How can we save Earth?

For thousands of years, people have used the earth’s land, water, and air. Also, people have also polluted the earth with their waste, harmful chemicals, and other poisons.

Now people all over the world are working to protect the earth. They are working to preserve land, stop pollution, save natural resources, and protect endangered wildlife. There are many ways to help the earth. You can help, too.

The Three R’s

How many things did you use today that were made from trees or plastic? How many of those things did you throw away? How many things did you use that required electricity?

Many things that people use are made from trees or plastic. For example, lots of paper and wooden products are made from trees. Many plastics are made from petroleum, coal, and natural gas. And the more we throw away plastic and paper, the more rubbish dumps are needed.

Many things that people use are powered by the earth’s natural resources, too. As we use electricity to run refrigerators and other products, minerals are needed to create that electricity.

Many people are worried that the earth’s resources are being used up and polluted. With these three R’s – reduce, reuse, and recycle – you can help preserve the earth’s resources.

Reduce

• Use fewer paper and plastic products. Use cloth towels instead of paper towels.
• Turn off the lights, radio, and TV when you’re not using them.
• Instead of running water until it’s cold, use ice cubes. Or keep a jug of cold water in the refrigerator.
• To save hot water, take showers instead of baths.
• If you have a dishwasher, don’t use it until you have a full load.
• Ride a bike, or take the bus or train to save on petrol and oil.

Reuse

• Wash out plastic milk bottles, plastic bags, and aluminium foil, and reuse them.
• Repair and reuse toys and other products.
• Save used paper and plastic to make gifts.
• Use both sides of writing paper.
• Sell or donate goods so someone else can reuse them.

Recycle

• Recycle aluminium cans, glass and plastic containers, newspapers, rubber items, and paper. Recycled materials are used to make new products.
• Use recycled paper to write, paint, and draw.