When choosing a face wash, opt for one that's natural (no plastic wonder-beads!) and also remember to keep an eye on its packaging. Remember, we're aiming for less plastic here! Want to know some natural, healthy exfoliants you can use instead? Try sea salt, sugar or oatmeal. They're great for the skin and safe for the environment.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Exfoliants in the Waters
When choosing a face wash, opt for one that's natural (no plastic wonder-beads!) and also remember to keep an eye on its packaging. Remember, we're aiming for less plastic here! Want to know some natural, healthy exfoliants you can use instead? Try sea salt, sugar or oatmeal. They're great for the skin and safe for the environment.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
The Great Lakes
As a result of my latest excursion up to Bayfield, WI (which is located on Lake Superior), I have decided to dedicate a post to our Great Lakes. Yes, they are fresh water and not oceans, but they are MASSIVE bodies of water that plastic can just as easily collect in, as our seas. To put this into perspective, together, they make up 21% of the worlds surface fresh water. That's huge! Their ecosystems are just as important and ought to be talked about!
For those of you that don't know, (perhaps I have some international readers??), the Great Lakes are made up of Lake Erie, Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Ontario, and Lake Huron. They are located in the Midwest of the United States and, actually, Lake Michigan is the only one that is completely bordered by the US. Otherwise, the lakes share borders with Canada. The waters of these lakes are beautiful. On certain days, their waters can be crystal clear - almost on par with Lake Tahoe (another beautiful body of fresh water). It is important to keep them this way!
In comparison to our oceans, these lakes are small. And they are, in some cases, surrounded by cities on all edges. Now you would think that this would create a lot of pollution. And honestly, not a lot of research has been done on the lakes in this aspect, especially when it comes to plastics. In fact, as we speak (I type), a professor from the University of Wisconsin - Superior, is out on a research ship collecting samples by trawling. Dr. Lorena Rios-Mendoza is aboard a tall ship named Niagara and will be taking samples from Huron, Michigan and Erie. She left on July 12th, 2012 and will be on the waters until July 30th, 2012. Rios-Mendoza wants to know if the same thing is happening in our Great Lakes as is in the oceans. I am very excited to see what she comes up with and am eagerly awaiting her research. I will gladly share once it's relayed!
The micro-plastics that are being consumed and contaminating fish in the oceans, could possibly be having the same effect on the fresh water fish. Believe it or not, commercial fishing was a big industry on the lakes starting around 1820. The big fishing boom died in the late 1950's due to a decreased number of fish. This was caused by numerous things including but not limited to overfishing, habitat (shoreline and stream) destruction and the frustrating introduction of invasive and non-native species (Boy, invasive species really grind my gears!). Major ones that still seem to be a problem today are the ugly sea lamprey and the alewife. The main native fish coming out of the Great Lakes are whitefish, smelt, bloater chubs and perch (feel free to google some of those because I know I had to).
If Rios-Mendoza's research tells us that the waters of the Great Lakes are, in fact, contaminated with micro-plastics to the degree the GPGP is, we'll have a serious problem that will need to be addressed immediately. If not, we need to work towards keeping them that way! For those of us that grew up on a coast (be it East, West or South), we know how important those waters are to us. These Great Lakes are considered our "North Coast" and a lot of people hold them dearly in their hearts. We need to take responsibility for our trash. Lets not let it get into these beautiful waters.
Tip-of-the-Day: If RE-cycling seems like it's just not enough to help, try PRE-cycling. Look at what you're buying. Look at the packaging and base your purchase decision on that. Don't buy eggs in a plastic carton. Get your milk in a paper carton. Refill your hand soap bottles. These little steps can help in advance and it's a great way to really acknowledge how much plastic you actually go through in your daily life.
What do you do to help? Share your tips!
