Article- Cleaning Up the Oceans' 'Plastic Soup', Dianna Cohen, June 12 2015, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dianna-cohen/cleaning-up-the-oceans-plastic-soup_b_7564958.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000044
Topic: Plastic Pollution
Summary:
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch consists 5 trillion of plastic pieces weighing more then 250,000 tons. Diana, the author, expressed her major astonishment when she heard about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch; taking action right away, explaining the effect plastic has on the environment and our lives in a TED Talk and through organizations. She not only believed that we had to clean up the ocean but also start doing more for our environment by using alternatives instead of using plastic. Plastic Pollution Coalition was organized around the world to stop plastic pollution. They want to create plastic free schools, plastic free towns, plastic free events, and plastic free island.
I chose this article because it connects back to other articles that I have read. This time it talks about making a change and taking action. Learning more about the major plastic pollution that is out there in the Pacific. It was interesting to learn that there is 400 organizations all over the world who are trying to stop plastic pollution.
The article is important to environmental science because it has to do with the harming of our environment and to ourselves with all the plastic lying around. It is time to look at our surroundings and make a change to better our future. We should come up with different alternatives and throw away our trash properly to start saving our environment.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
"ScrAPES #6- G-KUP, Vancouver Company, Patents 1st Compostable Coffee Pods "
Article- G-KUP, Vancouver Company, Patents 1st Compostable Coffee Pods, Rhianna Schmunk, June 23 2015, http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/06/22/gkup-coffee-pods_n_7640312.html?ir=Green&ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000044
Topic: Compostable Coffee Pods (biodegradable)
Summary:
The amount of garbage K-Cups were leaving behind after use was called to attention; creating many global problems. The Vancouver Company, who crated K-Cups, have now created G-Cups that will help the environment, as states, "As an alternative, G-Kups are held together with a bamboo and sugar can sleeve, with a biodegradable polymer lining that can withstand boiling water." The company posted pictures in Instagram to show proof that they have created 100% compostable coffee pods. They are hoping to bring the new product in the market in 2016.
I chose this article because it had to do with helping the environment. I was happy to read about a company noticing the global problems it had caused; taking a stand to better the environment. What I found interesting was the mass production of K-Cups could "wrap around the planet 10.5 times."
This article is important to environmental science because it has to do with saving our environment; showing alternatives that can better our planet. Also, showing how companies are noticing the damages they are inflicting on the environment. Our next step is to spread the awareness that there is always alternatives to help our environment, and companies should start changing their products to a safer eco-friendly product.
Topic: Compostable Coffee Pods (biodegradable)
Summary:
The amount of garbage K-Cups were leaving behind after use was called to attention; creating many global problems. The Vancouver Company, who crated K-Cups, have now created G-Cups that will help the environment, as states, "As an alternative, G-Kups are held together with a bamboo and sugar can sleeve, with a biodegradable polymer lining that can withstand boiling water." The company posted pictures in Instagram to show proof that they have created 100% compostable coffee pods. They are hoping to bring the new product in the market in 2016.
I chose this article because it had to do with helping the environment. I was happy to read about a company noticing the global problems it had caused; taking a stand to better the environment. What I found interesting was the mass production of K-Cups could "wrap around the planet 10.5 times."
This article is important to environmental science because it has to do with saving our environment; showing alternatives that can better our planet. Also, showing how companies are noticing the damages they are inflicting on the environment. Our next step is to spread the awareness that there is always alternatives to help our environment, and companies should start changing their products to a safer eco-friendly product.
"ScrAPES #5- Feeding More People as the World Warms "
Podcast: Living on Earth Podcast, Feeding More People as the World Warms, Start: 00:11/04:50 :End
Topic: Sustaining agriculture
Summary:
Over time, food supplies are becoming scarce due to growing population and warm temperatures. Temperatures are hitting high heat waves in France that are destroying crops and killing 14,000 to lack of resources. Anger Andersen, vice president of Sustainable Development at the World Bank, calls out for action. She believes with the proper knowledge, help, and research, agriculture can help produce a lot of food supplies. By planting a lot of crops and taking good care of the land with proper tools and natural resources: planting trees and using cow maneuver to enrich the soil, can help produce an abundant amount of food. She is basically saying that farmers should take good care of their land, naturally, without using chemicals; helping the environment and the people.
I chose this podcast because I remembered watching a documentary about crops that were being grown by chemicals and farms being taken over by manufacturers. Crops and animals being alternated to grow quickly. What I find interesting is that it calls for some kind of action to produce healthy food in a healthier environment that will produce enough food for everyone.
