ENVIRONMENTAL issues are prevalent in our world today, and we should make it our business to know about them, but it is equally important to be aware of environmental issues in our most immediate environment: Our home.

Environmental issues in the home centre on indoor air quality, water quality, and energy and water use and waste management.

Indoor air quality

Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes, and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby products. Fuels are made up of organic chemicals. All of these products can release organic compounds while you are using them, and, to some degree, when they are stored.
Pet dander, dust and pollen are also sources of indoor air pollution that can affect the health of occupants of a household.
Energy and water use
Energy and water tend to be wasted in the home, through various means e.g. throwing away food, leaking faucets and faulty appliances. These become environmental issues of concern since collectively these actions emit hundreds of tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Wasting water and energy not only deprive others of these valuable resources, but also increase the cost of providing both resources, to both the supplier and the consumer.

Waste Management
Usually the amount of waste we dispose of in our bins can be reduced by practicing reducing, reusing and composting.  Disposing of our waste in tightly covered bins can reduce the presence of vermin, flies etc. thereby lowering our exposure to health risk.

How to deal with environmental issues in your home
Good ventilation protects both your home and your health. It is especially important in removing unwanted moisture and preventing the growth of mold and mildew. Be on the alert for signs of inadequate ventilation.
Use household cleaners and other products wisely by:
•     Following label instructions carefully, especially for potentially hazardous substances
•    Using cleaners, paint thinners etc., in a well ventilated area and storing as recommended by the manufacturer.
•    Buy only as much paints, thinners, etc. that you will use right away, instead of buying in bulk.
Be water wise
•    Check and repair all leaky pipes and taps. These can waste gallons of water per day.
•    Do not leave the water running when doing simple things like brushing your teeth, or washing the dishes.
•    Only use the washing machine when there is a full load.
Practise energy conservation
•    Use energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.
•    Turn off all electrical appliances when not in use.
•     Look for appliances with the Energy Star label.
•    Open windows during the day to let in natural light and fresh air.

Environment Crossword Puzzle
What is the missing word in each sentence below?  Find the number of each word in the puzzle.  The FIRST letter of that word goes in the box with the corresponding number.  Don’t forget you need to print off this crossword puzzle to work on it.

List of words:
 air
 animals
 away
 cars
 earth
 environment
 everyone
 fish
 give
 glut
 hurts
 insects
 litter
 noise
                                                                                         off
                                                                                         people
                                                                                         plants
                                                                                         rags
                                                                                         trees
                                                                                         turn
                                                                                         ugly
                                                                                         waste
                                                                                         water (2 times)
                                 Across                                                                                                                                              
1)  “Every litter bit —–.”
3)  Trash tossed away where it doesn’t belong is called ——.
13)  ——– needs to help keep the environment clean.  
14)  Each living thing must have —– to survive.  
16)  Dirty water from factories can kill —-. 
18)  People, animals, and —— live on earth.
21 & 22)  When you run the shower too long, you —–|—– (two words).
23)  When something like garbage or dirty water is not nice to look at, it is —-.
24)  Emissions from —- can make the air dirty.    
2 & 11)  When you leave a room, —-|— (two words) the lights to save energy.
4)  Paper is made from —–. 

                                Down
8)  The ———— is what every living thing needs for life.
9)  —- are good to use for cleaning.  Save them.
5)  The air and water now on —– have always been here;no new supplies come from space.
6)  The environments of many wild ——- have been hurt by man.
7)  Loud —– bothers people and hurts their ears.
10 & 19)  Don’t throw away good, used items you no longer need.  —- them —- so others can use them.
12)  Too many —— have hurt the environment.
15)  Living things need fresh — in the environment.
17)  Many birds eat ——-.
20)  Save resources; don’t be a —-.

For more information on environmental issues in the home, you can log on to http://www.bertrandrealtylacrosse.com/environmental_issues.html

You can also share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN or email us at eit.epaguyana@gmail.com