Chapter 14: Lesson 14.2 Pollution Prevention and Greener Living

Society’s Actions to Protect the Environment

and governments have passed laws to promote a safe environment. The (EPA) is the federal government agency that sets rules and regulations to protect people’s health and the environment in the (Figure 14.14). These rules put into practice laws passed by . They are based on scientific research.

States have their own laws aimed at protecting the environment. Each state has with power to enforce those laws.

Clean Air Act The is a federal law that regulates levels to protect people’s health. This law sets specific limits on the amounts and types of pollution that power plants can release into the air. It also regulates the amounts and types of pollution produced by motor vehicles. This law has had a major impact on reducing air pollution.

The EPA works with state and local agencies to create a measure of air pollution. This measure is called the (AQI). The AQI tells you about five major air pollutants (Figure 14.15). Large cities are required to report the AQI every day. Many smaller communities do as well. This index is available on the or through a free e-mail or app.People can use the AQI to protect themselves. If air pollution is high in an area one day, people can spend more time inside. This is especially important for people with . If air pollution levels are high, stay indoors during the afternoon. This is when are typically the highest.

Safe Drinking Water Act

The Act requires that drinking water is tested for more than pollutants. This testing includes , such as . It also includes pollutants that could spread diseases, such as and . Water systems are continually tested to make sure they meet safe standards.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act provides rules and regulations about . For example, some chemicals can cause harm if they are simply dumped in the trash. Some trash contains . If those chemicals are not in a special container, they can into the ground or water (Figure 14.16). There are now specific rules about disposing of such waste.

Land Revitalization Program

Sometimes land contains that can hurt people’s health. These areas that contain hazardous waste are called . A brownfield site may be the site of an old factory or gas station. The EPA’s cleans up potentially contaminated land so that it is safe to use. This process removes any polluting substances and creates more usable land.

Celebrate Earth Day

People around the world celebrate on April 22 each year. Earth Day events are held to demonstrate support for and taking care of the planet. Join an Earth Day celebration in your school or community—or start your own. You can find lots of ideas for activities to do in support of Earth Day online.

The Environmental Protection Hierarchy

The has created a graphic called the environmental protection hierarchy. It shows ways of protecting the environment. The higher up in the hierarchy, the better the approach (Figure 14.17).

Source Reduction

The best strategy for protecting the environment is to reduce . This eliminates the source, or cause, of . For example, many people buy bottled water and then throw out the plastic container. Instead, they could buy a reusable bottle and refill it. This approach would reduce the amount of plastic thrown away. Very simple strategies, such as turning off the lights when leaving a room and turning off the water when , reduce the amount of energy used.

Reducing the use of is another way to help the environment. These energy sources are called and were formed a very long time ago, when dinosaurs lived on Earth. Burning these fuels releases gases and particulate matter into the air. Many scientists also believe that they contribute to climate change. Driving electric or hybrid cars, for example, can reduce the amount of exhaust from fossil fuels.

Alternative sources of electric energy such as , wind power, and water power help as well. These sources of energy come from resources that do not run out, such as . These types of energy are called renewable energy (Figure 14.18). People can use as much energy as possible from these sources and never run out. Another advantage about this type of energy is that it does not cause pollution. That is why this type of energy is sometimes called . The more people can use renewable energy sources, the more they protect the environment.

Another way of is to take care of your belongings, such as clothes and electronics, so they last longer. Buy used clothes or books instead of new ones. Shop at thrift stores, garage sales, and flea markets to save money and protect the environment at the same time. All of these strategies

Reusing and Recycling

The next best approach to is to reuse and recycle items you use, instead of just throwing them away. Reusing products means they do not have to be thrown away or recycled. For example, instead of using a new plastic bag and throwing it away every time you go shopping, carry a . Buy rechargeable batteries, which you can reuse. When you are done using something, donate it so someone else can use it, too. For example, you could donate clothes you have outgrown to a local homeless shelter, thrift store, or charitable organization.

is a process in which used materials are turned into new products. This reduces the amount of trash sent to . Recycling conserves natural resources and saves energy. Recycling also helps limit the burning of fossil fuels, which contributes to climate change. Many items people use every day are recyclable. For example, newspapers and magazines, , glass bottles, and are all recyclable (Figure 14.19).

Certain types of products need to be in particular ways to protect the environment. These include electronics, such as televisions and computers, and appliances, such as microwaves and . These products can contain dangerous substances. It is important to recycle these products properly so that these substances do not . Many towns have special days these products can be dropped off for recycling. Some stores also collect these products for recycling.