It is important to environmental science because farms are being turned into a manufacturing place with only money in mind and chemically grown crops. This podcast talks about making a change and growing natural food in rich soil that were created by planting trees and cow manure. It calls out the importance of making out environment healthy and not only should the poor countries use natural resources, but also the rich should use those natural resources as well.
Topic: Sustaining agriculture
Summary:
Over time, food supplies are becoming scarce due to growing population and warm temperatures. Temperatures are hitting high heat waves in France that are destroying crops and killing 14,000 to lack of resources. Anger Andersen, vice president of Sustainable Development at the World Bank, calls out for action. She believes with the proper knowledge, help, and research, agriculture can help produce a lot of food supplies. By planting a lot of crops and taking good care of the land with proper tools and natural resources: planting trees and using cow maneuver to enrich the soil, can help produce an abundant amount of food. She is basically saying that farmers should take good care of their land, naturally, without using chemicals; helping the environment and the people.
I chose this podcast because I remembered watching a documentary about crops that were being grown by chemicals and farms being taken over by manufacturers. Crops and animals being alternated to grow quickly. What I find interesting is that it calls for some kind of action to produce healthy food in a healthier environment that will produce enough food for everyone.
It is important to environmental science because farms are being turned into a manufacturing place with only money in mind and chemically grown crops. This podcast talks about making a change and growing natural food in rich soil that were created by planting trees and cow manure. It calls out the importance of making out environment healthy and not only should the poor countries use natural resources, but also the rich should use those natural resources as well.
"ScrAPES #4- Your Toothpaste May Be Loaded With Tiny Plastic Beads That Never Go Away"
Article- Your Toothpaste May Be Loaded With Tiny Plastic Beads That Never Go Away, Julia Lurie, May 28 2015, http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2015/05/microbeads-exfoliators-plastic-face-scrub-toothpaste
Topic: Microbeads
Summary:
Microbeads, little pieces of plastic, were found in cosmetics and toothpastes. One bottle of face wash contains 300,000 microbeads, imagine that! These tiny pieces of plastic are harmful to our environment and to our health. 19 tons of miscrobeads are thrown into the state's waterways each year; keeping in mind, they can carry toxins, pesticides, and heavy metals. Microbeads are being consumed by fish and later being consumed by us. It was discovered that eating little pieces of plastic can lead to many health issues, especially hormone disruptors. It is now said, cosmetic companies are taking away microbeads from their products, and the state is tracking down products that are non biodegradable microbeads.
I chose this article because I remembered hearing a podcast about microbeads. They were found in the ocean and were being eaten by fish. I found this article interesting because I never knew that in one bottle of face wash it contained 300,000 microbeads and I can't imagine that companies add that much of plastic in one bottle.
It is important to environmental science because it is harming our environment and our well being. These tiny pieces of plastic are being thrown into open water where it can be eaten by fish and be carried all over the food chain. I am glad to read that companies and the state are going to do something about the microbeads, but I still fear that little pieces of plastic are still out there. We need to think of alternatives fast and start taking care of our environment.
Topic: Microbeads
Summary:
Microbeads, little pieces of plastic, were found in cosmetics and toothpastes. One bottle of face wash contains 300,000 microbeads, imagine that! These tiny pieces of plastic are harmful to our environment and to our health. 19 tons of miscrobeads are thrown into the state's waterways each year; keeping in mind, they can carry toxins, pesticides, and heavy metals. Microbeads are being consumed by fish and later being consumed by us. It was discovered that eating little pieces of plastic can lead to many health issues, especially hormone disruptors. It is now said, cosmetic companies are taking away microbeads from their products, and the state is tracking down products that are non biodegradable microbeads.
I chose this article because I remembered hearing a podcast about microbeads. They were found in the ocean and were being eaten by fish. I found this article interesting because I never knew that in one bottle of face wash it contained 300,000 microbeads and I can't imagine that companies add that much of plastic in one bottle.
It is important to environmental science because it is harming our environment and our well being. These tiny pieces of plastic are being thrown into open water where it can be eaten by fish and be carried all over the food chain. I am glad to read that companies and the state are going to do something about the microbeads, but I still fear that little pieces of plastic are still out there. We need to think of alternatives fast and start taking care of our environment.
"ScrAPES #3- Polar Bears Now Eat Dolphins, Thanks to Global Warming"
Article- Polar Bears Now Eat Dolphins, Thanks to Global Warming, Elizabeth Goldbaum, June 13 2015, http://www.livescience.com/51195-polar-bears-eat-dolphins.html
Topic: Climate Change
Summary:
A polar bear was spotted eating a white-beaked dolphin up north in the Arctic. Due to water temperature change in the Arctic Ocean, ice melted and left significant amount of open water. The fjords and the coast of northern Svalbard were no longer covered by ice; by this result, Dolphins were spotted traveling to the northern area. But as northern winds brought drift ice on the fjords, white-beaked dolphins were trapped. Climate change has shifted the polar bear's natural habitat, providing them alternative resources of food, like dolphin remains, that can harm their natural feedings on seals.
