PSA Wizarding World of Harry Potter!!

APES Reflection!

Originally, I did not choose to be in AP Environmental Science. It was a last minute choice and I didn't think I had much of an interest in it. However, this year has completely changed my mind and has become my absolute favorite class this year. From labs to movies, I've enjoyed every second of the course. Not once did I dread going to this class (Seriously!). The labs were not only educational but actually fun to complete, tests and quizzes were manageable and the movies were always relevant to the subject. I love the fact that you let us pick our lab groups because I'm obsessed with my table! This way, we work more efficiently and bounce ideas off eachother. Team Rocket Power is the best! Plus, Ms. Evensen, you have been an excellent teacher! You have taught us so much information and at the same time, are our friend. I don't know who I'm going to discuss Biggest Loser with next year! In all, this year has been unforgettable because of this class. I might even want to pursue studying environmental science next year. Thank you so much, I'm going to miss it so much next year!!!!

Hawaii Shipping 20,000 Tons of Garbage

The island of Oahu, Hawaii's most densly populated island, creates a lot of trash. Their solution is to shrink-wrap this garbage and send it into the mainland. Obviously for them, options for storing trash is very limited. The trash has been piling up since last September and they needed a solution. Hawaiian Waste Systems said they could send the trash to a landfill in Washington for $99.89 a ton.

This was supposed to be a quick fix but has turned into a problem, taking much longer than expected. On top of this, the company exporting the trash did not obtain the permits needed from the federal government. Also, it has become a huge controversial issue. People argue the fact that Oahu should simply create less trash and in turn, would not have to ship it to the US.


Personally, I also think Oahu should create less trash. If they can't do that, they shouldn't dump their garbage in our states. Every state is having trouble storing and getting rid of trash. We have enough trouble as it is to dispose of our own garbage. New York City is already bringing it as far as Virginia and South Carolina to landfills. As of now, there is no efficient, usable way to dispose of trash safely.

Cooper, Michael. (2010, May 21). Ready to Ship in Hawaii: 20,000 Tons of Garbage. The New York Times. Retrived from http://nytimes.com

Oil Spill Threatens Sawfish

The largetooth sawfish, distinctively known for it's saw-like snout, has become considered a federally endangered species. This is because of the BP oil spill affecting the Gulf of Mexico. It officially became an endangered species on May 7th, a mere 3 weeks after the event. Other than visibly harmed animals like seagulls and dolphins, bottom-dwelling organisms are being affected negatively as well. This includes the largetooth sawfish and it's relative, the smalltooth sawfish. Although the smalltooth has been an endangered species since 2003, the oil spill has continued to dwindle their populations.

The largetooth and smalltooth sawfish migrate up the Central American coast in the summers. The oil spill will destroy their habitat and make it impossible for them to continue to migrate. In turn, they will have nowhere to go. Their population will decrease and will take some time to rebound again. Sawfish have relatively slow growth rates along with late maturity, making reproduction a slower process.


As this article has shown, the destruction from the oil spill is ultimately harming everyone. Humans, land animals and deep sea animals are all impacted from this devestating event. Something more productive needs to be enforced to save what's left of the marine life. They are adversely being affected quickly, to the point of extinction. If conditions are kept this way who knows what will be left of the Gulf of Mexico.

University of Florida (2010, May 27). Oil Spill Threatens marine predator that is cultural and historic icon. ScienceDaily. Retrived May 27, 2010.

Movie Reaction

This video undoubtedly made me realize how we are affecting the environment. Sadly, our great changes have contributed to the warming of air temperatures and water temperatures. This results in a decline of many sea creatures including the reliable zooplankton and even crabs close to shore. Without certain species, the food chain becomes completely off balance. They cannot adapt to living in such conditions that they are not accustomed to. And this is wholly our fault. They were evolved to live a certain way and because of our pollution, species cannot adapt. Zooplankton and crabs are just examples; a countless number of species are declining.

Movie Reaction

This video undoubtedly made me realize how we are affecting the environment. Sadly, our great changes have contributed to the warming of air temperatures and water temperatures. This results in a decline of many sea creatures including the reliable zooplankton and even crabs close to shore. Without certain species, the food chain becomes completely off balance. They cannot adapt to living in such conditions that they are not accustomed to. And this is wholly our fault. They were evolved to live a certain way and because of our pollution, species cannot adapt. Zooplankton and crabs are just examples; a countless number of species are declining.

Food Inc.

This movie made me realize the harsh and disturbing methods of distributing food. Although we all know what we goes on, I think people hide from the real facts. And seeing the mistreatment and mass slaughtering of animals honestly makes me sick. I am not a vegetarian but after watching some scenes from this movie, there is a part of me that never wants to eat meat again. Plus, because of the condition of some work places, people even get sick from this food. It was actually surprising that some companies would not even be interviewed. It makes you wonder what truly goes on in these buildings to make the food you eat. And hearing the story of the young innocent boy who was killed from E. Coli definitely made me reconsider trusting any type of processed foods. The brands and companies you trust could ultimately harm you in the end.