Here are some of our members' thoughts

SilentLover0224
I was standing at my bus stop waiting for school, and a boy came over eating his pudding cup. When he was done he threw it in the grass, and I yelled at him. There was a TRASH BIN on our BUS! This fool was littering! I hated every minute of it. I picked it up and threw it away, and I had a hard time talking to this guy after...

amaryllisALL

Pollution is such a big problem. It is sad that not many people do much about it. I try to pick up the trash whenever I can though to do my part.

Facts about Pollution

1. Pollution is one of the biggest global killers, affecting over 100 million people. That's comparable to global diseases like malaria and HIV.

2. Cleanups can save animals' lives and discourage people from littering in the future. 

3. In 1975, the National Academy of Sciences estimated that ocean-based sources, such as cargo ships and cruise liners had dumped 14 billion pounds of garbage into the ocean.

4. Over 1 million seabirds and 100,000 sea mammals are killed by pollution every year.

5. People who live in places with high levels of air pollutants have a 20% higher risk of death from lung cancer than people who live in less-polluted areas.

6. The Mississippi River carries an estimated 1.5 million metric tons of nitrogen pollution into the Gulf of Mexico each year, creating a "dead zone" in the Gulf each summer about the size of New Jersey.

7. Approximately 40% of the lakes in America are too polluted for fishing, aquatic life, or swimming. (I am truly sorry if you are an american and you see this, but this is true)

8. Americans make up an estimated 5% of the world's population. However, the US uses 25% of the world's resources - burning up nearly 25% of the coal, 26% of the oil, and 27% of the world's natural gas. (I am truly sorry if you are an american and you see this, but this is true)

9. Each year 1.2 trillion gallons of untreated sewage, stormwater, and industrial waste are dumped into US water.(I am truly sorry if you are an american and you see this, but this is true)

10. While children make up 10% of the world's population, over 40% of the global burden of disease falls on them. More than 3 million children under age five die annually from environmental factors.

More about Pollution

::: Causes of Pollution :::

1. Vehicle Exhaust Fumes - 

In city environments, the leading source of air pollution is vehicle exhaust fumes. This is because they release very high amounts of carbon monoxide. The largest pollutant in the U.S. is carbon monoxide.

In the US alone, there are millions of vehicles being operated every day.

While it might not seem like much, you can help by choosing to take other means of transportation when possible. Walking or biking are both great forms of exercise and don't contribute to air pollution. Taking public transportation is making is so much less exhaust fumes are being released into the atmosphere.

It can feel silly to sacrifice your own comfort for what seems like an immeasurable dent in managing air pollution. Realistically, though, if more and more people were able to drive less, it could make a real difference.

2. Fossil Fuel-Based Power Plants - 

During the burning process of fossil fuels, chemicals such as sulfur dioxide are released. They travel straight into the atmosphere, react with water molecules, and create acid rain.

The air pollution from coal-fired power plants specifically with neurological problems, heart and lung ailments, cancer, and asthma, as well as other severe public health and environmental impacts.

This is why there is such an interest in exploring alternative sources of energy like nuclear, wind, and solar.

There is also a growing movement of individuals living in houses off-grid. This means that they produce their own power and don't rely on the central power grid. While this can be a major lifestyle shift, it has become increasingly appealing to a number of people for a wide variety of reasons.

3. Exhaust from Industrial Factories and Plants - 

One of the most impactful ways that air pollution is caused by businesses is through factory exhaust. Industrial plants are operating tons of heavy machinery that is emitting pollutants out into the air. This is not just a problem in the U.S., but basically all across the world, anywhere where there is industry.

Carbon dioxide is released out into the atmosphere due to burning fossil fuels. More than 50% of the greenhouse gases are due to industry and electrical generating factories.

4. Agricultural and Construction Activities - 

When you think of farms, you probably think of a sweet, pastoral scene with some cows and some veggies.

In reality, industrial agriculture is big business, utlizing gas-guzzling and air polluting heavy machinery. Additionally, there are other by products of agriculture and construction. Ammonia is often a by-product of farming operations and construction produces a lot of dust and particle waste. experts Searose Environmental state that dust and particle pollution is one of construction industries waste by products, that if not controlled gets released into the environment and air. Pesticides and fertilizers are also responsible for putting a lot of really gross chemicals in the atmosphere.

5. Natural Causes - 

It's common for us to take the weight of air pollution entirely on our shoulders as humans. We expect that if we were just better, there wouldn't be any pollution in the air.

Actually, though, mother nature plays a reasonably sized role in it herself. Forest fires, volcanoes, and dust storms across the world all contribute to the amount of air pollution in the environment.

Ways you can Help

1. Using public transports

2. Turn off the lights when not in use

3. Recycle and Reuse (Remember: Don't lose it, reuse it!)

4. No to plastic bags

5. Reduction of forest fires and smoking

6. Use of fans instead of Air Conditioner

7. Use filters for chimneys

8. Avoid usage of crackers

9. Throw your garbage and waste in the trash can

10. Pick up the garbage you see

Pictures

Creations using garbage

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