Journals: Protecting New Jersey's Environment
JOURNAL 1: KRISTAThe true focus of Protecting New Jersey's Environment is people. It explores the science under environmental issues and the public policy infighting that goes undocumented behind the scenes and beneath the controversies. Belton demonstrates the ways that scientists, regulators, lobbyists, and politicians interact and offers the public a go-to guide on how to seek environmental protection in practical ways. People are what keep our environment going, but also people are who are damaging our environment at the same time. The earth is actually a victim. Our environment is subject to being hurt by our waste and terrible ways of treating it. In Chapter 1, Belton explains that as a result, studies are shown that reflect we are the problem in our own world. Scientists are able to study “cancer clusters” and research why similar issues are occurring to similar groups of people. They are able to see that certain cancers are affecting certain age groups as a result to their environment. Cancer clusters are evident in certain areas, and are related to both social and economic backgrounds. Because this issue hit so close to home for Belton, and effected his brother, he took it personally and did his best to research the issues occurring in New Jersey. In his process, he was able to find that these environmental issues are existing, and large corporations are doing their best to push them under the rug. No one wants to take responsibility for the tragic illnesses we are facing, but it is in fact a result of the people and poor choices. Distilled alcohol, plastics, wastes and other toxins are harmful to our environment and ultimately cause deathly diseases. Belton emphasizes cancer and the strong impact it has on individuals, small groups, New Jersey and the impact it has on our population. JOURNAL 4: KRISTA In Chapter 4, Belton discusses radiation protection and awareness in our environment that supports his focus on being energy dependent. As a young adult looking for work, Belton took a job as a radiation safety technician and had no idea of the impact it would make on his life. Through this occupation, he was able to experience and take part in radiation protection when chaos hit at a nearby nuclear power plant and his company was asked for help. At this time, Pennsylvania faced commotion very quickly. Unfortunately, the nuclear power plant released a massive amount of toxins into the environment, like iodine and krypton. This situation brought awareness and protection to other nuclear plants to prevent this from happening anywhere else. The best part about the chapters in Belton’s book is that all of his work is personal. As a result, his writing is easy to relate to and understand. For example, in this chapter Belton spoke again about his brother and the illness he faced. Belton’s brother had leukemia and suffered. Belton believes and emphasized the idea that it came from excessive nuclear testing since his brothers time was during a war. Belton supports nuclear energy and the idea that it makes us independent, but it needs to be protected and content needs to be disposed correctly. Because of the strong influence of power plants in New Jersey, we need to be aware and cautious of radiation, today, and in the future. There are serious health hazards related to radioactive materials so they need to be treated properly to avoid cancer and dangers to the environment. As a community, we need to be more aware and not in denial to the issues we are surrounded by. JOURNAL 7: KRISTA Chapter 7 focuses on the governments efforts to control companies in our environment, their destruction and improvements. In the late 1900s, Congress passes an act to tax both chemical and petroleum industries because they were releasing substances that were hazardous to both people and the environment. This was seen as the government taking control, and playing an active part in trying to prevent distress in our environment. As a result, companies had to immediately clean up their space, especially before being sold or closed. They were required to decontaminate their own land. Having control and guidance on structuring the security of our environment made people, and business owners very happy, which is even still seen today. At this time, citizens were becoming more aware on the precaution that needs to be taken to ensure the health of future generations. In addition, Belton discusses "brownfields land" which was used for industrial purposes. Brownfield's land is known to be useful land as long as it is cleaned and secured. The government was given money to use on these sites to prepare and create as many clean and resourceful locations as possible. This program was used to oversee countless sights and improve the environment with help of many people. Brownfield land was able to contribute to the building of and addition to cities where individuals were able to buy this land and create living space and condominiums. One city built off of brownfield land was Camden, that made efforts to demonstrate the idea of redevelopment and public health concerns. Although, brownfield land was seen to lead to a lot of controversy on the personal level of citizens in the area. After reading Belton's chapter 7, he leads me to believe the importance of community and what it takes for people in a whole place to be satisfied. It is not just