For those of you that don't know, (perhaps I have some international readers??), the Great Lakes are made up of Lake Erie, Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Ontario, and Lake Huron. They are located in the Midwest of the United States and, actually, Lake Michigan is the only one that is completely bordered by the US. Otherwise, the lakes share borders with Canada. The waters of these lakes are beautiful. On certain days, their waters can be crystal clear - almost on par with Lake Tahoe (another beautiful body of fresh water). It is important to keep them this way!
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| Can you name the Great Lakes? |
In comparison to our oceans, these lakes are small. And they are, in some cases, surrounded by cities on all edges. Now you would think that this would create a lot of pollution. And honestly, not a lot of research has been done on the lakes in this aspect, especially when it comes to plastics. In fact, as we speak (I type), a professor from the University of Wisconsin - Superior, is out on a research ship collecting samples by trawling. Dr. Lorena Rios-Mendoza is aboard a tall ship named Niagara and will be taking samples from Huron, Michigan and Erie. She left on July 12th, 2012 and will be on the waters until July 30th, 2012. Rios-Mendoza wants to know if the same thing is happening in our Great Lakes as is in the oceans. I am very excited to see what she comes up with and am eagerly awaiting her research. I will gladly share once it's relayed!
The micro-plastics that are being consumed and contaminating fish in the oceans, could possibly be having the same effect on the fresh water fish. Believe it or not, commercial fishing was a big industry on the lakes starting around 1820. The big fishing boom died in the late 1950's due to a decreased number of fish. This was caused by numerous things including but not limited to overfishing, habitat (shoreline and stream) destruction and the frustrating introduction of invasive and non-native species (Boy, invasive species really grind my gears!). Major ones that still seem to be a problem today are the ugly sea lamprey and the alewife. The main native fish coming out of the Great Lakes are whitefish, smelt, bloater chubs and perch (feel free to google some of those because I know I had to).
If Rios-Mendoza's research tells us that the waters of the Great Lakes are, in fact, contaminated with micro-plastics to the degree the GPGP is, we'll have a serious problem that will need to be addressed immediately. If not, we need to work towards keeping them that way! For those of us that grew up on a coast (be it East, West or South), we know how important those waters are to us. These Great Lakes are considered our "North Coast" and a lot of people hold them dearly in their hearts. We need to take responsibility for our trash. Lets not let it get into these beautiful waters.
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| Beautiful Lake Michigan Beach |
Tip-of-the-Day: If RE-cycling seems like it's just not enough to help, try PRE-cycling. Look at what you're buying. Look at the packaging and base your purchase decision on that. Don't buy eggs in a plastic carton. Get your milk in a paper carton. Refill your hand soap bottles. These little steps can help in advance and it's a great way to really acknowledge how much plastic you actually go through in your daily life.
What do you do to help? Share your tips!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Japanese Tsunami Debris
Continuing on from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, I'd like to talk about the devastating Japanese Tsunami that happened in 2011. I'm sure you've all heard about it, read about it and watched news pieces about it. Now, problems are surfacing again from the Tsunami that happened about 16 months ago.
You name it, and it has been found either in the GPGP or has already reached the US shores. According to the BBC, scientists have estimated that nearly 20 million tonnes of debris were created by the Tsunami. Majority of that either stayed on land or immediately sank once being swept out. However, a large amount, about 1.5 million tonnes, stayed afloat and remains so. Researchers have gone out into the Pacific, specifically, to find out to what degree the tsunami is (still) affecting the oceans. What they've found is distressing.
Debris, large and small alike, have been found floating in the oceans that were dragged out to sea in the aftermath of the 2011 tsunami. An entire dock from a Japanese port was washed up on the shores of Oregon, nearly 5,000 miles away! A variety of invasive species had also hitched a ride intensifying the issues. A starfish, local to Japan, was one of possibly hundreds of species found on the dock. Introducing non-native species like this could cause a tremendous amount of damage to the local, Oregon ecosystem. They even found a fishing vessel with Japanese registration numbers split in half, yet still afloat. These large items are not as harmful because they can easily be collected and removed. It's the smaller items that prove to be more problematic.
