Essential Skill #53: Skate on Old Tires

Every year, 290 million tires are disposed of in the United States. The problem is that it's illegal to send them to the landfill in 46 U.S. states. Why? Because tires can:

• Contaminate surface-water runoff
• Self-combust, emitting toxic fumes and taking months to burn out
• Attract rodents and insects
• Serve as a breeding ground for dengue fever and encephalitis

So what are we supposed to do with old tires? Follow Essential Skill #53 in the The Live Earth Global Warming Handbook:

Skate on old tires.

"In Washington, D.C.," writes Handbook author David de Rothschild, "the nonprofit East Coast Round Wall Foundation recovered tires from abandoned lots and National Parks, filled them with dirt, and laid them down as the foundation of the Green Skate Lab. After forming the walls of the bowl with tires, workers put down rebar and then poured concrete.

"The result: a 100% volunteer-built skate environment made entirely of reused and recycled materials."

Click this link for more info about how to build a skatepark in your community.