Technology is a major part of everyone's life. Everyday we encounter technology at home, school and at work. We use this technology to better our lives. But do we really? With the advancing of technology also comes the issue of polluting the world we live in. We take the automobile for granted, but as we use it, we contribute to the growing pollution problem. Now in the year 2000, car companies have recognized the pollution problem, and have advanced their own technology to help make a difference. For example, Honda has already produced and offered a gas/electric car to the consumer.
             In this paper I want to address how the advance in technology has actually helped to limit the pollution being pumped into the place we call home. I will address agricultural chemicals, plastics, and the food processing industry. These three areas directly effect us everyday here in the Midwest and I feel are the most important when it comes to finding technological advancements to help with the pollution formed by these products.
             Living in Iowa and the Midwest we know how important agriculture is to sustaining a stable economy. Agriculture is the basis of a vast renewable resource and it is gradually being recognized that with careful development it could help to supplement the use of oil for fuel and non-fuel products. The chemicals we use to help produce these crops are in ways a major hazard on the land. These chemicals which are mainly used in our area are pesticides and fertilizers.
             In fertilizers and pesticides there are many elements used. They include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and other trace materials. The major area of concern specific to the use of fertilizers and pesticides is the effect of leaching of nitrate on the environment.
             The reality of this problem is that of maintaining soluble phosphates for the plant to use before they are locked up in the soil as insoluble calcium phosphates. It is the appli...