Module 2

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

LESSON 1

EARTH’S BALANCE

Your environment is everything living and nonliving that is around you. Human
beings, animals, plants and many other living things all share the resources of planet
Earth, requiring a delicate balance. People must use Earth’s resources responsibly in
order to preserve them.

THE ORGANISMS IN AN ECOSYSTEM

The ecosystem is a system made up of all living thing in an area and nonliving
parts of their environment. Ecosystems include forests; grasslands, where grass is more
plentiful than trees; deserts, where water is scarce; and wetlands, such as swamps and
marshes. Saltwater ecosystems are home to marine animals and plants, whereas
freshwater ecosystems include lakes, rivers, and streams. The organisms living in an
ecosystem can be divided into three groups: producers, consumers, and
decomposers.

Producers are the organisms, such as plants, that make their own food. You may recall
learning about photosynthesis in science class. Photosynthesis is the process by which
plants and other organisms containing chlorophyll, such as algae, use the energy and
water into carbohydrates while producing oxygen.

Consumers unlike producers, consumers cannot make their own food. They are
organisms, such as animals, that consume either the producers or other organisms that
eat producers. Meat eaters (carnivores) and plant eaters (herbivores) are consumers.

Decomposers are organisms that eat dead organisms and break them down into organic
matter that returns to the soil, where it can be reused by other living things. Bacteria,
fungi, and earthworms are examples of decomposers.
Balance in the Ecosystem

Nonliving things are essential parts of an ecosystem. Air, water, soil, and sunlight-
nonliving things-enable organism to survive.

Air Plants make food. To do so, they take in carbon dioxide and add oxygen to the air.
Plants and animals take oxygen from air and give off carbon dioxide during respiration.

Water is essential for life.

Soil holds plants in place and provides nutrients for them. Soil also absorbs water that
plants can use.

Sunlight provides living things with both heat and light. Photosynthesis is made possible
through the presence of sunlight.

All parts of an ecosystem are interconnected, and its organisms are

interdependent. That is, they depend on one another for survival. For example, if there is
not enough water, plants will not survive. If plants die, the herbivores that eat them will
lose their food source. The carnivores that eat the herbivores will them lose their food
source. This interdependence is one reason why it is so important for people to conserve
Earth’s natural resources.

RENEWABLE AND NONRENEWABLE RESOURCES

Some of the Earth’s resources are renewable, while the others are not.

Renewable resources are resources that can be replaced once they are used.
Renewable resources include forests, water and wildlife. For example, newly planted
trees can, in time, replaces trees that are cut down to provide wood.

Nonrenewable resources are resources that cannot be replaced once they are
used. Nonrenewable resources include energy sources such as oil, coal, and natural gas.
Mineral, copper, and silver also are nonrenewable resources.
POLLUTION

Pollution is any change in the air, water, soil, noise level, or temperature that has
a negative effect on life and health. Pollution can hurt living things in various ways. For
instance, pollution can contaminate the air people breathe, the water they drink, or the
soil in which plants grow.

A pollutant is anything that causes pollution. For example, exhaust gases from
automobile engines can pollute the air while chemical runoff from farms can pollute the
water. Hybrid cars that use electricity and other alternate forms of energy help limit
pollution.

Ecologists, scientists who study ecology, are concerned about the harmful effects
of pollution.

Ecology is the study of relationship between living organisms-including humans,

animals, plants, and other forms of life-and the environment. Ecologists warn that
pollution threatens people’s health. Over time, some pollutants can even cause death.

EFFECTS OF POLLUTION

The harmful effects of pollution may be direct or indirect. If people breathe dirty air,
the effect on their lungs is direct. The connection between pollution and health is not
always so obvious, however. For example, chemical pollutants from a factory could
contaminate the water in a river or lake. Fish in the water also will be contaminated, and
the pollutants then may be passed on to people who eat the fish. Pollution is a significant
threat to our natural resources, but it is not the only one. Damaging forestry and mining
practices, irresponsible consumption of oil and natural gas, overdevelopment of land, and
wasteful agricultural practices all contribute to the depletion of Earth’s resources.
Conservation, the saving of resources, is more important than ever.
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

Take a walk through the woods on a sunny afternoon. Does the air smell fresh? Is
there a clear stream running nearby? Are birds chirping on the branches overhead? This
is all part of the environment – the air, water, and land that life depends on. Protecting
the environment is essential, not only to keep living things healthy but also to preserve
Earth’s resources for future generations.

ENVIRONMENTAL LAW IN THE PHILIPPINES

Republic Act 9003 Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000

In partnership with stakeholders, the law aims to adopt a systematic, comprehensive and
ecological solid waste management program that shall ensure the protection of public
health and environment. The law ensures proper segregation, collection, storage,
treatment and disposal of solid waste through the formulation and adaptation of best eco-
waste products.

Republic Act 9275 Philippine Clean Water Act Of 2004

The law aims to protect the country's water bodies from pollution from land-based sources
(industries and commercial establishments, agriculture and community/household
activities). It provides for comprehensive and integrated strategy to prevent and minimize
pollution through a multi-sectoral and participatory approach involving all the
stakeholders.

Republic Act 8749 Philippine Clean Air Act Of 1999

The law aims to achieve and maintain clean air that meets the National Air Quality
guideline values for criteria pollutants, throughout the Philippines, while minimizing the
possible associated impacts to the economy.
Republic Act 6969 Toxic Substances, Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act Of
1990

The law aims to regulate restrict or prohibit the importation, manufacture, processing,
sale, distribution, use and disposal of chemical substances and mixtures the present
unreasonable risk to human health. It likewise prohibits the entry, even in transit, of
hazardous and nuclear wastes and their disposal into the Philippine territorial limits for
whatever purpose; and to provide advancement and facilitate research and studies on
toxic chemicals.

Presidential Decree 1586 Environmental Impact Statement (Eis) Statement Of 1978

The Environment Impact Assessment System was formally established in 1978 with the
enactment of Presidential Decree no. 1586 to facilitate the attainment and maintenance
of rational and orderly balance between socio-economic development and environmental
protection. EIA is a planning and management tool that will help government, decision
makers, the proponents and the affected community address the negative consequences
or risks on the environment. The process assures implementation of environment-friendly
projects.

Your Role In Environmental Protection

We can all pay an important part in protecting the environment.

 Stop pollution of the air, water, and land.

 Conserve natural resources.
 Improve living conditions for all. For example, avoid making unnecessary noise,
which is another form of pollution.
 Avoid burning materials than can harm the air, such as rubber.
 Avoid loitering especially in the river, ocean
Lesson 2

KEEPING THE AIR CLEAN

In some parts of the country, the air is so dirty at times that pollution can be seen hanging
in the air. Dirty air is not only unpleasant, it also is dangerous to people’s health. Some
substances in the air can irritate the eyes and throat. Other substances can actually make
people ill. Keeping the air clean is a responsibility that everyone must share.

HOW AIR BECOMES POLLUTED

Air pollution is the contamination of air with undesirable gases, particles, dust,
smoke, and chemicals. There are many sources of air pollution, including motor vehicles,
factories. Power plants, cigarette smoke, and wildfires. These and other sources can
release particulates. Particulates are tiny particles in the air, such as dirt, soot, ashes,
and pollen.

Air pollution and particulates pose a serious danger to the health of human beings,
animals, and plants.

Motor vehicle emissions are the chemicals that are released into the air as a
result of the burning of motor vehicle fuels. Automobiles, trucks, buses, lawn mowers,
snow blowers, construction vehicles, and boats all produce motor vehicle emissions.

Motor vehicle emissions pollute the air with carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen,
oxides, particulates, and other substances. Pollution from motor vehicle emissions has
been linked to cancer, respiratory problems. Even though today’s car emit much less
pollution than they did some 30 years ago, the amount of driving in the United States has
more than doubled since that time, so motor vehicle emissions continue to pose a serious
problem.

Thermal inversion is condition that occurs when a layer of warm air forms above
a cooler layer of air, trapping pollution in the cooler layer. A thermal inversion can keep
smog from rising and scattering.

Smog is smoke and fog combined. Smog contain ozone, a gaseous pollutant that
can be harmful when inhaled. A layer of ozone is present in Earth’s upper atmosphere,
10 to 30 miles above the planet’s surface, where it acts as a shield against the damaging
ultra violet rays of the sun. At ground level, ozone is formed when pollutants from motor
vehicles undergo a chemical reaction in the presence of the light energy from the sun.

Ozone can irritate the respiratory system, make it harder to breathe, trigger asthma
attacks, and damage lung cells. When you are physically active, you breathe faster and
more deeply. For this reason, active teenagers and others are at greater risk from the ill
effects of ozone.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a measure of air quality based on the total of the
levels of five different pollutants. A nationwide monitoring system keeps track of the
amount of ozone and other pollutants in the air at over 1,000 locations. The EPA then
uses this information to give AQI values to the pollutants – the higher the number the
poorer the air quality. For example, if the amount of ozone in the air had a value of 40,
the air quality would be considered “good”. If the ozone value rose to 160, the air quality
would be “unhealthy”.

THE CHANGING ATMOSPHERE

The ozone layer is a shield far above Earth’s surface that protects all living things
from ultraviolet radiation. Exposure to such radiation can, overtime lead to cataracts and
skin cancer. The ozone layer absorbs some of the sun’s radiation, preventing it from
reaching Earth. Unfortunately, this protective layer of ozone layer in gradually being
destroyed by some of chemicals that people use. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are group
of gases used in aerosol sprays, air conditioners, refrigerators, insulation materials, and
other products. When released into the air, CFCs rise and damage the ozone layer.
Aerosol sprays using CFCs have been banned in several countries, including United
States.

THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT

Have you ever been inside a greenhouse? The glass panels of the greenhouse
allow the sunlight in but prevent the heat from escaping. As a result, the temperature
inside the greenhouse rises, much like the temperature inside a car parked in the sun.
Earth’s atmosphere surrounds the planet. Water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other gases
in the atmosphere function like the glass panels of a greenhouse. They allow the sunlight
in but trap much of the sun’s energy, causing temperatures on Earth to rise. The
greenhouse effect refers to the trapping of heat by carbon dioxide and other gases in
the air.

If the greenhouse effect becomes too strong, it could cause temperatures to rise
significantly. Contributing to the greenhouse effect are the gases released when motor
vehicles, power plants, and factories burn fuel.

WAYS TO PRESERVE THE OZONE LAYER

There are steps people can take to slow the destruction of the ozone layer.

 Avoid buying products that wrapped in foam packaging.

 Avoid using products that release CFCs.
 Encourage adults to drive less. Walk, ride a bike, or use public transportation.
 Keep chemical products tightly sealed.
 Keep air conditioners in proper working order.

WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE THINNING OZONE LAYER

The following tips can help you stay safe outdoors:

  Use sunscreen (SPF of 15 or higher) whenever you spend time in the sun. Stay in
the shade when possible.
 Wear sunglasses that lock the sun’s UV rays.
 Wear a hat and other protective clothing, such as long pants and long sleeves.
 Reduce or avoid outdoor activity when ozone levels are high.

GLOBAL WARMING

If the greenhouse effect becomes too strong, problems associated with global
warming could occur. Global warming is an ongoing increasing of Earth’s temperature.
Some ecologists estimate that over the last 100 years, the average temperature of Earth
has risen by nearly 1 F. In the next century, temperature may rise 2 to 6 F. While this may
seem like a small amount, even an increase of a few degrees could have a significant
impact on plant’s climate. The following are examples of the possible effects of global
warming:

 Some ecosystem may be disrupted by warmer temperatures and other climate

changes. Plants and animals may not be able to adapt to rapid changes.
 In parts of the world, there may be more days during which temperature are
uncomfortably warm and humid. Increased heat could lead to health problems,
particularly for very young children and elderly people.
 Rising temperatures could melt the polar ice caps, adding water to the oceans.
 Higher temperatures would also cause water to expand. As the level of the sea
rose, coastal flooding would occur.
 Floodwaters would damage buildings and other structures, erode beaches, and
send saltwater flowing into areas where plants and animals may be harmed by it.
 Air pollution may increase, and air quality may suffer.

People can contribute in the effort to reduce global warming by following a few simple
guidelines:

 Carpool to reduce vehicle emissions and gasoline consumption.

  Reduce electricity use. Most power plants burn coals and oil to produce electricity.
 Plant trees, which absorb carbon dioxide.
 Buy energy-efficient appliances and vehicles.

INDOOR POLLUTION

Air pollution can be caused by cars, factories, power plants, and other sources.
But did you know that air pollution can also occur indoors? Building materials, tobacco
smoke, cleaning fluids, pesticides, and other household chemical are just a few of the
causes of indoor air pollution.

Sick Building Syndrome is an illness that is caused by indoor air pollution. People
living or working in a polluted building may experience symptoms such as headaches;
eye, dizziness; or nausea. Symptoms usually fade soon after the person leaves the
building. The following factors can contribute to sick building syndrome.

Not enough ventilation. Many homes and building are so tightly sealed for energy
conservation purposes that there is little air circulation.

Indoor chemicals .Paints, glues, cleaning fluids, pesticides, and other chemicals
can contaminate the air. Unvented space heaters as well as fireplaces and stoves can
release carbon monoxide and other pollutants.

Outdoor pollution. Exhaust fumes from automobiles can enter a home through
an attached garage.

Other pollutants. Mold and bacteria can breed indoors.

At high concentrations, chemicals can lead to respiratory problems or even cancer.

