Category: Students

Posts written by students

NYC Composts

In 2015, the New York City Department of Sanitation announced their goal to have zero landfill waste by 2030.  By limiting our landfill waste, the City of New York is able to cut down on waste transportation, processing , and storage costs.  Shipping NYC’s trash alone costs $400 million a year. This also reduces emissions and energy usage in addition to making New York City a better and cleaner place to live.  This mission encompasses the tripartite scope of sustainability: social, economic, and environmental.  Although, it may be a lofty goal to completely end landfill waste in 15 years, it is most definitely a step in the right direction towards a more sustainable New York.

Part of this 0x30 Campaign is to introduce composting as part of the garbage regime of New Yorkers.  Right now, most people recycle hard plastics, metals, and paper and then just throw out the rest.  However, much of what goes into landfill trash can actually be composted.  17% of all of NYC trash is food scraps that can be composted. Large composting buckets are being handed out by request to various apartment buildings and houses. However, the Department of Sanitation does not currently pick up compost everywhere.  For places not served by the DoS, people can drop their compost off at 60 locations throughout the five boroughs setup by GrowNYC.

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In addition to composting, food scraps are beginning to be used to generate energy for the city.  Anaerobic digesters use bacteria and other microorganisms that eat New Yorkers food scraps and, in turn, produce methane, which can be used as an energy source.  The Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant is one of the locations that have been multi-purposed to dual as an anaerobic digester.  Although its use is fairly minimal right now, as infrastructure is developed for it, anaerobic digestion will likely be used as a source of energy for New York City.

Sustainability Courses Now Offered

With our class discussion on sustainability, I found myself wondering if there was a school of study that concerned itself solely with improving sustainability in our society. After some research, I happened upon this article which states that there are indeed schools that are training people to bring sustainability to their local communities.

I found the first paragraph of this article harkening, for it confirmed a suspicion I had in class. In the article, Andrew Pattison, a conservation biologist in upstate New York states, “I found that quote-unquote important people who were decision makers would read the reports I filed and then not follow them.” In class we discussed the “power” scientist may or may not have to illicit change. However, through our discussions, I found myself more and more convinced that policy makers were actually ignoring the information given to them by scientists, such as Andrew Pattison, in cases where the information is… inconvenient.

However, even though the article does start off bleak, the rest is quite hopeful. The author reminds us that though the problems we face are global, we have the power to effect change through what we do in the local. The author describes the growing number of schools, as of 2009, that offer courses and degrees in sustainability. The participants of these programs come from very different backgrounds and then take what they have learned and apply it to their trade in their communities. This gives me hope that, with a growing number of sustainability programs available, there will continue to be change on the local level that may translate into improvement on a global scale.

Hurricane’s Effect on Florida Drinking Water

With several hurricanes making the news, lately, and our class’s focus on water, I became interested in how these storms were effecting the drinking water supply of the various places they made landfall. This article describes the measures certain populations in Florida must now take to self-decontaminate their drinking water, due to some burst pips, for the time being. The article goes on to say that it is believed that these city’s drinking water may be contaminated by sewage and/or bacteria. People in these areas are instructed to boil their water or even add bleach in order to make it less harmful to ingest.

This article was destressing to me. not only did it make me appreciate my own fresh water, something that I have come to take for granted, but it also made me truly think of the blight that some of my fellow Americans are going through. I can’t even imagine having to out BLEACH in way watr in order to make it safer to drink – safer, not safe.

A Sustainable Future Powered By Sea

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/09/170922094047.htm

Sustainability is all about conserving and maintaining, right? Well, what better way to promote sustainability than a turbine that will not only generate energy but protect the coasts? Professor Tsumoru Shintake at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University proposed a turbine. This turbine is an ocean energy source that is both affordable and easy to maintain. Thirty percent of the seashore in mainland Japan is covered with tetrapods. A tetrapod is a concrete structure that is placed along the coastline to weaken the force of any incoming waves in order to protect the shore from erosion. This turbines would replace the tetrapods and wave breakers by being attached or placed near them, helping to protect the coast.  Professor Shintake states, “”Using just 1% of the seashore of mainland Japan can [generate] about 10 gigawats [of energy], which is equivalent to 10 nuclear power plants.” This project is a great example of sustainability as it is cheaper and more affordable as well as easier to maintain. It also protects the coast from erosion which helps the environment and all living creatures in it.

