Teens Going Green

Hayley Smith
Mrs. Huntowski
PCA
3 November 2014
Teens Going Green Today’s teens are more wired up, plugged in, worldly and savvy than ever. Many care deeply about the threats facing our environment, and are committed to making a difference. But it’s not always easy to know exactly what to do to help our planet. One easy way to get started is by turning off your computer when you’re finished working or surfing. You’ll save an average of $90 worth of electricity per year. And if you want to save even more, unplug your computer or flip the switch on a surge protector to stop the “phantom load” problem. Once you’re done turning off the computer, be sure to turn off the lights behind you. Something else to consider is catching the school bus. Even though many teens today can’t wait to drive, the National Academies of Science and Engineering says the buses are not only a lot safer, they are also more fuel efficient than cars, saving gas and lowering emissions that cause global warming. And, if you live close enough to your destination, try walking or biking. It’s not only healthy for the environment; it’s healthy for you, too.
How many burgers do you eat in one week? Do you know that it takes 4.8 pounds of grain (fed to cattle) to produce one pound of ground beef? Do you know how many people can be fed with 4.8 pounds of grain? It takes 2,500 to 6,000 pounds of water to produce one pound of meat, but one pound of wheat can be grown with 60 pounds of water. Making small cutbacks (maybe one day per week) is not only better for our planet; it’s better for your body. (Lee 1) Instead of buying bottled water, get a refill. “Less than 20 percent of single-use containers make it to the recycling bin” (Howard 4). Get a cool metal bottle instead and fill it up when you’re thirsty. In a matter of days, you’ll have a few extra dollars in your pocket and in the process, cut down on waste. From home and garden to food and health to tech and transportation, there are tons of ways we can make our life greener, all we have to do is try.

Works Cited
Howard, Brian. "Easy Ways for Teens to Go Green." 10 November 2010. The Daily Green. Web. 8 April 2014.
Lee, Elizabeth. "The Truth About Red Meat." 11 August 2011. Web MD. Web. 9 April 2014.

Cited: Howard, Brian. "Easy Ways for Teens to Go Green." 10 November 2010. The Daily Green. Web. 8 April 2014. Lee, Elizabeth. "The Truth About Red Meat." 11 August 2011. Web MD. Web. 9 April 2014.