Chemicals that might pose a health risk include:

 Asbestos is a heat-resistant mineral that was used in the past in building

materials. Today asbestos is banned. However, it is still present in many older
houses and buildings. Breathing asbestos fibers increases the risk of lung cancer.
 Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with strong odor. It was once used to make
various wood products, building materials, and household products. It is one of the
major contributors to sick building syndrome. High levels of formaldehyde in the
air can irate the eyes, nose and throat and cause nausea, coughing, and a skin
rashes.
 Carbon Monoxide is an odorless and colorless poisonous gas that is produced
when fuel is burned. Carbon monoxide causes more deaths in the United States
than any other poisonous substance. Carbon monoxide in the home may come
from leaking chimneys and furnaces, blocked flues, or improperly installed or
poorly maintained space heaters and stoves. Carbon monoxide poisoning can
cause headache, fatigue, dizziness, sleepiness, and nausea. At high levels,
carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to unconsciousness and death. Carbon
monoxide detectors in the home can help protect you.
 Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas formed by the decay of
uranium in rock and soil. Radon rises through the ground and can enter buildings
through cracks and openings concrete in concrete floors in the basement and
walls. Radon particles can get trapped in the lungs when you inhale. Over time,
this can damage your lungs and lead to lung cancer. Almost 1 out of every 15
homes has what EPA considers to be elevated radon levels. Radon test kits can
be used to test the radon level within a home or apartment building.
 Lead is a toxic metal that was used in the past to make paint and other home-
related products. Although the government banned lead-based paint from housing
in 1978, it is still present in some older homes and buildings. Young children are
particularly at risk for poisoning from chewing lead-paint-decorated objects or
breathing or swallowing lead-contaminated dust. Lead poisoning has many
negative health effects. It can the brain, kidneys, and central nervous system. It
can also cause behavioral and learning problems, seizures, and even death.
Although lead is especially dangerous for children, adults too can suffer its ill
effects. Physicians use a blood test to check levels of lead.
 Secondhand Smoke is also called environmental tobacco smoke. It includes the
smoke that cigarettes, pipes, and cigars give off as well as the smoke that smokers
 exhale. Secondhand smoke can cause cancer in nonsmokers. In fact, the EPA
estimates that as many as 3,000 nonsmokers die of lung cancer each year as a
result of secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke also irritates the eyes, nose, and
throat; causes respiratory infections, especially in infants and young children; and
may lead to asthma. To protect your health, you and your family should not smoke
or allow others to smoke near you.

CLEAN AIR

Clean air is healthful not just for human beings, but also for all living things on the
plant. Aside from its health benefits, clean air is simply more pleasant to live in than in
polluted air.

Ways to keep the Air Clean

We can all do our part to help keep the air we breathe clean.

 Do not smoke tobacco products, and encourage other people not to smoke
tobacco products.
 Limit use of motor vehicles, and encourage family members and others to do
the same. Carpool whenever possible.
 Encourage car owners to keep their vehicles well maintained.
 Purchase, and encourage others to purchase, energy-efficient appliances and
vehicles.
 Avoid or limit use of products or devices that release pollutants into the air.

Avoid Harmful Environmental Conditions

Staying safe is a matter of common sense.

 Carefully read labels on cleaning products, and follow safety instructions.

 Limit use of household cleaners in aerosol containers. The fumes they emit can
be toxic.
 Use hobby and craft supplies, such as glue and paint, only in well-ventilated
areas.
 Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
 Make sure that furnaces, space heaters, and water heaters are working
correctly and properly vented.
 Have your house checked for asbestos and, if necessary, have professionals
to remove it.
 Ask a physician for advice about testing family members for lead. Blood tests
are particularly important for children at ages one and two and for anyone
exposed to high levels of lead.
 Encourage your parents or guardian to test radon levels at home or find out if
apartment buildings have been checked and certified as safe. If the level is too
high, your parents or guardian should consult a qualified contractor about
methods of reducing it.
 Do not smoke or let other people smoke near you.
 Do not run a car or lawn mower in a closed or attached garage.
Lesson 3

THE WATER CYCLE AND POLLUTION

Earth’s water moves through the environment in a cycle of evaporation,

condensation, and precipitation. Water in oceans, rivers, and lakes evaporates, sending
water vapor into the air. Water vapor also comes from transpiration, the evaporation of
water from plant’s leaves. As the water vapor cools, it condenses into a liquid state and
then fall to Earth as rain or snow, depending on the air temperature. Then the water sinks
into the ground or returns directly to oceans, rivers, and lakes.

Water can come into contact with pollutants, resulting in water pollution.

Water pollution is the contamination of water with sewage, waste, gases, or harmful
chemicals.

WATER RUNOFF

Water runoff is contaminated water that runs off the land into a body of water.
Runoff is a cause of water pollution. Sometimes, when farmers water their fields, not all
the water is absorbed by the crops. Some of the water soaks into the ground, while some
travels along the surface until it reaches a stream, lake, or ocean. This runoff ay carry
some pesticides and fertilizers. Responsible farming methods correct this problem.

