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Of all the land in the United States, almost half is farmland, according to the most recent census.
Around one-third is national parks and forests. The rest is cities, towns, industrial parks, lakes, rivers, and streams. This is our country.
Right now, the United States and every other place on Earth is in trouble, and people are part of the problem. We are using up Earth’s resources and causing major changes on the planet. Not all of them are for the better.
People are also part of the solution. Only we can take care of our planet. Taking care of Earth means taking care of its land, water, plants, animals, and air. Everyone—including you—has a part to play. That’s where conservation comes in. Conservation is defined as protecting and managing Earth’s natural resources.
Water
About 70 percent of your body is water. Every day you must take in enough water to replace what your body loses—about two and a half quarts. Some water comes from the food you eat, but most of it comes from water, juice, and other things you drink. You can’t survive without water for more than a few days, but polluted water can make you very sick. In the United States, tap water is cleaned and filtered, so it is safe to drink. But the water in rivers, streams, and lakes is not cleaned and filtered. When these waters become polluted, the fish, animals, and people who depend on them are harmed.
Topsoil
Do you like apples? Carrots? Peanut butter sandwiches? To grow the crops that provide these foods, we need topsoil rich in minerals and other nutrients that plants need to grow and stay healthy. Farmers protect their topsoil by planting windbreaks, or rows of trees around the edges of fields. The windbreaks shield the land from erosion due to strong winds. They keep the nutrient-rich soil in the fields, where it’s needed.
Trees
No matter how far you are from a tree, you are never far from the benefits it provides. In a year’s time, one tree gives off enough oxygen for a family of four. At the same time, it removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Trees also cool the Earth, suck up water from the soil, and release much of it into the air. By adding moisture to the air, trees help prevent drought. It’s no wonder America’s parks and forests are protected lands.
Air
Clean air is not just a worthy goal. It is an essential one. You breathe air every minute of the day and night. Your body needs the oxygen the air contains—not the dust, smoke, fumes, or any of the other tiny particles that might be floating in it. Pollutants like these can damage your lungs and make it harder for them to work properly.
