The+Environment+and+Related+Issues+-+Chitwood,+Hoover,+James,

Laura Chitwood, Sarah Hoover, Joshua James

The topic of the environment has always seemed to be an issue. However, it seems over the past several years the environment and its issues have become highly discussed and debated among many. Whether it is a former vice president discussing global warming or a celebrity asking others to become “green” or drive the newest electric or hybrid vehicle, many people are stepping up and stepping out to bring awareness to environmental issues.


 * Pollution**

There are many types of pollution. The most common are water, land, and air pollution. We see pollution in water as we visit our local beaches, lakes, and rivers. Water pollution is a common problem and it comes from many sources. Land pollution can be seen every day as you drive. This is a common problem that can be easily prevented in many ways. If citizens would put their trash in a garbage bin instead of throwing it out their car window, or dropping it on the ground as they are walking, a large majority of this problem could be solved. There are other issues related to land pollution that deal with landfills, earth erosion, etc., but these are some issues that may not ever be fixed. Although, we can all do our part by throwing our trash in proper locations. Air pollution is another major problem. Air pollution is most noticeable and seems to get the most attention in larger cities that deal with an overwhelming amount of people who drive vehicles. However, air pollution can be caused by many things, not just from toxins that come from cars. Trains, planes, and ships add to the problem. Many large factories also contribute to the problem of air pollution.

There are laws and policies put in place to try to help the issue of pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] (2012), gives a summary on their website of the Pollution Prevention Act: "The Pollution Prevention Act focused industry, government, and public attention on reducing the amount of pollution through cost-effective changes in production, operation, and raw materials use. Opportunities for source reduction are often not realized because of existing regulations, and the industrial resources required for compliance, focus on treatment and disposal. Source reduction is fundamentally different and more desirable than waste management or pollution control. Source reduction refers to practices that reduce hazardous substances from being released into the environment prior to recycling, treatment or disposal. The term includes equipment or technology modifications, process or procedure modifications, reformulation or redesign of products, substitution of raw materials, and improvements in housekeeping, maintenance, training, or inventory control. Pollution prevention includes practices that increase efficiency in the use of energy, water, or other natural resources, and protect our resource base through conservation."

Obviously, there are major action steps that need to be taken regarding pollution prevention. However, if we could all do a small part, we could see some changes. The EPA (2012) has developed a pollution prevention plan that they call P2. The plan states, “Pollution prevention (P2) is reducing or eliminating waste at the source by modifying production processes, promoting the use of non-toxic or less-toxic substances, implementing conservation techniques, and re-using materials rather than putting them into the waste stream. Since pollution prevention is a key policy in national environmental protection activities EPA has developed a 2010-2014 Pollution Prevention Program Strategic Plan. A number of Partnership Programs and other EPA initiatives utilize pollution prevention approaches in their work.” I think this simplifies the prevention act that is in place and simply asks us all to do our part by trying to conserve energy, use less, and recycle materials instead of creating waste. (The EPA’s 2010-2014 Pollution Prevention Program Strategic Plan can be seen at [].)

The book //Dinosaurs To The Rescue!: A Guide to Protecting Our Planet// by Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown (1992), although a little outdated, is a wonderful resource for students. This book shows how kids can help change the environment by contributing in small ways. The book takes the reader through a journey to help the environment. They do this by introducing the reader to ways they can contribute:
 * //Using Less//to help the environment:
 * o Use less water - taking quick showers, turning off the water while teeth brushing, use water saving facets, only run a full dishwasher, etc.
 * o Use less energy - turn off lights when not in use, turn off other electrical equipment i.e. fans, t.v., computer, radio, etc. when not in use, open a window for air instead of running a fan, etc.
 * o Use cars less - walk, ride a bike, car pool, etc.
 * o Use less paper - instead of using paper plates and cups use glass ones that can be cleaned and used again, take personal bags to the store to carry groceries in, for spills use towels or cloths that can be washed instead of paper towels, etc.
 * o Use less plastic - try snacks that don’t come in plastic i.e. bananas, apples, etc., choose larger packages of chips, etc., instead of small individual packs, take personal bags to the store to carry groceries in instead of carrying them home in plastic bags provided by the store, etc.
 * //Using Again//to help the environment:
 * o Some examples of things that can be used again for something different - milk cartons make great bird feeders, plastic containers make good storage boxes, tires make good swings, paper scraps make good cards, etc.
 * o Recycle - aluminum (soda cans, vegetable/fruit can), plastic (bags, bottles), glass (cups, bottles), paper (newspapers, school papers), cardboard (boxes).
 * //Give Back//to the environment:
 * o Pick up trash if you see it on the street and dispose of it in the correct place.
 * o Recycle materials that can be recycled.
 * o Conserve energy.
 * o Help animals by not catching or killing them.
 * o Plant a tree.
 * o Grow plants.


