Hey there, Clean Wisconsinites. I’m Sarah, Clean Wisconsin’s very own communications intern. As a journalism student and former newspaper editor, I’m used to writing about the actions and talents of other people — not being in the spotlight.
I have been with Clean Wisconsin for almost a year now, and this month I am focusing on water. That means I’ll be sharing my experiences with you all, as I go in-depth into one of our state’s most important treasures. Together, we will learn about all things water and more importantly, how to protect the clean water resources that we all enjoy in Wisconsin. This means identifying threats to clean water, and understanding that the water systems in our environment are fully connected to what comes out of the tap.
I invite you to take this journey with me; I’ll be learning too. If you notice an influx of water-related content on Twitter, Facebook, our Clean Wisconsin blog, and even in local news, it doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten about everything else that matters to Clean Wisconsin (breathable air, renewable energy and much more). It’s just that water tends to work its way into all aspects of how we enjoy summer—from boating and swimming to the ice in your lemonade. Here are just a few plans I have to explore Wisconsin water this month:
- Efforts in other states to find usable, drinkable water
- A Q&A with a water expert
- Busting myths about water resources
- Smart, lake-safe lawncare for summer
- How mining affects the water we drink
- Quotes about clean water and water conservation from legendary public figures
The goal of all this is to encourage Wisconsinites to incorporate simple and effective steps into their daily routines that can have big impacts on our lakes and streams. Even better, the knowledge we gain can only benefit our wieldy arsenals of brainpower (or so I would like to think). My hope is, when August rolls around, we will look back and realize that it feels just as natural and painless to take action for Wisconsin’s waters as it is to log onto Facebook or read a blog post.
Contributed by Sarah Witman, Communications Intern
Last year I began a journey of my own to try to clean up the surface scum created by phosphate pollution which results in Lakes Menomin, Tainter and others on the Red Cedar Watershed becoming an environmental disgrace. I begged, pleaded and worked so hard and spent my own money to help alleviate this scourge. I was met with negativity, resistance and downright disrespect for my efforts. There needs to be a change in attitude and some meaningful assistance here, not just chatter. While small individual efforts will make a progressive change in water quality and laws, restrictions and awareness upstream will eventually turn the tide, this type of intermediate interdiction needs to be encouraged, supported and assisted. It is shameful that my efforts have had to cease due to lack of support. Where is the real help, why wasn’t there any support, is it all about writing something on paper and not really about helping or doing?
i agree with pat completely on this subject,where is the ACTION not just the lips moving….