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.

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