Pace Paw Print

People are thought to be the only real "intelligent" life in existence. Others beg to differ. People are the creators of technology, the impressive builders of skyscrapers, cars, paper factories, and much, much more. But at the same time, people are also the creators of the direct damages upon the environment caused by such technology.

Technology can be both a blessing and a curse. The waterways in particular receive a sizeable amount of damage, a resource necessary for the survival of all life, intelligent or not. The waters of the world are in grave danger; pollution will lead to the death of all life on Earth, if something isn't done to stop it.

The possibility of survival will one day no longer be taken for granted, once resources like food and water are scarce. It is common knowledge that water is necessary for every aspect of life. At present, water comprises about 70% of the Earth's surface. Only two percent of water on earth is fresh water, and much of this is polluted by toxins and other human waste. If the waters of the world continue to become contaminated, there will be no water for any human being, plant, or animal to survive.

Before one can help a situation, he/she must first understand what the source of the problem is. Water pollution, like all pollution, has both direct and indirect sources. Direct sources are those such as factory emissions, refinery byproducts, improper sewage disposal, littering and the dumping of waste into waterways. Indirect ones include oil from driveways, fresh paint from the wall's fertilizer runoffs, and similar causes as stated on www.soest.hawaii.edu. Polluted water is poisoned water; by drinking poisonous water, naturally it is very possible for death to be a result. Living beings can die of the pollution indirectly as well.

Water pollution is no new issue; the reason for it still existing is a mystery, given the dangerous side-effects. What a strange matter it is, yet still a recurring one, that a danger is made known to the masses, yet little is done to rid the world of it. Water pollution became a national issue in June of 1969, when the Cuyahoga River, which stretches from Cleveland to Lake Erie, caught on fire due to high levels of contamination (GLIN). The issue has been present for as long as humans have been in existence. One cannot express better the dangers of allowing the waterways to be polluted better than this relatively recent fire on water, a once unthinkable occurrence, as well as the aforementioned damages to all forms of life.

Many might ask why they should care. They cannot seem to understand why they should do something to stop the pollution. After all, just because they polluted the water systems and wreaked havoc upon the ecosystems that had been present since the beginning of time, possibly destroying them, it doesn't mean that they should take responsibility for their actions, right? Wrong. If the world-wide problem of water pollution isn't stopped by someone, if no one lends a helping hand, humans will inevitably cease to exist. A simple mode of positive action, like switching to natural fertilizers, conserving clean water, or recycling can help to lessen the presence of pollution of all kinds.

Students should be more aware of such issues going on, not only around the world, but right here on campus. The campus is home to not only the faculty and students, but the home to many animals as well. The pond is often found with empty plastic bottles and potato chips bag. Little foolish acts such as not putting your trash in the bin may put many species in great danger. Students should also get used to the different bins. In the dorms, there are usually three different bins, one for trash, the second for paper, and the third for plastic and glass bottles. If bottles and paper are recycled correctly, water pollution can slowly decrease. "I think as students, we should stop littering and help by cleaning up any litter found around campus." said one student Environmental Studies major Robyn Mery, Every attempt to rid the world of pollution will make a difference.

One cannot begin to emphasize the dangers of water pollution. It poisons nearby life forms; plants, animals, and humans alike. It genetically alters genes, brings about an untimely death to many, lessens the amount of drinkable fresh water worldwide, and makes a negative impact overall upon the environment. Recycle, clean up what is already polluted, and take actions to prevent history from repeating itself by avoiding the infliction of further environmental damage. Doing so will potentially heal what has already been harmed and keep others from undergoing the horrifying experience. Only this will keep life's broken souls going, healing them, and saving them, for generations and generations to come.

For more information on how to take action visit the environmental center on campus.

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