These plastic pieces and fishing nets are now washing up on the shores of Hawaii, Alaska and even the west coast. In Alaska, polystyrene foam buoys have been spotted in the ocean and washing up on shores. The biggest issue with Alaska, is that this debris, possibly contaminated with radiation is washing up in the wilderness. Coast line that is untouched and naturally pristine. CBS reported that "boatloads and boatloads and boatloads" of building insulation and Styrofoam are floating ashore in hard to reach places of remote Alaska. This might be a 3, 4, or even 5-year clean up process.
Not only are these solid objects hazards but there are liquid hazards as well. On Montague Island, AK (seen above) there have been oil drums, barrels of chemicals, propane tanks and gas cans that have accompanied the plastic and Styrofoam pieces. They're contaminating our waters and need to get cleaned up immediately. These are potentially dangerous and, if found, should be approached with caution and only removed by professionals.
The tsunami itself was a deadly devastating disaster and people are still recovering from it. That aspect should not be overlooked or forgotten, but we also need to focus on the remaining debris and put effort towards cleaning it up.
NOAA has put together a great list of what one might come across on beaches and what should be done. You should always use common sense and approach all debris with caution. As always, if it's general litter, plastic bottles, aluminum cans or trash, yes, please pick it up and dispose of it properly. If you encounter HAZMATs, leave it and contact the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802. NOAA has an email address, DisasterDebris@noaa.gov, that you can send any questions about anything you come across. They are also working with local Japanese consulates to return any mementos or important personal possessions. Imagine that! Finding something that may be priceless to someone in Japan and being able to get it back to them!
*Tune in to Brian Williams tonight (7/11/12) on NBC to follow the story!
Being Green Tip-of-the-Day: Have an old toilet with a giant tank? Too expensive to replace it with a water-saving low flow toilet? Well - depending on the size of your tank you can inexpensively save water! Take a 2-liter Soda bottle or gallon milk jug (if it fits), fill them up with water and cap them. Place them in your toilet tank while it's filling up and with the help of the ol' fluid mechanics, displacement will save you water!
You name it, and it has been found either in the GPGP or has already reached the US shores. According to the BBC, scientists have estimated that nearly 20 million tonnes of debris were created by the Tsunami. Majority of that either stayed on land or immediately sank once being swept out. However, a large amount, about 1.5 million tonnes, stayed afloat and remains so. Researchers have gone out into the Pacific, specifically, to find out to what degree the tsunami is (still) affecting the oceans. What they've found is distressing.
These plastic pieces and fishing nets are now washing up on the shores of Hawaii, Alaska and even the west coast. In Alaska, polystyrene foam buoys have been spotted in the ocean and washing up on shores. The biggest issue with Alaska, is that this debris, possibly contaminated with radiation is washing up in the wilderness. Coast line that is untouched and naturally pristine. CBS reported that "boatloads and boatloads and boatloads" of building insulation and Styrofoam are floating ashore in hard to reach places of remote Alaska. This might be a 3, 4, or even 5-year clean up process.
The tsunami itself was a deadly devastating disaster and people are still recovering from it. That aspect should not be overlooked or forgotten, but we also need to focus on the remaining debris and put effort towards cleaning it up.
NOAA has put together a great list of what one might come across on beaches and what should be done. You should always use common sense and approach all debris with caution. As always, if it's general litter, plastic bottles, aluminum cans or trash, yes, please pick it up and dispose of it properly. If you encounter HAZMATs, leave it and contact the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802. NOAA has an email address, DisasterDebris@noaa.gov, that you can send any questions about anything you come across. They are also working with local Japanese consulates to return any mementos or important personal possessions. Imagine that! Finding something that may be priceless to someone in Japan and being able to get it back to them!
*Tune in to Brian Williams tonight (7/11/12) on NBC to follow the story!