Treatment

The next step in the hierarchy is substances that may be . This approach uses processes that make the substance less dangerous. For example, sewage is treated in plants to avoid the harmful effects of human waste entering the environment.

Disposal

Some products contain , and therefore are not able to be treated or recycled. These products need to be disposed of very carefully to avoid the environment. They cannot simply be placed in a trash can and then dumped in a landfill (Figure 14.20). Most provide specific instructions on how to carefully dispose of these products.

Greener Living

“Green” living means living in a way that protects the It involves limiting or preventing actions that pollute and conserving resources. One goal of is to make choices that create sustainability, or actions that maintain the natural resources in the environment.

When people make responsible choices about using and , they help protect Earth so that these natural resources can last for many, many years (Figure 14.21). For example, is a way of growing plants that reduces any negative impact on the environment. It includes actions such as avoiding the use of chemicals that can pollute the soil and capturing rain to water plants.

Use Less Energy

Making small changes in your behavior can help and conserve natural resources. Following are some simple strategies for using less energy at home:

• door as soon as you select what you need.

• Use light bulbs that run on (Figure 14.22).

• Turn off lights when leaving a room.

• Use as as possible to heat and cool your home. Set the thermostat a bit higher in the summer and a bit lower in the winter to reduce the amount of energy used.

• and windows shut when heating or cooling your home.

• Buy products. You can look for the Energy Star symbol to choose products that have energy efficiency. This symbol appears on products that use smaller amounts of energy. These products save people money over time because they require less energy to run. They also reduce energy use, which saves energy and reduces pollution. The symbol is given to various products that use electricity, including computers and fans. It is also given to new buildings that meet standards for lower energy use.

Buy Green Products

Another approach to green living is to make . Green products are goods that have a less harmful impact on the environment than traditional products. could include any of the following features:

• made of

• obtained from local stores or farms, was needed to transport them (Figure 14.23)

• made without

• , or able to break down without causing harm when thrown out

Reduce Food Waste

Another way to live greener is to reduce the . Every year, Americans throw away more than . This includes food that has spoiled, but it also includes leftovers people just do not finish. Most of this food ends up in . Being more mindful about your food choices can help reduce food waste and save money. You can reduce food waste in the following ways:

• Only buy as much food as you expect to eat.

• so that it stays fresh longer.

• Have a “leftovers night” each week.

• When eating out, you do not finish to avoid it being thrown away.

Plant a Tree

is a pretty simple way to protect the environment (Figure 14.24). Trees beautify surroundings and provide shade. The provide can make a home cooler and reduce the demand for air-conditioning. Trees also absorb carbon dioxide and other gases (including and ) from the air, and release oxygen into the air. This helps air quality. Trees also help the environment by holding water in the soil, preventing it from running off.

Be Green Away from Home

There are many ways people can be green at school or work. is one approach. Instead of buying new notebooks, pens, and other supplies each new school year, reuse supplies from the previous year. If buying new items, look for those made from . Office workers can use paper that is no longer needed as note paper.

People can make in the school or workplace cafeteria. Following are some easy ways to make environmentally friendly choices:

• If you from home, use reusable containers instead of disposable ones.

• Bring drinks in a thermos or safe reusable water bottle.

• If you bring cans or bottles to school or work, .

• If you buy lunch, take only what you need. Extra napkins and ketchup packages simply add extra waste.

• Some schools have a composting program to help reduce the amount of food waste. involves gathering food scraps and organic waste into a bin and letting it decompose and then adding it to soil to help plants grow (Figure 14.25). If your school has this type of program, make sure to dispose of your food scraps properly so they are composted and not just thrown away. If your school does not have this type of program, maybe you could work with friends to start one.

Many people do not understand how their choices impact the environment, and how even small changes can help protect the planet. Educating people in your school or community about the benefits of reducing energy consumption can help protect the environment and improve overall health in your community (Figure 14.26).

Be Green on the Road

You can reduce and pollution by making greener choices when you travel. For example, walking or biking to school is a greener choice than riding in a car. For longer distances, try to use , such as a , , or . These forms of transportation take many people and use much than if people drove their own car.

Drivers can also make to help protect the . One way drivers can help the environment is to buy cars. Cars can differ a lot in how much gas they use. Cars with a high miles-per-gallon (MPG) use less gas than those with a low MPG. A car costs less to drive and . Although most cars run on gasoline, some newer cars use different forms of energy that are better for the environment. do not use any gas and do not produce exhaust. Of course, they do use some energy—the needed to recharge their batteries. cars are powered with both and . Driving these cars may save money because less money is spent buying gas.