1 Sustainability 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.
Step 1 2A Action Steps Document local water resources, disposal of waste water, public programs, and environmental websites Create a presentation that brings attention to the problem of Timeline Months 1-3

Action Items List sources for water pollution. Create Presentation of

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water pollution causes. Create educational activities. water pollution. This should show how it occurs and what problems arise. Examples of sickness and ecosystem destruction should be used. Many programs such as Project Wet (www.projectwet.org) can be found on the internet, which provide many great ideas for educational activities.

2B

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.
Step Action Steps 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. Timeline

Action Items

Select proper location.

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.
Step 4 Action Steps Pass out and post flyers for the presentation that highlight the activities inviting attendees. Timeline Months 4-5

Action Items Advertise and invite!

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

3 Sustainability Plan 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.
Step 1 Action Steps Document local water resources, disposal of waste water, public programs, and environmental websites 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. Many programs such as Project Wet (www.projectwet.org) can be found on the internet, which provide many great ideas for educational activities. 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. Pass out and post flyers for the presentation that highlight the activities inviting attendees. Review the presentation and activities to identify improvements and go back to step 1. Timeline

Action Items List sources for water pollution. Create Presentation of water pollution causes. Create educational activities.

2A

Months 1-3

2B

Select proper location.

Month 4

4 5

Advertise and invite! Review

Months 4-5 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/useproject-wet/community-water-activities/.