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Exploring Issues in the Environment
Taylor Bennett, Stacy Diamond, Fetrisha Faqeeri, Alysen Greenleaf, Heather Hodges & Ashlee Wilken
Air Pollution
Gases– Carbon monoxide-result from burning of most substances– Nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides-produced by the
burning of fossil fuels– Carbon dioxide-burning of petroleum, coal and other
fossil fuels– Hydrocarbons- produced when fossil fuels or turpentine
evaporate are completely burned
Air Pollution…
• Gases– Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)- refrigerants and propellants
in aerosol spray cans
• Particulates– Tiny particles suspended and carried through air
• Lead– Can poison kidneys, liver and nervous system– Also cause mental retardation in babies and young kids
Air Pollution…
• Asbestos– Mineral occurring in the
form of fiber– Has been linked to lung
cancer, especially in people who smoke
Water Pollution
• Result of the dumping of raw sewage or waste into rivers, lakes, and streams.
• What is dumped is often in large quantities too large to be biodegradable
• Biodegradable- able to be broken down by microorganisms in the environment
Water Pollution…
• Hazardous Chemicals– Pesticides and herbicides– Bleaches and detergents– Chlorine and phosphates– Polluted ground water that drains into
streams• Oil Spills– Petroleum & Crude Oil
Land
• Toxic Dumping– Billions of tons of solid waste are dumped,
burned, and buried in the US each year– Deposited in landfills or canyons
• Hazardous wastes– Any substances that are explosive, corrosive,
flammable, or toxic to human or other life forms
Problems with Toxic Dumping
1. Availabilities of landfill space – many landfills are at or nearing full capacity
2. Nature of the wastes themselves – wastes release gases and other toxins that seep into the soil
Nuclear Energy
• Industrialized nations that are poor in energy resources rely on nuclear power.
• Lead to a new problem – the disposal of a special form of hazardous wastes called nuclear wastes
• Nuclear wastes – radioactive, extremely dangerous collection of materials
• Decay rates of some nuclear materials must be isolated for 10,000 years or more
Expansion and Development• Too many people
living in concentrated areas have dramatic impact on the land.
• Clearing land for growing masses is at the expense of wilderness and rain forests.
Ecological Footprint Homework
www.earthday.net/footprint/index.asp
Disappearing Forests
• Deforestation – destruction of forests
• Forests provide homes for plant and animals also control soil erosion, flooding, and sediment buildup in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs
• Without trees, precipitation decreases and region grows hotter and drier
Expanding Deserts
• Desertification -- the conversion of grasslands, rain-fed cropland, or irrigated cropland to desertlike conditions
• Has prompted a decrease in agricultural productivity
• Poses a threat to all people’s health
Getting Involved
• Conservationism – protection of the environment
• YOU can help conserve natural resources and reduce waste by being aware of environmental issues
• Conservation of water, energy, and natural resources and recycling are keys to future health.
What you can do at home!• Heating and Cooling– Keep doors and windows shut if air conditioning is on– Keep air conditioner at constant temperature– During cold weather, turn thermostat down at night
• Water– Wash clothes in warm or cold water– Fix leaky faucets– Never let hot water run unnecessarily
What you can do at home!
• Lighting– Use florescent bulbs – Use one higher-watt bulbs instead of two lower-watt
bulbs in a two bulb light fixture
• Cooking– Try and cook on the stove top rather than the oven– Be sure a gas stove has a blue flame in the pilot light
Recycling• Recycling – the treating of
waste so that it can be reused
• Saves – Energy– Resources
Guidelines for Recycling
• Aluminum – rinse cans and then crush to save space
• Cardboard – Flatten boxes then tie together• Clothing & household items – donate to an
organization• Glass – check to see if center takes clear, green
or brown glass. Rinse jars and bottles and remove caps and lids
Guidelines for Recycling…• Oil – take used oil to
service station for proper disposal
• Paper – reuse backs of envelopes and paper from junk mail. Reuse grocery bags and replace paper towels with rags.
Guidelines for Recycling…
• Tires – use old tires for play equipment, bumpers, or gardening containers
• Computer printer cartridges – recycle, contact manufacturer or refill cartridges at Walgreens
•4 groups•Plastic water bottle, plastic grocery bag, jam or jelly jar, and an old tee-shirt•Why is recycling important?•How long does it take to disintegrate?•5 minutes to come up with as many ways to use items•Discuss choices•2 extra bonus points for group that comes up with the most!
List what’s in the pictures that can be potentially harmful to the environment
