Gasland

For the documentary project, I watched Gasland. This frightening film helped me solidify my understanding of the fracking that has been taking place in many parts of the United States. I was completely alarmed to see images of water faucets lighting on fire, and wells blowing up in backyards. I tried to imagine what it was like to not be able to have clean water at my own home, and the best example I could think of was my time during Peru. However, during that time we could boil the water and the harmful bacteria would simply be killed off. When natural gas is in the water, the process is not nearly as simple or as easy.

I am appalled that this process can be done so simply in the United States when really hardly any research has been completed on behalf of the government to recognize the harmful effects of such a practice, not only on humans but on the natural environment. I hope that we can stop this horrible pollution contributor before it's too late. Natural gas is not clean. It is, in fact, the exact opposite, especially when we know that over 500 chemicals are used, many of which are carcinogens.

I believe that a documentary like this one is a great example of it being able to be used for education. I learned a lot myself, and I can see how it is an interesting and intriguing format for which to teach kids and adults about the problems our world is facing. Seeing something in movie form can be more inviting and familiar to families and children who wouldn't necessarily research and explore problems naturally.