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Monday, February 24, 2025

South Baltimore residents on the toxic reality of living in a ‘sacrifice zone’

Cherry Hill, Westport, Mt. Winans, Lakeland, Brooklyn, and Curtis Bay have always been known for their strong sense of community, rich cultural diversity, and beautiful landscapes. However, recent findings by the Department of the Environment have revealed that these neighborhoods also lead Maryland in pollution levels.

According to the data released by the Department of the Environment, these six neighborhoods have shown higher levels of pollutants compared to other areas in Maryland. It’s a cause for concern for both residents and policymakers as pollution not only affects the environment but also has a direct impact on public health and well-being.

But, instead of dwelling on these alarming statistics, it’s important to focus on the positive actions being taken by these neighborhoods to address the issue of pollution. Community leaders, residents, and government officials are coming together to tackle this problem and make these neighborhoods a cleaner and healthier place to live.

The first step towards addressing pollution is identifying its sources. In Cherry Hill, for example, the major source of pollution is the nearby industrial area which has been emitting harmful chemicals into the air and water. Local residents have been voicing their concerns and demanding stricter regulations for industrial activities. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, as state authorities are now working towards implementing stricter environmental laws to control pollution in this area.

In Westport, the main culprit for pollution is improper waste management. Over the years, this area has seen a rapid increase in population and development, leading to an increase in waste generation. However, the community has recognized the problem and is taking proactive steps to tackle it. By promoting recycling and proper waste disposal techniques, Westport is slowly but surely working towards reducing pollution in their neighborhood.

Similarly, Lakeland has been taking initiatives to reduce air pollution caused by heavy traffic. With a large number of vehicles passing through this area every day, the air quality has deteriorated significantly in recent years. But, the community is not sitting idly by. They have organized tree planting drives, advocated for public transportation, and have been encouraging the use of bicycles to reduce the number of cars on the road. These efforts have not only helped in reducing pollution but have also made the neighborhood more pedestrian-friendly.

In Brooklyn, community leaders have been working towards eliminating plastic waste from their neighborhood. Plastic pollution is a major problem for our environment, and Brooklyn is taking a step towards making a significant impact. By conducting awareness campaigns and promoting the use of reusable bags and containers, the community is making a conscious effort to reduce the amount of plastic waste.

Curtis Bay, known for its scenic waterfront, has been facing challenges in keeping its waters clean due to industrial activities in the area. However, the residents have joined hands with local authorities to launch a cleanup campaign, where volunteers gather to remove trash and debris from the bay and its shoreline. This initiative has not only helped in keeping the waters clean but has also brought the community together for a common cause.

The combined efforts of these six neighborhoods have shown promising results. The pollution levels have begun to decrease, and the community is more committed than ever to continue their efforts towards a cleaner and healthier environment.

As a state, Maryland is well-known for its picturesque landscapes and a strong focus on environmental conservation. These neighborhoods, with their proactive approach towards tackling pollution, are leading the way towards a greener and more sustainable future for the state.

It’s commendable to see the residents of Cherry Hill, Westport, Mt. Winans, Lakeland, Brooklyn, and Curtis Bay taking charge of their environment and working towards a common goal. Their actions are not only benefiting their own neighborhoods but are also setting an example for other communities to follow.

In conclusion, while it’s disheartening to see these neighborhoods leading in pollution levels, it’s heartening to see their determination to turn things around. With the continued efforts of the community and support from the state, we are confident that we will see a significant improvement in the pollution levels of these neighborhoods in the near future. Let’s all join hands and work towards a cleaner and healthier Maryland.

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