Camp Christian

Ever since I was a young child, Christianity has played a large role in my life. I was brought up in a very religious home, where I was taught many of my family’s values and morals. I have been attending the Scottdale Church of Christ regularly since I was very young. This was the church where my father had grown up in, which makes it very special to our family. Most churches have a particular church camp where they send their young children during the summer, typically for a week at a time. My church, in particular, is involved with Camp Christian in Mill Run, Pennsylvania. The owners of the camp are members of my church, which makes it that much more important to attend camp each year. Camp Christian is a very loving community that opens its doors to anyone who desires a better understanding of God and the Bible. Not only does it allow for a wonderful learning experience, but it also provides a location where children are able to attain life-long friendships with other young Christians, which is something quite difficult to find in today’s society. I firmly believe that Camp Christian has strongly aided in my understanding of whom I am and who I want to become. Not only has attending Camp Christian built on my personal character, but it has also given me the opportunity to grasp the natural beauty of my surroundings. Whether it is manmade or native to the land, Camp Christian allows for one to fully comprehend the splendor and excitement that surrounding environments provide. When entering Camp Christian, whether from the north or the south, all must travel down the winding, mile long entrance to reach the premises. Although it seems as though the bumpy, gravel road is never going to end, there is one distinct structure that keeps the drive pleasurable. After the clouds of dust begin to settle, one is able to perceive small parts of the owners’ home, which rests upon the hillside to the left of the pathway. It is a considerably large cottage style-home, with a red-brick chimney wide enough to fit two Santa Clauses. The décor of the outside of their home, which consists of a beautiful natural landscape, a cozy porch setting, and various bible related figures, allows one to only imagine the beauty that may be held inside. When one comes near the end of the road, a tiny, one lane bridge appears. My heart begins to race at this point because church camp is what I have anticipated for all summer. After passing over the bridge, all of the fears and worries of being away from home for a week seem to disappear. The first sight one is able to see is the pool, which has a lot of sentimental value to me. A few years ago, I decided it was my time to get baptized. I did not want to make this imperative decision in my hometown church though. Over the several years I had been attending Camp Christian, I had made many strong, life-long friendships. I wanted to share my special moment with them, along with my family. On a beautiful summer evening, with my family members and close friends surrounding the pool, my preacher baptized me in Camp Christian’s pool. The wind blew strongly as he lifted me from the water; it was surely a magical moment that I will never forget. I am blessed that I was able to take part in this opportunity, and I am now proud to say that I am able to take a piece of Camp Christian with me wherever I go.

Not only was the pool used for baptisms, but it was also the center of much of the activity during our summer camp weeks. Every year, we held water Olympics in the pool and the surrounding area. I was a very competitive young child; therefore, the water Olympics was my opportunity to prove my athletic talent. Each year, I competed with the same girl in order to win the metal for the holding one’s breath the longest competition. We tied during most of the matches, which we both enjoyed because we were actually very good friends. One very special thing about church camp is that it is a time for only laughter, happiness, and tears of joy. Even during competitions, the outcomes were always applauded from the rival teams. Whether one was the winner or the loser, they were all praised for their actions. The biggest competition was the vegetable-oiled watermelon contest. The screams and cheers during this nearly ten minute competition could be heard for miles. Each teammate had to swim in the deep end and attempt to pull out an oiled watermelon that had sunk to the bottom. This challenge was quite a struggle, and many times it was not fully completed. The few extraordinary completions of this particular contest provided for a night full of commendation for the successful campers. Although it never seemed to be in question, our pool was nothing near a state of the arch facility. It was a decent size, enough to fit all of the campers, but it was very typical to find snakes slithering along the bottom of the pool. Also, the texture of the bottom of the pool felt like prickly, ice sickles that had smooth, rounded tops. Although it sounds like it would be a bother, it actually made swimming in the pool a lot more amusing. We created swimming games where one was not allowed to touch the bottom of the pool or he/she was considered disqualified. Our time in the pool was filled with creativity, excitement, and new adventures that allowed for us to explore the many little things that we were given.

