Cleaning Up Florida's Underwater Tire Mess (Free English Lesson)

Lesson made on June 8, 2023

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Reading Lesson:

In the 1970s, people thought they had a good idea to help fish in the ocean off Florida, USA. They dumped old car tires between two coral reefs, hoping to make a new home for fish. The exact number of tires thrown is unknown, but some guess it could be up to two million.

The problem is, the plan didn't work. Fish didn't like the tires. Instead of creating a home for marine life, the tires covered up an existing reef, so almost nothing could grow there. When the ropes holding the tires together broke, the tires got picked up by the water currents and damaged other natural reefs. What was meant to be a fish paradise turned into a huge environmental mess.

Since 2007, people have been trying to clean up the mess. They have pulled out hundreds of thousands of tires so far. But as they remove more tires, the job gets harder and more expensive. Many tires are partially or fully buried in the sand, which makes them heavy to pull out. Special equipment is needed to get some of the tires out, and that costs more money.

Now the cleanup effort might be coming to an end. Officials are thinking about what to do next. A new law asks for a report on the cleanup project and plans for restoring the reefs. The hope is that the next artificial reef will be made of a more sustainable material, like concrete or 3D-printed materials, that won't harm the environment.

Comprehension Questions:

Speaking and Writing Activities:

- Discuss these questions with a partner or a small group.

- Choose one topic and write a response to it. Show your writing to a classmate or teacher.

1. Are there any environmental problems in your home country's bodies of water? How are they being fixed?

2. What is Florida famous for? If you visited Florida, what would you see and do?

3. What are some things people can do to protect marine life?

More Reading Practice:

What are coral reefs?

Coral reefs are special ecosystems that exist in the world's oceans. They're composed of coral, which are tiny animals known as polyps. These polyps live in colonies and build hard skeletons around themselves for protection. Over time, these skeletons pile up and form the structures we recognize as coral reefs.

These reefs are often referred to as the 'rainforests of the sea' because of their exceptional biodiversity. They provide a home for a wide range of marine life, including fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and even some types of sea turtles. The variety and richness of life in these underwater ecosystems make them an integral part of the ocean's overall health.

Coral reefs are not just important for marine life; they also play a significant role for humans. For example, they act as natural barriers, protecting our coasts from storms and waves. Moreover, they contribute to the economies of many regions through tourism and fishing.

Despite their importance, coral reefs are facing several challenges, including climate change, pollution, and destructive fishing practices. Warming ocean temperatures and changes in the ocean's chemistry are damaging corals.

What happens to old tires?

Old car tires are a common sight in our society, and you might wonder what happens to them after they've served their purpose on a vehicle. The process varies, but the end goal is typically the same: to minimize waste and repurpose the tires in ways that can be beneficial.

Sometimes, old car tires are retreaded. This means they are given new treads so they can be used again. This is an effective way to reuse old tires, especially for large vehicles like trucks and buses, where the cost of new tires can be high. Retreading is not only a way of saving money but also a way of reducing the amount of rubber waste we produce.

However, not all tires are suitable for retreading. Tires that are too worn out or damaged need to be recycled. The recycling process often involves shredding the tires into small pieces. These pieces can then be used in a variety of different ways.

For instance, the rubber from old tires can be used in the production of asphalt for road construction. It can also be used to make rubber mats, shoes, and even artificial turf for sports fields. In some cases, shredded tires are used as a protective cover in landfills, helping to minimize environmental damage.

In recent years, energy recovery has become another method for dealing with old tires. This means tires are burned in special facilities to generate energy, but this process must be done with care to control the pollution it can cause.

Unfortunately, not all old tires are handled responsibly. Some end up in tire dumps or in the environment, where they can cause problems. The tires trap water and mosquitoes breed in them, which can spread diseases such as malaria The tires can also catch fire, creating toxic smoke.

What is Florida famous for?

Florida, known as the Sunshine State, is renowned for its warm, sunny weather and many miles of beautiful sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.

One of Florida's most famous attractions is Walt Disney World in Orlando. Millions of people from around the globe visit this expensive and tacky place every year. Universal Studios, another theme park, is also located in Orlando, giving visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the world of movies and entertainment.

In addition to its amusement parks, Florida is home to the Everglades National Park, a vast wilderness that houses a variety of wildlife, including alligators, panthers, and hundreds of bird species. This place showcases Florida's commitment to nature and biodiversity.

On top of its natural beauty, Florida is rich in history and culture. The city of St. Augustine, for instance, is known as the oldest city in the United States. Meanwhile, Miami offers a fusion of Latin and Caribbean cultures that can be seen in its vibrant arts scene, food, and music.

Lastly, Florida plays a significant role in space exploration. The Kennedy Space Center, situated on Florida's Space Coast, has been the launch site for every U.S. human space flight since 1968. People visit the center to learn about space exploration, and if timed right, they might even see a rocket launch into space.

Helpful Links:

Photos of the underwater tires in Broward County, Florida

Photos of coral reef

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