Environmental Regulations under Trump Administration

During the past few weeks, Trump has appointed his staff and released his plan for his first 100 days, which has frightened many Americans for numerous reasons. Mr. Trump plans on revising and repealing many bills and legislations, including many environmental regulations that were issued during the Obama Administration and earlier. According to Trump’s 100-day plan, his administration plans on rolling back many regulations placed on natural gas companies and plans on reviving the coal industry. Obama was able to restrict carbon emissions from coal mines by passing a moratorium on coal leasing. Moreover, by passing the Clean Power Plan President Obama helped reduce carbon pollutants from power plants that posed environmental and health risks. Trump believes that these restrictions hamper competition and result in job loss.

Trump also claimed that he is in support of alternative energy sources like wind and solar energy however they are too expensive to “make tree huggers feel good about themselves.” However, there are many more benefits to alternate energy sources then just making a tree hugger happy, aside from the fact that reducing our carbon foot print increases societal welfare. According to Steve Lockhart of TCI composites, “The wind industry employs 88,000 people today, 21,000 in the manufacturing sector, over 500 factories in forty-three states, so there is tremendous employment that is generated from this industry.” The reality is that our president does not see any harm in excessive carbon emissions done by certain industries in our country which can have long term detrimental effects on our environment and our the wellbeing of the future generations.

 

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/12/15/first-100-days-trump-vows-to-roll-back-energy-industry-regs.html?refresh=true

http://dailycaller.com/2016/12/03/at-46-years-epa-will-see-huge-changes-under-trump/

Green Infrastructure in Action

In 1929, as a part of the West Side improvement project the state of New York commissioned the High Line. The original goal was to eliminate street-level railroad crossings that ended up in countless accidents between freight trains and other traffic. The High Line runs from the 34th street to St John’s park terminal. In 1999, Friends of the High Line advocated for the preservation of the High Line and reopening as a public space. The northernmost section of the High Line opened in September 21, 2014.

The common problem with many green infrastructure proposals is that they often interfere with the natural landscape. The layout of the High Line reflects the original microclimates of the High Line. Not only is the High Line considered green infrastructure, but a sustainable structure as well. The High Line has composting facilities that enable much of the waste processed into compost. This helps reduce the amount of material entering the waste stream and recycles valuable nutrients back into the soil, eliminating external inputs.

The High Line functions essentially like a gigantic green roof. To cut down on the storm water that normally would run off into the sewer system, There are porous pathways that have open joints that allow the water to flow between adjacent planks and water adjacent planting beds. Supplemental watering is used to control the amount of water to the individual plants that have different needs, while conserving water to the plants that do not need.

To avoid the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers, the Friends of the High Line developed the Integrated Pest Management Program. Pesticides and chemical fertilizers are avoided whenever possible. Green Seal-certified cleaning solutions are used to promote environmentally sound maintenance.

The High Line is an example for how Green Infrastructure should function in our society. By repurposing an aging structure that serves no purpose, we could not only not take away from the environment but we could add to it.

The High Line. Friends of the High Line, Web. 23 Dec. 2016.

<http://www.thehighline.org/about/sustainable-practices>

Reducing Waste in NYC

New York has a lot to learn when it comes to reducing waste. Currently, New York ships most of its waste to landfills outside of the state, particularly in North and South Carolina. Not only is this economically unsound, but it is harmful to the environment as well. Clearly, New York has a lot to learn from other cities that have mastered the art of dealing with waste.

Seattle is one such city. Seattle was one of the first cities in the US to implement a “Zero Waste” policy. It has banned non-recyclable products such as plastic bags and containers, and it even does curbside composting by turning dairy, meat, bones food waste, soil, and paper into fertilizer at a commercial composting plant! Also, movie theaters and restaurants are required to provide three different trash bins: waste, compost, and recycling. Due to these measures, Seattle currently has a recycling rate of 60-70%. The city hopes to reduce waste to the lowest feasible level by 2025.

Another such city that we can learn from is Boulder, Colorado. Boulder has a pay-as-you-throw program, in which recycling and composting are free, but waste is charged depending on the size of the container. In 2001, a law was passed that allowed private haulers to set their own prices, as long as they provided recycling services for free, and charged a variable price for waste depending on container size. Boulder’s recycling rate has risen from merely 17% in 2001 to a staggering 50% in 2008. However, it is still not enough. Like Seattle, Boulder hopes to have “zero waste” by 2025.

