b'Illustration byAritra Kundu, seventh grade,Waring Healthy Times the ways rivers are polluted and what they can do Delaware and the Schuylkill. Id like them to think to stop it.about how precious it is, and how lucky Philadelphia A lot of Philadelphians dont realize that trash onis to have two rivers and lots and lots of creeks,the street can get into the rivers. Something simpleshe says. Her own favorite water activity is to sitlike throwing trash in a can can help, she says. by a lake or creek, stick her feet in the water, and watch the minnows swim around her toes.She believes the work she is doing today teachingKayla Jauss, Lorrell Pagent,young people about the importance of clean waterAmber Thompson, and Mya Tyler and how to advocate for protecting the rivers willWaring Healthy Timeshelp lead to a healthier future for Philadelphia.In 2035, a lot of the high schoolers I work with today will be adults who can vote. They will be ableWhat should kids know about water?to make decisions about how the city uses the river and protects the river, she says. We dont have a lot of it. We have to take care Ms. Douglas says children who are too young toof it. I would really like kids to explore it a little participate politically today can still become involvedmore. Dont be afraid to touch it. The rivers in helping to keep rivers and other waterways clean.and lakes are really important. There are a lot They can join clean-up campaigns and make sureof plants and animals that live underneath the they put their litter in trash cans. water. And the things we do above the surface can affect them. It can harm or help them. She encourages students in Philadelphia to spendSource: Joanne Douglasmore time near and on the citys two big rivers, the 13'