Water Post Hurricane Harvey

We’ve learnt that water is so important- it carries nutrients for plants so they can survive and grow. Water travels downhill and carries salt and nutrients to the ocean. Therefore, most plants that live in the ocean live near the coastline where they can get to the nutrients that come from the land (which is carried by the water). However, as seen by this NY Times article, water’s ability to carry isn’t always a good thing. After Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, much of the water has carried and deposited toxic chemicals and dangerous bacteria. Likewise seen at Flint ,Michigan, much of the water after hurricane harvey in Texas was contaminated with dangerous chemicals and materials.

Tests that have been conducted on the sewage resulted positive for lead, arsenic, and chromium, which are dangerous chemicals. Not only did the water carry dangerous chemicals, but it carried large things like mattresses, refrigerators, and rugs.

Many of us underestimate the power of water. Water is very strong and powerful. Not only does it carry nutrients, but it also sometimes carries harmful chemicals, and therefore it must be examined properly.

Indigenous Communities & Food Security

By Caroline Zuba

When discussing sustainability, indigenous communities are a top priority.

Tourists tend to be indiscriminate in their vacation choices. Palau, for example, is an archipelago of 700 islands heavily reliant on tourism. Yet, a recent study has taken note of the effects of tourists consuming the fish that they have been gawking at on their trips. According to the study, tourism on the islands surpasses the local populations by around nine times.

“Dive tourists taking a lunchtime break in Palau. Image by Colette Wabnitz. Credit: University of British Columbia.”

This presents a massive problem when many indigenous communities, including those in Palau, rely mainly on coastal fish populations. Not only is fishing a food source, it is also one of their links to the culture that defines them. In fact, it is a maintenance of an identity, and the depopulation of fish in the area endangers lives and cultures. Food security is thus at the forefront of discussions regarding Indigenous rights, and tourism is increasing the vulnerability of these groups by increasing changes in the ecosystem.

The study found a potential solution: The health of the reefs can be sustained by shifting to consuming open water fish, including sustainably-harvested tuna. The notion of sustainable tourism is addressed, and the article mentions that this sort of tourism should also include protecting the food of the local people.

Sustainability

A Sustainable Future Powered by SeaThe blades of this five-blade turbine are made of a soft material and they rotate on their axis when influenced by ocean waves -- the diameter of the turbine is about 0.7 meters. The axis is attached to a permanent magnet electric generator, which is the part of the turbine that transforms the ocean wave energy into usable electricity. The ceramic mechanical seal protects the electrical components inside of the body from any saltwater leakage. This design allows the turbine to function for ten years before it need replacing. Credit: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), Quantum Wave Microscopy Unit

This water turbine converts water currents and waves into energy. Professor Tsumoru Shintake at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University developed this turbine to create energy from the currents off the coast of Japan. Not only do these turbines improve life on land but they also protect the land by being used as wave breakers that prevent erosion of the shores. This is a new development is still in its beginning stages but are projected to be ready for installation.

This is a perfect example of sustainability.  This turbine can be a clean replacement for fossil fuels and their pollution into the environment. It can also protect the land form erosion. While they are still looking for a cheaper and easier method to maintain the turbine, the other pillars of sustainability are certainly there. The environment is enhanced and the society benefits for the energy that is created “Using just 1% of the seashore of mainland Japan can [generate] about 10 gigawats [of energy], which is equivalent to 10 nuclear power plants.” Using this alternative energy can mean making a difference in our lives and the lives of the next generation.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/09/170922094047.htm

 

Urban Sustainability: NYC Bag Fee

Steven Cohen, executive director of Columbia University’s Earth institute, writes about a recent law that was passed by the New York City government to charge a fee for paper and plastic bags that are currently given away for free to shoppers. This bill has stirred great debate and finally passed after two years of resistance. Mayor Bill de Blasio is in full support of the law. The purpose of the fee is not to collect money from shoppers but to raise awareness of the extra unnecessary consumption of paper and plastic that New Yorkers take advantage of everyday. The hope is that this fee will lead to New Yorkers bringing in their own plastic bags when shopping. The overuse bagging has filled up our landfills. According to J. David Goodman of the New York Times, the Sanitation Department has claimed to collect 10 billion plastic bags, that have only being used once, annually.  What might seem like a minor change can have  huge impact on the environment and our landfills.

