S.T.O.P. Wasting Water!

“Stop the drip, save the drop!” That is the battle-cry of Students and Teachers for Our Planet (S.T.O.P.) the environmental club at Horace Greeley High School. From Thursday May 28th to June 5th S.T.O.P. will be holding a week-long exposition at the Chappaqua Train Station to raise awareness about water conservation.

Water is a precious resource, and becoming even more so as access to clean water continues to dwindle across the globe. What is the culprit? Pollution is mostly to blame for rendering H20 undrinkable. In fact, cholera, a waterborne disease, is one of the biggest causes of death in the world. According to the World Health Organization, “Every year, there are an estimated 3–5 million cholera cases and 1 million–1.2 million deaths due to cholera.” Club leader Jordan Schmolka continues, “The amount of fresh water that is available for all living things to use is extremely limited and increasingly polluted. It’s so important for us, then, to make sure that we use those limited stores wisely and protect them carefully.”

A structure built from 909 plastic Poland Spring water bottles collected by members of the club will be displayed for public viewing through the week of May 31 to symbolize an astounding statistic: 120 gallons of water are used every day in the average American household. The exhibition will culminate with a day of educational water activities during the Chappaqua Farmers Market. Pamphlets will also be distributed by club members with more information about water conservation.

Last year, S.T.O.P. held their first exhibition to raise awareness about the wastefulness of plastic bags, and it was a great success. Club leader Abby Fuirst hopes the spring event will become an on-going tradition, “the event teaches the members of the club responsibility and leadership, while educating members of town on environmental issues.”

Well isn’t that refreshing?