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Keeping it hot GMO and Gluten Free this Valentine's Day.
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Top 10 List » how we chooseAcid RainAcid rain is caused by pollution released from factories and other manufacturing processes as well as many other pollutants. It can create acidification of lakes and cause damage to plants and wildlife. It also increases the rate of decay of buildings and other man-made items. Learn about the causes of acid rain, how to measure acid rain and what is currently being done to try to reduce the amount of acid rain in our environment.
Air PollutionLearn about the causes and effects of air pollution and a little about air pollution throughout history. Learn about some of the solutions to reducing pollution in our air, such as energy conservation techniques, using renewable sources of energy and improving overall energy efficiency in many different products. You may also want to read about improving indoor air quality. Chemical WasteWhen manufacturers release chemicals into the environment instead of disposing of them properly, it can cause any number of environmental health hazards. Although the Environmental Protection Agency monitors companies, sometimes mistakes happen or accidental spills occur. It is probably rare for intentional waste to be spilled, but that happens as well. You can also read aboutEnvironmental Hazardous Waste. Contamination of Marine HabitatsPollution of marine habitats can occur in any number of ways, including oil spills, trash dumped into the oceans and other chemical spills. Although debris is a big hazard to creatures of the sea, chemicals and other things dumped into waterways make their way to our oceans and cause even more trouble. Many animals have been saved from these dangerous habitats, but pollution continues to be a problem. DeforestationAlthough deforestation at first glance may not seem to be a big issue, the environmental impact can be huge. Many lumber companies have begun to replant trees in recent years to help stop the spread of this problem. However, the effects of deforestation can include soil erosion, changes in the water cycle, floods, droughts and is suspected to play a part in climate changes. DiseasesMany of the growing problems with diseases is thought to be related to pollution and environmental problems. Experts suspect that increased exposure to chemicals may cause breast cancer, severe allergies and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Studiessuch as those conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) show that changes must be made. Extinction of SpeciesMany of the other environmental problems listed seem to be contributing to mass species extinction. In addition to species that have already gone extinct, there are many species in danger such as Siberian Tigers and the Arakan Forest Turtle. Learn more about howpopulation growth is contributing to species extinction. Go to the news portal for regularly updated reports on species in danger. Global Climate ChangeOne of the utmost environmental problems facing our planet today is global climate change. Learn more about the basics of climate change, such as shifting weather patterns, melting polar icecaps and greenhouse warming. Learn more about what can be done about climate change. You'll even find some lesson plans and learning modules to help students learn more about this important topic. OverpopulationHuman overpopulation is causing many of the environmental problems we face today. More humans means more energy consumed, more trash produced and more areas developed. Learn more about the effects of overpopulation and what can be done to try to reverse the damage. You'll also find out what species are being most impacted by results of overpopulation. Water QualityOne impact of environmental pollutants, wastes and chemical spills is an overall reduction in the quality of water. Learn more aboutwhat water quality means and learn about ways to tell if your drinking water is safe. The USGS also offers material for schools to help children learn about water quality and how it can impact their lives and the community around them. |
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