Earth day section

Wednesday, April 20, 2016 Page A5

Environmental concerns find their voice

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arth Day 2016 is Friday, April 22; however, the first Earth Day took place in 1970, giving a voice to a growing movement that espoused the importance of addressing environmental issues and adopting eco-friendly lifestyles.

The late Wisconsin senator Gaylord Nelson is credited with coming up with the idea for a day devoted to focusing on environmental issues affecting the entire planet.

Nelson was reportedly inspired by the vehement student anti-Vietnam War movement that took root in the United States in the late 1960s and continued into the 1970s.

Senator Nelson felt if he could inspire similar passion among the masses about environmental issues, then those issues would force their way into the national agenda.

Senator Nelson’s intuition proved correct, and on April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans gathered in streets, parks and auditoriums to demonstrate against policies and practices that contributed to the deterioration of the environment.

Today, Earth Day has spread far beyond U.S. borders and is now observed in 192 countries across the globe.

New initiatives continue to be proposed as the world population grows increasingly aware of the effects of climate change and the role ordinary citizens can play to protect the environment every day.

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The process of addressing environmental hazards starts with individuals,

Health hazards encountered for everyone each day SPECIAL TO L’OBSERVATEUR

Environmental health risks can be found all over the world.

Whether one resides in an urban or rural environment, it is difficult to avoid pollutants that can produce unfavorable effects on human health.

For example, it’s estimated that car emissions contribute to a staggering number of deaths in the United States alone, and many areas are deemed to have

unsafe air that can contribute to long-term diseases such as lung cancer. So says the group Top Environmental Issues, which publishes information on an array of environmental topics and statistics.

Other pollutants lurk in the soil or drinking water sources.

The process of addressing environmental hazards starts with individuals, who can educate themselves about various pollutants and how to reduce their impact on human health.

• Lead: Even though lead use has decreased, there remains some residual risk. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration says that lead enters the body primarily through inhalation and ingestion.

Many people are exposed to lead by breathing in lead-containing dust at work or from hobbies that involve lead. Lead affects nearly every system in SEE HAZARDS, PAGE 8A

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016

Moms can help children go green, protect the planet SPECIAL TO L’OBSERVATEUR

according to manufacturer guidelines and using programmable thermostats so you aren’t heating and cooling your house when no one is home are some easy ways to dramatically reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that emanate from your heating and cooling systems.

Such efficient use of these systems also saves you money on your monthly energy bills.

Recycling can greatly reduce your home’s greenhouse gas emissions. Many communities now mandate that residents recycle plastics, glass containers and paper goods like newspapers and magazines. Recycling can be

Today’s kids are growing up in a very different world than the one their parents inhabited as youngsters. One of the biggest differences between now and then is that kids growing up in the 21st century are being taught to embrace eco-friendly activities and lifestyles on a far broader scale than their parents were.

While parents of school-aged children might have learned about the planet “When visiting the and even celproduce aisle, explain ebrated Earth Day when they were to your youngsters why kids, their kids you’re purchasing are growing up organic fruits and in a world where Earth Day is just vegetables instead one of the many of those that might opportunities to have been genetically protect the planet and respect the modified or grown environment. with the use of Because today’s kids are growpesticides.” ing up in an ecoconscious world, EARTH DAY it’s no surprise GETTING KIDS INVOLVED that kids are often enthusiastic about joining in environmental efforts. Moms tasked with finding productive outlets for that enthusiasm may want to employ the following strategies to make the most of their kids’ passion for the planet.

Organize weekly events with other kids. Much like adults, kids often find activities more fun when their friends are around. Mothers who want to inspire their kids to protect the planet can organize weekly eco-friendly events for their youngsters and their friends.

Consult local park officials and set up a park cleanup where kids can pitch in by picking up litter. Do the same if you live near a beach or lakefront area. Kids will benefit from enjoying the great outdoors while simultaneously doing something good for the environment.

Take kids on trips to the grocery store.

Mothers are often in charge of stocking the family pantry, and this, too, can be used as an opportunity to teach kids about the environment.

When visiting the produce aisle, explain to

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Making more efficient use of home heating and cooling systems is one way homeowners can reduce greenhouse gas emissions at home.

Reduce emissions at home SPECIAL TO L’OBSERVATEUR

Greenhouse gases are gases in the atmosphere that absorb and emit radiation. Water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone are the primary greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, and according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, these gases are significant contributors to climate change.

While climate change poses a considerable threat, it’s important to note that much of the increase in greenhouse gases over the last 150 years can be traced to human activities.