 * Conservation**

A second subtopic of the theme environment is conservation. Conservation is defined as a careful preservation and protection of something. As related to environment, this definition relates to natural resources and their management to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), conservation education “helps people of all ages understand and appreciate our country’s natural resources and how to conserve those resources for future generations” and “through structured educational experiences and activities…enables people to realize how natural resources and ecosystems affect each other and how resources can be used wisely.”

While the purpose of conservation education involves conserving resources for our future, it is important that the present is enforced, as well. Roth (2006) states, “Much of what we have taught as conservation or environmental education has been future oriented. This is not bad. However, in today’s world…we have to be able to demonstrate how conservation activity benefits people today.” Literature is a wonderful way for students to be immersed in this concept. They are more likely to connect on a greater level to information learned from a book presented about conservation now, rather than conservation in the future. The children’s book //Energy for the Future//, for example, discusses alternative sources of energy, such as biofuels and solar power, as it relates to the future in improving the global energy crisis and decelerating global warming. However, a book such as //10 Things I Can Do to Help My World//, focuses on the reader and simple, everyday recommendations to conserving resources, like turning off the water while brushing teeth.

When learning about conservation, it is a common misconception among all ages that it requires a major change in lifestyle, especially when thinking about affecting the future. Titles like //10 Things I Can Do to help My World// prove to young readers that there are simple practices that require little effort and thought that can be done daily. One chapter in //MySpace/Our Planet: Change Is Possible// provides ways to make each room in one’s house eco-friendly. //A Child's Introduction to the Environment: The Air, Earth, and Sea Around Us–Plus Experiments, Projects, and Activities You Can Do to Help Our Planet// offers readers experiments and discussions on a variety of topics including conservation of energy and reducing waste; and it even comes with a reusable lunch sack.

Conservation is not just about saving energy and water, but soil and wildlife, as well. Soil conservation is the management of soil to prevent or reduce erosion and depletion. It is also the protection of what goes into soil, such as fertilizers for crop production. Wildlife conservation is the regulation of wild animals and plants to prevent depletion of populations and ensure continued existence of their habitats. To perform this regulation, controls are placed on hunting, land use, pollution, and use of pesticides. There are various groups and literature that educate students on the many areas of conservation including water, energy, soil, and wildlife. Project WET and Project WILD are both popular conservation education programs that provide resources to schools and classrooms regarding water and animal conservation. Children’s books that cover all aspects and areas of conservation like Planet Patrol: A Kids’ Action Guide to Earth Care give students a great overview of the world issue and ways to address the problem.


 * Sustainability**

Sustainability involves the use of natural resources and energy in a responsible manner so that the resource or energy source is not unnecessarily wasted or depleted. According to the website of the Environmental Protection Agency ([|www.epa.gov]), “sustainability is important to making sure that we have and will continue to have, the water, materials, and resources to protect human health and our environment.” This practice involves the attempt by humans to preserve and even improve the status of the natural resources that have traditionally been used and abused by previous generations as well as our own. Sustainability can be achieved through the development of alternative energy sources, through aggressive conservation efforts, and through limited use of existing natural resources when necessary.

The concept of sustainability can be taught to children of all ages, and the earlier children begin to learn about and implement the lifestyle changes necessary to help sustainability efforts, the easier it will be to get them to embrace those changes. There are many great children’s books for young readers that can provide an age-appropriate introduction to issues involving sustainability. The //Michael Recycle// book series provide preschool and early grade readers an introduction to concepts such as recycling, littering, and deforestation. These books use colorful illustrations and superhero fantasy to present issues that aren’t commonly found in children’s picture books, and young readers may become more inclined to recycle or reuse materials such as paper and plastics in an effort to help save the environment as a result. Other books for young readers, such as //The EARTH Book//, provide helpful tips and activities that children can do by themselves or with their families to help achieve environmental sustainability, such as planting trees and turning off lights at home when they are not in the room.

