Energy Consumption

We all use energy every day to power our homes, for transportation, or other uses. How do you use energy in your daily life? Keep track of and assess your energy use for 3 days this week. Then, post to the DB a summary of how you used energy over these three days. What were the end uses of the energy (transportation or commercial/residential)? What types of fuel did you use & for what purpose? (Heating/cooling, recreational, etc.) Report from which primary energy source your electric company generates electricity (coal, nuclear, etc?) Did you use any alternative sources of energy? (Passive solar, perhaps?) Explain. Based on the results of your assessment, are you using energ... click for more

The three "R's"

Ways to improve upon the amount of waste we generate involves the three “R’s”. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. 1. What are some things you can do in your own home and daily lives that could be considered part of the three R’s? 2. Does your state have regulations on recycling? How easy is it for you to recycle items at home, at work, or at school? 3. What are the biggest limitations to recycling? Why don’t we recycle more?

Pollution and Prevention

There are many superfund sites in the U.S. and some of you may be surprised to learn that there is probably a superfund site located very close to where you live and you were not even aware of it. 1. Define what a superfund site is. 2. Identify a superfund site within your own state (FLORIDA). (A superfund site is NOT a website-it’s an actual location with high levels of pollution) 3. Give some background information on the site and the proposed plans to deal with this site. 4. Be sure to answer the following questions: Where is the problem? What is the contamination? Who created this problem? Why? How will they clean it up?

Pollution and Prevention

PEST CONTROL 1. Discusses the problems associated with chemicals and their risk to human health. Your team is part of the United Nations that addresses agricultural issues. A developing country has just had a massive outbreak of insect pests that are destroying their crops. What advice will you give them concerning the use of pesticides? Do you advise them to use them or not to use them? 2. What are the risks of using pesticides? 3. What are the benefits to using pesticides? 4. Are there any alternatives to using chemical pesticides? 5. Develop a plan of action for this country? What are your final recommendations for this country on pesticide use?

Global Warming or decline of worldwide biodiveristy?

There are numerous global environmental issues. Using authoritative resources, research either global warming or the decline in worldwide biodiversity and answer the following in a 2 – 3-page position paper. If you were a Federal (US) government secretary (maybe the EPA director?) or a delegate to the United Nations in charge of doing something about either global warming or the decline of worldwide biodiversity, what would be your recommendations? In your position paper, take a clear stance, supported by evidence that either confirms or questions the importance or urgency of this global issue. Using this evidence, clearly define the background of the issue and your positions. Are ther... click for more