By changing certain behaviors and practices, men and women can

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help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The following are a few simple changes men and women can make in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their homes.

Buy ENERGY STAR® products. A recent report from the United States Energy Information Administration noted that electricity production generates the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions. The ENERGY STAR® label indicates products have been tested and approved as energy-efficient, meaning they consume less electricity than other similar products. The ENERGY STAR® label can be found on a host of home appliances,

including lighting, heating and cooling equipment and electronics. Homeowners who want to pitch in to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also lowering their utility bills should only consider those products that have earned the ENERGY STAR® label.

Revisit your cooling and heating habits.

Home cooling and heating systems consume a considerable amount of energy, and inefficient use of these systems is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. But cutting back on these emissions does not mean you have to sweat out sultry summer afternoons or hide under the covers upon the arrival of winter.

Replacing air filters

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Be mindful of your fishing practices to protect coastal ecosystems and waterways.

Learn to fish responsibly at local waterways SPECIAL TO L’OBSERVATEUR

Warm weather has arrived, and the welcoming temperatures are once again beckoning people to the great outdoors. Fishing is a popular warm weather pastime, and it’s important to take an environmentally responsible approach when fishing.

According to “Oceana: Our Endangered Oceans and What We Can Do to Save Them,” by Ted Danson, in just 55 years, humans have been able to eradicate about 90 percent of the ocean’s top predators.

These include animals like sharks, marlin, king mackerel, and bluefin tuna. Smaller species also are being wiped out at alarming rates because fishing nets capture far more than is intended, and today’s fishing vessels can zero in on large schools of fish rela-

tively easily. Thanks to global positioning technology and sonar capabilities, there’s no longer too much surprise in the chase.

Commercial fishing may do the brunt of the damage, but amateurs also can contribute to the contamination of waterways and decimation of fish species.

For example, the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game says more than 500,000 bass die each year due to improper handling in Massachusetts alone.

People of different cultures have fished sustainably for decades, and most anyone can follow their guidelines — and some others — to help keep ocean life healthy.

Disturb wildlife as little as possible. When traveling into delicate ecosystems, such as those that primarily surround the water’s edge, do so with care.

Operating a boat in shallow regions can chop up underwater vegetation or harm fish that live in the shallows.

Don’t remove crustaceans or take plants or other wildlife out of the area.

Discarded or lost fishing gear can prove harmful to wildlife. It’s easy for fish or other marine animals to get tangled in fishing line and hooks that were left behind by fishermen.

Sinkers and other weights may be mistaken for food and injure unsuspecting animals.

Even animals like ducks and other birds can swallow fishing tackle, which can lead to illness or starvation.

Don’t just abandon gear.

Fish specific species at different times.

Fishing specific species helps maintain different stocks of fish at various times of the

There are inexpensive activities for families to enjoy SPECIAL TO L’OBSERVATEUR

Family-friendly activities provide great opportunities for parents to strengthen the bonds they have with their children.

But finding affordable, fun events the whole family can enjoy can sometimes prove challenging for budget-conscious parents.

Few families can make it through a month without developing and adhering to a household budget.

But even if money is tight, there are a host of affordable activities families can enjoy together.

HIKING One of the best things about the great outdoors is that it’s often free to enjoy.

Research local parks to find ones that offer age-appropriate hiking trails. Parents with young children should look for parks that offer more relaxing hikes with well-established trails that do not require any difficult climbing. If the kids are a little older, parks with more challenging, less-developed trails may suffice. Prepare lunches at home and enjoy a family picnic in the park. Many parks do not charge entrance fees, and packing your own lunches will save on meals. The only cost you might be on the hook for is the fuel it takes to get from home to the great outdoors.

BOWLING While bowling is not free, bowling remains a relatively inexpensive and family-friendly activity. Bowling alleys

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Affordable activities are available for families to enjoy together.

may offer discounted rates for children and lower rates during offpeak hours. Seniors may also be eligible for discounts, so bring grandma and grandpa along as well. Bumper bowling makes it possible for toddlers to join in the fun, too, so don’t be discouraged from bowling if your children are closer to preschool age than high school age.

FESTIVALS Many communities host weekend festivals that offer various family-friendly activities.

These festivals may focus on a particular town or city’s cultural history or offer wider appeal, such as an apple festival or a film festival for kids. These festivals tend to cater to families, offering games and possibly even rides kids will

love. Adults, too, can enjoy such gatherings, as festivals often invite local restaurants and food and beverage merchants to set up booths and peddle their wares to hungry festival goers.

VOLUNTEERING Volunteering provides a unique way for parents to bond with their children while instilling a sense of community responsibility in their youngsters.

