1Sustainability Plan

Sustainability Plan

Environmental Science/SCI275

According to the EPA water pollution is defined as, “any human-caused contamination of

water that reduces its usefulness to humans and other organisms in nature” EPA Pollution

prevention and conservation EPA-905-F-011, 1997, Water Pollution. The improper disposal of

waste water may have catastrophic affects on an entire ecosystem. Sewage, waste oil, fertilizers,

and household garbage are only a few items that cause severe pollution to the usable water. One

major factor is the constant increase in human population compounded by the improper

education of water conservation and proper waste disposal.

A sustainability plan will help the community address the issues while growing continued

support and a larger base. The first step in alleviating the problem is public is awareness and

education. Even though people may see the issue, it must be presented in a manner to give

ownership of the solution. An audience is easier to draw with promises of free snacks and fun

activities to go along with the presentation. The presentation should include the many items that

cause water pollution. Use of images hold strong emotion, images of the devastation the humans

have caused to natural ecosystems that can never be replaced are a good start in bringing

attention to this problem and the ease of which it can be addressed. Fun activities that educate are

great for children and adults about local water pollution issues.

StepAction Items

Action Steps Timeline

1 List sources for water pollution.

Document local water resources, disposal of waste water, public programs, and environmental websites Months 1-3

2A Create Create a presentation that brings attention to the problem of

2Sustainability Plan

Presentation of water pollution

causes.

water pollution. This should show how it occurs and what problems arise. Examples of sickness and ecosystem

destruction should be used.

2BCreate

educational activities.

Many programs such as Project Wet (www.projectwet.org) can be found on the internet, which provide many great ideas

for educational activities.

Once the presentation and activities are brought together in a cohesive

seminar/presentation it is time to locate the proper venue. Many options should be considered,

from community buildings to public parks. Offering picnic snacks at a park could help to draw

in a bigger crowd. The two most important things to consider here is ease of access by the public

and appropriate environment for the presentation.

StepAction Items

Action Steps Timeline

3 Select proper location.

Research possible locations such as community buildings and parks that have the proper setting for the presentation

and activities. Speak with city or county officials for requirements or any other ideas.

Month 4

The next step is to identify the first core audience. Pick people that are likely to help pass

the message along and have the inclination to want to get involved. That is not to only allow the

people that fit this mold but try to find as many as possible to pass the word. Create flyers, post

these in store windows and public areas were acceptable. Ensure that the activities and any

special items such as snacks are highlighted for that special pop.

StepAction Items

Action Steps Timeline

4 Advertise and invite!

Pass out and post flyers for the presentation that highlight the activities inviting attendees.

Months 4-5

After the program is completed a review of the activities and presentations will reveal

any areas that can be improved upon. Continuous improvement to the educational activities and

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presentation is a key to maintaining public involvement. Continually finding new programs,

such as with local oil change facilities that will dispose used oil properly for no cost, to save

people money. Educating children with fun activities that stay current while providing a strong

base of understanding the issues can be difficult but there are many resources available online.

Local school teachers are another great resource for these types of activities. There is even a

possibility to create a special presentation for children at school. Continually networking for

more opportunities to get the message out is a never ending part to a sustainability plan.

StepAction Items

Action Steps Timeline

1 List sources for water pollution.

Document local water resources, disposal of waste water, public programs, and environmental websites

Months 1-32ACreate

Presentation of water pollution

causes.

Create a presentation that brings attention to the problem of water pollution. This should show how it occurs and what

problems arise. Examples of sickness and ecosystem destruction should be used.

2BCreate

educational activities.

Many programs such as Project Wet (www.projectwet.org) can be found on the internet, which provide many great ideas

for educational activities.

3 Select proper location.

Research possible locations such as community buildings and parks that have the proper setting for the presentation

and activities. Speak with city or county officials for requirements or any other ideas.

Month 4

4 Advertise and invite!

Pass out and post flyers for the presentation that highlight the activities inviting attendees.

Months 4-5

5Review

Review the presentation and activities to identify improvements and go back to step 1.

Month 5 & On

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Reference

Corporation for National & Community Service. (n.d.). The Five Cs: Strategic Factors for Building Community and Sustaining the Initiative. Retrieved May 5, 2011 from http://nationalserviceresources.org/cci/5cs.

EPA Pollution prevention and conservation EPA-905-F-011, 1997, Water Pollution. Retrieved May 5, 2011 from http://www.epa.gov/reg5rcra/wptdiv/p2pages/water.pdf.

Project Wet, 2011. Worldwide Water Education. Retrieved May 5, 2011 from http://projectwet.org/use-project-wet/community-water-activities/.