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.

BrightSource Seals The Deal

A $1.37 billion loan was granted to a California energy company from the United States Department of Energy. This money is to be used to build a large scale solar power plant in the desert of southern California. The company, BrightSource Energy of Oakland, California, is calling this project the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System and is the first project to be passed in over two decades. BrightSource plans to become "the global leader in the clean energy economy" according to secretary Steven Chu. Using mirrors to capture sunlight in order to heat fluid and eventually generate steam, it would be the biggest ever built.

However, there are some negative effects of the building of this plant. Located in the Ivanpah Valley, habitat would be taken away from many animals. This includes the endangered desert tortoise along with other rare animals and plants. BrightSource agreed to reduce the size but environmental groups say it would be inadequate and should definitely be located elsewhere. But, supported by many major companies including Google and BP, this project seems to be headed to construction.


Although there are some drawbacks to the construction of this power plant, the positive outcomes would be in a greater number. The more we know about solar energy and using solar energy technology, the more green our earth will become. It is a reliable source of energy as opposed to coal and oil which harms the environment tremendously. This seems like an ideal location, remote and vast. Some animals and plants will be jeopardized but using solar energy seems more important at this time.

Woody, Todd. (2010 February 22). US Offers Solar Power Project a Crucial Loan Guarantee. The New York Times. Retrived from http://nytimes.com

Airports Becoming Green

Undoubtedly, airplanes create large amounts of air pollution through the exhaust. However, it has been found that airplane passengers themselves harm the environment also. The amount of recyclable items such as paper, plastic and aluminum that are thrown out daily is astronomical. Of the millions of pounds of trash created each day, only 20% of the 75% of recyclable products are actually recycled. Just at the security checkpoints alone, 48000 to 78000 bottles are thrown out each year because they are not allowed on the plane.

The method of recycling varies from airport to airport which makes it difficult to enforce this issue. But, airports are trying to best to make recycling a way of flying. Continental airlines are now recycling oil, antifreeze and maintenance products for later use along with onboard bins separating bottles, aluminum cans and cardboard boxes. Similarly, Oakland International Airport is separating their recyclables as well as food scraps. Plus, at security checkpoints many airports are making the effort to obtain liquid bins. This way, passengers can dump their liquids and reuse the bottles.


All airports should be required to have recycling bins. This is such a simple method to keep the earth a better, greener place. Obviously, if the bins are not present, people would not make the effort to keep their trash to recycle at a later time. But, if the option was there, it would be much easier. Not only airports, but everywhere there is a garbage there should be a recycling bin. I thought putting them in classrooms at school was a smart idea because students might actually put their recyclables in the blue bins.

Negroni, Christine. (2010 February 22). Leaving The Trash Behind. The New York Times. Retrived from http://nytimes.com

Fuel Cells Powering Buildings

A grocery store in Albany, NY became one of the first to have electricity generated from a fuel cell. A fuel cell works like a battery that combines hydrogen and oxygen to create electricity. It is different than a battery however because it supplies power as long as it is supplied with hydrogen and oxygen. It can also heat buildings and water. Fuel cells are beneficial because they produce much less pollution than power plants. This store is using a 400-kilowatt PureCell fuel cell made by U.T.C. Power. It supplies about 90% of the store's electrixity in thr winter by heating. And it should suuply about half of the electricty in the winter.

For vice president Benny Smith of the Golub corporation which owns this store says that this was the best option. The company began investing in fuel cells in 2007 when electricity prices rose in the Northeast. Fuel cells not only efficiently supply electricity but they give a positive cash flow. Plus, during blackouts the fuel cell will constantly supply eletricity so people can keep shopping and bringing in more money.


After seeing the many positive outcomes of using a fuel cell to power an entire building, I definitely think more buildings should adopt this idea. It could drastically help reduce the carbon emissions contributing to global warming. Plus, even though it may have a high initial cost, in the long run it will end up costing less. Electricity prices will continue to rise and buildings with fuel cells will be able to avoid this problem.

Woody, Todd. (2010 January 28) Albany Grocery Powered by a Fuel Cell. The New York Times. Retrived from http://www.nytimes.com

Wind Power On The Rise

Last year, the amount of wind power grew tremendously. Currently, almost 2% of electricity comes directly from wind turbines. With help from the stimulus package, the wind industry grew at an unbelievably fast pace. Almost as much energy was created from wind as from natural gas last year. This use of renewable resources will decrease the amount of emissions contributing to global warming.

Other natios are considering wind energy as well. America is currently slightly behind Europe which gets 5% of electricity from renewable sources by 2020. And, China plans to invest about $14.6 billion to wind power. Both countries have passed mandates requiring a certain amount of electricty coming from renewable sources. The US is working on this as well with 29 states adopting this standard. Also, the US plans to continue this wind power growth.


