Protecting the Planet Together
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What you will learn
- 1Identify ways humans harm the planet
- 2Explain actions that protect the environment
- 3Describe how the 3 Rs help protect the Earth
Mini Lesson
Earth is the only home we have — and it needs our help. Human activities like burning fuel, cutting down forests, and throwing away too much trash are harming the planet's air, water, land, and living things. The good news is that people everywhere can work together to protect it.
How humans harm the planet
- Pollution — burning fossil fuels releases gases that dirty the air; plastic and chemicals pollute rivers and oceans.
- Deforestation — cutting down forests removes trees that hold soil in place, give animals shelter, and make the clean air we all need.
- Waste — throwing away too much creates landfills that leak harmful chemicals into the soil and water.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
- Reduce — use less of what harms the planet (less plastic, less energy, less water).
- Reuse — use things again instead of throwing them away (reusable bottles, cloth bags).
- Recycle — sort glass, paper, and plastic so they can be made into new products instead of going to landfills.
Actions everyone can take
- Turn off lights and water when not in use to save energy and water.
- Plant trees or care for a garden to restore green spaces.
- Pick up litter with gloves and a grown-up to protect wildlife.
- Walk, bike, or carpool instead of always using a car to reduce air pollution.
Words to know
Pollution
Harmful substances released into the air, water, or land that damage the environment
e.g. Smoke from factories causes air pollution.
Deforestation
The cutting down of large areas of forest
e.g. Deforestation destroys the homes of many animals.
Recycle
To sort used materials so they can be made into new products
e.g. We recycle paper, plastic, and glass at home.
Reduce
To use less of something that harms the planet
e.g. We reduce waste by using less plastic.
Reuse
To use something again instead of throwing it away
e.g. I reuse my lunch box every lesson day.
Environment
The natural world around us — the air, water, land, and living things
e.g. Clean air and water help protect the environment.
Ask yourself: "What is one thing I can do today to protect the planet? How does my action help other living things?"
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