Montiel
Period.6
4/8/11
Mr. Maria Carter
Problem/ Solution Essay
Environmental damage is one of the biggest problems the world faces today. It is an issue
that troubles us economically, physically and everyday of our lives. Many factors; such as, air
pollution, over consumption, and waste of energy, are present for why environmental pollution has
become such a large issue in the world. However, if the people of the world were to address the issue
it would definitely help the environment, its people and all organisms. There are many activities that
can be done by both the common citizen and the governments of the world, which could severally
improve the worlds environmental problem. if the current way the worlds environmental problem is
being handled continues, catastrophic consequences can follow for the future population.
Air pollution is one of the most worrying problems of our time. A major source of this is the
combustion of gasoline and other fuels in motor vehicles. Motor vehicles produce more air pollution
than any other single human activity. They produce the most common pollutant released in the air.
Pollutants and toxins, like: nitrogen oxides, gaseous hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide. These
chemicals are the cause for acid rain, smog, and also atmosphere degradation. Air pollution is also
triggered by CFCs, those of: aerosol sprays, pesticides, and coolants in refrigerators and air
conditioners. The depletion of ozone will cause the amount of ultra- violet radiation on Earth to
increase. For this reason, crops and plants will die, and endanger the life of all living organisms.
If we don't act now to decrease the rate of air pollution, our future generations will pay the
consequences. Air pollution affects kids more than adults because, for their body size, kids breathe
more air and spend more time playing outside. Your home and office can actually contribute to the
greenhouse effect. Energy used in everyday activities -- turning on electrical appliances, driving cars,
and heating and cooling our homes -- is responsible for air pollution that contributes to climate
change. You can cut down on pollution by simply making sure your computer settings are optimized,
so they go into sleep mode when you're away from your desk; or when your computer necessary, shut
it down. You can also use public transportation. One full commuter bus can mean 40 less cars going
through your neighborhood. If you stop driving in your car selfishly, you will make a huge impact.
Finally, don't use air conditioners; reduce dependence on central air conditioning with fans and open
windows when possible. By doing so you will contribute to prevent ozone depletion.
The leading of global disaster is over consumption, which is exacerbated by Earth's massive
population. Landfills in today's society are our cheapest solution to ridding the land of everyday
waste. However, it provides substantial dangers to our environment. landfills release toxic chemicals,
such as methane, that creep into the ecosystem as the garbage decomposes. These harmful chemicals
leak into the ground, threatening the water supply, and also evaporate in the air. Additionally,
processing this garbage emits carbon, which has been scientifically linked to the depletion of the
ozone layer and global warming. Most of the things thrown in landfills are non-biodegradable, and
will stay there for hundreds of years. A study found that newspapers thrown away 30 years ago and
recovered are still able to be read today. is This possible because even biodegradable items can't
breakdown since they are buried under mounds of rubber.
Reducing, reusing and recycling materials will lower the disastrous effects of over
consumption. One of the biggest problems about landfills is that they're running out at a rate of one a
day. There is so much garbage in the world, that a landfill in New York can be seen from space.
Maria Montiel
Period.6
4/8/11
Mr. Carter
Donate reusable items to your charities instead of tossing them away. Recycle at your home, school,
or office, and make others contribute. Purchase recycled products, since it takes less energy and
creates less pollution to recycle many products than it does to make new ones from raw materials.
Don't subscribe to magazines or catalogues. You can reduce waste and pollution, and free some space
in your mailbox, with a minimum of effort. Landfills are destroying environments and damaging the
organisms living there. By simply avoiding throwing out perfectly useful things, we help fix the over
consumption issue.
Our houses leak, our light bulbs produce more heat than illumination, our big screen TV sets
draw power when they are turned off, and thats just the start of it. Energy is primarily provided from
fossil fuel sources. Wasting energy results in unnecessary depletion of these fossil fuels. Use of
energy from fossil fuels results in emission of Carbon Dioxide a greenhouse gas, this contributes to
global warming with the consequent effects of climate change. Approximately forty percent of total
carbon emissions are produced from our homes. There is also a financial penalty to wasting energy.
After a period where energy prices have been relatively low changes to the way energy is used and
supplied, together with gas prices increasingly being linked to oil prices have seen large increases in
gas and electricity costs.
Without making unpleasant personal sacrifices or drastic lifestyle changes we can help
contribute to preventing more global warming and help reverse the changes that have already
occurred by conserving energy. One simple solution is to unplug all appliances, lamps, etc. that you
are not using, as any electrical item pulls a small amount of electricity even when not in active use.
This includes DVD players, televisions and radios. Replace old light bulbs with energy saving
fluorescent bulbs. They may cost more, but will save you much more in the long run. Also, open your
blinds or curtains on sunny days to let the sun into your home, instead of keeping your light on.
There are many alternatives to power electricity, for instance, solar panels. Solar panels are a series
of mirrors that transform sunlight into solar energy. Solar energy can help heat water and power
home appliances. Solar energy is a great source of clean, non-polluting energy.
We can help, over the last twenty to thirty years we have been trying everything in our power
to conserve energy and natural resources, many plans have been developed as to what should be done
all of which are very good ones. The problem with these plans is that not everyone contributes to the
efforts to reduce pollution and waste. It is the responsibility of every person in checking the causes
that affect the environmental disaster and play a positive role in improving it and these things have
also got to be mentioned. One must realize the importance of a healthy environment and that it is for
his/her own benefit to protect it and to take measures to make the world clean.