about an individual, or a select group of people, but here the state of New Jersey and even further including the U.S. and government. Everyone needs to work together to ensure health, success and pride in their environment for the future. JOURNAL 10: KRISTA In Chapter 10, Belton discusses the idea that the land we intrude, like the Pinelands in New Jersey, belongs to animals first. He reminisces on a camping trip where he woke up surrounded by rattlesnakes. Although, in the big picture, he welcomed himself into their home. In life we need to remember that we must respect animals and their homes and prevent them from going endangered. In addition to rattlesnakes, Belton mentions the lives of bald eagles, the connection between the red knot and the horse shoe crab. Unfortunately, the population of red knot birds is declining because so is what they eat, horse shoe crabs. NJEDP works hard to protect and sustain wildlife. One of the major topics NJEDP was able to implement focuses on water. The Clean Water Act had a focus on maintaining clean and healthy water, that ultimately plays a huge role in the whole region. Biological integrity is seen here in hopes of maintaining the most purified water possible. Beltons comparison of our water to the health of the human body really made me reflect on life and think about our water and resources. Belton touches on The precautionary principle how it is applied to the environment. He discusses the idea that those who allow toxic and harmful decisions and acts to be made are held responsible for the harm done to our environment. Belton emphasizes the connection in our ecosystem between people, animals, plants and water. Ultimately, they all connect which is why we must do all we can to make beneficial decisions that will benefit our environment, no matter how small they seem. |
JOURNAL 2: KRISTAIn chapter 2, the focus is on marine life and how it is contaminated. The shellfish we are eating and catching is often contaminated, and many people do not know this. Again, the harm our environment is facing is a direct result of our nations people. Humans do not dispose of waste correctly, and as a result our oceans are infected with toxins. Belton discusses the biologists that go on boats into our ocean to investigate whats going on beyond land. As a result, a massive amount of toxins that cause cancer were found in fish from the same place we eat. Humans are creating mass pollution not only on land, but in water too. Belton realized this and allowed it to lead him into his study where he found fisherman were also a part of the problem. Unfortunately, the toxins found are long lasting and severely harmful. Humans are hurt and so is our environment as a result of the strong connection between people, land and air. Unfortunately, it is not only our fish that is contaminated, but the water we drink too. As people, we need to be more aware of where we put our waste and who it can effect in the process. Belton does his best to explain his research, goals and spread awareness of the issues occurring. Although, it will take everyone to really make a change. We need to become healthier and be more aware of what enters our bodies. JOURNAL 5: KRISTA In Chapter 5, Belton discusses environmental crime and the impact it has on society. In Jersey City, as the years went on it got more and more expensive to dispose of toxic waste. By 1976, as a result of the price to dispose waste, crime increased. Because people could not or did not want to afford proper garbage disposal, illegal activity became present. In addition to corrupt politicians, the Mafia took advantage of this opportunity, and were some of the main proponents of illegal disposal of toxic materials. The mob was actually able to form a business based on toxic waste, called the Chemical Control Corporation in Elizabeth, New Jersey. To the a reader, and outsider, it is absolutely crazy how they could have gotten away with not only harming their environment, but themselves and people around them. As a result of the overwhelming amount of waste, toxins and acids, a fire started. Many people were harmed and took in toxins which ultimately had a long term effect on the area. In addition to the illegal waste in this area, Belton discusses other parts of New Jersey that were infested with waste, even close to his childhood home. Belton discusesses his life as a child and the severity of chromium in his area. Him and his friends would play, explore and travel through this toxic area without having any idea the negative result it could have on a person and the environment. Later on, Belton supported environmentalists, scientists and the NJDEP to discover other toxic areas and stop them from spreading. It is important for citizens to work closely and appropriately with the government to limit waste, especially if it is toxic and handled illegally. In order for clean up and identification of toxins to be successful, the government must support and be on board with this movement. If they are not, they are supporting environmental crime and should be known as murderers for letting it happen. JOURNAL 8: Krista In chapter 8, Belton discusses his time as a social worker in Jersey City. At the time, he was visiting families who were poor and living in unhealthy conditions. They were unable to provide what is necessary for young children and Belton was really affected by this. Moving onto