Plastic, Styrofoam, Oil— these three pollutants products have made their way into our oceans, rivers, and lakes. Georgia’s own Chattahoochee river is no exception. Once a beautiful sight to locals and hikers, the river is now facing every type of pollution due to construction and littering.

In an article by The Signal, writer Gabby Miller stated that, due to construction in the area, dozens of pollutants are washed into the river when it rains, like “oil” and “tire dust” and that “rainwater mixed with excess from the roadways is the root of a lot of the pollution in the river”.

Unfortunately, construction isn’t the only thing harming the Chattahoochee River. Miller goes on to say that “the trash you litter can go anywhere” as it’s “practically weightless”…

At first glance, the Chattahoochee River is the apex for leisurely activities. A drive down Azalea Dr. encompasses parking lots packed to the brim with families canoeing, river tubing, paddleboarding, etc. In addition, there are countless rowing organizations that hold their practices at the river. As many of these other individuals, I have indulged in my fair share of Chattahoochee activities. I remember one specific time, I was river tubing for the 4th of July with a friend and her family. I thought it was odd that her mother reiterated that we shower well after our little excursion, and I assumed it was because it was a river, and that is what you always do. Well, let’s just say that in recent years I have holistically discovered why she was so persistent in making sure we were clean…

The Chattahoochee River is at the core of Roswell’s existence. Not many suburban cities can boast the possession of an aged river that holds so much history in its opaque waters, but Roswell can. For centuries, through war and peace, through stagnancy and change, the Chattahoochee remained constant, flowing on even before Roswell existed. The river ran on its own, completely independent of any assistance or aid. But now, in the face of pollution, a byproduct of human intervention, the magic of the Chattahoochee is in jeopardy…

As I run on the boardwalk along the Chattahoochee River and past the Chattahoochee Nature Center, I witness the beautiful essence of this natural landscape. The autumn leaves are changing, the sun is setting over the river and the geese are migrating South for the winter season. One would’ve never thought that this form of lovely nature could ever be found in Roswell, Georgia. However, nature is beautiful in every way, and in every place and we must discover ways to preserve the essence of nature, especially the Chattahoochee.

Suddenly, I continue my stride from the boardwalk path onto the sidewalk and stumble across a sprite can. I almost trip over this myself and wonder how this small metal can could impact an entire ecosystem…

In the following 305 words, I will open your eyes and make you realize our Earth is dying. The cause is you; it’s your family, neighbors, and friends; it’s all of us. In contrast, you may not be the one throwing trash in the Pacific Ocean or owning a factory releasing toxic gases. The Roswell community doesn’t shy away from leaving a carbon footprint. We live in a beautiful city with restaurants, theaters, festivals, and fantastic shopping; residents tend to bat an eye when it comes to protecting mother nature…

During the pandemic, many citizens of Roswell have made a conscious effort to get outside and explore local areas. Home to many waterways, parks and trails, Roswell provides a breath of fresh air and variety from being stuck within the same four walls. While the breath of fresh air is nice, it can be hard not to notice an empty soda bottle lingering on the river’s surface, or maybe a shopping bag caught in a tree. Litter like plastic bottles and bags act as visual representations of how we are damaging our environment, but not as commonly seen or discussed are our carbon emissions…