Older elementary school readers may have an easier time understanding the concept of sustainability and may be more inclined to put their knowledge into action. The Environmental Protection Agency has an interactive section on their website that is geared toward teaching students about climate change as the result of many decades of wasteful energy and natural resource usage. Entitled //A Student’s Guide to Global Climate Change//, the web page provides students with information on the causes of global climate change as well as suggestions on how to become active participants in the movement to reduce and reverse the harmful effects of greenhouse gases through responsible energy and resource usage. Likewise, the book //The Down-to-Earth Guide to Global Warming// provides specific information to older students on how to improve the environment and reduce the effects of global warming through sustainability efforts, such as conserving water through limiting daily usage, reducing the use of paper products, and limiting the use of electricity.

Sustainability is an important concept for children to learn. They should be encouraged to be active participants in the effort to improve the condition of the environment that they live in. Sustainability education can be provided through the use of both fiction and non-fiction books, and these books can simultaneously entertain and inform young readers on the importance of making changes for the betterment of the environment. Through continued education on environmental concepts, such as conservation, pollution, and sustainability, students can learn how to take action in order to improve the world around them.


 * Resources**

Brown, L. & Brown, M. (1992). Dinosaurs to the rescue!: A guide to protecting our planet. Columbus, OH: Newfield Publications, Inc.

Environmental Protection Agency. (2011). A student’s guide to global climate change. Retrieved from []

Environmental Protection Agency. (2012, January 24). Pollution control. Retrieved from []

Environmental Protection Agency. (2012, February 24). Summary of the pollution prevention act. Retrieved from []

Environmental Protection Agency. (2012, May 2). Pollution prevention (p2). Retrieved from []

Roth, C. E. (2008). Paul F-Brandwein Lecture 2006: Conservation Education for the 21st Century and beyond. Journal of Science Education And Technology, 17(3), 211-216.

United States Department of Agriculture. (2012). About conservation education. Retrieved May 1, 2012, from []


 * Annotated Bibliography**

Bailey, J., & McCafferty, J. (2010). //What’s the point of being green?// Hauppauge, N.Y.: Barron’s Educational Series. (ISBN 9780764144271)

This is a picture book geared toward younger readers that offers many tips and suggestions on how children can help to make changes in the world around them in order to improve the environment. Topics such as recycling and climate change are discussed, and explanations are provided as to why certain plants and trees are important to our world. (This book was located at Barnes & Noble.)

Brown, L. & Brown, M. (1992). //Dinosaurs to the rescue!: A guide to protecting our planet.// Columbus, OH: Newfield Publications, Inc. (ISBN: 0-316-11087-6)

This book is a wonderful resource for younger readers about the environment. Although it is a pretty outdated resource, the information was phenomenal, and I felt that it was pertinent to add to the collection. The book discusses ways kids can help the environment to make it more livable and safe for all of us in the future. The book approaches the subjects of conservation, pollution, recycling and how they can give back to help the environment. (This book was checked out from the Madison County Public Library.)

David, L., & Gordon, C. (2007). //The down-to-earth guide to global warming.// New York: Orchard Books. (ISBN 9780439024945)

This is a non-fiction book that presents a great deal of information on the issue of global warming and its effects on our world. It contains many colorful graphs, charts, and photographs that help students better understand the complex subject matter that is being presented. The book offers suggestions on how students (and their families) can take steps to improve the world around them and reduce the effects of global warming. (This book was located at Barnes & Noble.)

Driscoll, M., & Driscoll, D. (2008). //A child's introduction to the environment: The air, earth,// //and sea around us- plus experiments, projects, and activities you can do to help our// //planet!// New York, NY: Black Dog & Leventhal. (ISBN 978-1-57912-429-8)

This is such a great resource for the classroom. Children in grades 3-6 will develop a great deal of knowledge regarding the connection between the environment and humans. The book includes experiments and related discussions involving the water cycle, urban ecology, and wind energy, for example. Readers are also provided ways to conserve energy and reduce waste. (This book was found on the School Library Journal website.)

Green, J. (2005). //Why should I protect nature?// Hauppauge, NY: Barron’s Educational Series. (ISBN 978-0-7641-3154-7)

This book is a part of the Why Should I? series about conservation. Readers learn the value of nature and importance of protecting it through scenarios. Children take a trip and while playing, they break tree branches and scatter trash. Imagine if everyone everywhere acted in such a way- careless about nature. (This book was found at Barnes and Noble.)

Green, J. (2005). //Why should I recycle?// Hauppauge, NY: Barron’s Educational Series. (ISBN 978-0-7641-3155-4)

This book is a part of the Why Should I? series about conservation. What if no one recycled? Bottles, newspapers, and cans were thrown away everyday littering the world. Teacher Mr. Jones sets a good example to his students by recycling at school and taking them on a field trip to a recycling plant, where they learn the importance of this simple task. (This book was found at Barnes and Noble.)

