Cause and Effect of Soil Pollution

In today’s society, many of us live with a large carbon footprint. This causes us to use many resources, such as fossil fuels. With the rise of our living accommodations, there have been some issues of soil pollution. Soil pollution occurs through the presence of man made waste, which in turn contaminates our soil and pollutes are soil. Some causes for this pollution comes from chemicals that are in pesticides and fertilizers. The soil absorbs the chemicals, which the plants grow on the soil; therefore, we ingest those pollutants. Another main cause is waste disposal, because we produce large amounts of waste. These wastes could be dumped in landfills, which can then contaminate soil nearby. Soil pollution is an issue, because it affects many things involving our health and well-being.

There are some ways that we can reduce soil pollution and prevent it from spreading. Reducing intensive farming practices is a great way to prevent pollution. This practice is meant to maximize yields for crops using vast amount of fertilizers and pesticides. Even though these practices can produce the yield we need to feed our rising population, there is a problem. The next generations is going to pay for our consumptions because we are using and harming the land and resources. Another major way we can reduce soil pollution is from our waste footprint. If more cities adopt a sustainable living and reduce waste, such as plastic and non-biodegradable materials, then it could reduce pollution to occur. Examples could be from not using so many plastic bags when we go grocery shopping, but use re-usable bags. Recycling is a great way to improve our cities and minimize our carbon footprint.

By: Michael Nguyen

Sources:

http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php

http://www.everythingconnects.org/reduce-soil-pollution.html

http://www.ucsusa.org/food_and_agriculture/our-failing-food-system/genetic-engineering/promoting-resistant-pests.html#.VLy-Z8a4mu4