April 22, 2004

ON MY BOOKSHELF

“50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth”
By Earthworks Group, illustrated by Michele Montez

Brandon Mausler , 10-year-old
conservationist at Graystone Elementary

When Rita Mausler's son Brandon needed something to keep him occupied over the summer, she ordered a few books from Barnes & Noble. One of them, "Fifty Simple Things Kids Can do to Save the Planet,” by Earthworks Group and illustrated by Michele Montez, really made an impact on Brandon. Upon reading, and re-reading the book, Brandon has become very passionate about doing what he can to conserve our planet's resources.

Brandon, a 10-year-old fourth grader at Graystone Elementary, wrote a letter to principal Kazmierczak, urging her to start a recycling program at the school. In turn, she bought recycling bins for each classroom. However, that isn't enough for Brandon. 
"I wrote a letter to the school to get the recycling program in the cafeteria, it's finished, I just have to send it," says Brandon.

Brandon is passionate about conserving the planet's resources and making a difference. He knows just about everything there is to know about recycling. He knows what to do with used motor oil and with paint. "It can leak into the ground and pollute the water we drink if we dump it. You're not supposed to put it in the garbage, you're supposed to call the toxic waste collection," says Brandon.

He also knows the importance of protecting animals. "Some fishermen use big nets and catch dolphins while they're trying to catch tuna. Some of them don't let the dolphins go, and they die," he says.
His mom appreciates her son's newfound interest, but there are some slight drawbacks. "Our house is so dark,” she laughs. “He runs around and shuts off all of the lights in the house if no one is in the room." Brandon has been pushing his mother to buy a hybrid vehicle to replace the gas guzzling SUV she drives now. He also has solar panels on the list of things to buy.

“He has definitely opened my eyes to environmental issues,” says Rita. “I am now a habitual recycler whereas I wasn't before. Because of him, I know more about global warming and rainforest destruction. I'm glad he is like this.”

Brandon was even invited to visit Akeena Solar Company in Los Gatos, after writing a letter to the town of Los Gatos. The town rejected the company's request to install solar panels. “It is important that we use as little as possible," says Brandon. "Solar panels should be allowed." His letter was published in the Mercury News.
He is very serious about conserving the planet, and making it a better place for the animals and for the future of the human race. He is saddened by the depletion of the rain forests, and urges his friends and family to precycle.

"Don't use products that can't be recycled,” implores Brandon. “Our landfills are filling up. They're buried, but we're running out of space. We don't want the whole planet to be garbage!”

The book has six chapters filled with information about conserving, recycling and protecting the resources we use from the earth. Statistics and measurements are translated into age-appropriate terms, such as comparing children's weight to the amount of garbage thrown away in a year. This book is considered by reviews to be a very easy guide for increasing awareness of environmental problems in children in an easy to understand way.

—By Miranda Schultz