Once one passes by the pool, there is another small bridge that covers a creek which runs through the entire length of the camp. Although the creek is only about ankle-depth, many campers enjoy searching under the rocks and weeds to see what they can find. Again, there is often many snakes found in the creek, but surprisingly, many campers are not afraid of them. I, on the other hand, am terrified of the snakes, even though they are usually very small in comparison to snakes seen on TV. It may not be apparent at first, but if one ventures away from the road and down the side of the creek, they will find a very interesting creation. There are two extremely large oak trees that are directly across the creek from one another. Someone created a rope bridge, consisting of thick, yellow rope that is held across the creek by being tied around each of the trees. The rope bridge has two sides but only one piece of rope along the bottom, which is the difficult part of this creation. Campers often spend hours attempting to cross the wobbly bridge without falling into the creek. On the right side of the crick, there is a large, grassy hill that is used for several activities. One day during each summer week, the faculty members create a slip ’n slide for the campers. They use a significantly large plastic tarp that covers the entire length and width of the hill. It is fixed to the ground with a few stakes and hammers, and they pour enough dish soap on it to cover the entire tarp. Typically, they have three water hoses running from the top that create the slippery atmosphere that is needed to glide down the hill. We also have water balloon wars that are held in this same area. The campers from each team must find whatever they can in order to construct several slingshots. We use everything from old socks and rubbers bands to pillow cases and headbands to create our so-called “weapons.” These activities may seem as though they would only be entertaining for a few minutes, but we usually spend several hours on this small piece of land. These activities, which are constructed with minimal supplies, create so many memories that are meant to last a life-time.

The natural beauty of the camp can be seen when one passes over the creek bridge. There is a very special area in the woods along the right side of the camp, where many of the sermons are given. It is a long hike up the bumpy hillside to reach the uncomfortable logs that we must sit on during the entire lesson. It is completely surrounded by large oak trees and beautiful plants that seem to remain still during the entire message, which creates a somewhat eerie environment. This atmosphere allows for the campers to truly realize what it was like to praise God several centuries ago when churches had not been created and when one would be killed if they believed in a higher-being. During the construction of the new mill house, which is absolutely beautiful, there were several large rocks found beneath the ground. Instead of demolishing these beautiful pieces, they scattered them throughout the camp for places to sit, read, or teach. The new mill house, which is where the cafeteria is held, was built by several years of monetary donations to the camp. Not only is the new mill house spectacular, but the new food they prepare is quite exquisite for camp cuisine. It allows the homesick campers to forget about missing their homes, being that it tastes like home-cooked meals. Next to the mill house rests a small building that is entirely open in the front. In this building, there is another creation that keeps the campers quite entertained. This building is used for class time, but its main purpose is the carpet ball table. One may ask what this is, but it is a game that was created by some of the instructors at camp. It was a long, skinny table, which was covered entirely in carpet, with one player at each end of the table. There were open, rectangular-sized pockets at each end of the table and each player had a set of six pool balls. The object of the game was to set up one’s six balls any way they desired, while the other player used to white cue ball to knock the other players’ balls into the open pocket. This was another activity that kept the camper’s attention for several hours, typically during the evening. If one is waiting for their turn on the carpet ball table, they are able to sit and look out of the open wall to the picturesque view of the woods that surround the camp. These are the simple pleasures that are able to be found in this type of environment, even when involving one’s self in manmade activities. Although a lot of these activities are manmade, they still require a lot of creativity and the use of objects that one would not normally think to use.