After reading this article and learning about it in class, I personally think wind is the best enery alternative. This natural phenomenon should be taken advantage of and used. Other resources are being depleted and some are very harmful to the environment. But on the contrary, wind will probably never stop blowing and does not harm the environment. Even though some think wind farms would ruin the "natural beauty" of the land, the result is completely worth it.

Mouawad, Jad. (2010 January 26) Wind Power Has Another Banner YEar. The New York Times. Retrived from http://www.nytimes.com

Heating Oil Polluting Air

New York City is undoubtedly polluted from street cars, buses and taxis but is dramatically affected by heating oil. No. 6 heating oil is mostly the source of air pollution, the cheapest but worst type in the boilers. Also used is No. 4 heavy oil which is also cheap and hardly less polluting. City officials including Mayor Bloomberg and health commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley are working to regulate these oils. A recent survey of air quality done almost 2 weeks ago show the most pollutants around buildings burning No. 4 or No. 6 oils. Along with this survey, the Environmental Defense Fund concluded that these buildings, just 1% of all the buildings in the city, create 87% of the soot pollution from heating oil.

Some building owners are fighting these new regulations while others are becoming even more green. To replace the dirty oil burners and to switch heating systems could cost up to $100,000. And on top of that, the cleaner oil costs more money than the dirty oils; up to 60 cents less a gallon. However, some buildings are converting and even going one step further. A building in Greenwich Village is currently converting to natural gas while installing 2 roods with absorbant vegetation and energy-efficient windows.


If people are going to run large buildings, they should run them right. The environment faces enough stress as it is. Any solutions to try to make the air quality better should be used to matter the cost. It will ultimately do more good in the long run. Polluted air causes irritated lungs, asthma, emphysema and increases the risk of a heart attack. All these conditions could be decreased and maybe eliminated by simply paying 60 cents more a gallon for cleaner burning oils.

Navarro, Mireya (2010 January 1). Studies Find Heavy Heating Oil Has Severe Effect on Air Quality. The New York Times. Retrived from http://www.nytimes.com

Birds vs. Planes

As shown by Captain Sullenberger's flight in last January, the amount of birds at airports is unsafe. Kennedy International Airport in particular has increased bird populations because it was built on wetlands. The wildlife there interferes with the planes. Sea gulls especially invade Kennedy, leaving their clam shells on the runway. Laura C. Francoeur, the chief wildlife biologist for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and other wildlife supervisors patrol the runways using shotguns to try to get them out of the sky.

According to Francoeur, many new techniques are being used to keep the birds away. The ones mentioned include pyrotechnics, traps, birds of prey, clippers, laser, helikite, noise, cabbie control and yankee ingenuity. Some scare the birds away and others strategically keep them from coming. For example, pyrotechnics look like guns but are simply noisemakers with screeching and banging sounds. And, a helikite is used to scare smaller birds. This part balloon, part kite floats in the air to represent a predatory bird. On the other hand, clippers are used for grass on the runway to maintain a 6 to 10 inch height. If the grass is too long, small mammals appear which attract raptors. If the grass is too short, birds sit and watch for predators, especially sea gulls.


In this situation, I can understand why they need to keep the birds away from airplanes. Aside from being harmed themselves, humans could potentially be harmed as shown in last January. However, it is ultimately Kennedy Airpoirt's fault for the amount of birds in the area. They build the airport directly on a natural habitat for birds. Where did they expect them to go? They should certainly not be harmed or killed for trying to find a place to live. If they were so concerned about keeping the birds away, they should have reconsidered their location.

Wilson, Michael. (2010, January 3) Working to Separate Big and Small Fliers. The New York Times. Retrived from http://www.nytimes.com

Global Warming Affects Sea Turtles

To add to the list of effects of global warming, the amount of sea turtles are declining. Just a few short years ago, Leatherback Sea Turtle National Park in Costa Rica used to be a popular tourist location filled with thousands of sea turtles. Now, they are facing extinction. This decline is traced back to warmer temperatures, rising seas and violent storm surges all produced by the phenomenon of global warming. Unlike some marine life, Leatherback sea turtles are directly affected by this change. As the water temperatures rise, the coral reefs are dying which a huge source of food for these turtles. Plus, they lay their eggs on beaches, continuously being harmed by the rising seas and storms. And most drastically, because their egg's genders are determined by temperature during development, an all-female population can be a result.

