1. Exploring Issues in the Environment 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?v=svPtQcTDjVo

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 people’s 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. 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. List what’s in the pictures that can be potentially harmful to the environment