When one nears the rear end of the camp, they find the chapel and the campers’ dorms. The chapel is where we spend the majority of our time during each day. Yes, the sermons that we were given taught us a lot about how we should act and react to certain situations, but I also clearly remember the worship songs that we were taught. These songs allowed us to have fun and be energetic while still praising God. Even today, when our church group gets together we tend to recall many of our camp songs. At times, Chapel was very grave and revealing but being able to share our emotions with songs provided a very uplifting and enlightening atmosphere. Prior to my first experience at church camp, my biggest fear of being away for a week was staying in the dorms. Contrary to what one may think, we did not spend a large amount of our time in the dorms though. The dorms consist of long hallways that were full of bunk beds and one bathroom on each side. Each of the bathrooms had three toilets and three showers, which did not work well with nearly twenty girls in each room. I did not believe that this was the biggest issue though. I, in particular, found that the smell of the water was absolutely horrid. Most of the time, I had to hold my nose in order to get a shower or simply just to be in the bathroom. The beds were quite uncomfortable as well, but it was always fun to pick out which bed one wanted. Each night, when I would write in my journal or a letter to a family member, was when I realized that there was only one thing missing at church camp: my family. My only wish was to be able to share my magnificent experiences with the ones that I love most.

Camp Christian is full of simple pleasures, which I believe one must truly learn to appreciate. It may not be apparent at first, but Camp Christian is full of opportunities for those with creative minds. The surrounding environment of the camp also provides for many recreational activities that one may not normally think. Not only has my appreciation for my surroundings grown stronger by attending Camp Christian, but my faith has also solidified. I am able to perceive things in a way I never thought possible because I know who their creator is. I do not question things in the same way that I used to, which is a great feeling to achieve. I am proud to say that I am a Christian, and I strongly believe that Camp Christian has helped me to realize that. All of the manmade and natural beauty that Camp Christian has to provide will aid in anyone’s questioning in a higher being.




^Above photo taken by Camp Christian
and found at: Camp Christian

Saving our Electricity

Dear Kerri,

I am writing today to inform you of an environmental issue that deeply concerns our college community today. Many Americans today tend to take many things for granted in our country, some more than others. Although many natural resources are taken advantage of intentionally, many people are ignorant to the fact that they are unnecessarily using these resources. The question posed is whether these uninformed citizens can be considered deliberate idlers due to the fact that they show no concern towards the issue. Researching, in my opinion, is the first step towards becoming aware of any specific issue. One can’t always depend on the preset views that others have already created, but with factual data one is able to extract his/her own conclusions. It may not be apparent to Washington and Jefferson College students at first, but it takes an immense amount of electricity to keep the campus operating. From heating, cooling, and lighting all of the dorms, classrooms, buildings, and various houses present on campus to powering all of the computers, televisions, and kitchen facilities, electricity is a top priority in keeping any business stabilized. Washington and Jefferson students are aware of the soaring numbers on their tuition bills, but they are typically not familiar with the amount of that which goes towards the college electricity bill. I believe that with a little information and persuasion from those who support our college community, we can be one step closer to a more ecologically-friendly region. Without accurate and relevant information on electricity and how it affects our lives, the Washington and Jefferson College community will never be able to see any type of reform.

First, let me share with you some interesting facts about electricity and how it functions throughout our college atmosphere. You, along with several others, may not be conscious of the fact that electricity is only a secondary source. It is formed by a combination of natural resources such as coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear power (“Electricity”). These resources are renewable, unlike the electricity that is created and exploited (“Electricity”). I am sure you are familiar with atoms, being that they contain electrons which develop the electrical charges that are constructed into our power. Just as atoms have been the building blocks of everything in our world, “electricity has been moving in the world forever (“Electricity”).” From Benjamin Franklin’s kite experiment to the invention of the light bulb by Edison, scientists have begun to better understand the concepts of electricity. After several years of research and development, electricity has become one of our most widely used energy sources and is considered a necessity in our daily lives. This necessity is used much more than it is actually needed though. Many people, including myself, tend to forget that electricity is being utilized even when no one is personally handling the product. Although it may not be visible to the human eye, electricity also causes pollution. One cannot see this pollution from their homes, but it is perceptible at the power plant in which it is created (“Saving Electricity.”) With this resource being such an essential part of our lives, it is often times hard to imagine a life without electricity.

