Illustrations by Ali Mac

STANDARDS

Common Core: RH.6-8.1, RH.6-8.4, RH.6-8.7, WHST.6-8.4, RI.6-8.1, RI.6-8.4, RI.6-8.7, W.6-8.4, SL.6-8.1

NCSS: People, Places, and Environments • Science, Technology, and Society • Civic Ideals and Practices

POWER DOWN: Much of the electricity in our homes is generated by coal, oil, and gas. Use less by switching to energy-efficient light bulbs and turning lights off when you leave a room. 

REDUCE FOOD WASTE: When food rots in a landfill, it releases methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. So encourage your family to eat everything in the fridge—and compost the leftovers.

TRAVEL THOUGHTFULLY: Whenever possible, walk, bike, or take public transportation instead of driving to help curb emissions and air pollution. Carpooling is another great option!

SHOP SMART: Aim to buy products from businesses that are committed to protecting the environment. You can also post on social media to encourage companies to use resources responsibly.

EAT YOUR VEGGIES: Producing meat and dairy generally requires more water and other resources than plant-based foods. So try to eat less meat and dairy and more fruits and vegetables. 

SPEAK UP: Urge your friends and family to join you in taking action against climate change. Use social media to call on local, state, and national leaders to act now.

REUSE IT: Everything we buy requires energy to make. So try to shop secondhand, opt for reusable versus single-use items (such as water bottles), and recycle what you no longer need.

SKILL SPOTLIGHT: Civic Engagement

Choose one of these ideas or come up with your own way to support the environment in your community. Make a list of steps you’ll take to achieve that goal. Then decide how and when you’ll measure your progress.

compost

(v) to collect natural waste—such as leaves, grass, eggshells, and scraps of fruits and vegetables—and turn it into a mixture that can be used to help plants grow

 

Our school’s environmental club started composting leftovers from school lunches to be used as fertilizer at local gardens.

emissions

(n) amounts of gas, heat, or light that something gives off or sends out

 

Emissions from cars are a major source of air pollution.

greenhouse gas

(n) a gas that warms the atmosphere by trapping the sun’s heat close to Earth’s surface

 

Power plants that burn coal produce greenhouse gases.

climate change

(n) a long-term change in Earth’s typical weather conditions—resulting in warmer average global temperatures, rising sea levels, and more extreme weather events—largely as the result of human activities

 

Most scientists think climate change is increasing the risk of wildfires, droughts, and more powerful storms.

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