Impact: Marine Debris, Part II

An example of an ecosystem.

Learning Indirect Environmental Impacts

After reading our blog last week, you should have learned some direct environmental impacts of garbage and waste in the eco-system.

This week, learn about two "Indirect Environmental Impacts" of debris on the eco-system:

1. Ecosystem Alteration: Anytime garbage or waste finds its way into the ocean or any landscape, the surrounding eco-system is altered.  Animal and plant life are harmed an displaced as a result, but the effects don't end there.  Even the effort to REMOVE debris can cause indirect negative impacts.  The process of "beach raking" uses heavy machinery to remove garbage from beaches which in turn negatively harms the ecosystem.  

Impact: Marine Debris, Part I

The Importance of Living an Eco-Friendly Life

If you are interested in living a green life, you are most likely aware of the dangerous effects of trash and waste on the environment.

Learn about some "Direct Environmental Impacts" of debris on the eco-system below:

1. Ingestion: A dangerous impact of waste in the environment is that animals might mistake the trash for food.  Clearly, ingesting any waste is dangerous and can cause adverse health effects, infertilization, and death to the animals.  

GreenLiving: Autumn Edition

Green Tips for the Fall

As the weather turns colder and the days become shorter, try to practice some particular, fall-friendly, green tips perfect for the season:

1. Compost: This time of year is wonderful for collecting compost (also known as "organic matter") because there is an abundance of grass and leaves around before natural elements like snow and rain cover everything and there are also should be plenty of food left over from holidays.  Remember to unload your compost often- find compost drop-off sites online to act as a guide!
2. Local Focus: Instead of buying foods full of preservatives, try to buy food from local farmers markets.  Not only will you be supporting local business, but you can rest assured you are getting fresh produce and food!

Why Can't You Recycle...

A Recycling Trivia Game

Not all paper, cardboard, and plastic products can be recycled!  Examine the photos below and determine why the following products CANNOT be recycled.

Plastic Bags

Plastic baggies can never be recycled, despite having the word "plastic" in the title.  Interestingly, plastic products are sometimes re-purposed into bags.