Unlike many other natural resources, electricity is able to be controlled. I believe that with more information available on this issue to students and faculty throughout our college campus, we will be able to greatly reduce the amount of electricity used. It is our job to communicate to the public the various ways of accomplishing this goal. The most appealing way to convey this subject may be to provide statistics on what saving electricity would do for our school community. As we both know, the tuition for Washington and Jefferson is quite costly. Lowering the costs of operating the college may provide for reduced prices of incoming students. With decreased costs for electric bills, the college would have the possibility to provide more financial aid or even lower the cost of tuition as a whole. Most students are not aware that electricity is accounted for by kilowatt hours (“Saving Electricity”). When something is plugged into the wall, even if it is not turned on, it consumes kilowatt hours. Because dorm rooms are typically quite small, there are usually not enough outlets for everything that needs to be plugged in. This results in the use of power strips, which are very common in most homes near computers. These power strips already lower the amount of electricity used, but they still exert power while being plugged into the wall. Most college students, like myself, do not spend the majority of their time in their own rooms. This allows for a lot of unnecessary usage of energy from things that do not need to be plugged in at all times. Computers, cell phone chargers, hair flatirons, and desk lamps are just a few common items that could be taken out of the wall after use. A study completed using the standard cost calculator for electricity allows for one to see the actual difference in costs when items are unplugged compared to when they are left in the outlets (“Saving Electricity”). They used a high-end computer that was plugged in twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and weighed its cost against the same computer that was plugged in only two hours a day, five days a week. The prices were drastically different, leaving the final result around $405 at the everyday rate per year to only $5.50 per year when the device was unplugged (“Saving Electricity”). If these types of statistics were publicized throughout the campus in the most popular areas, such as the commons and the library, these extreme differences may persuade individuals to begin to care more about their electricity usage. Once the initial concern is established, the worry towards these issues will broaden being that they personally affect each and every one of our lives.


Overall, I believe that with involvement from one of our school community leaders, such as you, along with provided statistics and severe realizations, Washington and Jefferson College will be on its way towards a healthy living environment. Please take into consideration the facts that I have presented in this letter when you decide on the upcoming issues for the Red and Black. I ask that you set aside a column in your newspaper concerning this specific issue because I honestly believe students will be amazed and in turn, gain a new perspective on this every day necessity: electricity. Sincerely,
Caitlin King




Works Cited:

“Electricity- A Secondary Energy Source.” Energy Kid’s Page. 2007. 16 November 2008 http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/electricity.html.

“Saving Electricity.” Michael Bluejay, Inc. 16 November 2008 http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/computers.html.

Humans and Chimpanzees: Both Instinctive and Intelligent

There are vast numbers of theories existing throughout the United States involving the creation of humans. In particular though, a number of scientists have drawn the conclusion that humans have evolved from chimpanzees. The real question posed, which has been in discussion for several years, is the true distinction between the two species. In a recent study discussing instinctive behaviors, Amanda Maclay stated that, “Perhaps it can be said that the distinguishing factor between humans and animals is that animals act out of instinct and humans out of will (Maclay).” Whether it be hunting for prey as a means of necessary survival or working two jobs in order to provide food for their family, they all are a part of the natural behavior of the inhabitants of Earth. The means by which these actions are completed may be portrayed as an obvious difference between the two. This instinctive manner allows these chimpanzees to relate to several human-like behaviors. Instinctive behavior is not the only relationship connecting these two species, though. Although it may not be apparent at first glance, many chimpanzees are able to control themselves exploiting intelligence. Chimpanzees can be labeled as children learning from those surrounding them. At first, chimpanzees view the world as a large puzzle, but not long after their birth will they begin to put the pieces together. Although it may not be assumed by their outward appearances, chimpanzees and humans are closely related when it comes to their instinctive and intelligent minds.

