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, further, what a larger amount of these littered cans could do. Water polluting of trash and chemicals causes a deep trouble for the wildlife pursuing here. People of Roswell, Georgia, the Chattahoochee, and every part of nature should realize the impact they have when dropping that sprite can on the riverbed.
Instead of littering while hanging out near the river, carry a trash bag, it doesn’t have to be large, and just throw away the designated trash. If you see a piece of trash on the ground, do not be afraid to pick it up and throw it away in the nearest trash can. Little do you know; you could have just saved multiple animals lives along with the natural cycle of the ecosystem. Humans can be very inconsiderate, especially when distracted, leading us to not care. Littering seems easy, but it impacts the natural wildlife and landscape in an indescribable way.
As far as businesses go, it’s easy to explain. Instead of dumping vile pollutants into the rivers with living things thriving in them, find other areas in which these pollutants will not affect the ecosystems. This is only for companies who must use some sort of pollutant. However, businesses should attempt to find better technologies to limit the pollutants dumped into the Chattahoochee. For example, finding better ways to meet production needs, using reusable energy, and locating new junk yards. I know for a fact that this will improve the smell of the water, the color and just the overall decency.
I believe that issues and pollutants within the climate is a top issue today. With the way that things are going, these issues will get increasingly worse. If humans do not pick up their trash or trash seen, or just do not recognize how lucky we are to live on a planet like this, life will get worse. If business do not use the advanced technology, we have today to figure out healthier ways to reverse the pollution cycle, life will progressively get worse.
The next generations will not have the same experience as I did, running on the road, smelling the beautiful flowers, and taking in the orange sunset over the rushing Chattahoochee. There are things that we can do as a community, passing these rituals on to further generations, making life better for everyone.
Photo credit: Alli Wiggins…Dusk at the Chattahoochee, featuring the orange autumn leaves.