TRUTH TRUTH ISIS
TEENS TEENS
going goinggreen
BY PATRICA BOGARD
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“It’s getting hot in here…I’ll take off all my clothes…” Believe it or not, that’s probably what the Earth would be saying if it was 1) Human and 2) Could talk. Every where you go it seems more and more people are getting hip to the idea of going green. From Oprah to presidential campaigns, it seems everyone is talking about going green and being eco-friendly. While going green is definitely not changing your whole wardrobe to include only green clothing, it is being concerned about preservation, restoration, and improvement of the natural environment. When you go green not only do you help the environment, but you also help yourself! Pollution can cause health problems such as cancer, asthma, allergies, and also increases your risks of getting sick! Teens and students should beware because “This will be our world soon,” says Cassie Hatzgeld, an environmental specialist in Chicago.
6 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE
THE ISSUES: Pollution It’s not passing gas, but it’s the undesirable state of the natural environment being contaminated with harmful substances as a consequence of human activities. Myth: Pollution only comes from a car and litter. Truth: Pollution comes from a variety of things including cows who emit methane when they burp or pass gas. There are 6 different types of pollution including air, water, radioactive, soil, noise and thermal pollution.
Disappearance of Natural Resources The world is equipped with numerous amounts of natural resources, but in some cases there are only limited amounts. Myth: We can always make some more natural gas, coal, and oil, technology won’t allow them to fade away. Truth: It took millions of years to make natural gas, coal, and oil, and technology isn’t that advanced. Also, these items emit more CO2 in the atmosphere than anything else.
Global Warming Climate changes over time. It doesn’t necessarily mean it is always an increase in temperature. Myth: Global warming is limited only to air pollution. Truth: Global warming is affected by all types of pollution. Some people believe that it occurs naturally and has stages while others believe that its caused by pollution. One thing is for sure, the earth is heating up and ice caps will melt if there is nothing done!
How Can You Help
* Carpool * Use florescent light bulbs rather than the standard incandescent * Instead of turning up the heat, add layers. * Eat less meat. * Consume less. * Buy in bulk. * Avoid anti-bacterial soaps. * Buy used items. * Use and reuse items if possible. * Forget the bottled water.