One may never be able to tell whether the urge to eat certain items is acted upon with instinct or intelligence. Some believe that intelligent eaters are able to control their appetite with healthy consumption, while instinctive eaters need to consume items that satisfy their taste buds. When it comes to the diets of animals and humans, they are almost always distinctively different. This is not particularly true in the case of chimpanzees and humans though. Most Americans try to remain on a healthy diet, which is quite difficult for many due to their hectic life schedules. This healthy diet typically consists of a variety of items from each food group, with minimal consumption of harmful fats and sugars. Chimpanzees have a very diverse diet as well, and are labeled as omnivores (Jane Goodall Institute). Although humans don’t typically consume barks, roots, and insects, many do attempt to eat organic and unprocessed food. Chimpanzees’ most common food intake consists of fruits, which relates to many American vegetarians: who are only consuming vegetables (Jane Goodall Institute). The economy has a lot to do with what types of items consumers will purchase, just as the seasons affect what chimpanzees consume. If the economy is doing well, consumers have more tendencies to spend more money on higher quality products. Also, dining out is not much of a concern when one does not have to fret over saving money. As the seasons change, chimpanzees are forced to utilize different products to please their hunger (Jane Goodall Institute). The availability of their normal intake of fruits and nuts are minimal during the winter months; therefore, they resort to what is accessible to them. These difficult times that create massive amounts of stress on humans are also threatening to chimpanzees. Eating is a vital intellectual behavior needed for taking care of one’s body, but the instinctive decisions of what and how much to consume are nearly just as important.

Another quite obvious and common similarity between humans and chimpanzees is the instinctive nature of protecting loved ones and belongings. Whether it is a physical, mental, or an emotional threat, one is always readily available to defend their family members. Mother chimpanzees are more likely than most species to develop lifelong relationships with their offspring, just as humans do (Animal Bytes). This relationship allows for a much closer and personal interaction between the two, in contrast to those animals that leave their young soon after birth. Parents typically control every move of their children’s lives until they reach their middle teenage years. Chimpanzees are also fully dependent on their parents for a number of years, typically six or seven (Jane Goodall Institute). Not only do chimpanzees feel the need to overbearingly protect their young, but they also forcefully defend their territory. Whether it is their own personal land or their entire community, chimpanzees will do whatever necessary to keep their borders secure. There are very few animals that engage in aggressive actions against their own species, chimpanzees being one of them (Jane Goodall Institute). These events are typically a result of border issues and they usually end in fatalities (Jane Goodall Institute). Just as the prominent male is the typical defender of the household, male chimpanzees guard their territory from outside invaders. Humans, mostly males, also tend to solve their issues through means of forceful interactions. These issues are usually the result of a problem over belongings, family members, or personal threats. Not only do individuals battle amongst one another, but they also come together to protect their national boundaries. War has become quite familiar to our country, but many tend to forget that we have animal wars occurring throughout our nation daily. The need to secure the well-being of family members and territory has been an innate characteristic in both humans and chimpanzees since birth.

