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This refers to the ability of the soil to sup ply essential plant nutrients and soil water in adequate amounts and proportions for plant growth and reproduction in the

absence of toxic substances which may inhibit plant growth

Proper Disposal

Planting Trees

Pollution Control

Recycling

An ecosystem is a living system that includes the s un as an energy source, soil, rocks, water, air, plant life and living beings. We humans are only one part of any

ecosystem, but many people believe that we have a disproportionate effect. Our actions tend to affect not just our s urroundings, but the world at large. To live

more responsibly on the Earth, we must understand how the things we do can have lasting effects.

Food. While people who live in towns and cities may not ever see the farms that support them, we are all dependent on agr iculture. That agriculture has a huge

effect on our ecosystems: pesticides and other toxic chemicals used in food p roduction can wash downstream, killing many type s of animals, polluting our

waterways and even making humans ill. Fertilizers can wash downstream, causing "blooms" or large populations of algae and bacteria, which can harm fish

populations. In addition, GreenFacts states that we are depleting fish populations in the oceans and seas, causing us to fish further offshore and deeper underwater

as more and more fish disappear.

Water. Throughout the world, 2.6 billion people lack proper sanitation, which means that drinking water around the world is contamin ated with waste and disease.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that this has resulted i n 1.8 million human deaths. Open water is often contami nated by agricultural chemicals,

fuel from passing boats and even trash and litter. Both the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans contain large "islands" of plastic trash, which National Geographic

suggests came from litterbugs and open landfills around the world.

Fuel. We use natural resources to produce power, but according to the WHO, our current methods are har mful to ecosystems. Burning fuels such as wood and coal

creates pollution, and is depleting our forests. The WHO claims that wood harvesting in rural areas is not only bad for h uman health, but is creating a " wood fuel

scarcity." Worse, coal plants produce enough pollution that it is collecting in our atmosphere, causing breathing hazards and affecting the weather. Burning gaso line

in our cars creates smog in and around cities.

Biodiversity. Biodiversity is the variation between types of plants and animals. Every living thing plays a part in an ecosystem, and when a specific type of being

becomes extinct or is removed from an area, its ecosystem suffers. When humans convert an area to farmland, we make it inhosp itable to many types of plants and

animals, and begin growing only the species we like best. Large-scale fishing, land development and many other practices drive out native species, changing the

local ecosystem permanently.

Climate Change. The Earth's natural climate is always changing, but in ye ars recent to 2010 we have observed dramatic changes that are likely due to

humans. In fact, the United Nations Convention on Climate Change defines climate change as "change of climate which is attributed directly or in directly to human

activity that alters the composition of the g lobal atmosphere." Our industry, agriculture and pollution all have real effects on the Earth' ;s natural systems.

Pollution and greenhouse gases in particular are accumulating in our atmosphere, causing the planet's overall temperature to rise. This results in weather

changes, which affect all ecosystems.

Ten Easy Things You Can Do To Stop Polluti on

Recycle your used motor oil. Wal-Mart Tire and Lube Express , AutoZone and other service stations accept used oil. Never pour oil or automotive fluids on the

ground or in creeks, ditches, or rivers.

Reduce auto emissions through regular auto maintenance, car pooling, and use of pu blic transportation. Fix oil, transmission, and radiator leaks in your car. Leaking

fluids can wash off roads, driveways, and parking lots into waterways d uring rain showers.

Use garbage cans for your trash. Recycle reusable materials like cardboard, paper, plastic, and aluminum. Dont throw trash a nd litter in the streets and ditches; it

will wash into creeks and rivers.

Sweep the dirt from your sidewalk and driveway back into your yard with a broom. Pick up pet wastes and dispose of it in the toilet or trash. Hosing dirt and pet

wastes away flushes it directly into roadways and eventually into creeks, ditches, and rivers.

Dispose of any hazardous household chemicals at approved household hazardous waste collection sites. Purchase natural produ cts available for your home and

garden.

Select water-based paints such as latex. Wash brushes in your sink with water. If using paint thinner, reuse and recycle it. Dont pour any paint or toxic material on

the ground or in ditches.

Use pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and other lawn chemicals sparingly. Never double the dose. Follow the directio ns and do not apply if rain is forecasted.

Go to a car wash or wash your car in the grass. Dont wash grimy road dirt and soap down the driveway; it will end up in the creeks, ditches, and rivers. Reproduced

on recycled paper by the ADEQ Public Outreach & Assistance Division, November 2006.

Collect grass clippings and leaves and start a compost pile. Compost makes excellent soil conditioner for flower beds and gar dens and is a beneficial way to dispose

of yard waste. Never use creeks, ditches, or streams to dispose of yard wastes.

Maintain your septic system. Have it pumped out every three years to remove sludge and scum.

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Practice water conservation to prevent overworking your system. Repair or replace malfunctioning or outdated septic systems.

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