Environmental Issues - Past and Present

I wrote this in my journal while writing KEEPING OUR EARTH GREEN, August 26, 2007. It was one of the most difficult books to write because it highlighted every environmental issue we were facing at that time and what kids could do in response. I was delving deep into each issue every day. Some days were excruciating.  It led me to journal some of my thoughts.


As I sit hour after hour working on the E-Science book, I am overwhelmed with the environmental issues facing our planet. I haven't felt this overwhelmed since I was a teen. Each issue brings its own set of challenges and I try my best to write this book with a sprinkle of hope throughout each section. 

I do not want kids to pick this up and feel a sense of hopelessness. I want to move them to action - empower them to make a difference. 

In the back of my mind, I am repeatedly reminded of the ancient trees. They bring me constant inspiration and hope for the future. Why is it that in these last days of summer, in the midst of all that I have to do I cannot get my mind away from old trees? 

They constantly amaze me. I think of all they've seen, all who have seen them, and how many will see them for years to come, and I am amazed. 

Our lives, our random lives, are but a minute to them. Our overwhelming issues are just a hiccup in their lives.



It's ten years since that book was released and those issues are still with us. Who would have believed that we'd have even more?

Overwhelmed doesn't begin to describe how I feel about our environment these days.

But, I'm still writing. And I'm still trying to bring hope to my readers. And I still think of those trees -- their longevity, survival, and the challenges they face,  keeps me writing on.

Get Ready for Endangered Species Day!

Earth Day 2018 is over, but you can continue to spread the love of nature and our environment with Endangered Species Day - May 18, 2018.  Start planning now to make an impact this year. 

This is an international celebration of endangered species. It's an ideal day for teachers and community leaders to educate students about the importance of protecting the Earth's biodiversity. 

There are so many ways to engage in the celebration. Here are just a few:


*Plan a school-wide Endangered Species Day fair with exhibits.
*Arrange a special display in the school library or cafeteria.
*Invite a local expert to speak to the school/class.
*Work with a community/environmental group on a habitat restoration project.
*Attend an event at a local zoo, aquarium, botanic garden or other location.

Once a specific activity is planned, your class can register it on the Endangered Species Day website.


Read more about how we can join together to save endangered species in BACK FROM THE BRINK, releasing tomorrow from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt! 

SaveSave

Earth Day - 7 Things Kids Can Do To Help Endangered Species

Happy Earth Day! 

      Today is the day to think of the ways we can contribute to the health of our planet. You can make a difference by helping endangered species. It doesn’t matter where you live or how old you are, every choice we make impacts our environment and the wildlife around us.

     Here are seven ways you can help today and everyday:

Learn About Local Endangered Species — It is hard to help creatures we know nothing about. Find out what animals might be having trouble where you live. Pick one and become an expert. Spread the news about it and how we might be able to keep it safe! You might even be able to volunteer in a local nature center or wildlife refuge. 

Throw Micro Trash In The Trash!  — Tiny items of trash, like bottle caps and small pieces of plastic are harmful to many species of wildlife. It’s hard for an animal to tell the difference between a piece of food and a piece of trash. Sea turtles and California condors are just two endangered species that suffer from tiny bits of litter. You can help by spreading the word and making sure that micro trash finds its way into the trash! 

Conserve Energy!  — Every time we use energy, we add pollution to the environment. You can help by turning off the lights when you leave a room, by carpooling with your friends when you go somewhere, and even buying less stuff wrapped in plastic. Every small thing you do can bring big results if we all work together. 

Be Wildlife Friendly — Make your home wildlife friendly by placing decals on your windows to prevent birds from flying into the glass, planting native plants that provide food and shelter for wildlife, and by keeping your home pesticide and herbicide free. Also, keep cats indoors. Many birds and small animals are killed cats each year. These easy steps make a huge impact in the lives of your local wildlife! 

Take the Plastic-Free Challenge —  Did you know that people produce millions of tons of plastic garbage every year? That includes plastic bags, plastic drinking straws, water bottles, coffee stirrers, and all sorts of packaging that we use only once and then throw out. All of this garbage ends up in our landfills and our waterways. It not only harms wildlife, it also harms us. You can make a big difference if you swap out your plastic for reusable glass bottles, cloth bags, and recycle the plastic you do use. So the next time you order a beverage in a restaurant, ask for a glass and don’t use a straw.  

Campaign for Wildlife!  — Write a letter to your local newspaper about endangered species. Attend a town board meeting and speak up for wildlife. Create a website to promote conservation. Join an environmental organization. Become a voice for the creatures you care about. 

©Nancy F Castaldo

Pay Attention — Sometimes we just don’t know what’s going on until it is too late. If you start to pay attention to the plight of endangered species and other wildlife you’ll be one step ahead. Once we know what is happening we can take action and together we can make a difference. Become informed and stay informed. And when you are old enough — VOTE! Voting is an important way to make your voice heard. 

We can make a difference if we all work together. Perhaps, then we can even prevent animals from becoming endangered in the first place. 

Earth Day, Every Day!