Short paragraphs about various topics discussing environmental issues and animal habitats. Updated as I research different topics.
Animal shelters
There are so many animal shelters around the world. Around a year ago I collected dog toys, treats, bones, etc. I then donated all of these to an ASPCA animal shelter. It was such a fun experience seeing the dogs and knowing the dogs were going to be happy with new toys and treats.
It is important to give back to the community. Many animals that live in shelters were living on the streets and mistreated by their previous owners. Although the animals are safe and fed in animal shelters, they deserve a real home. Shelters rely on volunteers to take care of play and walk the dogs, people to donate toys, and for people to adopt dogs.
The shelter I visited had many Pitbulls, they were all so sweet and I go to feed and pet them. Pitbulls have a bad reputation for attacking and hurting people, but the truth is that not all Pitbulls are like that. I am happy the Pitbulls were being taken care of and someone was adopting one while I was there! I bought a pitbull T-shirt to raise awareness that they are loving, kind, and sweet.
There are so many animal shelters in the world not only for dogs but for other animals. If you are thinking of getting a pet I advise you to get the animals from a shelter so they get a second chance and a happier life.
(2019)Written using sources from National Geographic and Spectrum Science.
RECYCLING
Recycling is important because it will benefit the environment as well as many species. Recycling is when certain materials can be broken down and made into new materials. Recycling creates less pollution than creating new materials and decomposing trash. When factories create new materials vehicles need to travel far distances to ship it or collect them. These vehicles create unnecessary pollution that contributes to Global climate change. Also as trash decomposes in landfills it releases greenhouse gasses and vehicles need to ship the trash there which make even more pollution. In addition, trash harms many species due to them mistaking it as food or shelter. Reducing your pollution, trash, and carbon is essential to stopping Global Climate change.
(2019)Written using sources from National Geographic and Spectrum Science.
ANIMAL HABITAT DESTRUCTION
Many animal’s habitats are getting destroyed because of human actions. Because humans contaminate forests, mine, produce carbon dioxide, waste water, and clear land for farmers. Mining damages animals habitats. In machinery, there is an essential mineral we need from it to work, sadly to get these minerals we must mine. This material is in African habitats were gorillas and chimpanzees live the mining destroys their habitat. Also, rainforest are getting destroyed to make room to paint trees that produce palm oil that is used in many products. Try to buy face, hair, and body products without palm oil. Because of homes, vehicles, and, trash huge quantities of greenhouse gasses get released into the atmosphere. This contributes to natural disasters having more frequently. When you use too much water it affects the habitat because it takes water from lakes and rivers. Moving water through pipes take energy and produces carbon dioxide which affects the whole ecosystem. Animals lose their habitat because land is cleared for farmers and factories. Animals’ habitat is a delicate system one small change can affect everyone.
(2019)Written using sources from National Geographic and Spectrum Science.
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate Change is affecting the whole world. Climate Change is when heat from the sun gets trapped in our atmosphere instead of reflected back to space. This happens because of Greenhouse Gasses. When heat stays in the atmosphere it creates many disasters. The server heat the glaciers to melt resulting in sea levels rising which results in coastal areas not being safe. Stronger storms will occur which will result in more habitats, houses, and buildings getting destroyed it will be costly to fix the damage. Global climate change does not only make the world warmer but brings severe and harsh droughts, hurricanes, and different wind patterns. Also because of Climate Change numerous animals will be affected and according to Spectrum science “The proper balance of chemicals and heat allow the organisms to stay healthy.” If human activity starts to change the climate of the world animals will be in danger and they can not adapt to the new climate. There are hundreds of species that are terribly affected by climate change these are just some of them; Monarch Butterfly, kiwi, Coral, Red-Cheeked Salamander, and the Koala. Greenhouse Gases are produced by humans. Vehicles produce carbon dioxide with one Greenhouse Gas when they burn oil. Electric cars still produce carbon dioxide because it takes oil or fossil fuels to create energy. Trach produces methane and carbon dioxide when it rots which contributes to Global Climate Change. When you have your heat on, AC, electronics, and stoves on this produce greenhouse gasses as well. Every action we take will either make the world a healthy place or step toward damaging the planet.
