Many people think that environmental awareness is a waste of time. Most large businesses and even the government believe this hinders profit and production. Just one person can minimize problems such as hazardous waste and pollution. Most people believe that because they are one person, they cannot help the environment, when in reality they can. People can pick up trash, not waste, reuse products, recycle, walk to places, take the bus or subway, or ride a bike. The Earth also needs help from government and big business when it comes to earthquakes, oil spills, endangered species, etc. These problems require action by large groups and the government. Doing service to your environment will really make a difference. Taking action in your community can make a difference in the future. You can help save the environment one step at a time. One of the major problems our earth faces is pollution. In the article Workers Are Told to Join the Battle Against Pollution (1971) the state AFLCIO rallied its 500,000 members in the war against pollution. They cut down plants that contribute to air and water contamination. Joseph J. Stevens, executive vice president of the state labor group, called on union members to work together to eliminate existing pollutant violations at the plants where they work. Their goal “is to improve and preserve a healthy environment and save the jobs and good health of industrial and craft workers assigned to all establishments in our state.” They believe federal and state environmental agencies should get serious about shutting down violators of clean air and clean water codes. Identifying such violators and stopping them will not only lead to a timely correction of the pollution but… middle of paper… recognition” (4), and this leaves environmental officials perplexed. The New York Department of Environmental Protection plans to invest more than a billion dollars in research into river contamination. If people took care of the river, it wouldn't be the way it is, it would be a beautiful place that people would want to go and see. In conclusion, if you are more aware of what destroys nature, you can help reverse environmental degradation. Taking action in your community can prevent cities from becoming dirty and polluted. Working together to clean up cities can make them a better city that more people will want to live in. Taking care of your city may require you to do the smallest things, like picking up trash or recycling. These things are not difficult to do, but most people overlook them. Together we can help our environment and save the earth.