| 5.Hazardous Waste. This is garbage that is really bad stuff. It can make the air we breathe, the water we drink and the land we live on unsafe. In fact, we still don’t know everything about how dangerous certain garbage can be. We’re learning new things every day. But let’s be safe, not sorry. To protect our planet, please don’t throw items such as bleach, batteries, aerosol containers, antifreeze, gasoline, household cleaners, fluorescent bulbs, pesticides, oil, paint, paint thinner, or nail polish remover in to your trash can. This kind of waste can be dangerous. We don’t want it in the landfills because it can filter into the ground water, and we don’t want it burned because it can make the air we breathe unsafe. Here’s what we can do: Don't buy it! There are safe alternatives. But if you must, dispose of it where you can do so safely. Check out safe choices for household use. Call your local government for toxic waste control info. To help protect the air we breathe: 1. Keep all hazardous or toxic waste out of trash. 2. Recycle everything possible so there is less trash, and use recycled material as much as possible. 3. Write, or call your government leaders to be sure they know you support strong clean air laws. |
| 6. Can Trash Become Treasure? Well, not exactly. This planet would be much healthier with less trash (solid waste). But there are a few ways that trash can become valuable metal product,s like pop cans. Composting turns trash into great soil for growing, recycled pop bottles can become lumber, plastic, notebooks & more. |
Some of us live in neighborhoods that have great recycling programs with curbside pickups, with hazardous waste drop off sites, and more. But some of us live in areas that aren’t thinking “Earth,” and unbelievably, either aren’t using these programs or don’t have pollution control programs available. You can make a difference! Educate your neighbors and convince them to use these services. Talk to your city leaders and ask them to provide all that your neighborhood needs to protect our precious Earth.
All by ourselves there is so much we can all do to make this planet a healthier place to live, but joining together in groups makes our actions even stronger. Helping the Earth can even be fun! Joining Kids for Saving Earth Worldwide is one way kids can unite to protect the Earth (see membership form here, or call 763-559-1234).
Adults can help KSE kids, too. There are also good Earth-loving groups that adults can join for what we call "grassroots" action. Try Chec & Beyond Pesticides to help your health.