Green, J. (2005). //Why should I save energy?// Hauppauge, NY: Barron’s Educational Series. (ISBN 978-0-7641-3156-1)

Young readers will benefit from this book’s simple text and fun illustrations. It is part of a Why Should I? series about conservation. In this book, questions about electricity and energy are answered when a community experiences a blackout. Teachers are even provided with ways to use this book in the classroom. (This book was found at Barnes and Noble.)

Green, J. (2005). //Why should I save water?// Hauppauge, NY: Barron’s Educational Series. (ISBN 978-0-7641-3157-8)

This book is a part of the Why Should I? series about conservation. The book is set up using short stories that answer readers’ questions about saving water. The book provides readers with many ways they can avoid wasting water. Teachers are even provided with ways to use this book in the classroom. (This book was found at Barnes and Noble.) = =

Irwin, B. (2011). //Trouble at the zoo: Bindi wildlife adventures//. New York, NY: Sourcebooks. (ISBN 978-1-4022-5514-4)

This is the first book in the Bindi Irwin, daughter of the late Steve Irwin, adventure series. The book gives readers a message about conservation, while telling the story of Bindi’s birthday party at the Australia Zoo. The day takes a turn when her brother, Robert, spies a boy trying to take home a water dragon. Together, Bindi, Robert, and a macaw save the day. The book even includes information about the various animals mentioned in the story and websites that give information about biological conservation issues. (This book was found at Barnes and Noble.)

Johnson, J. (2010//). Seeds of change: Planting a path to peace.// New York, New York: Lee & Low Books Inc. (ISBN: 978-1-60060-367-9)

This is a great book because it is a book based on the author’s life growing up in Kenya. The author is an activist and loves nature, therefore, making it a wonderful book to add to a collection about the environment. The book review says, “After returning home, Wangari blazed a trail across Kenya, using her knowledge and compassion to promote the rights of her countrywomen and to help save the land, one tree at a time”. (This book was checked out from the Madison County Public Library.)

Kaye, C. (2010). //Going blue: A teen guide to saving our oceans, lakes, rivers, & wetlands.//Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing. (ISBN: 978-1-57542-348-7)

This is a book focused more toward the older reader (it would definitely be appropriate for 4th or 5th graders). This is a great book because it not only focuses on the environment, but it also shows the reader how they can get involved in the environmental process through investigation, preparation, action, reflection, and demonstration. (This book was checked out from the Berea Public Library.)

Lorbiecki, M. (2005). //Planet patrol: A kids’ action guide to earth care//. New York, NY: Cooper Square Publishing. (ISBN 1-58728-518-5)

This book presents readers with a variety of information regarding many of the Earth’s environmental problems. Such problems include shrinking habitat, water, pollution, and deforestation. The book is organized by challenges and actions readers can take to address the problem. Readers will enjoy the bright photos, cartoons, and boxed insets. (This book was found on the School Library Journal website.)

MacEachern, D. (1990). //Save our planet: 750 everyday ways you can help clean up the earth.// New York, New York: The Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc. (ISBN: 0-440-50267-5)

This is another pretty outdated book, but after reading through its contents, it is definitely worth having in the collection. This book is a wonderful resource for young readers about the environment. The book discusses ways that these young readers can help the environment - in their home, garden, garage, supermarket, school, community, etc. (This book was checked out from the Madison County Public Library.)

MySpace Community, & Taudte, J. (2008). //MySpace/ourplanet: Change is possible//. New York, NY: HarperCollins. (ISBN 978-0-06-156204-4)

Although 176 pages long, mature readers will find this collection of MySpace postings interesting. The postings are about things people do to help the environment. It is organized well by setting in which people work to save, such as the home. Besides postings, the book also provides readers with facts and myths about the environment. (This book was found on the School Library Journal website.)

Parr, T. (2010). //The EARTH book.// New York: Little, Brown and Company Books for Young Readers. (ISBN 9780316042659)

This book is perfect for preschoolers and younger elementary school students who are just beginning to learn about the environment and the effects that their actions have on our planet. The illustrations are simple yet colorful, and the author offers simple suggestions for readers on how to make changes that will benefit the environment such as using both sides of a sheet of paper and planting new trees. (This book was located at Barnes & Noble.)

Patterson, E., & Colombo, A. (2008). //Michael Recycle//. San Diego, CA: Worthwhile Books. (ISBN 9781600102240)

This book is the first in a series starring Michael Recycle, a young superhero who uses his powers to teach the people in his town about the importance of recycling. This picture book is an excellent choice for young readers, as it is full of colorful illustrations and humor that will appeal to preschool and early grade students. (This book was located at Barnes & Noble).

