Pollution Reduction and Human Happiness are not Mutually Exclusive

In the article “People or Penguins: The Case for Optimal Pollution”, William F. Baxter argues that producing pollution is an inevitable result of consuming resources- something which we as humans must do in order to survive and be happy. Although it is the case that in order to use resources, we must produce a certain amount of waste and thus impact our surrounding environment to a certain extent, we certainly don’t need to be polluting as much as we currently do, and it would greatly benefit humankind if we polluted less.
The toxic chemicals that enter the environment through runoff as a result of agricultural activities and that contribute to health problems among humans (as well as other species) do not need to be used (at least in the proportions they are used on conventional farms), as evidenced by the success of organic farm industries. In addition, pollution emitted from factory farms could be reduced simply by implementing regulations mandating farm operators to regularly clean up animal wastes and provide healthier environments for the animals to be raised in. Reducing pollution in ways such as this would allow more humans—such as those who live in close proximity to factory farm facilities—to live healthier lives, something that Baxter would agree would be a good thing.
Moreover, we wouldn’t have to give up any of our happiness or current quality of life if these changes were to take place; rather, our quality of life would increase. If all produce was produced organically and if all factory farms were operated in a clean and safe manner, smaller yields of produce and meat may be produced than those that currently are, but I think that the long-term health benefits received by humankind (from being provided with healthier, chemical-free foods and air with less pollution) would far outweigh these minor sacrifices and may reduce some individuals’ need for extensive medical care. Furthermore, if all industries followed the same regulations, the issues of cutting costs and competition among industries would not be exacerbated, because all industries would have the same restrictions imposed upon them.