RANGER SCRATCH want everyone to learn how to protect the environment and animals!  Here are some ways you can do your part!

• Reduce, Recycle, Reuse!
• Save Electricity
• Safety Tips with Batteries
• How You Can Conserve Water
• Ways to Save Energy

Reduce, Recycle, Reuse!
Whenever possible, buy and use recycled products. Remember that plastic, glass, metal, paper, magazines, and newspapers can all be recycled!

Save Electricity!
Don't leave lights on when no one is in the room.  If you are going to be out of the room for more than 5 minutes, turn off the light.If you know of a light that everyone forgets to turn off, make a sticker or a sign to hang next to the switch that says "Lights Out" or "Don't Forget."

Safety Tips with Batteries
Did you know that Americans use an average of about eight batteries a year per person? Wow! Batteries that are thrown away produce most of the heavy metals - dangerous substances like lead, arsenic, zinc, cadmium, copper, and mercury - that are found in household trash. These metals are toxic. They can be harmful to humans and wildlife. When discarded batteries from our trash wind up in landfills, these dangerous metals can seep into the ground water and eventually into the food chain. So, instead of throwing batteries in the trash, we should all take them to a toxic waste disposal area, if at all possible. Turn off the toys and games (like GameBoys TM) that use batteries when you are not playing with them. That makes the batteries last longer, and you won't need as many of them. Ask your parents to buy rechargeable batteries and a recharger.

How You Can Conserve Water

1. Collect rainwater or reuse fish tank to water indoor plants or your garden. This will provide a nice fertilizer as well as save water.
   
2. Keep drinking water in your refrigerator. Don't let the faucet run until the water cools down. Instead, keep a container of drinking water in the refrigerator. Running faucets waste 3 to 7 gallons of water per minute.
   
3. Don't use the sprinklers just to cool off or for play. Running through water from a hose or sprinkler is fun, but wastes gallons of water.
   
4. Recycle your wading pool water by using it to water your garden. Your plants and grass won't know the difference!
   
5. Don't keep your conservation tips a secret. Tell your friends and neighbors and ask your parents to help out. Set a good example and see how many ways you can think of to help save planet Earth.

Ways to Save Energy

1. Open and close the refrigerator door quickly when choosing a snack.
   
2. Close doors when going outside or coming inside when the heat or air conditioning is on.
   
3. Turn off lights, televisions, or other energy users when you are not using them.
   
4. Keep the oven door closed and pans covered while food is cooking.
   
5. Walk or bicycle instead of asking for rides in the car.
   
6. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.
   
7. Use cold water to wash hands instead of waiting for it to heat up.
   
8. Take shallow baths and short showers.
   
9. Turn off water faucets all the way.