Ultimately, the most evident comparison between humans and chimpanzees is their high levels of intelligence. Chimpanzees have their own ways of communication, just as humans communicate in a variety of ways. They converse through facial expressions, vocalizations, and body language. Humans also relate through these manners by expressing what emotion he or she is attempting to portray without the use of words. There is a specified set of chimpanzee calls that are familiar to each one of them which represent a different feeling or emotion. The chimpanzees make two different types of assembly calls, either intraparty, meaning within their group, or distance calls, which are between separated groups (Jane Goodall Institute). They also have food calls, which signal where there is a food source available. Once one reaches his/her source and successfully kills it, it makes special excited calls that let others know of its good deed. Just as humans have their own individual voices, so do chimpanzees. Each chimpanzee has its own pant-hoot, which characterizes each one so that other chimpanzees will know who is making the call (Jane Goodall Institute). To humans, speaking well is a sign of high intelligence and to chimpanzees, it takes a high level of intelligence to be able to learn and understand a number of different calls. In some instances, chimpanzees have the ability to acquire knowledge much faster than some humans. Washoe, a female chimpanzee, is said to be the first non-human to learn sign language (Sign-Language Chimp Dies). This chimpanzee not only acquired the ability to perform nearly two-hundred and fifty words in sign language, but she was also able to teach it to several other chimpanzees (Sign-Language Chimp Dies). There are many humans in America today that do not even know one word of sign language. This is where a true distinction between humans and chimpanzees may occur. Although chimpanzees are unable to communicate with words, they are able to use their bodies and minds to express emotions. These chimpanzees, though, are typically willing and yearning to learn new information every day. Yes, many Americans strive to reach their full potential, but what happens when they feel that they have accomplished all they possibly can. The expansions of chimpanzees’ minds never seem to end, which is a true characteristic of an intellectual being.

One may never discover the actual relationship between humans and chimpanzees, but one factor will always remain true. Instinct and intelligence are intertwined in most circumstances, with typically no true distinction between the two. The way one feeds, interacts with others, and comprehends information is not subject to one natural reaction more than the other. More often than not, humans are viewed as superior over animals. This is not always the case, though, and chimpanzees tend to have more will-power when it comes to intelligence and more self-control when it comes to instinct over most humans. Some may believe intelligence is earned and instinct is inherited, but this is not always considered factual. My perspective is that one, whether it be a human or an animal, cannot be truly intelligent without the use of personal instinct.








Works Cited:

“Chimpanzee.” SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Animal Bytes. 9 November 2008, http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/Animal-Bytes/animalia/eumetazoa/coleomates/deuterostomes/chordata/craniata/mammalia/primates/chimpanzee.htm

“Chimpanzees Taxonomy and Description.” 2008. The Jane Goodall Institute. 9 November 2008, http://www.jgiuganda.org/chimps.html>.

Maclay, Amanda. “Instinctive Behavior.” 2002. Serendip. 7 November 2008, http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/biology/b103/f02/web1/amaclay.html

“Sign-Language Chimp Dies.” 2007. The Associated Press. 9 November 2008, http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/science/10/31/signing.chimp.dies.ap/index.html>.

^Above Photo taken by Michael Nichols from: Chimp

Water Pollution

Photo taken by Kamil, found at: Water Pollution

Water exists as the largest natural resource on the planet, covering nearly seventy percent of the Earth’s surface (Krantz & Kifferstein). This large portion of our world provides for several outdoor recreational activities. Whether it is white-water rafting, canoeing down a river, or simply swimming in the ocean, one can typically find something to enjoy pertaining to water activities. This is not limited to physically being in the water, though. Some individuals struggle when it comes to the thought of water. They may be a hydrophobic or simply be unable to swim. Luckily, though, these individuals do not have to refrain from the outside water world. Fishing is a common outdoor recreational activity that excites many. This not only includes the typical water fishing, but it can also consist of ice and fly fishing. Fishing can play the part of a hobby or even more importantly, it can take the form of a career needed for survival. There is one very important issue that primarily concerns fishing: water pollution. Yes, water pollution affects every body of water, but some are more vital than others. Recreational activities have the ability to be removed with no severe consequences, but fish are a vital food supply constantly needed for not only humans, but also animals. Water pollution negatively affects every aspect of our lives in a variety of ways, but it has the possibility to wipe out an entire food supply. Water pollution results from several different pollutants, but humans are known as the leading cause of the issue.