(2019)Written using sources from National Geographic and Spectrum Science.
DECLINING BIODIVERSITY
Animals depend on each other in such a unique way this is the ecosystem and it is a fragile thing. If one species goes extinct it will affect the whole ecosystem. Say no to circuses and zoos because they take animals that were either born in captivity or taken from the wild which affects the animal population. Animal reserves are places where animals are taken to help them get better then they get released back to the wild. Don’t plant invasive and non-native species because they will affect the nature already living there. Animals that are use to being fed by people will become dependable and slowly lose the ability to survive alone. This than travel through the genes to later populations, domestic animals,. People should not by shells or materials that came from the sea because animals depend on it. Such as shells, seaweed, sea stars, sand, etc. can be used as food and shelter. Because of humans actions, pollution getting released into the atmosphere, and poaching, damage biodiversity. According to national geographic “About 25 percent of the medicines used today are taken from or modeled on chemicals found in plants, animals, or other living things.” If we continue to destroy biodiversity over time we will have to rely on a different method to receive medicine this way may be less evident and effective. Be aware of your actions and the importance of keeping nature safe.
(2019)Written using sources from National Geographic and Spectrum Science.
WATER
Water is important to all living systems and just 1 percent of our freshwater is easily accessible water this is the water we have to go around. People that have access to fresh running water take it for granted and waste a lot of it. They ways water is waste water by leaving it running when it is not being used this can quickly pile up a become gallons of water in just madders of minutes. Talking unnecessarily long daily showers and baths try taking five-minute showers every other day to use less water. Having many dishes to wash by hand or by machine, try to use some dishes twice so there is fewer dishes to wash. Also, don’t use a product that has plastic microbeads because they end up in the ocean where animals digest it and this harms them incredibly. Citizen in developing countries don’t have to money and access to clean fresh water they have to rely on infected unhealthy water from streams. Because of pollution rainwater is acidic and not the most beneficial water to drink on a regular base. Because it takes up the energy to bring water to the housing using less water will create less pollution and give an obituary for developing countries to have a chance to get some water from other countries. Using less water will help the environment.
(2019) Written using sources from National Geographic and Spectrum Science.
THE OCEAN
Trash ends up in the ocean because of humans and this causes harm to the life living there. When people go to the beach they usually bring food/food wrappers and toys, but the object usually ends up in the ocean either because people forgot or they did not care to pick it up. People should pick up after themselves and not leave their positions on the beach because the waves and currents carry it away. The currents pull the trash together this is how the Great Pacific garbage patch was formed. As objects in the ocean and the Great Pacific garbage patch break down some of them will turn to tinny microbeads which is extremely small pieces of plastic when animals digest this it gets into their systems and kills them. When you go and purchase fish and other seafood you might digest parts of plastic, also when you go to the beach you should always pick up any trash you find so it doesn’t interfere with the wildlife in the ocean and on land. Donate to organizations that go out to sea and collect trash and donate your time and effort. Trash does not belong in the oceans because it harms humans and wildlife.
(2019) Written using sources from National Geographic and Spectrum Science.
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
Every head of reducing, reusing, recycle, these are simple steps you can take to help benefit the Earth. First, reduce the amount of water, trash, and things you own. It takes energy/oil to bring water, light, and heat to homes so don’t leave lights on, water running, and heat on when you are no home. Trash impacts the Earth a lot because it harms animals and releases harmful greenhouse gasses so the less trash you produce the smaller your carbon footprint will be. Don’t purchase not needed materials because all your possessions will eventually end up in the trash. Next reuse, reuse materials instead of using them once. Don’t use one use paper plates because they just end up in the trash/recycling use reusable plates. Reuse water bottles because oil is needed to make plastic water bottles. Also, Reuse most materials you own. Don’t buy a product you know you already have and buy each product thoughtfully. When you are shopping bring reusable bags and don’t order online because of more pacing in need and more vehicles. Always keep reduce, reuse, and recycle, in mind and you will help the Earth.
Written by Zara