Colorado has a unique landscape and biological diversity, from raging rivers to towering mountains. Residents and visitors alike love the state’s natural ecosystem. However, due to harmful ecological practices, Colorado is at risk regarding climate change. The treasured landmarks, plants, and animals may suffer or cease to exist if positive change does not occur. Climate change and pollution will affect far more than most people realize, including public health. The first step to treating the planet well is understanding the impact of eco-friendly practices in states like Colorado.

Air Quality

Due to its mountainous terrain, Colorado has higher elevations in many areas, making it slightly more challenging to breathe in these locations than at sea level. When pollutants are added to the air, it can make breathing even more difficult. Lower air quality, especially in Colorado, puts the lives of plants, animals, and humans at risk. Air pollution can even cause long-term conditions such as asthma or lung cancer. Older adults are more susceptible to breathing conditions, which poor air quality can worsen to the point of death.

Water Quality

Without eco-friendly practices and environmental regulations, toxins and pollutants can enter the natural water supply. Depending on the toxin, water can severely drop in quality and make it harmful for plants, animals, and people to consume. Some toxins may result in chronic health conditions like cancer. Some pollutants may be challenging to remove from the water and can take time, money, and resources. In Colorado, water contamination is strictly regulated and prohibited. Still, some cases slip through the cracks, such as the Fort Carson Water Contamination lawsuit, where harmful toxins and forever chemicals from military practices contaminated the local water supply near Colorado Springs, resulting in cancer, thyroid disorder, immune conditions, and more.

Plant Life

Plants require healthy soil, water, and air to survive. Pollution affects all these categories, making it increasingly difficult for plant life to survive. Native plants that thrive in the area may die out due to changing climate conditions, reducing biological diversity. Crops that keep people fed, medicated, and employed may no longer be viable, causing job loss and food insecurity. Those who grow cannabis for personal use may find it more difficult due to climate conditions and pollution.

Animal Life

Like humans, animals need viable food, water, and air to live and thrive. However, due to pollution, animals can quickly die in the wild. Drinking contaminated water or eating polluted food can kill most species. Wildlife native to Colorado may go extinct. Humans lack the resources to rescue every wild animal or species from pollution.

Public Health

Harmful pollution of water, air, food, or other substances needed to survive is a matter of public health. If left unchecked, pollution can wipe out entire Colorado populations. Cancer, thyroid conditions, and reproductive issues are all common conditions and illnesses stemming from pollution. Reproductive issues can even affect future populations.

Resource Conservation

Most resources are finite, and pollution can further eliminate resources needed to build housing, equipment, or technology. Cars may not run, local industries may shut down, and homes may need alternative building materials. You may not even have access to electricity outside of solar or wind power. Depletion of resources is a serious issue. Eco-friendly practices allow resource conservation, allowing local businesses, homes, economies, and products to thrive.

Landfill Reduction

Landfills are more than just an eyesore (for your nose as well). Landfills destroy the land around them, present hazards to local wildlife, and eliminate the ability of plants to grow. Recycling significantly reduces the amount of waste headed for landfills. Without recycling and conservation practices, landfills would increase, risking species extinction and reducing air quality. Useable and livable natural land would be significantly reduced.

Economic Savings

Many eco-friendly practices help save money for both Colorado residents and businesses. Switching to renewable energy sources like solar or wind will help reduce utility bills in the long term. Water recycling and conservation also help lower water utility bills. Reusing and repurposing items minimize the need to purchase new items. Businesses that conserve and recycle will see less overhead costs due to less waste; eco-friendliness is also a great marketing tool.

Landmark and Landscape Preservation

Colorado features some of the most unique landscapes in the world. Pollution affects the climate, destroying many ecological features, such as plants, trees, bodies of water, and animals. Lakes can dry up. Snow accumulation can change, which can reduce or eliminate skiing or other winter recreation in Colorado.

Conclusion

Eco-friendly practices in Colorado do far more than people realize. Eco-friendly laws and practices reduce the prevalence of air, water, and food pollution, which can save the lives of humans, plants, and animals. Many species can go extinct when pollution goes unchecked due to landfill overuse and climate change. Eco-friendliness can even save you money on utility bills.

John Mali Director of Media Relations

Director of Media Relations at AboutBoulder.com

john@aboutboulder.com