Clearly, New York needs to step up its regulations for waste disposal and recycling. Just like Seattle and Boulder, we need restrictive measures to ensure that our waste is not going to landfills but rather, being recycled and/or disposed of properly.

Permeable Pavement

In this class, we’ve learned about the importance of green infrastructure, and we’ve taken a look at different types of green infrastructure, in particular bioswales. However, one other type of green infrastructure that I want to take a look at is permeable pavement. Although we have seen it in class as well, we didn’t really take a close look at how it works, as well as different types.

In general, permeable pavement works by allowing water through the pavement, which allows it to be collected underneath. Additionally, the gravel/stones of the pavement act as a natural filter, cleansing the water of pollutants. The purpose of permeable pavement is to avoid stormwater buildup above-ground. It allows stormwater and excess rainwater to be collected underground.

When it comes to permeable pavement, there are three types:

  1. Traditional asphalt/concrete – The regular mix of asphalt/concrete is used, except that some particles are left out to make the pavement more porous
  2. Plastic pavers – Plastic grids that have a honeycomb shape, and allow grass and vegetation to grow in between the holes
  3. Concrete pavers – Concrete blocks with spaces in between them, where water can be drained effectively

Depending on where you are building, different types of permeable pavement may be more suitable to your needs. Overall though, any of these does a great job at filtering and storing excess stormwater.

BioBlitz

Monday, September 19, was a day that started horribly for me, but quickly turned around into a great, productive day. That was the day of my BioBlitz session at Brooklyn Bridge Park. My session began at 6:00 am, and waking up at 4:30 am to make sure I get there on time was no easy task. When I had finally arrived, it began pouring rain, and lightning could be seen in the distance. “As if this day couldn’t get any worse,” I thought.

After we split up into groups, I was put into the microbes group, along with several of my class members. Our job was to collect samples from four different locations (two beaches, the spiral pool, and the salt marsh) in order to compare pH levels, soil composition, microbe diversity, etc. These measurements would then allow us to ensure that conditions remain favorable to the microbes living in the area.

Collecting the samples was no easy task. We first had to collect samples using a large test tube, and then transfer over 5 mL of soil from the large test tube to a small test tube. Throughout this whole process, we had to be extremely careful not to put our hands above the lid of the test tube, to avoid contamination from the microbes living on our hands.

After we had collected all our samples, I realized how much I had learned that day, about a topic I would have known nothing about otherwise. I have walked through Brooklyn Bridge Park many times, and I had never stopped to think about the organisms that call it home, and how they may be in danger. I am thankful for BioBlitz (even though the conditions were miserable) for opening up my eyes and teaching me about the importance of protecting microbial populations in their native environments.

Pesticides- Post 3

Pesticide are used to ensure a successful crop. There are misconceptions about the negative effect of consuming produce touched by pesticide.

Fruits and vegetables may have residue of pesticide on the skin, but that does not make it harmful. As the products are harvested and move through many steps the pesticide residue is lessened. The remaining amount can be washed off and it will not cause harm. Fruits and vegetable with thin skin may be more affected, but as it is washed and cooked it will be safe to consume.

The EPA regulates and tests pesticides for safety before they are released to the market.

Source: www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/food-and-pesticides

The Sponge Park

When I heard about green infrastructure, the only installation my mind could point to was a green roof. Learning more about applications that help control stormwater, my knowledge of these structures had expanded. What is interesting about green infrastructure is that the design is obviously man-made, but the facilitation of the construct works in harmony with nature rather than against it. They often add an aesthetic appeal to an area while simultaneously benefitting the environment. The Gowanus Canal Watershed had added this type of infrastructure in October of this year, 2016. This construction is known as the Sponge Park and is located on Second Street on the west side of the Gowanus Canal. This green area is 1800 square feet and designed in such a way that it is able to capture, collect, and clean approximately one million gallons of storm water run off from the street. This essentially prevents overflow of the canal and sewers and ensures better water quality in the canal.

