Illustrations by Ali Mac

STANDARDS

Common Core: RH.6-8.1, RH.6-8.4, RH.6-8.7, WHST.6-8.4, RI.6-8.1, RI.6-8.4, RI.6-8.7, W.6-8.4, SL.6-8.1

NCSS: People, Places, and Environments • Science, Technology, and Society • Civic Ideals and Practices

POWER DOWNMuch of the electricity in our homes is generated by coal, oil, and gas. Use less by switching to energy-efficient light bulbs and turning lights off when you leave a room

REDUCE FOOD WASTEWhen food rots in a landfill, it releases methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. So encourage your family to eat everything in the fridgeand compost the leftovers.

TRAVEL THOUGHTFULLYWhenever possiblewalk, bike, or take public transportation instead of driving to help curb emissions and air pollution. Carpooling is another great option!

SHOP SMARTAim to buy products from businesses that are committed to protecting the environment. You can also post on social media to encourage companies to use resources responsibly.

EAT YOUR VEGGIESProducing meat and dairy generally requires more water and other resources than plant-based foodsSo try to eat less meat and dairy and more fruits and vegetables

SPEAK UPUrge your friends and family to join you in taking action against climate change. Use social media to call on local, state, and national leaders to act now.

REUSE ITEverything we buy requires energy to make. So try to shop secondhand, opt for reusable versus single-use items (such as water bottles), and recycle what you no longer need.

SKILL SPOTLIGHTCivic Engagement

Choose one of these ideas or come up with your own way to support the environment in your community. Make a list of steps you’ll take to achieve that goal. Then decide how and when you’ll measure your progress.

Text-to-Speech