Camden, Belton was able to see the toxins people were surrounded by and living in which led him to his push in environmental justice. Until reading this chapter, I never realized the full aspect of environmental justice and its importance in society. In an ideal world, all people will have equal rights to environmental laws and policies. The extent of environmental differences in locations aren't known by many people. Luckily for people like Belton, they were able to share their experience and awareness. By spreading awareness and making these issues known, Camden was able to get the government on board and create a plan for improvements for low in come people in the area. An environmental justice policy was initiated in New Jersey and progress was being attempted. Although, like most things, it takes years for big changes to be implemented. With the help of previous governors of New Jersey, all agencies and programs in the area had to give updates to ensure they were following and abiding by a Environmental Justice Plan. In a place like Camden, so poor and toxic, they needed help. Camden is still known as just one of the many cities across the country who did not have environmental justice and worked to make a change. Together, we can target poor and toxic areas in hopes of improving economic opportunities and the environment as a whole. Belton leaves an imprint on my mind of those who are less fortunate. He proves that with dedication and persistence, even today changes can be made with the support of environmental justice. JOURNAL 11: KRISTA In Chapter 11, Belton discusses headwaters and their significance to the environment. Headwaters are important because they act as a supplier to a bigger form of water, the whole river. Belton continues his text discussing how headwaters are disrupted, and often not seen as important or essential to water ways. Headwaters are being targeted and harmed and do not receive the protection and support needed to keep flowing the most productive way possible. Water is not only brought to the major river, but goes through a cycle through seasons and carries on. After headwater studies, Belton and his team were able to see that channelization, urbanization and irrigation all occur and are human actions hurting our headwaters. Our marine life in this water is decreasing, which ultimately effects biodiversity in this area. The water targeted does hurt marine life in the area. To support watersheds and reduce harm, NJDEP tried to protect, monitor and assess the water more frequently to ensure its safety. Leslie McGeorge, a scientist was brought on for this project to assess the water and the factors effecting it in hopes of protecting these waterways in New Jersey. In his time, Belton was able to learn and study ways to support the importance of protection of water in our state, country and world. He was able to learn how to test water and its sensitivities, like Diatom. In addition to rivers, there are other things that contribute to watersheds like freshwater wetlands and pools. Freshwater wetlands include groups of water like marshes and are also targeted and destroyed. Wetlands and vernal pools too need to be protected by the government because they are relied on by marine life and other animals like amphibians. As our water is harmed, so our animals and so are humans. Together, we need to be aware of the decisions we make that are hurting ourselves and the most important thing on earth- water. Belton does a great job of connecting water to all forms of life, and emphasizing its importance in society in the past, present and future. Chapter 11 leads me to realize how we must acknowledge water as a blessing and necessary life component. |
JOURNAL 3: KRISTAIn Chapter 3, Belton discusses the quality of water in New Jersey and the harm it has been faced with. Throughout the years, our water has been contaminated and full of toxins. Belton emphasizes the toxins found by scientists in the water and how humans are effected by it. For example, a large amount of the components in plastic were found in the water. This is known to be toxic to humans, especially children and can ultimately cause cancer and other illnesses. In addition, chlorine was added to water in hopes of cleaning it out as a cheaper alternative to a filtration system. Again, the people of New Jersey are 'unconsciously' hurting their own environment. As a result of excess waste, unhealthy water conditions progressed through the years. It was left to our political superiors to take charge and ensure we are consuming clean and safe water because often like Belton, environmentalists are overlooked. Not only in New Jersey, but in the United States water is taken for granted. We need clean water to shower, explore and consume fish from marine life, to drink and ultimately to survive. As a community, we need to work together and make a change and progress to ensure our own good health, and that of generations to come. As a scientist, Belton took it upon himself to study swamps, lakes and other water to decipher what exactly we are surrounded by. Not only are we consuming this water, but we are submerging ourselves in it. By learning the studies of Belton and his fellow scientists, I am concerned for the water in our environment and hope it has improved since his studies. As citizens, we need to be more aware of the waste we accumulate, where it is disposed to and