Save the Planet. Green-living Guide for Teens. 

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Status: NT-near threatened Occurrence: Eastern Poland, the Carpathians, the Carpathian foothills

The lynx has a round head, long, strong paws and toes with claws. The top is dark red, with brown spots. The belly of the lynx is white. Most individuals have hair around the neck and bottom of the head. Lynx’s ears are upright and at the top there is a tuft of hair that focuses the sound waves and brings sounds to the lynx’s ears. It plays a very important role. The lynx is a predator, so it naturally limits the number of certain species, e.g. roe deer, land-dwelling birds and rodents. Due to the fact that lynx hides the remains of its uneaten food underground, in forest mulch or snow, other animals often dig up the remains of the prey and feed on them.

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Segregate your waste properly - not only at home but also when you're out. And remember not to drop litter if there's no bin nearby. Instead, take it with you!

Always remember to take a bag when you go on a shopping spree. Thanks to it, you won't have to buy a disposable plastic net. It’s also a good idea to have a shopping list prepared in advance. It will help you buy only the things you need.&nbsp;

Of course, one person won't change much, but if you modify your behaviour, your friends might feel like following in your footsteps and we might save the planet for ourselves and future generations!

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2. What is really happening to our planet?&nbsp;

Do you remember your parents telling you stories about really freezing winters with temperatures 40 degrees below zero? So, how come you, as a young person, have never seen winters like those? It is a good question because it somehow proves that our climate is changing and unluckily, it is changing for the worse. So, what is really happening to our planet?&nbsp;

There are two contradictory attitudes towards climate change. Some people say that the climate has been changing all the time since the world was created. In that case there is nothing to worry about. Others find the accelerating pace of climate change disturbing. According to scientists, since the beginning of the 20th century, the surface temperature of the globe has risen by about 0. 75°C, and by mid-century it will probably rise by a further 1,5-4°C.

Is there any hope for us?

Unfortunately, some people are still not aware of how much they affect climate. Together we can do more! Learning from our mistakes, we can slow down emission of greenhouse gases and minimize the negative effects on the environment. If we do not take any action, the Earth we know now will cease to exist. You can say it does not concern you at all. But what about your future generations? Do you not care about them? 

Help us save the world unless it is too late!!!

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unnecessary anger or worry about an unimportant or trivial matter

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Kasia: First of all, my eating habits reflect my ethics and love for animals. You must have heard about intensive agriculture. It’s associated with enormous suffering of animals!!! And… there’s one more thing. I haven't been into meat since my childhood. While sitting at the table, I used to push away pieces of meat with disgust. When I left primary school, I made friends with a vegetarian. She showed me that such a diet can be healthy and tasty. In fact, it wasn’t so difficult – she’s a great cook, so her vegetarian dishes tasted brilliant! She inspired me to become a vegetarian.&nbsp;

Karina: Vegetarianism is a controversial, still a very fashionable issue in the 21st century. What made you follow a plant-based diet?

Zespół Szkół Chemicznych i Przemysłu Spożywczego w Lublinie

1. Introduction – Karina Kołodziejczyk, Katarzyna Kańczugowska 2. What is really happening to our planet? – Iga Pawlak 3. Greta Thunberg – a role model for teens – Martyna Lipska, Magdalena Finkowska 4. Endangered species in Poland – Magdalena Finkowska, Weronika Niedźwiedź, Natalia Dąber, Joanna Wośko 5. Do you really know how to sort out garbage? - Natalia Tarkowska, Weronika Siwiec 6. Weekly weather diary – Joanna Wrona 7. Weather vocabulary crossword – Magda Podpora 8. Weather idioms explained - Magda Podpora 9. Be or not to be a vegetarian? - Karina Kołodziejczyk, Katarzyna Kańczugowska 10. My favourite vegeterian dish - Zuzanna Dobrzyńska 11. Some simple ideas of how each teenager can help the environment – Paulina Widz

Graphic Designer and Illustrator - Sylwia Hołda

The Mind Map's Designer - Dr Jane Genovese

Earth’s warming climate is causing glaciers to melt. Rising sea levels mean a significant risk of flooding. That is why such cities as London and Amsterdam have built dams as a form of protection. Another negative consequence of global warming is shifting weather patterns with trees coming into leaf much earlier in the spring or fewer cold winters. A great number of animals and plant species are in danger of extinction since they will not be able to adapt to rapid changes in their natural habitats and ecosystems.

