Courtesy of the Merriam-Webster dictionary, environment is the circumstances, objects, or conditions by which one is surrounded. Acts against the environment causes the ozone layer to deplete. The ozone layer is defined as a region of the upper atmosphere containing relatively high levels of ozone, located mostly within the stratosphere. The ozone absorbs large amounts of solar ultraviolet radiation, preventing it from reaching the Earth's surface. When the ozone layer is depleted, it caused the greenhouse effect, a slowdown of the rate at which the earth loses heat, resulting in an increase in the earth’s temperature like a greenhouse. Acid rain is another side effect of harming the environment. It is a by-product of nitrogen oxides or sulfur oxides mixed with rain. In order to reduce the harm that humans inflict on the environment, people can learn to save energy in their homes. When washing clothes, using warm or cold water is better than using hot water. Fluorescent lights should be used if possible. In addition, leaky faucets should be fixed. The cooks should consider using the stove top rather than the oven. During the hot seasons, remember to keep the windows and doors shut while running the air-conditioner. Clean water is a finite source that is rapidly disappearing. To help keep water clean, people should minimize chemical use such as fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. Those substances become dangerous once they reach a body of water. If it has to be used, then it should be disposed of properly. People can also participate in clean-up efforts to keep trash out of the water. Volunteering is not only a great way to give back to the community, but also a chance to help the environment. The best way for us to reduce our solid waste is to follow the three Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle. For example, you can take a cloth bag to the grocery store to reduce the amount of plastic bags used. You can also use the cloth bag multiple times, therefore reusing. After the bag has been reused to its fullest extent, it can be recycled to a donation center. Anyone can follow the three Rs in many situations. We can also reduce our solid waste by purchasing items in bulk that uses less packaging. Buying items in recycled carts is also a good idea. Another great way to reduce solid waste is to build a compost bin outside your home.