also ensure the water we are consuming is properly sanitized. The status of our life is at stake and we need to make a difference. JOURNAL 6: KRISTA In Chapter 6, Belton reviews "Environmental Warfare" and the toxins New Jersey was infested with along with how quickly it spreads to other areas. unfortunately, dioxin, a highly toxic compound, was found in the soil of New Jersey. Because this problem was over looked, the problem was sent over seas to gain clarification. When sent to scientists in Sweden, it was found that the amount of dioxin this area in New Jersey was contaminated with was an overload and highly toxic. As a result, it even being in Sweden caused it to contaminate the office very quickly. An emergency remedial response was enforced, but it was proven that this form of toxin can cause birth defects, mental retardation and other devastating effects on humans. Ultimately, this was seen as a major issue and the hunt for dioxin did not stop. Water samples in New Jersey were also sent to Sweden and sampled, and yet again came back positive for deathly amounts of dioxin. Toxins like dioxin found in water are seen as a huge issue because as humans we consume shellfish and other fish from this water. This is startling to me because I love shellfish and it leads me to question the things I am consuming that I often refer to as healthy. As a result, Belton took it upon himself, and others to deal with this toxin overload and risk assessment. Together, with lobstermen and scientists, Belton and his team were able to confirm offshore dumping was a major part of this contamination. Thankfully, this discovery was a factor that contributed to banning ocean dumping in New Jersey. Many had hopes and supported that laws should be enforced and boundaries should be created created to stop these polluters from hurting our environment. Although, again, our environmentalists and scientists were not given the total support needed to achieve reasonable success in eliminating this toxin. Belton makes it clear that everyone's help is needed to benefit our environment! JOURNAL 9: KRISTA In chapter 9, The Woodlands, Belton talks about his love and interest in nature. Throughout his life, with the help of school, he was able to learn about, visit and research all different aspects of nature. Belton emphasizes the change our environment has seen like how much green life we used to have and now do not. As a result, efforts have been made to preserve our forests under the New Jersey Forest Service. Compared to the rest of the country, New Jersey is home to a massive amount of forest land. With the help of the New Jersey Forest Service, our forest land is managed to ensure our ecosystem is getting all it needs. This would include wildlife, water, plants and the beauty of our forests. In New Jersey, a well known spot that has been supported and contributes a lot to our ecosystem is the New Jersey Pinelands. Luckily, it has federal laws that have been passed to protect it. Protection is something many supporters are looking to gain in various areas. With laws, these areas can go untouched. The water will not be contaminated, the endangered species and plants will not be eliminated, and people will have a safe and clean environment to enjoy. Unfortunately, because of the pineland's size in New Jersey, it has always been a target for businessman and politicians to take over. In addition to maintaining the Pineland, The New Jersey Fire Service is implemented to fight forest wildfires and protect the community. Prescribed fires can be planned to be spread at certain points to eliminate toxins and prevent harmful wild fires. In addition to fire, air pollution and contamination to our water has an effect on forests and can decrease bio diversity. Every day, we need to continue to keep our forests healthy and limit threats to our environment. Belton leads me to realize how unaware most humans are of the importance of a clean, healthy and proper functioning ecosystem. JOURNAL 12: KRISTA In Chapter 12, Belton closes the book with insight on the coast of New Jersey. Luckily, NJDEP works to protect and care for the coast. After years of keeping track of New Jersey, Belton was a part of an alarming discovery. By taking pictures of the bottom of the ocean, scientists were able to see marine life surrounded in sulfur clouds. The thought of this is alarming and these under the sea animals are found in the midst of a chemical reaction. Organisms were living in and off of this toxic substance, and were later consumed by other organisms. In addition, Belton emphasizes the idea that an excessive amount of nutrients caused by toxins, like waste, cause a lot of algae to grow. As a result, when the algae dies oxygen decreases and the fish die. Belton shows yet another example of how our ecosystem is being affected by human choices, like the exposure of waste and fertilizer to our water. This is supported by USEPA in its yearly reports for New Jersey in the early 2000s. Another huge component to the negative effect on our ecosystem comes from our climate and sea level. Luckily, Belton was able to take part in research and make a difference regarding ecological changes and shared his hopes of preventing high sea levels taking our land away from us. Throughout the whole book, and in chapter 12, Belton stresses the effect humans have on our earth and the significance of the decisions we make. |