This article was chosen because it opened my eyes to the changes that are happening to our world. It captured my attention that we are destroying the habitats of animals and are not doing much to stop it. I remember hearing a news update about the arctic ocean climate change and now I can see the harm it has done. As I was reading this article, I found it interesting that areas that were once covered by ice where melting and leading to significant changes to the environment.
This article is important to environmental science because it is about how climate change can harm our environment. It can harm an animal's natural habitat and lead to future problems. We should now come together and talk about ways that we can help our environment and stop climate change. Stop polluting the air and start thinking about alternatives.
Topic: Climate Change
Summary:
A polar bear was spotted eating a white-beaked dolphin up north in the Arctic. Due to water temperature change in the Arctic Ocean, ice melted and left significant amount of open water. The fjords and the coast of northern Svalbard were no longer covered by ice; by this result, Dolphins were spotted traveling to the northern area. But as northern winds brought drift ice on the fjords, white-beaked dolphins were trapped. Climate change has shifted the polar bear's natural habitat, providing them alternative resources of food, like dolphin remains, that can harm their natural feedings on seals.
This article was chosen because it opened my eyes to the changes that are happening to our world. It captured my attention that we are destroying the habitats of animals and are not doing much to stop it. I remember hearing a news update about the arctic ocean climate change and now I can see the harm it has done. As I was reading this article, I found it interesting that areas that were once covered by ice where melting and leading to significant changes to the environment.
This article is important to environmental science because it is about how climate change can harm our environment. It can harm an animal's natural habitat and lead to future problems. We should now come together and talk about ways that we can help our environment and stop climate change. Stop polluting the air and start thinking about alternatives.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
"ScrAPES #2- Plastic in the Ocean Podcast"
Podcast- Living on Earth Podcast, June 5, 2015 episode, most of the episode
Topic: Plastic waste in the Ocean
Summary:
The podcast gave a general information about plastic waste that was found in the ocean. 80% of plastic in the ocean comes from land. The pro and con with producing plastic are the short term use and the long term trash. Plastic only breaks down and do not decompose. The Podcast also talked about how Microplastics are made out of plastic and can be found in toothpaste and many other items that are found in our daily lives. Microplastics are described to be harmful in our environment and our health. A student with a Masters Degree spoke about Microplastics that are found in the ocean are being consumed by small fish, and later being consumed by humans, giving us health problems. A statistics study was also done; 20% of plastic waste came from sea based human activity, 80% from land human activity, and 50% came from rural communities. The U.S. is in the top 20 for having the most plastic waste due to: 1.) lots of people living near the coast 2.) a lot of waste is produced 3.) waste are made from plastic.
I found the podcast interesting because I got to learn more about the harmful effects done to our environment due to plastic waste. It made me think about my Crest brand toothpaste at home, filled with Microplastics inside; it made me want to throw it away. I also found interesting, 80% of the plastic waste came from land.
The podcast is important to environmental science because it helped to inform us about the harm done to our environment. It relates back to understanding and taking better care of our environment. Our next step is to see alternatives that could be used as a replacement for plastic that would not be harmful to our environment. We also need to teach others about keeping our environment clean and throwing away our trash properly.
Topic: Plastic waste in the Ocean
Summary:
The podcast gave a general information about plastic waste that was found in the ocean. 80% of plastic in the ocean comes from land. The pro and con with producing plastic are the short term use and the long term trash. Plastic only breaks down and do not decompose. The Podcast also talked about how Microplastics are made out of plastic and can be found in toothpaste and many other items that are found in our daily lives. Microplastics are described to be harmful in our environment and our health. A student with a Masters Degree spoke about Microplastics that are found in the ocean are being consumed by small fish, and later being consumed by humans, giving us health problems. A statistics study was also done; 20% of plastic waste came from sea based human activity, 80% from land human activity, and 50% came from rural communities. The U.S. is in the top 20 for having the most plastic waste due to: 1.) lots of people living near the coast 2.) a lot of waste is produced 3.) waste are made from plastic.
I found the podcast interesting because I got to learn more about the harmful effects done to our environment due to plastic waste. It made me think about my Crest brand toothpaste at home, filled with Microplastics inside; it made me want to throw it away. I also found interesting, 80% of the plastic waste came from land.