SEWAGE AND WASTES

Groundwater can also be contaminated by sewage. Sewage consists of waste

liquids or solids that are carries off by sewers. This mixture can contain bacteria, nitrates,
and other substances dangerous to people’s health. Bacteria in drinking water can cause
various diseases. Leakage from septic tanks and waste-disposal sites and discharge from
waste-water treatment plants can contaminate groundwater. Another source of
contamination is sewage overflow. In some areas, storm water systems and sewer
systems are combined on the way to sewage treatment plants. Unusually high amounts
of storm water can result in an overflow, sending untreated water into waterways.

OTHER SOURCES OF WATER POLLUTION

Various sources may contribute to water pollution. Oil and other pollutants wash
off roadway and parking lot surfaces into the ground or are carried to streams. Salt spread
on icy roads can be absorbed into the ground. Chemicals from factories and mills may be
released into the ground or water through spills, leaks, or improper disposal.

THERMAL POLLUTION

Thermal pollution is the pollution of water by excessive heat. The main cause of
thermal pollution is the use of water to cool power-producing equipment or machinery in
nuclear power plants and other industrial facilities. After cooling is completed, the used
water may be returned to a nearby body of water. However, the water now has a much
higher temperature after being in contact with hot equipment. Returning this water to a
stream or lake raises the temperature of the body of water, which in turn decreases the
amount of oxygen in the water. This cycle has a damaging effect on the ecosystem and
can harm or kill the fish and aquatic plants. Thermal pollution is a global problem.

TRIHALOMETHANES

The use of chorine to purify water has made the water supply in the United States
safe from bacteria and other disease-causing organisms. Chlorination has helped to
almost totally eliminate such diseases as typhoid fever, cholera, and dysentery. However,
chlorine can react with other substances in the water to form dangerous chemicals called
trihalomethanes. Trihalomethanes can harm the heart, lungs, kidney, liver, and central
nervous system.
LEAD

Lead is a toxic metal that can enter water from lead pipes in home plumbing
systems. Even interior plumbing systems that have copper piping often use lead to join
pipe sections. Older homes that have not been repainted also may have lead paint on
interior walls.

Too much lead in the body can seriously damage the brain, kidneys, central
nervous system, and red blood cells. Lead can impair mental and physical behavioral
problems. Young children are particularly at risk.

WAYS TO KEEP WATER SAFE

There are simple precautions people can take to help keep our water supply safe.

 Do not spill harmful chemicals into the street, onto the ground, or into a
storm sewer. Chemicals can seep into the ground and contaminate
groundwater supplies.
 Do not dump garbage or chemical materials into lakes, streams, rivers, or
ditches.
 Do not pour toxic chemicals down the drain or into the toilet. Dispose of
them at a hazardous waste collection center.
 If water has been standing in pipes for more than six hours, “flush” the tap
by letting the water run at least until it is cold before using it for drinking
water or cooking.
 Never cook with or drink water from the hot-water tap. Lead in pipes
dissolves faster in hot water than in cold.

CONSERVING WATER

Clean water is a precious resource. Water conservation refers to actions taken to save
water. Would you be surprised to know that each person uses an estimated 80 to 100
gallons of water daily? The greatest household consumers of water toilets, shower, and
baths. By following some simple guidelines, we can all help conserve water.

 Use water-saving devices and fixtures, such as low-flow showerheads.

 Take shorts showers instead of bath.
 Don’t let water run while washing dishes, brushing teeth, or shaving.
 Repair leaking faucets and pipes promptly.
 Don’t use the toilet as a wastebasket. Unnecessary flushing wastes water.
 Run washing machines and dishwashers only when they have full loads.
 Water the lawn early in the morning or at night, not during the heat when it is not
in use.
 Store cold water in the refrigerator rather than running tap water until it is cool.
 Collect rainwater and use it to water flower and shrubs.
 Do not turn on public hydrants for personal use.
 To provide a cooling shower on a hot day, hydrants can be fitted with sprinkler
nozzles.
Lesson 4

LAND USE AND WASTE DISPOSAL

Houses, apartment buildings, and schools are all built on the land. So are office
buildings, shopping malls, and sports stadiums. Not all land is developed for use in this
way, however. Much is set aside for parks, forests, ball fields, and nature preserves.

How much land to develop and how much set aside is a challenging question.
Everyone recognizes the need for a balance between the two, but what should that
balance be? As more and more new construction fills open spaces, the need for land
conservation grows.

Land conservation refers to actions to taken to save land.

Development is one danger to land. Pollution, as you’ve learned, is another. A third

threat to land conservation is trash. Americans generate tons of it every day. Some trash
is recycled, and some is burned in incinerators. However, most of America’s waste is
buried in landfills.

A landfill is a place where wastes are dumped and buried.

KINDS OF WASTE

For many reasons, the question of what to do with waste is not a simple one. One
complicating factors is that there are several kinds of waste.

