When do I send greenhouse gases in the air, and how can I make a difference?

You send greenhouse gases in the air during everyday activities, like every time you watch television, use the air conditioner, play a video game, listen to a stereo, turn on a light, use a hair dryer, wash or dry clothes, turn on the dishwasher, or microwave a meal. The trash that we send to landfills produces a greenhouse gas called methane. Methane is also produced by the animals we raise for dairy and meat products and when we take coal out of the ground. And when factories make the things that we buy and use everyday, they too are sending greenhouse gases into the air. Whenever we use electricity, we help put greenhouse gases into the air. By turning off lights, the television, and the computer when you are through with them, you can help a lot. You can save energy by sometimes taking the bus, riding a bike, or walking. Planting trees is a great way to reduce greenhouse gases. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, from the air. And you can recycle cans, bottles, plastic bags, and newspapers. When you recycle, you send less trash to the landfill and you help save natural resources, like trees, oil, and elements such as aluminum.