In recent years, climate change has become increasingly dire. As of 2016, climate change is the fourth most pressing global issue in the world – its effects stemming primarily from greenhouse gas emissions, non-renewable resources, which contain fossil fuels and uranium that, when burned, resulting in carbon dioxide emissions. Using non-toxic renewable resources, in addition to alternative climate-friendly energy sources, reduces the risk of further changes in the climate, which in turn has drastic effects on not only the environment, but humans and other species, as well.
The repercussions of continuous neglect to climate change has an immense impact on the environment, including heat waves, rising sea levels, melting glaciers, warming oceans, and the collapse of ecosystems due to severe weather changes. The dramatic rise in temperatures can lead to more frequent and severe droughts, which harm food production and human health. Diseases are also more easily spread, thus resulting in a spike in mortality rates.
Paraffin wax is a soft, colorless solid derived from petroleum, coal, or oil shale, and is commonly found in crayons. Although it is a useful product, it creates a highly toxic benzyne and is not biodegradable. Due to the petroleum found in paraffin wax, it produces high quantities of particulate pollution, which release harmful chemicals into the atmosphere.
As the state of the world continues to decline, it is crucial to foster the environment and take the steps necessary to slow the immense effects of rapid climate change. By donating to Colors4Change, crayons that would otherwise be thrown away, thus polluting landfills, are instead provided to undeserved facilities, such as schools, hospitals, or orphanages, where they are provided as a creative outlet to children.