Solid waste includes discarded solid materials, such as paper, plastics, metal, and
yard waste. In 2001, American homes and workplaces generated over 299 million tons of
solid waste. That’s more than 4 pounds of trash per person per day.

Toxic waste is poisonous waste. If not handled with great care, it can contaminate
soil, water, or air. There are several different methods for disposing of toxic waste.
Including burying it in landfills.
 Radwaste is radioactive waste. This type of waste includes such substances as
contaminated soil and water and spent nuclear fuel. Some radwaste remains radioactive
for thousands of years.

Federal regulations require landfills to be located away from certain

environmentally sensitive areas. They also require landfill operators to take steps to
monitor groundwater, reduce landfill odor, and control insects and rodents.

PRESERVING OUR LAND

Landfills in the United States already take up a sizable amount of land. They will
take up more and more land in the future unless people reduce the amount of trash
discarded. One way to do this is through precycling.

REDUCING WASTE THROUGH PRECYCLING

Precycling means reducing waste before it occurs. For example, if you buy
products that have a minimum of packaging, there will be less packaging material to throw
away. You can also buy products that come in packaging or containers that can be
recycled. Recycled materials are reused, not immediately discarded in landfills.

Precycling saves money that would otherwise be spent hauling garbage away and
disposing of it. It saves landfill space and conserves energy and natural resources. It also
decreases pollution, because less material needs to be incinerated. Here are some
simple strategies for precyling.

o Buy foods and other products that come in recyclable cardboard packages
rather than in plastic or polystyrene packaging.
o Buy beverages and household products in refillable bottles.
o Buy reusable rather than single-use items.
o Buy in bulk to avoid unnecessary extra packaging.
 o Bring your own canvas shopping bags to the store or reuse the paper or
plastic bags you get from the store. Do not accept bags from small
purchases.
o Do not buy products that have excess packaging for display purposes.
o Use glass and reusable plastic containers to store food rather than
aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
o Use reusable eating utensils, plates, cups, and napkins rather than
disposable items.
o Use cloth, not paper towels to dry your hands.
o Wipe up spills with a sponge, not with paper towels.
o Buy products that can be repaired and upgraded and can perform multiple
functions.
o Write on both sides of paper.

THE RECYCLING PROCESS

Recycling is the process of breaking down or re-forming waste products so they can
be used again. There are three parts in the recycling process.

1. Collect and process materials. The way in which materials are collected varies
from one community to the next. For example, communities may pick up materials
maybe taken to a drop-off center.
2. Manufacture recycled products. After materials are cleaned, they are ready to
be made into recycled products.
3. Buy recycled products. Individual consumers, businesses, and governments all
purchase recycled products. The materials that would have gone to landfills or
incinerators instead are used. The United States now recycles close to 30 percent
of its waste materials, nearly double the amount recycled some 15 years ago.

RECYCLING CATEGORIES
Exactly which materials are collected and recycled differs from community to community.
Find out how the recycling program works in your town.

 Paper may include newspaper and magazines, paper bags, catalogs and junk
mail, and various kinds of boxes.
 Glass may include clear, brown and green glass bottles and jars. Most recycled
glass containers are used to manufacture new glass containers.
 Plastic may include plastic bottles and containers used for food products and
household items.
 Metal may include such items as aluminum cans, aluminum foil, and frozen food
trays.

COMPOSTING

Composting is breaking down plant remains and other once-living materials into
simpler substances. It is a natural way of recycling. Insects, earthworms, bacteria, and
fungi all help to decompose plant matter and turn it into compost. In fact, composting
occurs in nature all the time, transforming plant matter and other biodegradable materials
into a soil-like mixture called compost.

Biodegradable means able to be broken down by organisms to become part of

Earth’s natural resources.

Composting reduces the amount of waste that would otherwise have to be disposed of in
landfills and incinerations. In addition, because compost is rich in nutrients, gardeners
use it to improve the quality of soil.

OUR VANISHING RAIN FORESTS

 Earth’s oldest ecosystems are the rain forests. A rain forest is a group of trees and
plants covering a large, warm, wet area. The largest rain forest are in South America and
Central Africa. These are also major rain forests cover only about 6 percent of the planet’s
surface. They are home, however, to over 50% of the world’s plant and animal species,
many of which are found nowhere else. Rain forest are also a source of many familiar
products, including sugar, chocolate, rubber, coffee, and pineapples. Many medicines are
also made from rain forest plants.

RAIN FOREST DEPLETION

The rain forest of the world are being depleted. Rain forest trees are cut down for
their wood. Many areas have been cleared to enable farmers to grow coffee and spices
or ranchers to raise cattle. Other areas have been cleared to make room for sugarcane
plantations.

As rain forests are cut down, the plants and animals that live in them are destroyed too.
In addition, every tree cut down is one less tree producing oxygen for the planet. Loss of
the rain forests can also have a negative effect on Earth’s climate and water cycle.