These sea turtles depend on temperature to produce male turtles and repeat the cycle of reproduction. However, if the sand around the eggs reaches 30 degrees Celsius, their gender turns female. To help this problem, scientists are trying to cool nests with shade and irrigation and protect all areas with eggs. A recent experiment has been conducted where a turtle's eggs were collected and shaded until hatched. Then, they will be released into the water again. But, even finding places to protect these eggs will be a challenge as Costa Rica's Pacific Coast has been industrialized. The coast has been filled with restaurants, hotels, trees and homes which interferes with the egg hatching.


Without a doubt, this shows how much we have affected the environment. Because of our role in global warming, sea turtles and other animals are facing extinction. I know many people who greatly care for animals, like Rachel Martinez, who would find this completely unfair. And, we are completely to blame. Fortunately, our generation is trying to help our planet and becoming "green." We are definitely stepping in the right direction but have a long way to go.

Rosenthal, Elisabeth. (2009, November 14) Turtles Are Casualties of Warming in Costa Rica. The New York Times. Retrived from http://www.nytimes.com

Trying To Make Use of Saltwater

As learned in a previous chapter, saltwater undoubtedly affects the production of crops. The salty water leaves the soil and crops contaminated with a harmful amount of salt. But, scientists are trying to see this situation as advantageous. Farmers struggle with this problem because they cannot produce their crops in a sufficient quantity. Currently, Professor Greg Leslie at the University of New South Wales is working on a project to turn salty groundwater into a usable resource.

In this plan, a subsurface drip irrigation system is using a reverse osmosis membrane. In this irrigation system, plants draw saltwater through the membrane, removing the salt. Previously, irrigation techniques required high energy consumption for desalination. But with this reverse osmosis, the root systems provide enough of a pressure gradient so the water can move through the memrbrane without high energy consumption.


Because we recently leaned about this subect, I personally hope this system will prevail. Farmers stuggle everyday because of salt in their water. It degrades their soil and harms crops which are essentially their main source of income. People do not realize this is a huge problem in the US as our amount of freshwater is rapidly decreasing. Not one person can argue with the fact that water is overused and wasted. And this problem leads to more problems, like saltwater intrusion into the limited supply of freshwater left. Because the usage of water is not declining, people are just going to have to find ways to work with salty water.

University of New South Wales (2008, September 15). Saltwater Solution To Save Crops. ScienceDaily. Retrived November 28.

Electric Cars: New and Improved

Because of the increase anxiety of oil supplies and air pollution, electric cars are quickly being sold again. When they first appeared, the demand was high; since the prices are astronomical, the amount of these cars sold has dramatically decreases. Hybrid cars like the popular Toyota Prius, however, are favorable because the gas is cheaper and help the environment. These cars have a combination of a small battery with a small electric motor. Currently, these are almost 1 million Priuses driving, while thousands of other hybrids are being made. And, not to mention, these hybrid cars will soon become plug-in hybrids, where the electricity comes straight from the grid instead of gasoline. But, again these prices are expensive whereas an extra battery pack sells for about $10,000.

Recently, the display of a new plug-in Chevrolet has been shown. This small car will sell for about $35,000. The Volt has been announced to go the first 40 miles purely on electricity – less than what most people drive per day. After the 40 miles, the generator turns on to make electricity for the motor. This car will have a 16 kilowatt-hour battery, probably lasting over 120,000 miles. People are surely interested, however. With just a view of the car, people were said to be “drooling” over it. And even though many are interesting in it’s looks, they are happy with it’s impact on the environment. A gallon of gasoline can produce about 20 pounds of carbon dioxide but with these electric cars, a little more than half as much will be burned.


Personally, through my newfound knowledge of global warming, I feel as though I want to do everything I can to help the environment. (Hopefully I can reduce the amount of planets needed to support my lifestyle!) With new technology, like the electric cars, people will feel inclined to make the right choice. I know if I had the money, I would be the first one in line for a new Volt. The amount of CO2 emissions is so greatly reduced which can substantially affect the declining atmosphere.

Wald, Matthew. (2009, October 29) Fill It Up With Electricity, Please. The New York Times. Retrived from http://www.newyorktimes.com/

Tragic Tsunami Occuring In The US?

The Cascadia Subduction Zone, ranging from Northern California to British Columbia, lines a huge fault system marked with volcanoes. The last major earthquake along this fault was recorded on January 26, 1700 which produced a record-breaking tsunami. Yumei Wang, geotechnical engineer for the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, worries that the next earthquake could be sometime very soon. Wang says this massive tsunami will ultimately flood the Pacific Northwest which will destroy unprotected homes and cause many casualties. The area is a prime region for the next earthquake-triggered tsunami, probably growing up to 50 ft. or more in a mere time of 10-20 seconds.

