Call to Action
Incorrectly disposing of waste can cause the waste to rot, smell or generate methane gas which is explosive and contributes to the greenhouse effect. Improper waste disposal can also cause pollution, attract vermin or cause litter. Incinerating waste is also a problem because the gases produced can cause air pollution, while the ash from incinerators may contain toxins like heavy metals. To reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal, it is important to develop certain habits in order to properly discard of items while protecting your environment and keeping it safe. The environment also provides us with many natural resources, and we use them at a faster rate that they are being generated, meaning that we are depleting many vital resources. Using up resources like fuel also contributes to the greenhouse effect. So, we must conserve resources and dispose of our things properly to ensure that we survive and thrive along with our environment.
My Action Checklist
Once you have completed an action, click it to check it off your list.
- Step 1 Reduce, reuse and recycle, and limit what you throw away.
- Step 2 Shop wisely; buy less plastic and use a reusable shopping bag.
- Step 3 Volunteer for cleanups.
- Step 4 Conserve water and electricity.
- Step 5 Educate others about the value and importance of natural resources.
- Step 6 Plant a tree.
- Step 7 Don’t send chemicals into our waterways; use non toxic chemicals at home and in the office.
- Step 8 Conserve fuel by driving less and using alternative transportation methods as much as possible.
- Step 9 Choose sustainable; learn how to make smart seafood choices at www.fishwatch.gov.