HOW TO SAVE THE RAIN FORESTS

We can all help in the effort to save the rain forests.

 Use precycling strategies.
 Recycle and reuse materials.
 Do not purchase animals from rain forests, such as exotic birds, that are
brought to the United States illegally.
 Support companies and programs committed to protecting the
environment.
LESSON 5

ENERGY CONSERVATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Energy is the ability to do work. Most of the energy used in the United States comes
from fossil fuels – oil, natural gas, and coal. It is the burning of these fuels that heats
homes and buildings, powers motor vehicles and other machines, and provides electrical
light. Fossil fuels are nonrenewable energy resources.

A portion of the energy used in the United States comes from nuclear power.
Nuclear power uses the heat of radioactive materials to produce steam. The steam then
generates electrical power. Some sources of energy are renewable. For example, energy
from wind, sun (solar power), or moving water (hydroelectric power) can generate
electricity. Renewable energy sources generally less harmful to the environment than
nonrenewable sources.

WAYS TO CONSERVE ENERGY

Scientists are developing new energy sources and making better use of renewable
power sources. People must also take steps to protect the energy supply. Energy
conservation refers to actions taken to save heat and electricity. The examples below
suggest ways to conserve energy.

 Insulate walls, ceilings, floors, and pipes in your home.

 Seal air leaks around windows and doors.
 Turn off lights when you leave a room.
 Use fluorescent lights rather than incandescent bulbs.
 Turn off lights and electrical appliances when you are not using them.
 Keep heating and cooling systems in good condition.
  Turn down the heat when you are way from home.
 Limit your use of air conditioning. Raise the temperature setting. Use fans when
possible.
 In summer, use window shades or blinds to keep the sun from heating up the
house
 Purchase energy-efficient appliances.
 Walk, ride a bike, or use public transportation.

YOUR VISUAL ENVIRONMENT

When you look around, what do you see? If you are in your bedroom, is the room
neat and clean? Or are things scattered all over the place? If you are outside, are you
surrounded by trees and mountains or by high-rise apartment buildings? The visual
environment includes everything a person sees regularly. A pleasant visual environment
can have many positive effects on your health.

BENEFITS OF A PLEASANT VISUAL ENVIRONMENT

Improved mood. If you are feeling sad, looking at a beautiful or fascinating scene
can raise your spirits. What sights improve your mood? A spectacular sunset? A colorful
oil painting? Photographs of the distant universe?

Stress relief. Many people find natural settings extremely relaxing. What natural
views do you enjoy? A flower-filled garden? A starry night sky, perhaps? Or maybe you
prefer gazing out over the ocean or looking down from a mountaintop.

Visual Pollution. It is unattractive sights. It can be both distracting and stressful.

For example, in some places roads are cluttered with billboards and other signs.
Travelling along such roadway may in fact be more stressful than driving along rural
roads.
 Improved concentration. Most people find that working in clean, orderly
surroundings improves their ability to concentrate. Good lighting and choice of color are
important too. Improved lighting in school helps students do better, and the paint color of
a room’s walls may in fact affect academic performance as well as attention in span.

Improved quality of life. A neighborhood with clean streets and well-kept homes
is much more uplifting to live in than one that is dingy and dirty. People who live in pleasant
neighborhoods are more likely to feel proud of and content about their surroundings.

IMPROVING YOUR VISUAL ENVIRONMENT

While some elements of your visual environment cannot be changed, others can. By
improving your visual environment, you can make yourself happier and calmer.

 Give yourself visual validation. A visual validation is something placed in the

environment that reminds a person of his or her success or accomplishments. For
example, if you win a trophy, placed it on a shelf in your room. Other visual
validations might be pictures you have painted, papers you have earned high
grades on, or photographs of special places you have visited. Visual validations
also can serve as reminders that people care about you. For example, you might
put up a picture of a friend or relative with whom you have a close relationship. Or,
you might display greeting cards or letters that important people in your life have
sent you. Visual validations help people feel good about themselves. These
validations can be inspiring. For example, you might write a favorite saying or
quotation on an index card and post it over your desk.
 Change the colors around you. Colors can have a big effect on your feelings.
For instance, blue tends to be a calming color, white red is an exciting color. Yellow
is cheerful, and green is peaceful. If possible, choose your favorite colors for your
surroundings. Don’t forget the lighting. Bring lights are likely to make you feel alert,
while dim lighting may leave you feeling drowsy.
 Bring your environment to life. Many people enjoy having living things around
them. For example, you might hang different kinds of plants or have an art
museum. Take a walk in a park you have not visited before.
 Keep your visual environment clean. Keep your “living space” clean – at home
and at school. Organize your belongings. Throwing litter in the trash.

