Protecting the Environment

The Earth is home to millions of living things — plants, animals, and people. All of them depend on clean land, water, and air to survive. But human actions can damage these environments, and it is up to all of us to protect them.

How humans harm the environment

• Litter — dropping trash outside harms animals that eat it or get tangled in it, and pollutes soil and water.
• Air pollution — smoke from cars and factories makes the air dirty and can harm the lungs of animals and people.
• Water pollution — chemicals and plastic dumped in rivers and oceans kill fish and other water creatures.
• Habitat loss — cutting down forests and building on wild land destroys the homes of animals and plants.
• Example: A plastic bag thrown in the ocean looks like a jellyfish to a sea turtle — and can kill it.

The three Rs

• Reduce — use less in the first place. Turn off lights. Use less water. Buy fewer things you do not need.
• Reuse — use things again instead of throwing them away. Bring a reusable water bottle. Turn old jars and boxes into something new.
• Recycle — sort your waste so glass, paper, plastic, and metal can be processed into new materials.

What you can do right now

• With a grown-up and gloves on, pick up litter and put it in the correct bin.
• Turn off faucets and lights when not in use.
• Use both sides of paper before recycling it.
• Plant a seed or care for a plant or garden.
• Walk or ride a bike instead of always going by car.