Avoiding Land/Water Pollution and Keeping Animals Safe

Avoiding Land and Water Pollution

The severe effects of both land and water pollution on the environment, human health, and animal health is clearly noteable. Imperative action can be taken through two power tools, education and direct action.

1. Properly dispose of trash, if it is not capable of being recycled.
2. If no designated disposal sites are available, hold the trash until you can properly dispose of it.
3. Carry a litter bag with you.
4. Set a good example for others.
5. Inform your family members and friends alike about the effects of littering and tips on how to avoid littering.
6. If you feel comfortable and/or are wearing gloves, pick up trash others have left behind. (Warning: avoid glass, hypodermic needles, and hygienic products)
7. Make sure your trash bags are tightly secure.
8. Organize and/or participate in a cleanup.

Ways to Prevent Litter from Affecting Animals

Although we might take all of the measures necessary to ensure that our trash does not end up as litter, there might be a small chance that trash may still find its way out, and perhaps affect animal life. If that occurs, you can still prevent animals from getting hurt by carrying out simple actions.

• BALLOONS: cut up balloons before disposing or do not let them fly away.
• CONTAINERS AND CANS: clean, empty and cap containers. Clean, empty, pinch shut, and recycle cans.
• RUBBER BANDS: reuse them or cut them before disposing.
• GLASS: clean and recycle.
• PLASTIC BAGS: tie in a knot before recycling.
• PLASTIC CAN HOLDERS: cut loops before recycling.
• GUM: do not dispose of gum on the floor. Instead, wrap it in paper and properly dispose of it.