NOISE POLLUTION

What kinds of noise bother you? If you live in a city, maybe the sounds of traffic
and construction are common. If you live in a suburb, maybe the sounds of lawn
mowers and leaf blowers are common. Whether its barking dogs or passing airplanes,
noise is hard to escape. In fact, it’s become so much a part of daily living that people
talk about noise pollution. Noise pollution is more than just annoying. It can have a
negative effect on health and well-being. Noise can cause hearing loss, stress, and
high blood pressure. It can make it hard to concentrate and impossible to sleep.

REDUCING NOISE

While some noise is unavailable, you can reduce it and protect yourself against its
effects.

 When listening to music through headphones, keep he volume low enough to

able to hear someone else speaking.
 When attending a concert or other live music performance, stay a safe distance
away from speakers.
 When walking places, don’t walk alongside the busiest roadways. Take quieter
route.
 If noise from neighbors troubles you, ask your parents or guardian to discuss
the problem with them and work out a compromise.
 Have your hearing checked regularly by a professional.
 Be considerate of other people. Play music at a reasonable volume.
  Avoid engaging in noisy activities (such as practicing a musical instrument)
early in the morning or late at night.

THE BENEFITS OF PLEASANT SOUNDS

Noise can not only be unpleasant, but excessive also can damage a person’s hearing.
Even music, when it is highly amplified, as at rock concerts or in CD players, can lead to
hearing loss. Such hearing loss resulting from loud sounds is occurring in younger people
now than it did a generation ago. However, while noise can have a negative impact on
your life, pleasant sounds can have a positive effects.

 Pleasant sounds can motivate and energized you. Music inspires sports fans to
cheer for their favorite songs. Listening to lively, upbeat musics helps people dance
and keep to their exercise rhythm.
 Pleasant sounds can lift your spirits. Listening to music can improve your mood.
Learning to play a musical instrument lets you make your own pleasant sounds
and tune out worries and problems.
 Pleasant sounds can have a calming effect. Soft, soothing music can calm your
nerves. Many people also enjoy listening to recorded sounds of nature, such as
rain falling, birds chirping, or ocean waves breaking against the shore.

PROTECTING YOUR EARS

Because of possible hearing loss that loud or prolonged noise can cause,
protecting your ears is an important health behavior. People who are exposed to noise in
their everyday work routinely wear ear protection devices. Check out the kinds of ear
plugs that are available at a local pharmacy or health care store. Set goal to wear them
as needed to protect your hearing.
YOUR SAFETY NET

Do you have close friends with whom you share personal feelings? Are they friends
you can count on when you need help or advice? These kinds of friends are part of your
support network. A support network is a group of people who help and encourage you.

Your support network is a key element of your social-emotional environment.

Social-emotional environment refers to the quality of the contacts one has with other
people. A strong support network can serve as a kind of personal safety net when you
feel troubled or stressed. There also are other benefits of a positive social-emotional
environment.

Builds self-respect. When your friends accept you as you are encourage your
positive qualities, you feel good about yourself. Having the approval of people of good
character whom you respect boosts you self-esteem.

Builds resiliency. The friends and family members in your support network
encourage you to pursue your goals. This includes taking some healthful risks. If you
succeed, your friends and family share your pleasure. If you do not, they comfort you and
encourage you to try again. They help you remember that you are still a worthwhile person
and that no one can succeed all the time.

Reduces the risk of illness. Being able to confide in family and friends enables
you to release negative feelings you may have, such as frustration or anger. This is one
way in lower your stress level, which in turn reduces your risk of illness. Remember that
a support network is two-way street. Just as you need support from other people, other
people need support from you. Be a dependable friend to others. Keep their confidences,
share their good times, and help them get through difficult times. Be kind of supportive
and caring friend that you would like to have.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

A. Answer each questions.

1. Why is it important to maintain the inter-dependence of all parts of the ecosystem?
2. Why is motor vehicle emissions pollution still an issue, despite the fact that cars
today emit less pollution than they did in the past?
3. Why are rain forests such an important ecosystem?
4. Outline the major causes of noise pollution in your neighborhood.

B. Effective Communication
1. Write a letter to your student council explaining how recycling and precycling can
help conserve the environment. Include a list of recommendations for new ways
to recycle and precycle at school.
C. Research an Issue
Do research to find out what potential laws about pollution are currently being
decided upon, either locally or nationally. Pick one and write a brief essay
explaining how each might increase the amount of pollution in your community or
in the nation.
References:

Meeks, Linda.,Heit, Philip 2006. Health and Wellnes: Blue copy: Macmillan/McGraw-Hill
Meeks, Linda.,Heit, Philip 2006. Health and Wellnes: Green copy: Macmillan/McGraw-
Hill
Major Environmental Laws: http://ecac.emb.gov.ph/?page_id=43