The Sponge Park

Green infrastructure installations usually entail large excavations which require a lot of monetary expenditures. The Sponge Park project was an approximate $1.5 million project. The plants chosen for the park work to filter the stromwater from contaminants allowing for access to a safe public waterfront. These contaminants include sulfur and volatile organic compounds. The way this system works is that storm water collects across the surface of the green park. It enters naturally filtrating bioswales with plants like the Honey Locust (Gleditsia) and Mulberry (Morus rubra). Next is a remediation wetland basin which has plants like the Hawthorn (Crataegus) and the Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrotis). These plants have vibrant colors and are suitable for average rainfall. However, if there is extremely heavy rainfall, water flows into shallow meadows, shallow marshes, and deep marsh planting zones. These plants can withstand 0-12” of standing water and include the Giant Miscanthus (Miscanthus Floridulus), Duckweed (Lemna minor), and the Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus serica). Finally, the excess filtered water flows into the canal. As a result, extra public space is offered as well as a safer environment to foster greater biodiversity.

Examples of the Types of Plants and Biodiversity Present in the Sponge Park

Sources:

http://www.gowanuscanalconservancy.org/downloads/dlandstudio_GowanusCanal_SpongePark_9_24_08.pdf

http://brooklynreporter.com/story/green-infrastructure-improves-health-of-gowanus-canal-beautifies-neighborhood/

 

40% of Food Trashed?! -Post 2

So much of the food we are blessed with end up in our trash bags. We throw away about a quarter of our grocery purchases. This may be because we miscalculate how much food we need, or we fail to preserve our foods well before they spoil.

One issue may be the dates that are stamped onto our food packages. “Sell by” dates are not definite. Food that has passed the expiration date may not be expired–but we throw them away. The may not be the best of quality at that time, but it may still be safe to eat.

Other causes of throwing away foods may be related to planning. We may buy many food products that we will not eat, on a whim. Or we may miscalculate how much of one product we will eat. We may serve too much food which will go uneaten and thus throw away large portions.

The source article cites a research which shows that the generations of people who have experienced the Great Depression and World War 2, and the people of third world countries, waste a large percentage less than the average American. If we are more careful and aware of our habits we can definitely control how much of our food ends up in the trash.

It is inevitable that we will have food waste, but if we are more careful we can greatly lower our amount of trashed food.

Source: www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/wasted-food-IP.pdf

Bioblitz

Bioblitz is a biological catalog that aims to educate students about ecology in the city by locating and identifying various organisms. The Bioblitz was held at Brooklyn bridge park, where we were split into groups to explore the different biological areas at the park. Our goal was to record every possible living thing that we found in the area we were assigned to. The area my group was assigned to was at the Salt Marsh and Wier pond by Pier 1. We were given a  couple of equipments that we would need in order to capture the organisms that we find, which were aspirators, air nets, and vials. Aspirators are tools used to collect insects by sucking them in through a tube. We would catch terrestrial insects by using an aspirator and catch aerial insects by using air nets. The animals that we captured were snails, fiddler crabs, flies, spiders, ants, blue beetles, and jumping spiders. Based on the data my group collected, there is a diverse population of species in Brooklyn bridge park. The purpose of Bioblitz is to serve as a biological census of a particular area.  

 

Environment and Economy

Ever since the Industrial Revolution, the growth of economy has become tied with hurting the environment. It was around that time that we first grasped the idea of mass production, and began implementing it. Before that, technology was not as advanced to be able to hurt the environment in a major way, in order to produce something. Now everyone has their own personal carbon footprint in the world. Due to the fact that every nation abuses the environment in order to continue manufacturing and grow their economy, the environment is getting abused on a massive scale. If one country was to set a regulation on carbon and green house gas emitted into the atmosphere, it would have a disadvantage in the global economy. However, disregarding the environment is just as bad. A country who exploits their environment, in the long run will suffer. Which will make their economy stagnate. This can be seen today, in China. China’s rivers and air are so polluted today that they are detrimental to the health of its citizens. China has been so invested in unclean manufacturing, that a massive switch to green manufacturing will stagnate the economy severely.

 

Life expectancy in north China, is worst then south China by 5.5 years due to the air pollution. The cost to deal with air pollution is rising, due to the fact that it has gone untreated for so long. Currently 3.5% of China’s GDP goes towards the environment. However, that statistic is not accurate due to the fact that it is a sensitive topic and the ministry releases figures intermittently. Air pollution alone causes 1.2 million premature deaths in China. Currently China is trying to limit its pollution and clean its environment. The environment we live in is extremely important, and should be protected. We should put laws in place now to help our environment, even if it hurts our economy. Because if the environment in our country is destroyed our economy and way of life will be decimated as well.

 

Albert, Eleanor. “China’s Environmental Crisis.” Council on Foreign Relations. Council on Foreign Relations, 18 Jan. 2016. Web. 16 Dec. 2016.