As water evaporates faster due to higher temperatures, some areas are affected by droughts. Rainfall scarcity increases crop failure or loss of livestock and eventually causes famine and migration of people who are now forced to look for safer places to live.

Have you ever heard about dead zones on seas? They really exist!!! These are the areas where even the least demanding plants do not grow because of lack of oxygen. There are 405 places like that around the world.

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3. Greta Thunberg – a role model for teens.&nbsp;&nbsp;

- Greta's mother is an opera singer and her father is an actor. Her grandfather is an actor and a director. - the girl is suffering from Asperger 's syndrome, ADHD, and anxiety disorders. - in August 2018 Greta decided to go on a three-week school strike outside the Swedish Parliament. It’s how the global movement called Fridays for Future started. - Greta refused to participate in one of competitions because its finalists had to go to Stockholm by plane. She is an opponent of travelling by airplane. - She also declined the Nordic Council Environment Prize. She explained the climate movement doesn't need any awards. - her name and surname were used to name newly discovered species of beetle and snail. - in 2019 she was made Time magazine Person of the Year. - Greta was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize 2020.&nbsp;

You must have heard about Greta Thunberg! She is a climate activist but did you know that:

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Kasia: Health!!! According to scientific research, abstaining from meat is beneficial to your body and above all, it prevents civilization diseases such as obesity, diabetes and others.

Karina: What else do you like about this diet? I mean, apart from love for animals and negative effects of animal husbandry on the environment?

9. Be or not to be a vegetarian? Is it a good idea to cut down on eating meat in order to save our planet? - an interview with a vegetarian.

The contemporary environmental movement arose in response to dramatic changes in climate. It is manifested on many levels, including a new approach to eating habits. Did you know that animal husbandry presents direct threat to nature? More and more forest areas are now being transformed into pastures. As a result, methane, which animal excrement is rich in, escapes into the atmosphere causing the green-house effect. These facts are only a few arguments for adopting a vegetarian diet. Often associated with enormous sacrifice, it turns out to be desirable in the face of natural disasters. Let us talk to Kasia, our school community member and the person who decided to become a vegetarian at the age of 16.

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We hope you will like our idea of creating a weekly weather diary (25 May – 14 June). Its aim was to find out whether there is really something wrong with the Polish weather. If you are interested in the results of the study, click on the link below and take a look at amazing photos attached to this part of the project!

She is known for very direct and straightforward statements. “When your house is on fire, you don't wait a few more years to start putting it out. And yet this is what the Commission is proposing today," Thunberg told the European Parliament's environment committee. - Ms Thunberg accused the EU of "pretending" to be a leader on climate change and dismissed the law as "empty words". (March 2020) - On the Internet there has been circulating a decal depicting this teenage climate activist in a sex position with the logo of X-Site Energy Services at the bottom. The company denies having any connection to it.

- After her lecture during which she accused politicians of inaction towards climate change, Russian President Vladimir Putin himself rated Greta Thunberg as a nice but misinformed teenager, who has been manipulated and who presented unrealistic demands at the UN climate summit (September 2019). - President Donald Trump mocked the teen climate activist on Twitter after she was named Time magazine's Person of the Year, calling her win "ridiculous" and suggesting she take anger management classes. - Greta Thunberg said in Davos (January 2020) that she would like to meet oil industry representatives and accuse them of crimes against humanity in person. She accused all world leaders saying "Your inaction is fueling the flames by the hour."&nbsp;

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10. My&nbsp;favourite&nbsp;vegeterian&nbsp;dish by Zuzia.

Hello! I’ve prepared something special for you!!! It’s a vegetarian dish, actually one of my favourites – peppers stuffed with vegetables!!! They’re extremely easy to prepare and taste delicious. Don’t hesitate to add some other special ingredients - the recipe can be easily modified to suit your tastes! And it’s worth remembering - stuffed vegetables allow you quickly to get used to the vegetarian or vegan diet!

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worried but inconsistent and lacking initiative!

