Tragedy in Haiti

By David G.

On the morning of January 12, a devastating earthquake hit Haiti, leaving many victims injured or dead. So far, over 150,000 bodies have been identified, and the final death toll is predicted to be 200,000 or more. Officials say there are still bodies they have not identified. Aid workers from around the world have been in desperate need of food, water, and medical supplies. The aid workers also claim that if supplies are not quickly delivered, there will be security problems, as victims' patience is wearing thin. U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has appealed for $550 million to meet victims' needs. To help, Coinstar, Inc. has over 15,000 locations where you can donate coins to help victims of the Haitian earthquake. If half of the U.S. population donated $1, it would raise more than $150 million to help. You can also donate at www.unicefusa.org/haitiquake, where the transaction will only take 48 hours.

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