Being Green Tip-of-the-Day: Have an old toilet with a giant tank? Too expensive to replace it with a water-saving low flow toilet? Well - depending on the size of your tank you can inexpensively save water! Take a 2-liter Soda bottle or gallon milk jug (if it fits), fill them up with water and cap them. Place them in your toilet tank while it's filling up and with the help of the ol' fluid mechanics, displacement will save you water!
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch
What is it, you ask? Sadly, it's exactly what you think it is. It's a monstrous "patch" of garbage that collects in the ocean. It is not the only one, however it is the largest. The GPGP is located in the Northern Pacific ocean and it is created by a combination of our pollution and a gyre. A gyre is a vortex that is created by various ocean currents, winds and other atmospheric elements. It creates a similar effect as starting a "whirlpool" in the pool as a kid. This great website provides information on the 5-gyres of the world, the pollution problems they have and how you can help.
Because the way the currents move, it creates a convergence zone (see above) where plastic, chemical sludge and other debris collects and gets "stuck." The size of the GPGP is undetermined because of the numerous layers of ocean water that are polluted with various sizes of marine debris. It is also constantly moving, changing shape and has indeterminate boundaries.
The Scripps Institute, located in California, has been doing research on this patch by taking several trips aboard the New Horizon vessel to the convergence zone to take samples. Graduate students lead the Scripps Environmental Accumulation of Plastic Expedition (SEAPLEX). One of these studies has found that in the past 40 years, the amount of human produced plastics found in the GPGP has increased 100 times over and is literally altering ocean habitats! They found that 9% of the fish in that area contained plastic in their stomachs. Here is a wonderful blog by SEAPLEX. Follow their research, learn what their learning, and see how you can help!
Plastic is not the only concern in the GPGP. Fishing nets, fishing line and other fishing debris collect and entangle with each other and marine animals.
This is an example of a "ghost net" that was found in the GPGP. "Ghost nets" are derelict nets that have been lost, broken or intentionally discarded by fishermen. It is unfortunate, but they make up a large part of the pollution. These can cause starvation, suffocation and even drowning. Sea turtles take a big hit from these as well. Because of their curious nature, they're bound to swim up and check the nets out. Sometimes they get entangled and that can often lead to their death.
Because the way the currents move, it creates a convergence zone (see above) where plastic, chemical sludge and other debris collects and gets "stuck." The size of the GPGP is undetermined because of the numerous layers of ocean water that are polluted with various sizes of marine debris. It is also constantly moving, changing shape and has indeterminate boundaries.
The Scripps Institute, located in California, has been doing research on this patch by taking several trips aboard the New Horizon vessel to the convergence zone to take samples. Graduate students lead the Scripps Environmental Accumulation of Plastic Expedition (SEAPLEX). One of these studies has found that in the past 40 years, the amount of human produced plastics found in the GPGP has increased 100 times over and is literally altering ocean habitats! They found that 9% of the fish in that area contained plastic in their stomachs. Here is a wonderful blog by SEAPLEX. Follow their research, learn what their learning, and see how you can help!
Plastic is not the only concern in the GPGP. Fishing nets, fishing line and other fishing debris collect and entangle with each other and marine animals.
This is an example of a "ghost net" that was found in the GPGP. "Ghost nets" are derelict nets that have been lost, broken or intentionally discarded by fishermen. It is unfortunate, but they make up a large part of the pollution. These can cause starvation, suffocation and even drowning. Sea turtles take a big hit from these as well. Because of their curious nature, they're bound to swim up and check the nets out. Sometimes they get entangled and that can often lead to their death.
What can you do to help and avoid these unnecessary deaths? Well, if you're a fisherman, either by profession or as a hobby, make sure you keep tabs on all of your equipment. If you're on a boat out at sea, make sure everything is secured and will not fly out. Dispose of all your trash properly. The ocean is not your garbage can! Some marinas and ports even have incentive programs to encourage you to not litter. They offer free recycling, disposal and sometimes even compensation! Take advantage of that. Here is a great link to find a program like that near you.
