Reduce your use

Take the classroom challenge

April is Earth month, and the perfect time to think about the environment, especially conserving water. The Southwest Florida Water Management District has three words for you: “Reduce your use”. Check out the classroom challenge for helping alleviate Florida’s drought conditions at www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/education/classroom_challenge. Share your ideas here about how you and others can conserve water.

Conserving water

Every drop counts

Browse current issues of the e-Edition for one article or photograph related to water use or conservation in your county or city. How are people using the water? Are they drinking it, using it for industrial production or enjoying it for recreation? Is water being used conservatively or does the article or photograph suggest the water is being wasted? Florida is facing a serious drought. What can you and your family do to help? Share your ideas here at the NBZ.

Conserving energy

Be energy efficient

Look in the e-Edition of the St. Petersburg Times for pictures of home appliances that use energy. For each appliance, answer the following questions. Is this a necessity or a luxury? What are the advantages and disadvantages to using it? What’s the alternative to this appliance? Do a little research to determine the energy efficiency of each. Rate the appliances from most efficient to least efficient. Using the e-Edition archives and the archives on tampabay.com, find newspaper articles about energy issues such as energy shortages, non-renewable energy sources, energy costs, energy dependence and health problems associated with pollution or other effects of energy. List ways you can save energy and create an energy contract to make a difference. Share your energy conservation ideas with others here at the NIE Blogging Zone.

Planning for the future ...

... by recycling today

We must begin recycling today if we are to reduce the rate at which our landfills are filling up. Work together,, come up with a plan to get students to recycle. Look at the ads in the e-Edition of the St. Petersburg Times. Think about the dynamics of the ads. Think about ways to draw people’s attention to an ad and message. Share your ideas here at the NBZ.

Taking action

Think globally. Act locally.

Use current and archived issues of the electronic edition of the St. Petersburg Times to find news articles or features about recycling and the environment in your local or regional community. Based on your news research, describe how the issue specifically impacts your community. Identify individuals or groups in your area that are helping to improve the community by protecting the environment. What are the most important
needs in your community? What volunteer opportunities are available? How can people help keep your neighborhood, town, city or community beautiful? Share your ideas and thoughts here at the NBZ.

Celebrating Earth Day

Protecting our planet

April 22 is Earth Day. “Earth Day and every day is a time to act to protect our planet,” according to Earthday.gov. Check out Earthday.gov to find ways you can think globally and act locally to help the environment. Share your ideas for helping protect the environment here at the NIE Blogging Zone.