Here are some things you can do to help the Earth.
2. Before you buy something, try to find out more about the company that makes it. Many companies are not environmentally responsible. Mitsubishi is a good example of an irresponsible company because they are involved in the destruction of our rainforests. Rainforests are the home of countless species of animals and plants. They also clean the atmosphere. For a list of companies associated with Mitsubishi, see <http://www.nrdc.org/bkgrd/ocwhnmit.html>. (Some good news: Mitsubishi has recently canceled its plan to build a salt factory at Laguna San Ignacio in Mexico, where gray whales raise their young. For more information, see <http://www.nrdc.org/>.
3. Save electricity! Turn things off if you don't need them. Try using compact fluorescent light bulbs. These special bulbs save energy, are as bright as incandescent bulbs, and can be used in most lights. Using different light bulbs isn't the only way to save electricity. If your computer has a new monitor, check and see if it has an energy saving setting. Windows users can access energy saving settings using the Display control panel (Windows 95 and 98) or the Power Management control panel (Windows 98 only). Some computers with Windows 98 can be set to power down their hard disks after a certain amount of time. The way Macintosh users take advantage of energy-saving features depends on the Mac model they are using. If the monitor doesn't have an energy saving setting, turn it off when you're not using the computer.
4. Don't waste fossil fuels. Walk some places or ride a bike; don't drive everywhere. Take the bus, carpool, or ride a bike instead of driving if you can. Turn the heat down when you're not in the house. (If you have pets, keep it high enough so that they don't get too cold.)
5. Don't help global warming by producing carbon dioxide. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't breathe; it's another reason to do the things mentioned in number 4. There is evidence that global warming is happening now; it isn't just something that could happen in the future.
6. Help conserve water. A leaky faucet or toilet can waste gallons of water if it is not fixed. To see if your toilet leaks, add a few drops of food coloring to your toilet tank and don't flush your toilet for 30 minutes. If there is colored water in the toilet bowl after 30 minutes, your toilet tank leaks. You can reduce the amount of water your toilet uses by putting a jug full of water in your toilet tank. Don't put a brick in your toilet; it can clog your toilet if it disintegrates. Water-saving faucets and showers can also save a lot of water. Turn the water off while you brush your teeth to save even more water.
7. Many cows are raised on land that was originally rainforest. If you can, find out where the beef in hamburgers and other beef products comes from. Try not to buy beef from cows raised on cleared rainforest land.
8. Don't dump used motor oil on the ground! This pollutes streams, ponds, and lakes and could even pollute your drinking water source. Don't use the storm drain either! Storm drains usually drain directly into lakes or rivers!
9. Don't litter. Put trash in a garbage can or recycle it.
10. Reduce the amount of trash that you throw away. Don't buy things that come with more packaging than they need. Reuse items if you can. If you make a mistake while typing, writing, or drawing, don't throw the paper away! Write or draw on the other side, or use it to do origami (folding paper to make things like paper cranes) or make a paper airplane (Don't do this at school!).
11. Don't use pesticides or weed killer if you don't have to. These chemicals can be dangerous to humans and other animals, especially if they get into water. There are many ways to get rid of pests without using chemicals. For example, if your plants are being eaten by aphids, you can spray buttermilk on them. There are also many natural fertilizers that you can use instead of dangerous chemicals. You can even make a compost pile or bin and make your own fertilizer. For more information about composting, look at the Compost Resource Page. When you shop for groceries, buy food that was grown without chemicals.
12. Start your own group. For ideas, check some of the links on my home page.