Avoiding Plastic Tip-of-the-Day: When dining out, say no to plastic straws! Sip or if you must have a straw, try these elegant, reusable glass straws! Think about it, McDonald's alone serves somewhere around 52 million meals per DAY! How many plastic straws do you think they go through??
Friday, June 29, 2012
Plastic!
Let's just dive right in, shall we? (Pun intended) Plastics. *sigh* Where to begin. I can feel my blood pressure rising just thinking about writing this post.
Life without plastic is not impossible, but I can honestly say it is, unfortunately, realistically far-fetched in the world we live in today. I would love to be able to live plastic-free but, for me, that is just not financially feasible. However, some people can do it and if you think you can, I highly encourage you! Here is a great blog about a woman who has committed herself to living plastic free! When you sit down and think about how much plastic you use in your daily life, it can be astounding.
To keep you from getting over-whelmed with the amount of information I want to share about plastics, I'll break it down (if only!) and focus specifically on plastic marine debris. *twitch twitch*
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), plastic marine debris is defined as, "a collection of artificial or man-made chemical compounds that come in about as many shapes, sizes, and colors as you can imagine! For example, foam carry-out containers (made of polystyrene) and bottle caps (made of polypropylene) are items that would be considered plastic marine debris if found in our oceans or waterways."
Now, the reason plastics are so awful, is because they never just "go away," especially in our oceans. Did you know they do not biodegrade like something might on land? In the ocean, these plastics that are so commonly used, only break into smaller and smaller pieces, just compounding the problem. These tiny, tiny pieces are called micro-debris or micro-trash. How do you clean up something that is microscopic? This is one of the main problems researchers are facing.
These microscopic pieces of plastic, that we ultimately put there, are killing wildlife and even getting into our food chain. The fish mistake the pieces for food, we catch the fish and eat them. In turn, we're consuming the chemical traces left in the fish from the leaching plastics. It also affects marine birds who depend on these fish. The Midway Atoll, located in the Northern Pacific, is famous for the amount of plastics found in marine birds. Here is a picture of a bird that died, and upon its decomposition, you can easily see the cause of death.
It's not just the microscopic plastic trash that is causing all the problems. Plastic grocery bags! I was very happy to find out that LA passed a ban on plastic bags in late May. Many cities are now joining this movement. I encourage everyone to get those .99 reusable bags from where ever you do your shopping. It makes a difference and every little bit counts. The plastic bags blow into the oceans and so easily look like jellyfish, often choking hungry marine life. This is one easy step you can take to ease my stress! ;) If not for the oceans, for me! Did you know, a little less than 20% of the ocean pollution simply comes from beach-goers trash being swept out to sea? Com'on people!
*UPDATE*
Plastic water bottles! Oh how I loath them! I don't know how on earth I didn't mention them when I initially posted this. They are awful and are a MAJOR factor in the oceans pollution. You know, it's crazy, we live in the United States of America (assuming majority of my readers are) and we're fortunate enough to have clean tap water delivered to our homes for pennies a gallon! Take advantage of that! According to National Geographic, people will pay somewhere between 240-10,000 times more for bottled water! Does that make sense to you?
I know everyone is constantly on the go and it's important to stay hydrated, but there are other ways to do that than buying bottled water in a country where we can get it for FREE! Get a stainless steel water bottle or BPA free bottle and refill it! Make it a habit to take it everywhere you go (along with your reusable grocery bags). You can ask my friends, I have a water bottle pretty much constantly attached to my hip (sometimes literally).
Travel Tip: Traveling somewhere via plane and can't take water through security? Bring your water bottle and fill it up on the other side of security from one of the FREE water fountains. Traveling by car? Most times, gas stations will let you fill up your water bottle with the chilled water from their soda dispensers. If it's not free, it's pennies! Well worth it. Get bold with your water bottle, it's your right!
