Going Green at Home and on Campus

There are many ways to stop global warming and save our planet from completely falling apart. Here are some of the ways you can make a difference. You can be green anywhere and a good place to start would be school. You can ask your school janitor if non-toxic cleaning materials are used in your school. When you use paper, write and print on both sides. Ask your principal if you and a group of friends can start a gardening club. Carpool to school with those who live in your neighborhood, or, if you live close to school, you could ride your bike.

Another good place to go green is at home. Your house accounts for about 22 percent of total U.S. energy consumption, 21 percent of carbon dioxide emissions, and 9 percent of water use. You could use compact fluorescent light bulbs. You should always unplug electronics when you’re not using them. Even when they’re turned off, electrical appliances still use power. You can also talk to your parents about planting an herb garden. Stop using disposable bags and buy reusable ones, or make your own. You can also buy reusable water bottles. It will save money and the earth. Turn off the lights when you leave a room, or, if possible, don’t even turn on the lights. Open a curtain and enjoy the natural light. Support your local economy and shop at a farmers market. Ask your parents if they can research and see if they can sign up for green power from your utility company. Fix leaky faucets and make your own household cleaners. Talk to your parents about line drying your laundry. Collect rainwater and use it to water your houseplants and gardens. Repurpose glass jars as leftover containers or bulk storage.

There are many ways to go green and believe it or not this really is only a few. Don’t forget the most important way to go green though: reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Sources:

http://waystogogreen.com/HowtoGoGreenatSchool.html
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/athome/209378.php
http://simplemom.net/tips-to-go-green-at-home/
Image credit: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/190/477389196_30f889b3ff_m.jpg

Meet the Tiger Times Staff

While we hope to add to our ranks, 5 brave volunteers will be conducting interviews, reporting on events, researching the issues, taking the photographs, and recording the videos for the Tiger Times' first year. Introducing the writers for the 2009-2010 school year:

Briana: Ever since I was little I loved to write. I spent most of my time writing because I was good at it. I am the type of person who turns in their work and stresses over unfinished work. I’ve always been involved in school. Now that I’m in middle school I’m in athletics, choir, and now the Tiger Times. I recently joined the Tiger Times. I joined because I thought it would be good for me. I’m a good writer and I have the time. This will be good experience for me.

Katie: My name is Katie and I’m in the 7^th grade. I’ve gone to many schools before Haltom Middle. I have lived in Missouri, Georgia, Louisiana, and now I live in Texas. I love to read and write. My strongest subjects are math and English/language arts. I’m in karate and also on the tiger times staff. My interests are soccer, karate, and scrap booking. I have a brother and a sister. I don’t see my sister very much because she lives in Louisiana. Although my brother and I fight sometimes, I still don’t know what I would do without him.

Luz: Hey, my name is Luz, I am from Mexico, and I am in 6^th grade. Almost every day after school I help my math teacher. Her name is Mrs. Fraser. Since I was in 4^th grade I liked to help my homeroom teachers after school. In 5^th grade I used to go help a kinder teacher instead of going to recess, and her name is Mrs. Hernandez. I don’t talk too much, and I don’t laugh too much. My favorite sport is soccer, because I like to kick the ball, and I like to play and work in teams.

Shai: I am a cocky, wide-eyed, big-mouthed, preppy girl that absolutely loves people and writing. My family is the best, and I’ve conjured up the nickname “The Princess Monster” from my Dad. With all the support at home, I’m just as willing to give the same to friends. Most of my friends I’ve met in theatre. That’s one of my “things”, I love to act, and sing. My dream is to become a singer/actress. Hopefully I’ll make it. I could go on all day about myself but that’s just a little bit about The Princess Monster.

Trish: Hello! My name is Trish, and I'm Vietnamese. I am 13 this year. I love to change my subjects around to confuse people. The words I say the most are "weirdo" and "your face!" I love laughing a lot, and sometimes I snort out of nowhere.I love dancing, singing, and also I’m trying to find some classes for guitar lessons. I’m also interested in acting because its fun and you get to play someone else beside yourself. I eat at least 7 to 10 meals a day even though I’m skinny.

Hunter: I was born on August 14, 1995 and I have tons of scars. My dad died when I was four and my mom died when I was five, but it’s all good. Now I live with my grandmother and two older brothers. I’ve lived in a lot places, Texas, Utah, Florida, and Washington D.C. I don’t remember any thing about Utah, Florida, or Washington D.C. When I was about three I was attacked by a pit-bull, but as you can see I’m still alive, I was saved by my mom, and I was in the hospital for almost 4 months.