Number Crunch

Let's not spend a lot of time discussing 350, the number many are calling the most important in the world. Chances are you heard enough about 350 today (yesterday, I guess), no matter where you are or what you believe in. 350 parts per million -- allegedly the safe upper limit of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. You can find pictures of people spelling out 350 in lots of fun ways with a quick blackle search.

It's easy to get caught up in global excitement about 350, but there are some other numbers that we shouldn't lose sight of either. They may not be "the most important in the world," but they are numbers that affect your day-to-day life. And more importantly, they are numbers you can change.

pounds of French fries a typical American consumes in a year: 30

daily tons of construction waste added to South Bronx landfills: 1,900

songbirds killed by one use of pesticide on one acre of crops: 25


pounds of paper a typical American uses in a year: 730


hours in a day a typical American child spends indoors or in a vehicle: 22

percent of all pesticides declared hazardous by the US gov. that have been legally banned: 3

sources:
Wargo, Green Intelligence.
Yes! Summer 2009.
Welz, Recycled Office Products Co.
Westtown School, "Health, Food Safety and Environmental Stewardship Series."
National Wildlife Federation