Exploring Issues in the Environment

1
Exploring Issues in the Environment
Chapter 33
Lessons 1-3
6th Graders Ages 11-12
Taylor Bennett, Stacy Diamond, Fetrisha Faqeeri,
Alysen Greenleaf, Heather Hodges Ashlee Wilken
2
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

3
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

4
Air Pollution

• Asbestos
• Mineral occurring in the form of fiber
• Has been linked to lung cancer, especially in
  people who smoke

5
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

6
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

7
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

8
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

9
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

10
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.

11
Ecological Footprint Homework
www.earthday.net/footprint/index.asp
12
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

13
Deforestation Video

• http//youtube.com/watch?vsvPtQcTDjVo

14
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 peoples health

15
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.

16
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

17
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

18
Recycling

• Recycling the treating of waste so that it can
  be reused
• Saves
• Energy
• Resources

19
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

20
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.

21
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

22
How Many Ways Can You Use This Item???

• 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!

23
Whats Wrong With This Scene??
List whats in the pictures that can be
potentially harmful to the environment
24
Quick Recap
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And now its your turn to save the earth!!