Recycling
Seattle's recycling program has been one of the most successful to date. The city already recycles 28 percent of it's
wastes and hopes to reach 60 percnt by 1994. 2500 tonnes of bottles, cans, and newspapers are recycled each month, for every
tonne of paper, about 1600 kg of trees and about 100,000L of water. Resident who seperate recyclable waste are charged less
for garbage collection.
Weather and Climate
There are two temperatures that are the average for the months of January and July. Places in southern part of the country
are much warmer than places with more northern latitudes. This is because sun rays shine more directly closer to the equator
than farther north. The more direct rays have a greater heating ability. So, the climate is warmer.
Minneapolis is much colder than Boston despite the fact that both cities are of roughly the same lattitude. This occurrs
because oceans have a moderating influence on nearby land climates. In winter, oceans tend to retain heat much more than the
land, and they release this heat more slowly.
Greenhouse Effects
Air pollution is changing global weather patterns. Carbondioxide emissions from the burning of vegetation and fossil fuels
have produced the green house effects.
Acid Rain
Acid rain damages the environment in many ways. When it falls on lakes, it increases their acid content, killing plant and
fish life. 1000 of lakes are now considered dead because of acid rain. Acid rain effects more than just lakes though. IT also
damages trees, crops, and soils. Acid rain also erodes public buildings.
Air Pollution
Air pollution is a mixture of harmful gases and particulates which have been released into the atmosphere. Particulates are
small particles of liquid or solid matter. It harms the health of humans, especially those with respiratory illness. It kills
plant life and causes extensive damage to buildings over time. 42% of air pollutionin the United States is caused by transportation
activities.
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