75% of teenagers think that they pay a lot of attention when it comes to caring for the environment. They declare this topic relevant. However, according to the survey, the young people’s intentions do not translate their actions. We do not like to participate in mass protests, marches, or other events aimed at raising awareness about this matter. Most of us feel ecological issues are too rarely mentioned at school or during conversations among family members. Of course, we cannot modify the school curriculum, but why don’t you take an active part in fighting for the better world right on your doorstep!!! Your home seems to be a perfect place to express your opinions and share your views with people that take care of what you really think. They might be even eager to follow in your footsteps, they might want to become eco-activists or vegetarians in the future!&nbsp;

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This interactive book is just for you! It is a project done by teenagers for teenagers. It will give you a chance to broaden your knowledge on ecological issues. You will learn more about the major threats to the environment and simple things you can do to help protect the earth. You will also find out about changeable weather or endangered species in Poland. If you consider changing your eating habits, read the interview with a vegetarian or try our vegetarian recipe. We have also prepared a special surprise for those who love puzzles and are into learning English!&nbsp; Enjoy your reading and have fun!

Here you will find the questions we have asked our school community members

Due to the drastically shifting climate we do not know what exactly future can bring, but what we know is that if nothing changes, our lives will not be the same. There are more and more hot days all over the country. Of course, global warming affects all of us, people and animals. There are a lot of creatures that are threatened of losing their homes and natural habitats because of our misguidance and ignorance. Learn more about some endangered species in Poland!&nbsp;

Let us learn some English idioms connected with the weather! The pictures will help you memorize the expressions. Have fun!

11. Some simple ideas of how each teenager can help the environment.

There are lots of things you can do to take care of the environment! For example, you could follow the steps mentioned in the text below.

Whenever you feel the need to get somewhere, try not to use cars. Public transport is ok, but why don’t you start cycling, rollerblading or walking? In this way, you won’t contribute to air pollution. Additionally, it’s a chance for you to get in shape and feel healthier.&nbsp;

You could also cut down on eating meat in your diet. Animals produce e. g. methane, which is one of the greenhouse gases. At first, it might seem difficult (some time ago I couldn’t imagine a day without meat), but with time you can get used to it and learn many interesting recipes for meat-free dishes. Of course, you don't have to go on a vegetarian diet right away. You can eat something with meat 2-3 times a week.&nbsp;

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7.&nbsp;A weather vocabulary crossword.&nbsp;

Do the crossword to check how good you are at weather vocabulary!

Nature or human activity?

Global warming – what is it?

There are two main factors which cause climate change. Firstly, it is quite a natural process. For example, volcanos have always given off carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The problem is that the impact of natural factors on the environment is nothing to be compared with human activity. It is people who are mainly responsible for contaminating the Planet Earth

Do you know what global warming is? This term refers to the rise in global temperatures while the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases, such as methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide (and the heat they produce) cannot leave the atmosphere.

We know good things that Greta Thunberg said and is fighting for, but when you mess with politics and get popular, you can expect to get involved in scandals or controversies. Just like these: - Greta at UN climate summit in New York telling the world’s greatest leaders: “How dare you?”

...  apparently, she wasn’t taken seriously.

to constantly pursue things that are unrealistic

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<a href="bookcreator://page/cIELKB2ERgGWHGFummcHTg">1. Introduction</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/XvPsS3guRoOOAcWxyz1Y7Q">7. A weather vocabulary crossword.&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/23CwrwDRTj20ANIrwLpYXQ">2. What is really happening to our planet?</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/RqR0cJtDSeGg9CKLnaX57Q">8. Weather idioms explained.</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/CfwTtDaxT_64h3Mw7Jqfqg">3. Greta Thunberg – a role model for teens.&nbsp;</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/RXNaW2-CQjigfV9mYsfEsA">4. Endangered species in Poland.&nbsp;</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/H19W3218Qdi3kxAJIcNM-A">9. Be or not to be a vegetarian? Is it a good idea to cut down on eating meat in order to save our planet? - an interview with a vegetarian.</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/mGQs4gRcT1ibZ7nzGwrU1w">5. Do you really know how to sort out garbage?</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/M1evhzrhQCy0LFDdJXvUiA">10. My favourite vegeterian dish by Zuzia.</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/I4IO0mkcTuqPyHOC2-PztA">6. Weekly weather diary.</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/SJO2a_x6TPe5OId4MQEbsw">11. Some simple ideas of how each teenager can help the environment.</a>