Volunteering does not cost a dime, and parents can choose activities they feel will teach kids while simultaneously providing an activity they can enjoy.

For example, local beach or park cleanup programs can teach kids about the importance of protecting the environment while also allowing them to enjoy the great outdoors.

year. Plus, you’ll help guarantee that one species will not be overfished, potentially leading to underpopulation or extinction.

Avoid the use of cast nets or dragnets.

Cast nets or dragnets can capture too many fish, including ones that you did not intend

to take in.

Responsible fishing can help maintain water ecosystems and protect the surrounding environment.

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If there is room on your property to plant trees, involve youngsters in the planting and use the opportunity to explain the many benefits to the environment.

CHILDREN: Simple everyday tasks make for learning opportunities FROM PAGE 6A

your youngsters why you’re purchasing organic fruits and vegetables instead of those that might have been genetically modified or grown with the use of pesticides.

When it comes time to visit the snack aisle, choose organic items and remind kids come snack time that their new favorite treats also happen to be ecofriendly.

This reduces the likelihood that kids will

grow up associating healthy and eco-friendly foods with a lack of taste, potentially laying the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy eating.

Moms who plant flowers or tend to their own gardens can invite kids to join them. As you and your youngsters plant vegetables, explain to them that growing your own fruits and veggies reduces your reliance on trucks to transport these items from afar, which helps to con-

serve fuel and reduce pollution.

If there is room on your property to plant some trees, involve youngsters in the planting and use this as an opportunity to explain the many ways in which trees benefit the environment.

Start a neighborhood carpool. Simple everyday tasks make for great learning opportunities, especially when teaching kids about the benefits of an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Moms can organize a

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neighborhood carpool to get kids to and from school, explaining to each child that carpooling reduces fuel consumption and air pollution.

Volunteer with an environmental organization. Kids benefit from volunteering in numerous ways. Moms looking to get their kids involved with local volunteer orga-

nizations can combine the lessons learned with giving back to the community with their youngsters’ passion for the environment by signing the family up to volunteer with a local environmental organization.

Such organizations might clean up heavily littered roadways, plant trees in public parks, help remove

debris after harsh storms or long winters or promote environmental awareness.

Each of these activities teaches kids the value of giving back while also providing for them an outlet to pursue an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Moms tasked with fostering a love of the environment in their children can do so in various ways.

EMISSIONS: Embrace recycling FROM PAGE 6A

so simple that it’s easy to forget just how beneficial it can be.

When products are recycled, that reduces the need to extract resources, manufacture replacement goods and dispose of products, each of which contributes to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. If you and members of your household have yet to embrace recycling, you’re not only increasing greenhouse gas emissions, but also you may even be breaking the law.

If your community sponsors a recycling program, simply separate recyclable items from the rest of your trash and leave them out on the curb on designated pickup days. If no such program exists in your community, separate items to recycle and periodically bring them to your local recycling center, which may even pay you for certain items.

Instead of discarding leftovers in the garbage can, compost that wasted food so it does not end up in landfills, where it will contribute

to methane gas in the air.

Composting food waste can improve the soil in your yard and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and it also makes you feel better that you’re making use of wasted food that would otherwise go straight into the garbage can.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions may seem like a massive undertaking, but concerned men and women can employ several simple strategies to do their part to protect the environment.

HAZARDS: Water worries exist FROM PAGE 5A

the body, but it can be particularly harmful to the brain and nervous system.

• Mercury is another metal that has drastic health effects. People may be exposed to mercury through their occupations or even their diets. Mercury occurs naturally in Earth’s crust but is primarily released from coal-fired power stations and other industrial processes.

According to the World Health Organization, mercury’s potentially toxic effects include digestive and immune system interruption, nervous system impair-

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ment and skin and eye problems.

• Contaminated drinking water: All tap water contains trace amounts of natural microorganisms. However, contaminants can end up in drinking water from run-off from residential and commercial areas.

The Clean Air Council says drinking water may contain contaminants such as arsenic, radon, trihalomethanes (chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform) and pesticides.

• Pesticides: Chemicals used to prevent the proliferation of lawn and garden pests may be effective, but they also can pro-

duce adverse health effects. Pesticides have been associated with increased risk of cancer and can affect the developing nervous system.

The Pesticide Action Network says close to a billion pounds of toxic chemicals are intentionally introduced into the environment and the food supply each year.

Many contaminants can potentially be found in the air we breathe, the water we drink and the land upon which our homes are built. Learning about some of the more common environmental hazards can help people take action to avoid them.