Patterson, E., & Colombo, A. (2012). //Michael Recycle and the tree top cops//. San Diego, CA: IDW Publishing. (ISBN 9781613771617)

This book is the latest in a series of picture books starring Michael Recycle, the boy superhero who uses his super powers to teach people about environmental issues. This particular story deals with the issue of deforestation, as Michael learns that a great deal of trees are being cut down in order to make magazines. Michael is able to save the day while teaching a lesson about preserving natural resources. (This book was located at Barnes & Noble.)

Patterson, E., & Colombo, A. (2009). //Michael Recycle meets Litterbug Doug.// San Diego, CA: Worthwhile Books. (ISBN 9781600103926)

The adventures of Michael Recycle continue as he crosses paths with Litterbug Doug, an adversary who hates to recycle and instead chooses to leave his trash all over town. This picture book provides young readers with a lesson on the dangers of littering as well as the importance of recycling. Like the other books in the series, it is full of vivid illustrations and humorous rhymes that will appeal to developing readers. (This book was located at Barnes & Noble.)

Peck, J., Davis, D., & Berger, C. (2011). //The green Mother Goose: Saving the world one rhyme// //at a time//. New York: Sterling. (ISBN 9781402765254)

This book is a collection of thirty poems that deal with subjects related to environmental issues. Each of the poems is based on a familiar classic poem or song but the words are changed in order to adapt them to fit the theme of the book. The poems promote actions that children can take to improve the state of the environment, as well as activities that generally promote a healthy lifestyle. (This book was located at Barnes & Noble.)

Rohmer, H. (2009//). Heroes of the environment: True stories of people who are helping to protect our planet.// San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books LLC. (ISBN: 978-0-8118-6779-5)

This is a wonderful book filled with true stories about people that are helping the environment. The book tells stories about people who are saving rivers in Alaska, safeguarding the California coast, and bringing solar power to an Indian Country. This is truly an inspiring book for those young environmentalists that want to know about ways people are helping the environment and ways they can help. (This book was checked out from the Madison County Public Library.)

Royston, A. (2009). //Sustainable energy: How can we save our world?// Minnesota, MN: Arcturus Publishing. (ISBN: 978-1-84837-291-7)

This is a great book focused on energy. The book discusses things such as candles, light bulbs, fossil fuels, nuclear power, water power, wind power, solar power, and how to save energy. The book has great illustrations and gives many interesting facts that would keep a reader interested in the subject matter. (This book was checked out from the Madison County Public Library.)

Rutty, G. (2009). //Help your parents save the planet: 50 simple ways to go green now!// New York: Play Bac. (ISBN 9781602140851)

This book is geared toward younger readers and introduces the concepts known as reduce, reuse, and recycle. The tips and suggestions for the children are very simple and easy for anyone to do. The author encourages children to make changes in their everyday lives that will ultimately have a much larger impact on the world around them, such as walking or riding bicycles for short trips instead of driving, recycling crayons, and wearing more layers in the winter instead of turning on the heater. (This book was located at Barnes & Noble.)

Salas, L. (2010). //There goes the water: A song about the water cycle.// Mankato, MN: Picture Window Books. (ISBN: 978-1-4048-5766-7)

This is a book focused more toward younger students. It has great colorful illustrations and it is fairly easy to read. The book gives many facts about water and its role in the environment. Also, the book includes a song the water cycle. (This book was checked out from the Madison County Public Library.)

Smolan, R. (2007). //Blue planet run: The race to provide safe drinking water to the world//. San Rafael, CA: Earth Aware Editions. (ISBN: 1-60109-017-X)

Although this is a very long book (240) pages, it is great. The book has phenomenal pictures throughout, and the stories are so compelling. The book focuses on the environment and how water is such a necessity, yet it is not available in many parts of the world. Lack of water is due to so many things, including pollution. (This book was checked out from the Berea Public Library.)

Walsh, M. (2008). //10 things I can do to help my world//. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. (ISBN 978-0-7636-4144-3)

This is a great book for young readers in preschool through first grade. The large, colorful pictures, and flaps will appeal to a young audience. It is filled with simple suggestions readers can do to conserve their environment, such as turning the water off while brushing teeth and using both sides of a piece of paper. The recommendations can be done at home and school, making it an excellent book to use in the classroom. (This book was found on the School Library Journal website.)