The podcast is important to environmental science because it helped to inform us about the harm done to our environment. It relates back to understanding and taking better care of our environment. Our next step is to see alternatives that could be used as a replacement for plastic that would not be harmful to our environment. We also need to teach others about keeping our environment clean and throwing away our trash properly.
Monday, June 15, 2015
"ScrAPES #1- The Biggest Threat to the Earth? We Have Too Many Kids"
Article- The Biggest Threat to the Earth? We Have Too Many Kids, Nick Stockton, 04/22/15, http://www.wired.com/2015/04/biggest-threat-earth-many-kids/
Topic: Over population
Summary:
The article talks about how over population is the cause of environmental issues. The author discusses debatable sides on the issue of over population that is leading to poverty and other issues; mentioning alternatives that should be considered to help the planet earth. One of the debatable method is called the "family planning": a plan that is based on techniques that could help teach families about reproduction and to help them gain greater knowledge of the pros and cons; the second debatable method is the need to increase population; more minds that could eventually help to develop different learning skills, knowledge, and ideas that could resolve the issues that we are facing. The author is basically saying that the solutions or methods that are discussed are not going to solve the problem; as stating,"Maybe we should get to work on improving air quality after all."
This article captured my attention because I remembered reading about over population and poverty in my AP English class. It was a topic that was very debatable; I was interested in reading more about other ideas that people had to help our environmental issues and on the major issue of poverty. The most interesting thing that I read was how cutting back on child birth, like the policy in China, still did not fix the environmental issues.
This article is important to environmental science because it talks about the concept of over population; over using environment resources to feed and shelter our over populated world. This article shows how important taking care of our environment is and understanding that the harm is done by humans. We really need to look closer at the issues at hand and teach ourselves the proper way to keep our planet safe.
Topic: Over population
Summary:
The article talks about how over population is the cause of environmental issues. The author discusses debatable sides on the issue of over population that is leading to poverty and other issues; mentioning alternatives that should be considered to help the planet earth. One of the debatable method is called the "family planning": a plan that is based on techniques that could help teach families about reproduction and to help them gain greater knowledge of the pros and cons; the second debatable method is the need to increase population; more minds that could eventually help to develop different learning skills, knowledge, and ideas that could resolve the issues that we are facing. The author is basically saying that the solutions or methods that are discussed are not going to solve the problem; as stating,"Maybe we should get to work on improving air quality after all."
This article captured my attention because I remembered reading about over population and poverty in my AP English class. It was a topic that was very debatable; I was interested in reading more about other ideas that people had to help our environmental issues and on the major issue of poverty. The most interesting thing that I read was how cutting back on child birth, like the policy in China, still did not fix the environmental issues.
This article is important to environmental science because it talks about the concept of over population; over using environment resources to feed and shelter our over populated world. This article shows how important taking care of our environment is and understanding that the harm is done by humans. We really need to look closer at the issues at hand and teach ourselves the proper way to keep our planet safe.
"My Connection to Nature" Reflection
My connection with nature is through my photography. I explore the beauty that mother nature has given to us. Capturing pictures of leaves with tiny rain drops on them, branches covered with snow, rain puddles on the ground with the reflection of the sky and tree, etc. My connection with nature is becoming closer and closer through my daily adventures; taking pictures where ever I go.
Connecting with nature is appreciating the littlest things that nature has provide for us; trees, leaves, earth, ground, etc. Keeping our environment clean and respecting our surroundings; not throwing trash on the ground is being respectful.
It is important to connect with nature because it brings peace and serenity. For example, not many people stop and admire the beautiful colors that are shown in the sky during sunsets; it is part of mother nature's doing and I think we should stop, even on our busiest day, and just breath and relax for once. Look at your surroundings and relax. I believe we are always busy doing things that we forget to stop and look at the beauty in other things and just connect with it's serenity.
I hope the future of nature will be better then it is today. Less trees being cut down, less pollution, and less harm in our ecosystem. Nature is beautiful, but fragile. We should really take care our environment.
Connecting with nature is appreciating the littlest things that nature has provide for us; trees, leaves, earth, ground, etc. Keeping our environment clean and respecting our surroundings; not throwing trash on the ground is being respectful.
It is important to connect with nature because it brings peace and serenity. For example, not many people stop and admire the beautiful colors that are shown in the sky during sunsets; it is part of mother nature's doing and I think we should stop, even on our busiest day, and just breath and relax for once. Look at your surroundings and relax. I believe we are always busy doing things that we forget to stop and look at the beauty in other things and just connect with it's serenity.
I hope the future of nature will be better then it is today. Less trees being cut down, less pollution, and less harm in our ecosystem. Nature is beautiful, but fragile. We should really take care our environment.
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