Leave only footprints.
Life without plastic is not impossible, but I can honestly say it is, unfortunately, realistically far-fetched in the world we live in today. I would love to be able to live plastic-free but, for me, that is just not financially feasible. However, some people can do it and if you think you can, I highly encourage you! Here is a great blog about a woman who has committed herself to living plastic free! When you sit down and think about how much plastic you use in your daily life, it can be astounding.
To keep you from getting over-whelmed with the amount of information I want to share about plastics, I'll break it down (if only!) and focus specifically on plastic marine debris. *twitch twitch*
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), plastic marine debris is defined as, "a collection of artificial or man-made chemical compounds that come in about as many shapes, sizes, and colors as you can imagine! For example, foam carry-out containers (made of polystyrene) and bottle caps (made of polypropylene) are items that would be considered plastic marine debris if found in our oceans or waterways."
Now, the reason plastics are so awful, is because they never just "go away," especially in our oceans. Did you know they do not biodegrade like something might on land? In the ocean, these plastics that are so commonly used, only break into smaller and smaller pieces, just compounding the problem. These tiny, tiny pieces are called micro-debris or micro-trash. How do you clean up something that is microscopic? This is one of the main problems researchers are facing.
These microscopic pieces of plastic, that we ultimately put there, are killing wildlife and even getting into our food chain. The fish mistake the pieces for food, we catch the fish and eat them. In turn, we're consuming the chemical traces left in the fish from the leaching plastics. It also affects marine birds who depend on these fish. The Midway Atoll, located in the Northern Pacific, is famous for the amount of plastics found in marine birds. Here is a picture of a bird that died, and upon its decomposition, you can easily see the cause of death.
*UPDATE*
Plastic water bottles! Oh how I loath them! I don't know how on earth I didn't mention them when I initially posted this. They are awful and are a MAJOR factor in the oceans pollution. You know, it's crazy, we live in the United States of America (assuming majority of my readers are) and we're fortunate enough to have clean tap water delivered to our homes for pennies a gallon! Take advantage of that! According to National Geographic, people will pay somewhere between 240-10,000 times more for bottled water! Does that make sense to you?
I know everyone is constantly on the go and it's important to stay hydrated, but there are other ways to do that than buying bottled water in a country where we can get it for FREE! Get a stainless steel water bottle or BPA free bottle and refill it! Make it a habit to take it everywhere you go (along with your reusable grocery bags). You can ask my friends, I have a water bottle pretty much constantly attached to my hip (sometimes literally).
Travel Tip: Traveling somewhere via plane and can't take water through security? Bring your water bottle and fill it up on the other side of security from one of the FREE water fountains. Traveling by car? Most times, gas stations will let you fill up your water bottle with the chilled water from their soda dispensers. If it's not free, it's pennies! Well worth it. Get bold with your water bottle, it's your right!
Leave only footprints.
Welcome!
Welcome to my new blog! For those of you that know me well, know of my love for the ocean. I love being in it, being near it, the sight, the sound and even the taste of it. It saddens me deeply to know how our oceans are being polluted and that the plants and animals that call it home are being harmed and killed. My biggest pet-peeve is plastic! I guarantee that you will find me harping about in many posts to come.
This is my attempt at spreading awareness, teaching others about our oceans and learning new things myself. I will focus on the state of our oceans, current issues and research, ways you can help and other fun facts and articles that I stumble upon. I hope you enjoy, learn a little bit and put some ocean saving techniques into practice!
Remember - when you go to the beach, you should only leave footprints in the sand.
This is my attempt at spreading awareness, teaching others about our oceans and learning new things myself. I will focus on the state of our oceans, current issues and research, ways you can help and other fun facts and articles that I stumble upon. I hope you enjoy, learn a little bit and put some ocean saving techniques into practice!
Remember - when you go to the beach, you should only leave footprints in the sand.
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