by Dylan Sanders

Think back to the last time you walked around the lake we call Red Rock. The water is as clear as mud, there are pieces of trash all along the shore- line mixed in with a ton of fallen branches and twigs. If you look out into the water, you can see cans, bottles, or other items that have been discarded from the likes of anyone that uses the lake. I believe this isn’t right, and that the people of Iowa should work together to help reverse pollution.

I don’t think that you can go to any part of Red Rock that doesn’t have at least some pollution in the area. Select spots around the lake may look pure and natural, but if you look closer you can still see plastic materials or other items in the area even if you’re not looking for them. The areas where people are the most concentrated are the places that need the most work. Boat ramps and known fishing spots are popular spots for littering. The Elk Rock West boat ramp by the mile long bridge is easily one of the worst spots for the littering. When you walk along the rocks, or along the beach you can see debris every few feet, whether it be a wrapper or a discarded softball. Some of the items found in the driftwood have been there for years. In my opinion, these are problems that can be fixed.

Some effects of pollution can’t truly be reversed. For example, the waters of Red Rock will always stay brown because it was built on a mudflat. Littering is a problem that can simply be fixed by being more proactive. Certain people undoubtedly need to stop making Red Rock their own personal landfill. It’s pretty simple, just try to leave with more trash than you brought. If you go out on a boat, then just spend a few minutes picking up trash. Make sure to collect the junk that you brought along, as well. If everyone could just pick up a few pieces of trash when they go to the lake, then it would have a profound effect for the eradication of littering.

Red Rock may not be the most elegant place, but it’s got a fair share of wonders and sights that should be there for future generations to enjoy. If people aren’t cautious about their littering, some of the things that are already poor at Red Rock, such as water quality, may get worse. None of these problems are easily fixed. Red Rock isn’t wasteland
yet, but if we continue bad habits, it will be.