Glossary

algae

Very small one-celled plants that often grow in colonies

amount

Number or quantity

bacteria

One-celled plants; some bacteria are helpful and some can cause diseases

campaigns

An organized series of actions that help people accomplish their goals

carbon dioxide

The colorless, odorless gas that plants need to survive and grow; it is produced when animals breathe or materials are burned

carpooling

Sharing a car to cut costs

chemicals

Substances such as salt and ammonia that are found in nature or made by people

composting

Gathering together various kinds of plant material so the heat will break them down into a rich fertilizer

conserves

Keeps from being harmed or damaged

detergent

A cleaning substance that removes dirt and oil

disposable

A product that’s designed to be thrown away after one use

encourages

Fills with the bravery needed to carry on

equivalent

Equal in value or amount

erosion

The wearing away of land surfaces by wind and water

excess

A number or quantity much larger than what is needed

informed

Keeping up to date on new information or knowledge

landfills

Places where garbage is dumped

nutrients

The essential chemicals plants and animals need to grow and survive

organic

Grown or raised without the use of man-made pesticides or fertilizers

overloaded

Pushed past their capacity

persuade

Cause to adopt a certain belief or action

pesticides

Chemicals used to control or get rid of unwanted insects and plants

petroleum

Oil or oil-based products

phosphorous

An important plant nutrient that, in large amounts, can cause algae to grow out of control

resources

Materials supplied by nature, such as forests, minerals, soil, water, and wildlife

runoff

Precipitation that is not absorbed by the soil, but flows into streams or other surface water

seep

To move slowly into the ground

septic tanks

A system that use underground tanks to hold and clean up waste water; used when sewers are not present

toxins

Poisons