Students from the University's chapter of Water Watch traveled throughout Princeton Borough yesterday to educate residents about how to protect water quality and dispose of hazardous waste. Braving mud and drizzle, students distributed pamphlets to households and stores outlining ways to improve the local environment.
At Palmer Square, Mayor Joe O'Neill opened the drive by talking to the Princeton group and area residents about the importance of cleaning the community.
Because Princeton is one of the oldest towns in New Jersey and often conducts reconstruction projects, the Borough is prone to having pollutants such as pesticides, sewage and motor oil released into its waterways, O'Neill explained. But he praised the environmental work of the community.
"If there is any town in New Jersey that is environmentally conscious, it is Princeton," he said.
The Princeton chapter divided itself into groups assigned to different areas of the Borough. Despite her thesis crunch, four-year Water Watch member Karen Chiang '04 led one of the groups door-to-door to educate local residents.
"It has been nice to see Water Watch grow and stretch its roots to the community," Chiang said.
Water Watch urged households to dispose of all unused hazardous wastes at local disposal sites and use natural alternatives such as baking soda and borax when possible.
During each rainfall, toxins in fertilizers and pesticides wash off lawns and gardens and into storm drains and streams. Any contaminants that run into a storm drain in Princeton Township and Borough end up in Lake Carnegie.
O'Neill praised the work the Borough has done thus far. "We have spent money to bring our environmental protection system up to code, and as a result the town and Lake Carnegie have become much cleaner," he said.
Participants also encouraged residents not to apply fertilizers or pesticides before heavy rain is anticipated.
Catherine Chou '06, president of the Princeton chapter and a 'Prince' contributor, said, "I was really excited to get the message out to make Princeton cleaner, and I hope we can continue to significantly impact the community to protect the environment."
Through river cleanups, education and stream-monitoring projects, Water Watch plans to strengthen collaboration with the local community to decrease water pollution.
"We want to make education our primary goal and not fund-raising, and that's the reason why we do our projects," said Water Watch participant Ellen Zuckerman '07.
Praising Water Watch's persistent efforts, O'Neill said, "Anything that makes us more aware that water is a precious commodity is great for the community."
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