Thinking Green

Commentary Editor

   With Earth Day 2008 approaching, I pondered about what exactly affects our planet.

   EarthDay.net states, "Among the largest remaining sources of harmful pollutants are coal-fired electric power plants that were built before Clean Air laws were written in the early 1970s."

   The first act to address air pollution was introduced in 1955, while the first Clean Air Act was amended in 1970. Of course, we are talking about the same Congress who amended the Safe Schools Improvement Act. Last time I checked, their "act" was not producing anywhere near the desired results. Children are still being bullied which, in turn, I believe causes more incidents of violence in schools.  

   Maybe Congress just doesn’t have enough time in their money-grubbing schedule to address life-threatening issues?

   Lack of time is the primary concern when our ozone is depleting, the greenhouse effect is deep frying the Earth, and our food supply is diminishing. That doesn’t seem to be anyone’s concern when they are raking in cash, but money won’t do you much good when you are dead from allowing companies to produce gases that poison everything it comes in contact with.

   According to Time magazine, the world's most polluted city is Linfen, China, where smoke from burning coal from factories affect roughly 3 million people.

   These coal-burning plants release thousands of tons of sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide and mercury into the air each year, and curiosity led me to find out what these chemicals actually do.

   Sulfur Dioxide damages trees and contaminates bodies of water. Trees which are essential in reducing temperatures and filtering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and water which is pretty important since our bodies are made up of around 70 percent water.

   Nitrous Oxide, a greenhouse gas, causes elevated temperatures from the greenhouse effect. No one enjoys the 110 degree heat blazing down on them while they engage in outdoor activities.

   Mercury, usually found in contaminated fish, causes fetuses to be born with severe disabilities along with memory impairments in children and adults. I bet this makes Congress say, "What pollution? I don’t remember that!"

   So, why not close these plants or make a new act?

   It’s probably because at least half of the United States electricity comes from the burning of coal. Problem is our government, once again, gives us the shaft with their idea that burning coal is cheaper for electricity companies, cheaper for consumers and quicker than alternative methods. But there are other alternatives to coal such as hydroelectric plants, though the government deems hydroelectric plants require too much time, construction and most importantly money.

   How much do you think your life is worth?

   Apparently, your life isn’t as important as the generous campaign contributions made by the polluting companies to Congress who are truly "Thinking Green." In turn, I feel green because I am sick to my stomach that people just don’t care anymore.

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©The Voice 2008