Essay/Term paper: Pollution

Essay, term paper, research paper:  Science

Pollution is the introduction of harmful
substances or products into the environment. It is
a major problem in America and as well as the
world. Pollution not only damages the
environment, but damages us also. It has cause
many problems ranging from lung cancer to the
greenhouse effect. It is all among us and but we
continue to live in our own filth. What is the reason
behind this flawed logic? In this paper I will
examine the problems and solutions for this issue.
Automobiles are undeniable the greatest source of
pollution. The noise pollution created by cars is
immense. Another polluting effect of cars is the
heat it creates. This heat makes it unpleasant to be
near the car while its running. And of course the
most famous of the automobiles evils is the
exhaust. The toxic fumes given off as a byproduct
of the combustion engine are slowly deteriorating
our lungs and our atmosphere. The exhaust is
extremely toxic to human beings. But why do we
do continue to drive these walking time bombs.
Some people will say it is progress, but the
majority drives it for the convenience. Why walk
four miles in four hours when you can drive the
same miles in four minutes? Another popular
source of waste is the post-consumer market.
American citizens throw away millions of tons of
garbage each year, and this trash has to go
somewhere. While there are projects underway to
clean and reuse this refuse most of it gets dumped
into huge landfills. These landfills are disgusting
festering blisters on our country's landscape. But
people continue to consume and throw away more
and more in the name of convenience. As they see
it, when things get old, throw it away and get a
new one. They blame the government for the trash
problem, but the truth blame should be placed on
themselves. The last great source of pollution lays
in the businesses. Although not common,
businesses have been known to dump their waste
products into streams, lakes, and rivers. This may
seem like a relatively small occurrence that really is
not your concern, but you're wrong. Each time
one of these companies pollutes there are horrible
consequences to pay. Mutations, destroyed
ecosystems, and human death have all occurred as
a direct result of illegal dumping. It contaminates
our drinking water and soil. It causes entire
communities of humans (not to mention animals) to
move on to new places not to return for at least a
century. The pollutants dumped by industry are so
concentrated that a single barrel can destroy an
entire lake's ecosystem. Not only do companies
dump chemicals, but also hot water. This hot
water kills most life it comes into contact with, but
also causes an overgrowth of algae that covers the
surface of the lake, or pond, and blocks the light
from reaching the bottom. This means the plant life
cannot grow, which mean the small bacteria and
other microorganisms can't grow which means fish
can't feed which means the ecosystem dies.
Pollution like any other problem can be solved,
but this is a long process. Individuals can do their
part to save the environment as well as
themselves. Instead of driving, carpool, take the
bus or any other method of mass transit. This will
cut down on pollution made by cars each year, not
to mention your gas bill. When it comes to the
trash problem, take the time to sort your trash and
place it in the appropriate recycling bins. By
recycling we reduce the amount of waste piled
onto the landfills. As for consumption, pay
attention to how the products you buy are
manufactured and how they are packaged. Avoid
those products made in 'unfriendly' ways towards
our mother earth. If a product encourages the
destruction of land, or is of completely no use
don't buy it. And finally voice your opinion in the
polls. If each individual did their part, we will be
creating a better world for ourselves as well as our
children.