What is Pollution?

Webster's dictionary defines pollution as the contamination of the environment . According to Do Something.org “Pollution is affecting 100 million people around the world and 46% lakes in America are so polluted people can not fish in there's rivers and even aquatic life can't live in it.” Pollution has a drastic effect on all life forms and it is critical that something is done to limit the amount of pollution happening in society today.

How Can You Help Stop Pollution?

Did you know that pollution caused by something as simple as driving your car to your friends house that is just two blocks away can cause chronic illness, shortened life span, and neurological damage? There are a lot of harmful consequences of pollution. Not just for the environment, but for us too. You might think “Well I wish those major manufacturers would stop polluting so much!” or “I can always ride a bike to school,” or maybe “I already recycle all the time!” but everyone contributes to pollution. Every time you turn on the lights, or charge your cell phone, or turn on your TV, you are contributing to the destruction of the environment.


You might now be thinking, “If all of those things cause pollution, then how can I avoid polluting?” Well, you can’t avoid polluting all together, but you can reduce how much you pollute, and recycling is only one of the many things you can do! Some ways that the Environmental Protection Agency recommends to reduce how much you pollute are:

• Conserving Electricity-turn off lights when you leave a room
• Recycle
• Plant Trees
• Test your home for radon
• Buy energy efficient appliances
• Shop with reusable bags
• Buy rechargeable batteries
• Talk public transportation or walk whenever possible
• Purchase a low polluting vehicle.

Pollution Free Celebrations in India

An effort was made by the Eco club members of St Mark's Meera Bagh to create awareness in the neighborhood about pollution free celebrations during festivals like Diwali and Holi. The activities taken up were banner making, processions, and street plays. Please see the images below for examples of what we did: