The Youth for Justice team at the Troy City Schools GATE program is concerned about protecting the environment.  In the team’s research about the causes of global warming, they found that carbon dioxide emissions are raising the earth’s temperature.  This can lean lead to climate change, raising the sea level, and endangering animals.  The team decided to find out what they can do to help stop carbon dioxide emissions and save the animals. 

The team discovered several simple actions that can help the environment.  Changing a regular incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent bulb can save over 300 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.  The use of a programmable thermostat in the home can lower heating and cooling bills as well as energy being used.  Leaving your car home two days a week can reduce one’s impact on emissions by 1,590 pounds a year.* 

The team members created flyers with basic tips for people to help save the environment, including reusing shopping bags and replacing light bulbs.  The team also held a fundraiser to raise money to adopt two beluga whales and a polar bear, both on the endangered animals list.

*Statistics provided by the YFJ team using the Defenders of Wildlife website (www.defenders.org)