OUR ENVIRONMENT Our Environment is something we take for granted every day. Our planet is a unique part of the solar system. Earth is the only planet capable of sustaining life. We are protected by a complex system of layers called the atmosphere. Avery important part of the atmosphere that is receiving a lot of attention is the Ozone layer. It screens the sun’s ultra-violet rays. It warms and cools found in such Tioles above the north the earth. But because of an intolerable use of chloroflourocarbons, everyday items as aerosol cans, styrofoam, and leaky automobile air conditioners; the Ozone layer has deteriorated and there are already two growing' and south poles.Ifsomething isn’t done soon to put an end to this deterioration,the planet will continue to warm, as a result of the This isn’t the only problem facing us. Because of improper disposal of human waste, use of lethal pesticides, and illegal dumping of toxic waste, our water supply is becoming undrinkable. Many industries illegally dump thier toxic wastes in rivers,lakes, and the ocean. Even if they are caught , ment facilities. The raw sewage is seeping into the ground water, poisoning the community. Farmers use toxic pesticidesthat also eventually find thier way to our drinking water. Because of all this, the people who drink the water are becoming sick. Cancer develops.Unborn children die. Birth defects are common in infants.Infant mortality rates soar. Unless the government becomes tougher, and forces these industries to clean up thier act, the problem will become worse. By trying to achieve a better standard of living, we have endangered our own lives. Think about that the next time you spray your hair, crank your air conditioner, or order a Big Mac. If we all work together, maybe we can stop the damage being done to our environment. the fines they must pay are only a percentage of thier profits. Many cities have inadequatewater treatM - • 1 ' x \ 110 A Bit on the Wild Side
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