我们赖以生存的环境We Need to Live in a Clean Environment（第二名）之二
   Our country’s achievements in all fields of endeavors during the past seventy-five years are truly phenomenal if not legendary. And this achievement has brought about affluence never before enjoyed by the Chinese. In this connection, it is appropriate and constructive to ask what about our environment after we have become the foremost economic and financial power in the world? There is no doubt that all men wish to live in a clean environment, but most of them are dull at perceiving what it is that makes our environment clean. And so far is it from being easy to have a clean environment that the more eagerly we try to reach it, the further we depart from it, if we take the wrong road! And sad to say, we have taken the wrong road! During the past few years, quick results have all along been the primary concern of the policy makers” they have ignored the long-term developments, and unfortunately, environment protection is one of them. Recently, bits of garbage were seen floating on the Tamsui river for a distance of several miles, shocking those who live along the banks of the Tamsui river. FROM liuxuepaper.com.

This offensive sight should stimulate the authorities into action to salvage the river. Recent reports also indicate that the use of pesticide in the Taiwan area per unit of farmland surpassed all that in the rest of the world. The excess use of pesticide is posing a menace to our environment, and vigorous efforts must be made to rectify it. The government and the public to think of progress in terms of the short term, tangible benefits to be reached. They should direct their attention to the environment protection which is truly beneficial to the people. Since our environment is seriously polluted, this is a matter which requires much thought and discussion, and the environment protection admits of no delay. As to the garbage problem, I suggest that we should have a sound system of disposing garbage. Very often, when I return home late at night, there are always garbage of all sorts piled up high in the corner of the street, from leftover food, dirty cans to old tissues and shoes, there is sure to have anything you can imagine! And what’s the worse, several cats may prow around the plastic bag and tear the garbage into pieces, and the unpleasant smell adds to the disgust of the sight. The government should pay more attention to the disposal of garbage and give the residents a clean environment. As to the polluted-river problem, there has been an advice the more funds should be allotted to the task of river protection. Since the Jenai River, which is also known as Lover River, is refreshed and purified, there’s no reason why that the Tamsui River cannot be refurbished. And this should also be the hope of those who care about the need of a clean environment. The republic of China has reached to a critical stage in national affairs. In economy, politics, science and technology, our country is now undergoing major and decisive changes, and the catalyst for a brand new era lies in the consciousness and awareness of the environment protection. By carrying out this plan, it is not only good for ourselves but also will be of great help for the coming generations, and by doing this, we have every reason of a rosy future in the years to come!