The Earth and I
Why is clean air important?
breathing / lungs working / prevents illness / oxygen for body
Why are trees important?
oxygen production / animal habitat / shade and cooling / prevent erosion
Name as many items you can REUSE instead of throwing away
glass jars (food storage) / food scraps (compost) / plastic bags (garbage liners) / cardboard boxes (organization) / old clothing (rags) / egg cartons (seed starters) / coffee grounds (fertilizer) / gift bags / reusable paper towels
What is composting?
food turns into soil / food waste becomes dirt / decomposing food / natural fertilizer
What is climate change?
Long-term changes in Earth’s temperature & weather patterns / Earth warming / hotter Earth / changing weather / global warming
How does being in nature help your mental health?
reduces stress / improves focus / encourages physical activity / improves mood
What is an ecosystem?
plants and animals living together / living things and environment / nature system
What are some ways we can REDUCE our carbon footprint and lessen our impact on the environment at home?
buy secondhand / make homemade cleaners / repair broken items / buy less / use refill products / composting / go digital / energy conservation (lights, LED bulbs, less heater and AC) / water management
How does gardening connect people to nature?
understanding where food comes from / caring for plants / working with soil / seeing natural growth / respect / appreciation for nature
Name renewable/clean energy sources
solar / wind / water / hydro power
What happens if drinking water is polluted?
disease / stomach illness / unsafe to drink / dehydration issues
Why are insects important in ecosystems?
pollination / food for animals / decomposition / help plants grow
Why is RECYCLING important?
reduces landfill waste / saves resources / creates new products / reduces pollution
How is organic farming different from regular farming?
uses no chemicals / natural methods / less pesticides / compost instead of chemicals
Why do data centers and technology affect the environment?
Use a lot of electricity / power / energy / water
How can human population growth increase pressure on Earth’s resources and human health?
more demand for food/water/energy → shortages and pollution
How do rivers connect different ecosystems?
carry water / move nutrients / support animals and plants / connect habitats
How can reusing and making your own household products reduce environmental impact?
less waste / fewer chemicals / less packaging / saves resources / less pollution / reuse materials
How do food choices affect climate change?
Deforestation / plant based = lower impact on climate change / meat emissions / methane / transport emissions / packaging waste / water use / land use / livestock feed / food waste
How can planting trees help future generations?
cleaner air / shade / cool temperatures / oxygen / better environment
How does losing green space (trees/parks) in a community affect both people and the Earth?
worse air quality / less physical activity / higher heat
Why is caring for nature also caring for ourselves?
we need nature to survive / our health depends on Earth / same system / we are part of it / green space interaction lowers stress, blood pressure & anxiety / restorative (reset for the brain)
Why are “buying trends” (fast fashion, microtrends) harmful for our planet?
creates waste / encourages overbuying / still produces trash (87% ends up in landfills) / uses resources / emissions / overconsumption / pollution / cost / environmental waste
What happens to biodegradable waste when it is left in the environment?
breaks down / becomes soil / decomposes / returns to nature (properly managed compost = good! landfills or littering = bad!)
How can humans help restore damage already done to the Earth?
plant trees / cleanups / reduce pollution / protect and restore habitats /walk, bike or use public transportation