#runnoff

One DOZEN tactical combo pack for big water.

Includes:

Food for thought: 

So, imagine this. 

The farmer that grows your food obviously uses pesticides and insecticides. But then one day, it rains terrible, and the pesticide/insecticide that has built up in the soil is washed away with the rain into the nearby river. This nutrient river is then transported throughout the ocean, often allowing for eutrophication to occur (leachate runoff in which the depletion of oxygen occurs). Sooner of later, the fertilizers are transported to an opening in the ocean, and of course, it affects millions of ecosystems within. Now imagine this, this is not just the effect of one farmer’s farm. This happens to almost ALL farmlands, and is one of the major reasons of nutrient pollution in the ocean. 

Don’t believe me?

Well, in 1980, North Carolina’s Pamlico River saw a rise excessive levels of nutrients in water, such as phosphorous and other elements abundant in fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides. This led to depleted oxygen, many sickly species, dead fish, and algal bloom. When tested for, it was found that row crops and erodible soil had leached dangerous chemicals into the water, and thus created the rapid proliferation of nutrient depleted organisms. Now, this may still seem minute. However, when actual HUMANS depend on these water resources for food, recreational activities, and even water, IT IS SUPER IMPORTANT. So, what can you do? Well for one thing, you can become more informed. In North Carolina, at least, many farmers have reduced the amount of fertilizer used and have began to approach conservational tilling methods. This will allow for chemicals to NOT enter into sources of water, which will then stay its way out of the oceans and affect even more ecosystems.

On a global scale, Obama passed the National Ocean Policy in 2010 that allows for a group of mandated governmental organizations to provide for the upkeep and laws governing ocean bodies, including the agricultural relationships. 

What else can you do? 

Prompt state action. If you live in an area that is somewhat rural and suburban, chances are that your local farmers may NOT be abiding by federal regulations governing bodies of water. It’s up to you to take these charges against your health and human services board to align them with the national standard. 

Make a difference. Be the change. 

Sources:

http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/nps/success319/nc_tar.cfm