More laws like this that will force people to ponder their actions and reduce the over-consumption of a product. For instance, beverage containers are all of one time use. As a initiative to force New Yorkers to recycle, five sets are awarded of every water bottle returned. This should extend to all beverages, the water bottle initiative should be applied to states other than New York. Cohen advises that all truck deliveries should have a “two-way commerce.” When dropping off products, drivers should pick up reusable containers and packaging. This is known as a circular economy, where goods are reused and recycled.  As an example, my family has water containers delivered to our home every month, and the used containers are picked up with every delivery.

Bio Blitz 2017

Bio Blitz 2017 was definitely an interesting experience. It is always exciting to explore new things, and it was great to get to do so with new friends! Our mentor for the day was a man who loved fish and fishing more than I have seen anyone care about something in a long time. Hearing about the different fish at Alley Pond Park was eye-opening to understanding the diverse amount of species present, even though we were only able to catch blue gills when we started fishing. It was sad to hear about the eutrophication occurring due to the phosphate in the water and excessive algae growth in the lake that is toxic to both humans and certain species that live in the lake. I think more emphasis was put on this disheartening situation because it was being explained to us by a man who really cared about the ecosystem that was being affected due to the changes in the lake. We were also joined by people from fish associations in the state and they entertained us with some life size fish models and fun facts, as well as let us take some funky photos with their array of fish!  Ultimately, it was fun to relax and spend some time fishing on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, but it was also interesting to learn about the different species and issues in a little unsuspecting lake such as the one we spent time at in Alley Pond Park.

Urban Sustainability—Making the Oil Companies Build California’s Sea Walls

Though the environmental world often has a dicey relationship when it comes to interests of the law/politics, lawyers in San Francisco and Oakland are now joining forces with environmentalists to hold oil companies accountable for their misdemeanors. According to Scientific American, as of yesterday, five top oil companies have been sued on the charges of encouraging use of fossil fuels and other actions that have been linked to climate change and a rise in sea-levels. Being coastal cities, Oakland and San Francisco residents especially feel the pressure of their situation. Plans and maps of buildings including the main Oakland airport underwater by 2100 are a cause for concern. Furthermore, these aren’t just any lawyers involved; names such as Matt Pawa and David Bookbinder are familiar in past cases won against American Electric Power Co. and Exxon. Should they win, they plan to make these companies fund California’s climate change adaptation arsenal. Though the oil companies did not cite a response, evidence showing that over 90 companies are responsible for over half of the current climate changes does not necessarily work in their favor.

Of the ‘big’ companies I’ve heard about, oil companies are some of the few that frequently grace newspaper covers and media reports. In the past, I’ve read about individuals or groups of scientists taking action here and there to undo damage made by these companies—whether it be cleaning up spills or searching for cleaner alternatives. However, I was surprised to find this issue was being addressed in an entirely different perspective—via the law. This reminded me of our conversation in class about the way in which our view of urban sustainability is maturing to encompass aspects of our lives outside of just the environment, now including social and economic visions as well. Although the timing is a bit late, I see a glimpse of growth in this situation. Simply by filing this case under ‘protection of people and property’ and proposing funding for sustainable goals as their winnings, these lawyers have made a statement in recognizing that should environmental infrastructure fail, so too will our social and economic constructs.

 

News, Benjamin HulacE&E. “Cities Sue Big Oil for Damages from Rising Seas.” Scientific American, 21 Sept. 2017, www.scientificamerican.com/article/cities-sue-big-oil-for-damages-from-rising-seas/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sa-editorial-social&utm_content=&utm_term=sustainability_partner_&sf115859895=1.