To try to help this region, Wang has been working hard. She has talked with public officials about setting up evacuation buildings up and down the Northwest coast. These buildings will be made of reinforced concrete, a deep foundation, strong columns, an 18-foot tall first floor and many other safety precautions. Also, she believes it is a good idea to raise awareness as well. She presented a session called “Risks and Realities: Current Advances in Understanding Societal Risk and Resilience to Natural Hazards” in Portland, Oregon. However, all these measures will be costly; the added cost could be between 1-2 million dollars.

Although expensive, I think Yumei Wang definitely has the right idea in mind. This could ultimately change the course of history of the U.S. and people should be informed. Any precautions that could be done now positively should be. There are many ways, like the evacuation buildings, that could save thousands of lives. I don’t think people really realize the severity of something like a tsunami. Many Americans don’t think anything could actually happen to them until something tragic occurs. But, the money put towards this is definitely worth it in everyway. Wang says the quake could occur tomorrow or in a couple years; it’s simply up to fate.

Geological Society of America (2009, October 28). Tsunami Evacuation Buildings: Another Way to Save Lives In The Pacific Northwest.

New Invention Used To Monitor Air Quality

Thanks to Tel Aviv University, families now have the technology to trace dust pollutants in their own homes. Professor Eyal Ben-Dor and student Sandra Chudnovsky created a new system called “Dust Alert” which informs people exactly of their air quality they are constantly breathing in. Similar to a carbon monoxide monitor, it finds the particles contaminating the air and the chemical composition of the toxins. In just minutes of the installation, this chemical analyzer can tell what dust is surrounding them. Although, the data can be much more conclusive over a couple week’s time. Polluted air can have damaging health effects such as asthma, bronchitis and lung cancer.

This monitor can drastically help after disasters like 9/11, dust storms and chemical fires. Many pollutants are released into the air at these times which many people are oblivious to. It can tell them when a building or office is safe enough to re-enter after being cleared out. In addition, this technology can possibly be used as “dust maps,” tracing cities and neighborhoods. In this way, high polluting areas like construction sites can be monitored. Many families would be more at ease with a monitor like this, knowing that their family is safe.


Rightly so, many families today are concerned for their health. The world is constantly being overused and then polluted with the wastes. But with technology like this, I think people would certainly be interested. Knowing exactly what they’re breathing in, they can find ways to improve air quality. Honestly in my opinion, the more the people know the better. We are the ones who are harming the environment and polluting the air so we should ultimately find ways to fix it.


American Friends of Tel Aviv University (2009, September 23). 'Dust Alert' Invention Monitors Air Quality, Determines Chemical Composition Of Toxins. ScienceDaily. Retrieved September 28, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2009/09/090922162303.htm

Discarding Leaves Becomes Harmful

Although many people might not think so, leaf burning and some methods of disposing leaves are very harmful to the environment. Once leaves are burned, their pollutants and smell linger in the air for everyone to breathe. Fortunately, this practice is now banned from many areas and if not, it is highly discouraged. Dust, soot and mold are all results of this seemingly harmless task. The Environmental Protection Agency, also known as the EPA, indicates that leaf burning causes health problems and ultimately disrupts the environment. Therefore, this leads to an increase financially as well.

Leaf burning may not be the only problem. Recently, leaf blowing has become banned as well. Although this method is much easier and faster, it is creating more environmental issues. Almost 2.5 leaf blowers are purchased in the US per year creating as much pollution as 80 cars. In addition to harming the environment, it is also harming people’s health. The pollutants being discharged can certainly infect lungs and other areas of the body.


To many lawn caring individuals, falling leaves can definitely be considered a nuisance. They think burning or blowing the leaves away can solve their problems and make their lawn look nice. However, most do not realize how much impact this task has on the environment. There are already too many pollutants in the air today that can be prevented. Simple solutions such as old fashioned raking and turning leaves into mulch can drastically improve our quality of living. Although people always say how we are constantly harming the environment, living styles are not changing the way they should be. But, after knowing this, everyone should reconsider their easy but harmful lifestyles.

Sierra Club Green Home (2009, September 25) Burning Leaves is Bad News. Retrieved from http://www.enn.com/wildlife/article/40523

My Footprint

My ecological footprint is 229.78

Number of acres for food: 89.6
Number of acres for mobility: 76.0
Number of acres for shelter: 23.9
Number of acres for goods: 40.3

Number of planets needed: 5.92

I am pleasantly surprised that most of my categories are under the country's average. Honestly, I thought my results would have been much higher. On a day to day basis, I normally do not go out of my way to help the environment. But, this quiz made me realize, the environment is crucial and I should do my part in helping out. My food acres was higher than the country's average which makes me consider changing my lifestyle. An act such as buying organic foods can definitely help me and the world I live in. I will now strive to be a greener person!!