Kaitlyn Schoenau

The human activities that threat our water systems include sedimentation, pollution, climate change, deforestation, landscape changes, and urban growth. Sedimentation is used to treat wastewater to clarify the contents of water. Pollution is caused by our landfills in which humans create lots of waste. Climate change is caused by greenhouse gas emissions which comes from these other forms of activities. Deforestation is the process in which land is displaced for the purpose of using the lumber and/or the land. This disrupts the ecosystem's normal functioning and ability to replenish resources. Landscape changes and urban growth both also have similar effects to damaging our earth. Although these activities may seem inevitable, there have been efforts to improve the health of our water systems. Individually, we can conserve our water usage by taking timely showers and reserving water when washing dishes and using outside water sources. We can also make efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle which all contribute to positive health of our water systems. One can also support the health of these water ways by not supporting companies who are known to be polluting and detrimental to water operations.

An article posted by the epa explained how fish and shellfish contain important components that contribute to heart health. Some of these creatures like clams and oysters are advised to have microorganisms that cause a potential for bacteria and viruses. There are advisories that state that pregnant women should also steer clear of these foods. There are regions that the epa divides for where people are allowed to fish as well. There are also regulations as to what size fish is acceptable for catch and consumption. This is done for the health and well being of our ecosystems. The chemicals of concern include mercury, PCBs, dioxin, cadmium, PFAS, chlordane, and dieldrin. It is very beneficial that our EPA had this information readily available to consumers of fish.

Environmental quality influences my sense of community since it is a main component of our everyday lives. Personally, I drive a car to school and work and although I realize this is the main form of transportation, this is not a suitable way to care for our earth. There are other forms of transport that can be utilized but in my community, it is the only way to travel long distances. The quality of the environment is important to consider for the quality of life. If a community does not contain suitable trash bins or the knowledge of what littering does to the planet, the community can be filled with trash and thus have a lower standard for living. Another example of how environment quality influences my sense of community is the efforts to repurpose clothes, furniture, and accessories. This is a great way to reduce our carbon footprint and lessen our pollution in our landfills.

The main advantage of depending on local fresh food for consumption is the support of our local farmers. With local farming techniques being supported, not only is our local economy able to flourish, but our environment practices are better than our produce we receive overseas. This is due to the environmental degradation that comes along with farming in countries that do not possess the same regulations we do locally. This also inspires communities to shop local which again reduces our carbon footprint by shortening travel time for both consumers and the shipment processes of food.