Our area is feeling the rippling effect of the hot weather which has dominated the country. Apples are smaller and pumpkins are rotting much faster. While we can complain about these trivial annoyances, we need to be cognizant of what effect this arid weather is having on the rest of our country.
In the south, where the weather is much hotter, severe drought conditions are prevailing. From southern West Virginia to as far south as Florida and as far west as Tennessee, residents are facing extreme and exceptional drought conditions. In some of the most severe areas, it will take 18-34 inches of rain to alleviate the problem. Even central Pennsylvania is estimated to be 12-15 inches of moisture behind what is considered to be necessary to be drought-free.
Recently, officials in Atlanta brought to light concerns of the possibility of running out of drinking water. That city's water comes from a 38,000-acre reservoir that, unless something is done, will be depleted in less than three months. With three million residents pulling from the same water supply, as well as even smaller reservoirs, it has been estimated that Atlanta may run out of water by the end of the year.
In California, rationing water is nothing new. Residents there have faced similar situations in past years. They know about limiting water use for things we take for granted, like car washes, brushing teeth and doing dishes.
While not interested in standing on an environmental soap box, it is advantageous for us to take a proactive approach to protecting our current resources. We should consider ourselves lucky not to be facing the same dire concerns as Atlanta, or even California. But it may be just a matter of time before we must also conserve our natural resources in this area.
Several years ago, the commonwealth mandated communities of a certain size to begin recycling efforts. As residents, we are asked to clean out empty plastic bottles, glass jars and metal cans and separate those, as well as paper, from the rest of our garbage. Municipalities are eligible for grants to help fund their recycling programs. State funding is also available for businesses that manufacture or reuse a product using recyclable materials. As an incentive, other states offer a refund on each recycled can and bottle.
These are simple steps which can go a long way. They can also be translated into our aspects of our daily living. Turning off a light, not running a dishwasher until it's full, turning off the water while brushing your teeth are other very easy and simple suggestions.
It may take some time for the concept of our quality of life to be equated with protecting the environment in which we live. It's better to start now - while we still can - than to need to formulate a plan while in a crisis mode.