Soprano pipistrelle - karlik drobny&nbsp;

One of these endangered species is bats, more specifically soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus). It is one of the tiniest chiropteran species (i.e. of the bats’ family), weighing around 3,5–6,5 g with 20 cm wingspan. They are common throughout Poland, except in the Sudetes, where they can be found slightly less often than in the east or north of the country. When it comes to foraging habitat, soprano pipistrelles are strongly associated with water and choose wetlands or riparian woodland. They feed primarily on mosquitoes and flies, which constitute the majority of their food.

Everybody is aware of how great bats are, mostly because they are the best, very effective and natural way for eliminating insects, especially those harmful to plants and humans, although often underestimated. They feed on insects, thereby regulating their number, preventing their mass occurrence. In Poland there are 21 species of bats, all of them are insectivorous and these beings are put as a strictly protected species (status: LC – least concern), also it is forbidden to photograph, film or observe them in a way that may cause disturbance.

Every year a team of language experts working for the institution called Oxford Languages picks one special word. You are probably curious about what criteria are used for choosing it. Their website says: “The Oxford Word of the Year is a word or expression that we can see has attracted a great deal of interest over the last 12 months.” So it must be something that reflects people’s attitudes towards the contemporary world, their feelings or worries. No wonder The Oxford Word of the Year 2019 is climate emergency. As we, teenagers, are aware of the significance of the problem, we have decided to get involved in the project connected with the environmental issues and this interactive book is the outcome of our efforts. Additionally, we have also decided to ask our school community what they think about it. The survey consists of 12 questions and it checks our peers’ knowledge on the environment as well as their attitude towards the problem to tackle.

Here are the results of the survey!

Known as wisent, or the European wood bison. It’s a Eurasian species of bison. Status: VU - Vulnerable Occurrence: In Poland we can meet them e.g. in Białowieża Forest or the Bieszczady Mountains

The European bison is an endangered species (VU category). These animals got almost extinct because of the hunting at the beginning of the 20th century. Fortunately, some bisons were brought to Białowieża and reproduced in captivity, and have since been reintroduced into several countries in Europe. They are now forest-dwelling, i.e. other plants. The species practically has no natural enemies. However, without people’s help it will not survive.&nbsp;

The European bison is the heaviest surviving wild land animal in Europe; a typical European bison is about 2.1 to 3.5 m long, and 1.6 to 2.1 m tall. At birth, calves are quite small, weighing between 15 and 35 kg (33 and 77 lb). Body masses among adults (aged 6 and over) are 634 kg on average in the cases of males, and of 424 kg among females.

Instructions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 C). Cut tofu into small cubes, put in a pan with hot oil and add spices. Once tofu is lightly golden brown, add diced onion and zucchini, chopped tomato and chili pepper Sauté over medium heat, add tomato puree, season with salt and curry. Stuff halved peppers with mixture, cover them with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Sprinkle peppers with grated cheese just before the end of baking.

generally interested but not enough educated!

The survey shows that young people from our school are generally aware of the issue, but they cannot demonstrate specific knowledge in relation to ecology. For example, almost everybody has heard about Greta Thunberg - the most popular representative of the young generation of ecologists but they have no idea what FridaysforFuture are and that it is Greta who initiated this action.

to decline an invitation but maybe you will accept in another time

Soprano pipistrelle is one of the animals most sensitive to climate change, even if nearly all of them are thermophilic. Due to the rise of the temperature, waters tend to dry out. Therefore, these tiny, but useful bats might lose natural habitats. Also, these species have a low reproduction rate, making them vulnerable to all environmental changes, including those caused by climate change.

Fun facts: Did you know that bats are able to eat up to 600 mosquitoes in an hour? Were you aware that they have knee joints turned 180 degrees the other way?&nbsp;

Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients: 4 red peppers (halved, seeds removed) 125 g tofu 1 tomato (blanched and peeled) 1 onion 0,5 chilli pepper 0,5 small zucchini 1 tsp oil 200g tomato puree some cheese (grated) 0,5 tsp golden chicken spice 0,5 tsp curry pinch of salt&nbsp;

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5. Do you really know how to sort out garbage?