Polluted water not only exists in homes, but it is also found in industries throughout the nation (“Water is Essential for Life”). Whether it is run-off from contaminated land or mistreatment of sewage systems, they all have the possibility to enter our bodies. This results in water contamination in nearly every public facility one may enter. There is a common threat, though, that many people tend to forget when it comes to water pollution. This type of pollution can be indirectly harmful, with one never even touching a drop of water. This is titled as microbiological water pollution, and it has the potential to result in life-threatening diseases (“Water is Essential for Life”). In simpler terms, this occurs when a fish is contaminated in polluted water and then is prepared as a dish for someone to eat. Many diseases, such as polio and cholera, have been the direct result of these contaminated meals (Water is Essential for Life”). Several chemical pollutants are also present in the rapid deterioration of aquatic-life. Chemicals from industrial plants, pesticides from agriculture, and the breakdown of natural wastes all contribute to chemical water pollution. Whatever the pollutant may be, they all begin with humans and are detrimental to the life of anyone or anything that come in contact with the substance.

Fish have always been a vital part of our lives, and fishing is one of my most favorable hobbies. My family owns a cabin in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, and we travel there at least four times a year. Having never been very keen on the thought of hiking or exploring in nature, fishing has provided me with an alternative activity that I have grown to love. Fishing is a hobby that can be very competitive, yet relaxing at the same time. I spent several years acquiring the correct knowledge for fishing. Some may perceive it as a very easy sport to adhere to, but it comes with a lot of different techniques that one must learn. With the increasing amount of water pollutants in our environment, though, the numbers of fish in our waters are dwindling. This not only prohibits the amount of fish humans can attain, but it also interrupts several food chains. With an insufficient amount of fish that is needed, several other species have the possibility of slowly deteriorating if another food supply is not found. This process allows for the possibility of losing several business and career opportunities in our country. Not only will fishermen begin to lose their jobs, but also anyone whose business involves fish will begin to suffer. It may not seem apparent at first, but the severe threats of water pollution have the ability to weaken our economy if not handled properly. Humans must be aware that their own neglect for their environments may cause their lives to suffer.

Water pollution may never be fully preventable, but it has the potential to be lessened with several precautions from humans. Most importantly, new technology needs to be designed in order to assure that the water sent to homes is completely filtered. On several occasions, I have turned my faucet to find brown dirty water pouring out of my faucet. I am sure that this is not uncommon throughout the United States. Not everyone has the ability to achieve a home water-filtering system for every faucet, which should not be of their concern in the first place. In many cases, used water is accidently mixed into clean water resources. With new technology and closer inspections of our water-filtering plants, clean water is most certainly achievable. Not only will industries need to reassess their filtering-plants, but every individual will need to reconsider their everyday activities. Littering can result in the polluting of water, as well as harmful, unnecessary nutrients that are put into the land. Littering is not subject to the direct placing of trash into the environment, but it can also include the end result of normal routines. Grass clippings and pet wastes can be very destructive when they come in contact with any body of water. Also, the more trees and shrubs that are left on the earth will help prevent soil erosion from contaminating our waters (Krantz & Kifferstein). With several safety measures from the inhabitants of earth, our waters have the potential to become purified once again.

Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the residents of Earth to take charge in the battle against water pollution. Awareness and education on the causes and effects of water pollution need to be readily available in order for one to fully comprehend the results of his/her actions (Krantz & Kifferstein). One may never discover a true preventative method for water pollution, but with increasing technology it can drastically be reduced. Fish are a constant food supply for not only humans, but also for other species on the food chain. Water pollution has the ability to wipe out several aquatic species, which would result in serious disaster among our society. Not only would there be a loss of an important food supply, but there would also be a loss in a professional and recreational sport. Fishing is quite common throughout the world, but without a sufficient number of fish in the waters, fishing will not be possible for entertainment. With a primary concern towards the health of our bodies of water, fishing and fish will not have to reach their end.





Works Cited:

Krantz, David and Brad Kifferstein. “Water Pollution and Society.” 2 November 2008, http://www.umich.edu/~gs265/society/waterpollution.htm>.

Water is Essential for Life. “Everyone is Against Water Pollution… but How does it Happen, and how can it be Prevented?” 2 November 2008,http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/5161/water1.htm