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Teens Going Green
Today's teens are more wired up, plugged in, worldly and savvy than ever. Many care
deeply about the threats facing our environment, and are committed to making a difference. But
it's not always easy to know exactly what to do to help our planet.
One easy way to get started is by turning your computer off when you're fi nished
working, surfi ng, or IMing. You'll save an average of $90 worth of electricity per year. And if
you want to save even more, unplug your computer or fl ip the switch on a surge protector to
stop the "phantom load" problem. Once you're done turning off your computer, be sure to turn
off the lights behind you.
Something else to consider is catching the school bus. Even though many teens today
can't wait to drive, the National Academies of Science and Engineering says that buses are not
only a lot safer, they are also more fuel effi cient than cars, saving gas and lowering emissions
that cause global warming. And, if you live close enough to your destination, try walking or
biking. It's not only healthy for the environment; it's healthy for you, too!
What about meat consumption? How many burgers do you eat in one week? Do you
know that it takes 4.8 pounds of grain (fed to cattle) to produce one pound of ground beef?
Do you know how many hungry people can be fed with 4.8 pounds of grain? It takes 2,500 to
6,000 pounds of water to produce one pound of meat, but one pound of wheat can be grown
with 60 pounds of water. Making small cutbacks (maybe one day per week) is not only better
for our planet; it's better for your body.
And speaking of water, instead of buying bottled water, get a refi ll. Less than 20 percent
of those single-use containers make it to the recycling bin. Get a cool metal bottle instead and
fi ll it up when you're thirsty. In a matter of days, you'll have a few extra dollars in your pocket
and in the process, cut down on waste.
There are many, many ways to help Mother Nature but one really good way is to earn
great grades. Mother Nature needs smart people to help protect her. Sure, you've heard it a
million times before: it pays to stay in school. Here's one more reason: human population and
consumption rates continue to swell, while habitat for wildlife shrinks. Global warming, ozone
damage and acid rain are scary stuff. Humankind can right a lot of our wrongs and invent new
technology to live lighter on the Earth, but it will take a lot of smarts.
From home and garden to food and health to tech and transportation, there are tons of
ways we can make our lives greener, all we have to do is try.
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Teens Going Green
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