8.PCH.3

What does this standard mean a child will know and be able to do?

8.PCH.3.1 Outline the potential health consequences of global environmental problems.
The amount of earth that humans have to live on is very small and very precious. What happens to the earth ultimately affects human health. Because of this, it is important to understand the potential personal health consequences of global environmental problems. Some of these environmental concerns that can directly affect health are:
 * 1) Outdoor air quality
 * 2) The greenhouse effect
 * 3) Depletion of the ozone layer
 * 4) Acid rain
 * 5) Land degradation (erosion, flooding, strip mining, paving)
 * 6) Overpopulation
 * 7) Dealing with garbage (solid waste)
 * 8) Destruction of tropical rain forests
 * 9) Water pollution

Students may feel powerless to help the global environment. They may not be able to comprehend how individual acts can have an impact on problems and concerns that span across the globe. Students need to understand that many individual acts of awareness, conservation, protection, and prevention all contribute to improving our environment.
 * The student will recognize that many global environmental concerns can directly affect human health.
 * The student will conclude that every individual plays a part in taking care of the earth.
 * The student will practice acts of conservation and environmental protection.
 * The student will advocate for others to take action to conserve and protect the earth and prevent further destruction of the environment.

8.PCH.3.2 Explain the impact of personal behaviors on the environment, both positive and negative.
The connection between personal behaviors and individual health for today and tomorrow is very important and can hopefully serve as a reminder to students that their health is largely under their control. Students should also understand, however, that their personal behaviors also have positive and negative consequences on the environment. Simple decisions, such as turning off the water while brushing one’s teeth, make

a difference. Choosing to recycle is a personal choice that positively affects the environment. Estimates show that Americans throw away nearly 60 million cans, 28 billion bottles, 4 million tons of plastic, 40 million tons of paper, 100 million tires, and 3 million cars. Though Americans represent only 5% of the world’s population, they produce 50% of the world’s trash. Personal choices that can have a positive effect on the environment include collecting, sorting and processing materials for recycling, separating organic waste for reuse, and waste reduction. Everyone must recognize the true costs (social, economical, and environmental) and take an active role to become a part of the solution by being wise consumers.
 * The student will recognize that his or her personal behaviors have an impact, both positively and negatively, on the environment.
 * When making decisions in the future, the student will consider that impact of personal behavior on the environment.
 * The student will develop individual practices that will protect the environment.
 * The student will avoid those practices that have a negative impact on the environment.