This is a game that helps you learn about waste segregation rules in Poland. What you need to do is segregate rubbish to the appropriate trashcan. There are 6 bins at your disposal. You have to make sure that you know where the garbage goes. Have fun and good luck!

Karina: Was it difficult? I mean, changing your eating habits, getting the best nutrition, and, finally, are you happy being a veg?

Kasia: Actually, it wasn’t a big deal - I felt very motivated and, as I’ve already said, I’ve never liked meat. For fear of nutrient deficiencies, I continued eating fish for some time but eventually, I also removed it from my diet. Now, in order to get enough vitamins and minerals, I make an effort to supplement it. It isn’t easy, but no matter who you are, whether you’re a vegetarian or not, you should watch what you eat. Our diet should always be healthy, nutritious and well-balanced. I think mine is fine right.

Status: LC – least concern, (in Poland critically endangered) Habitat: In Poland, it occurs in the Bieszczady Mountains, especially Otryt and its surroundings, including the Krywe nature reserve. It is very rare - its Polish population is estimated at over 100 individuals. It lives in deciduous forests in hilly areas among the rocks and on highly sunny slopes because it is thermophilic. It often chooses places located in river valleys.&nbsp;

It is the largest snake that lives in Poland and Central Europe. Its body length may exceed 2 m. The longest specimen recorded was 225 cm. In Poland in the Bieszczady a snake from this species with a length of 161 cm was noted. Males get longer than females, which is rare in snakes. Individuals who are adults are in olive-brown colour. The head and body are brown with white spots, while the front part of the body is usually lighter and the abdominal is straw-coloured.

It feeds on mice, small mammals, lizards, eggs, chicks, small birds and small snakes. Sometimes it also eats young invertebrates. It is not venomous. Hunting for prey, the snake catches it with its mouth and wraps its body around it, strangles it for several minutes, and then swallows it whole.&nbsp;

to win praise for oneself by pre-empting someone else's attempt to impress

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For more inspiring ideas, take a look at the mind map and find out how simple it is to help the environment! Got inspired?? - Let us know if there is something more we can do!!!!

Kasia: At first, my peers didn’t take the idea seriously. Nothing surprising! We should keep in mind that it’s typical for Poles to have meat for dinner. Meat and fish dishes are also served on special occasions such as Christmas or Easter, and we take national pride in them. The news that your acquaintance, friend or a family member has decided to break with such a deeply rooted tradition might sound shocking and hard to accept. On the whole, I didn’t feel support but rather pressure. It happened my vegetarianism was questioned and some people didn’t believe I could live without meat for long. At times, I must admit, I found it, I mean skepticism, a bit frustrating. But there was no way back. It was my little rebellion. I made up my mind and I’ve managed to stay firm on my decision until now. A funny thing is that because of me some people have changed their approach. After all, vegetarianism is a good thing! At home, for example, we began to eat more meals consisting mainly of vegetables and fruit. And now everybody thinks they are delicious!

Karina: How did your family and friends react to this? Did they support you?

Using fossil fuels such as coal, oil or gas as the main energy sources leads to a huge amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. Trees might help fight climate change because they absorb the harmful greenhouse gas but, in the era of industrialisation, there are more and more people who are continually cutting down forests (this process is called deforestation).

Another problem is inefficient waste management. Over the last few decades people have been using more plastic than ever before – shopping bags, containers, electronic devices, you name it. When something gets broken, it seems easier to buy something new than repair it. As a result, tons of dumping waste is put in landfills. When it starts to decompose, it produces methane, a greenhouse gas which is extremely toxic to the environment.

Another source of this dangerous pollutant is agriculture and animal farming. They are also responsible for emitting nitrous oxide into the air.

to keep something for a future time when it will be needed

a friend who doesn't support you in bad times

Karina: How long does it take to prepare a meal? Do you have any favorite recipes?

Kasia: Unfortunately, I can’t see myself as a gifted cook, but I sometimes prepare meals. Vegetarian food is not very time-consuming. Vegetables do not require so much time to prepare like meat, so the whole process is faster. I love vegetable soups, especially pumpkin soup. You can find plenty of recipes for it online and they all taste great. Also, fruit salads and honey nut cookies are wonderful snacks.

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