. Instead, you put them in a pile or bin and they will make a fertilizer for your plants.

16. Composting: Learn More!
Click here to learn more about composting:

17. Composting: Learn More!
Learn more about Composting at the Fullerton Arboretum:
Saturday, June 09, Home Composting Workshop I - Saturday, June 9 10:00 am – 11:30 am, at the Fullerton Arboretum.
Learn how to start your own home composting system.
Bleachers, $5/members, $7/person,. Free to residents of sponsoring cities: Brea, Buena Park, Fullerton, Orange and Santa Ana with proof of residency.
Space is limited, call to reserve space: (714) , press 0.
Click here to visit the Fullerton Arboretum’s website:

18. Recycle Recycle = cycle again.
Recycled material, such as glass or paper, can make new products instead of filling up landfills
What can you recycle?
Newspapers
Glass bottles
Plastic bottles
Aluminum cans
Click below to find out where to recycle:
Earth 911

19. Recycle Pre-cycle: buy food in recyclable containers, like:
Cardboard boxes
Glass jars
Plastic jugs
Do not buy food in non-recyclable, non-biodegradable containers, like:
styrofoam

20. Know how to Recycle in your Community
BUY PRODUCTS IN CONTAINERS THAT YOU KNOW YOU WILL BE ABLE TO RECYCLE
Each city is different.
For more information, see “Recycling Fact Sheet” for your city.
Check the Earth 911 Reuse and Recycling Services listings to see what types of containers/packaging you should look for in your community.
Click here to find out more about recycling:

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

22. 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
100 ways to save water

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

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

25. Use Less Energy Turn your refrigerator down.
Wash clothes in warm or cold.
Run the dishwasher only when full.
Use compact fluorescent light bulbs.
Set your thermostat to 68 in winter, 78 in summer.
See Energy Conservation Fact Sheet for more information.

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

27. Solutions Don’t put hazardous waste into the trash.
Don’t pour chemicals down the sink or into the street sewer.
Never wash your driveway or patio with a water hose. Sweep it up instead.

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

29. 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

30. 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.

31. 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.

32. 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

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