Global Climate Change

The main point leading many scientists to the assumption that Global Climate Change is influenced by human activity is the serious increase in Carbon Dioxide since the industrial age began. Correlation, however, does not equal causation. From the mainstream scientific world, it does seem to be very apparent that human activity is aiding the warming of the Earth's atmosphere by almost 90%

There are other factors that could be contributing to the recent warming of the Earth, solar irradiance being one of them. Changes in solar radiation could have a possible impact on the warming of the Earth, since it is Earth's main energy source. However, scientists do not agree that it is natural causes alone that are causing rising temperatures.

Though it may be natural causes, there is a high probability that human activities do have some influence on the changing climate. The emission of Carbon Dioxide is no means good for the environment, whether or not it is the sole source of an increasingly warmer Earth. Regardless of the cause of global climate change is completely human based - which is highly unlikely - we all must remain extra careful  of what we allow to be emitted into the atmosphere that protects us all. 

http://climate.nasa.gov/causes

http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/science/causes.html

Up the Yangtze

The Three Gorges Dam in China is the largest producer of hydroelectric power in the world. However, in result of the construction and completion of the dam the Yangtze River would flood many citizens homes and cover much of the gorge with water.

From a sustainability stand point, the dam provides a clean source of energy that serves many. However, the humanitarian issue of displacing thousands of citizens for it's construction is highly criticized.  Many people's livelihoods were ruined once the damn was in place. It flooded their homes and farms.

However, the Chinese culture the individual is viewed as part of the collective. These individuals that were affected, though they received less compensation than expected or even no compensation, they saw the construction of the Three Gorges Dam as a positive project, because it benefited the whole. The people that lost their homes found a sense of sacrificial pride for the construction of this project.

Acid Rain Fact Sheet

To both learn about certain environmental issues, different writing formats, as well as the peer editing process, we were assigned to create a fact sheet. In the peer editing process, we used constructive criticism to effectively inform our audience of the issue that we chose. The focus was placed on the visual appeal of the fact sheet such as the layout and the color scheme, but also the content had to be condensed to tell what was important in a precise manner.

The fact sheet I made is here.

Life Cycle Analysis Part 1: Cardboard Core

The Cardboard Core for Aluminum Foil has two stages of production.

First, the cardboard has to be made. The production of cardboard consists of first making the pulp from trees and recycled material to make the cardboard.The wood is sent through a debarker and chipper from which the pulp is made after various chemicals and water have been added. Often times, recycled material is used to also make the pulp. The pulp is then formed into a large mat, using screens which filters out the water leaving the pulp. The pulp mat is then sent through steam rollers which removes excess water and dries the material. After it is completely dried, often several layers are combined with cornstarch to create cardboard.

The next step is to form the spiraled, core shape. 

The cardboard is then sent to a manufacturer who can produce this product. The cardboard is sliced and sent through a machine which rolls the 3 reels of this paper before it is formed into a core. The 3 reels of paper are wrapped around each other on a steel rod to form a 3 ply core (the core is 3 layers of paper thick). A water based adhesive similar to Elmer’s glue is used to glue the paper together. 

Cardboard before it is rolled as its shipped to the manufacturers. 

Three spindles of paper before it is made into the core.

This recycle content of the cardboard used by Trinidad Benham Corporation, who makes Great Value Aluminum Foil for Walmart, is 70%. The other 30% is virgin product, and is necessary to give the product shape because of the natural fibers that are associated with virgin cardboard.

Sustainability Crisis

Every day around 1 billion people lack access to clean water. A lack of clean water effects health, education, women and children, and community economies. Many different non-profit organizations, such as Charity Water are at work to address this issue.

With over one third of the population having access to sanitary water, Uganda faces a large problem of sustainability. Uganda's main sources of water, natural wetlands and groundwater supplies, are facing severe threats from changing environments. There are three main solutions to this problem: 1. Water Filtration Systems, 2. Wells, 3. Rain Water Collection.

This is Okot, Uganda. Charity Water built a well in Okot, because there is no close fresh-water supply. Women and children would have to walk close to three hours to the closest source of water, only to walk back with unclean water, if it was not for the well.

Haiku

The Urban Garden

Helping the Community

Creating Green Space

American Community Garden Association