Dear Editor:

There are many environmental problems that affect each and every person. Some of these problems are more severe than others but nonetheless they all impact the lives of many. Pollution is a major environmental problem that has a lasting effect. There are many types of pollution; water pollution, noise pollution, air pollution and the pollution of soil are only a few. Pollution causes poor air quality, water and soil contamination, poor health, and impacts the lives of many humans and animals. The impacts of pollution are numerous and will continue to increase if people are not educated on the topic. We all need to step forward and do our part to stop or at least minimize pollution. It is my hope that you will take into account the impact pollution has on the environment and do all that is necessary to make a difference. The State Hornet reaches many people daily, and with its help our environment and those who live in it will have a cleaner and healthier future.

As there are many types of pollution, the sources are varied. Common pollutants come from producing crops, making energy and transportation readily available, excreting wastes, manufacturing products, and generating comfortable homes. Year by year, pollution has increased due to the increase in population. With a larger population, each of the sources of pollutants becomes more necessary and depended on, and the amount of pollutants released into the environment increases as well.

Although many ignore the problem of pollution, there is no doubt that it exists. Some believe there is not much the individual can do to help solve the problem but this is a misconception caused by lack of education on the topic. Due to the various sources of pollution, every individual can play a part in eliminating its negative effects. The problem is that most people are not sufficiently informed to make good decisions. This is where I ask The State Hornet to come into play. By including several articles in the newspaper about various pollution issues and simple solutions for everyone to adopt, I believe readers will have a chance to become educated.

In the past, The State Hornet has included several articles about the environment, usually regarding current issues. Some examples are “Woody Lights Up Sac State”, “Mower Trade-in Clears the Air”, and “World to Run Out of Seafood by the Year 2050”. While all of these articles were interesting and brought up some environmental issue, none of them were specific to pollution and what can be done to stop it. I am requesting that you include articles that educate the reader specifically on how to do his or her part to minimize pollution. For example, transportation causes a lot of pollution. It would be very effective to include an article that informs the reader about environmentally friendly transportation decisions such as carpooling, taking the bus or other public transportation, riding a bike, or walking to near destinations rather than driving a car. Other articles explaining the different forms of pollution and possible solutions will also serve the purpose of making the public aware. The State Hornet reaches many students all around campus. These students are the future of our society as they are here to become educated and make a difference in the future. With the help of The State Hornet, the education the students receive will start benefiting the future and the environment today.

Thank you for your time and consideration,Jamie Mariscal