We all know our planet is dying a slow death from poisoning, thanks to pollution. It might seem strange to think that so much destruction has been caused by substances that began their lives as simple elements sourced from the earth itself, but chemical changes and an altered ecosystem have led to decline at an unprecedented rate. Who contributes the most to our planet’s demise? Here, in no particular order, are just ten of many of the worst sources of pollutants.
Militaries
Far and away some of the worst polluters in the world, military organizations, including the United States Department of Defense, are responsible for past and present acts of pollution. These organizations, which were formed to defend and protect their citizens, consume vast amounts of fossil fuels, including jet fuel, at an incredible rate. In addition, they add pesticides, solvents, lead, mercury, defoliants such as agent orange, and depleted uranium to the environment. Many military organizations are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint, which in the end will not only help the planet, but which ought to save citizens money, too.
Agricultural Companies
So called “Big Ag” or massive agricultural companies are contributing mightily to pollution. It almost seems like a contradiction in terms; after all, how could companies that grow plants and animals cause pollution? The answers are complex, while the solution is simple. By consuming huge amounts of fossil fuels, using chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and by producing genetically modified plants and animals that interact differently with the ecosystem than their natural predecessors did, corporations such as Monsanto, Cargill, and Archer Daniels Midland are contributing to pollution. Not only these corporations, but meat producing companies like Smithfield and Tyson, among others, are keeping animals in CAFOs – Confined Animal Feeding Operations – where wastes, including untreated animal feces, urine, and lots of antibiotics and hormones from animal feed – enter streams and rivers via runoff. What to do? Crop rotation, traditional grass pasturage, and organic crop production are just a few of the many ways agricultural companies could reduce their toxic output.
Logging Corporations
Logging corporations that practice unsustainable methods such as clear cutting and slash and burn are contributing to deforestation, which in turn contributes to pollution and climate change. Not only does excessive logging affect the entire earth’s ecosystem, it contributes to pollution directly via consumption of fossil fuels, and by the burning of debris left over from the logging process. In places like the Amazon, clear cut areas are used for huge agricultural operations that produce plants which are turned into chicken feed; cattle are raised there as well. These and other land uses increase the amount of fertilizers, chemicals, and untreated waste that enters the river, which ultimately spills out into the Atlantic Ocean. By logging selectively and replanting trees, these companies could make an enormous difference. Will they? That remains to be seen.
Mining Corporations
Mining corporations all over the world are using more invasive mining methods to access the world’s mineral reserves. For example, Peabody Energy, which exploits coal reserves on Navajo and Hopi lands, is one of the worst. So is Massey Energy, which was recently acquired by Alpha Natural Resources; it, along with Arch Coal, Patriot Coal, James River Coal, the International Coal Group, and others, are responsible for mountaintop removal (MTR) mining, a devastating form of coal mining that causes massive pollution, destroys communities, and puts traditional coal miners out of work. Intense, invasive mining procedures cause air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution worldwide, and in most developing nations where mining is practiced, laborers suffer horrific human rights abuses.
Energy Production Companies
Traditional electric companies that burn dirty coal in order to produce energy are some of the world’s worst polluters. Worse, many corporations ignore advances in renewable energy in order to provide “cheap” electricity. While new infrastructure does take time to put in place, and while it does cost money to install solar panels and windmills, energy production companies often drag their feet at the expense of the environment. With nuclear disasters and air, water, and soil pollution in the balance, these companies could make a difference by changing the way they produce energy.
The Oil and Gas Industry
Who killed the electric car? Some say it was the oil and gas industry. Oil and gas companies are responsible for major pollution worldwide, causing oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico and other places, and doing nothing to promote the cause of green energy. While we do rely on petroleum products for many things, the way in which they are produced could be changed, and if we reduced our thirst for gasoline and other fossil fuels, we would not need nearly as much oil, nor would the need for natural gas be so great. The oil and gas industry could create change by working toward producing sustainable energy for the world and reducing its output of pollutants along the way.
Automobile Manufacturers
True enough, many automobile manufacturers are doing a good job of making cars and trucks that are more fuel efficient, even producing vehicles that leave only a small carbon footprint. Could they do a better job? Environmental organizations say yes, pointing to the fact that the actual act of manufacturing a new car creates nearly as much pollution as driving that same car over its lifetime. By creating lighter, more energy efficient models that use less raw materials, auto manufacturers could significantly reduce the amount of pollution they cause, and by increasing their output of affordable models that use green energy, they could potentially reduce dependence on oil and gas, killing two birds with a single stone.
Plastics Manufacturers
Plastics are wonderful products in many ways – in fact, our lives would not be the same without them. Producing plastics, though, does cause pollution; and, even though plastics manufacturers are aware of the problems their products cause, they often do nothing to change the chemical composition of their products, nor do they stop producing products that cause problems. For instance, even though it is a well-known fact that plastic shopping bags are a major contributor to pollution worldwide, corporations keep producing them. Some manufacturers are taking major steps toward change, using higher amounts of recycled plastic, and even turning to oxo-biodegradables in an effort to lessen their footprint and make the world a cleaner place.
Consumable Goods Manufacturers
Worldwide, consumable goods manufacturers of all types release massive amounts of chemicals and other pollutants into the air, water, and soil – plus, they use non-renewable energy to manufacture items that are often used only for a short time and then discarded. In fact, many companies create their products to be conveniently disposed of, or to become outdated quickly, all in the name of consumption and profit. Clothing, shoes, furniture, appliances, computers, cell phones, and many other items, plus the packaging they come in, end up in landfills all too often, simply because a newer model has come out.
Consumers
Time for a look in the mirror and a reality check – we consumers are among the world’s worst polluters. Most people do not recycle enough. They drive when they don’t need to. They buy things from companies that contribute to pollution – sometimes out of necessity, but more often due to convenience. We use chemicals, burn things, and throw things away instead of re-using them.
Each of us can make a difference by considering the way in which our actions and our choices affect the big picture. How do we, directly or indirectly, contribute to pollution? Do we ask corporations to change, or do we give up and go along with the status quo? By making small, simple changes to increase the sustainability of our own lifestyles, we can each help to change the way the world operates; and, we can reduce pollution, all in the name of a greener planet.