Pulse Magazine
Spring 2017
Reuse. Reread. Recycle
By Sarah Hysong
Swordfish and Plastic
There are an estimated 5.25 trillion particles of plastic floating through the world’s oceans according to Anika Ballant, the education director for Algalita Marine Research and Education. Those particles are bite sized pieces regularly eaten by marine life. What are the chances you’ve eaten a fish that has ingested some of the plastic? “Without a doubt,” says Ballant.
When plastic is left floating in water the sun breaks it down, but because it’s not a naturally occurring element it can never completely disappear.
An Entree of
An Entree of
Swordfish and Plastic
There are an estimated 5.25 trillion particles of plastic floating through the world’s oceans according to Anika Ballant, the education director for Algalita Marine Research and Education. Those particles are bite sized pieces regularly eaten by marine life. What are the chances you’ve eaten a fish that has ingested some of the plastic? “Without a doubt,” says Ballant.
When plastic is left floating in water the sun breaks it down, but because it’s not a naturally occurring element it can never completely disappear.
By Sarah Hysong
Photo Credit Algalita 2014
E-Waste
Garbage of the 21st Century
When We Pollute,
We Poison Ourselves
Photo Courtesy of Nicholas Spedale
By Kaeli Van Cott
Over the course of your life, you’ll probably own about 29 cell phones according to recent research. Where do they all go?
Most likely, these phones have made their way to China or Ghana. Although these countries, especially China, have systems for recycling and
re-purposing these electronics, what's happening there is not always safe.
By Nicholas Spedale
Shards of glass, concrete blocks and roofing shingles scatter the ground. Asbestos, arsenic and other wastes contaminate the soil beneath the once green grass. Children watch the yellow police tape blow in the wind as the gates of their neighborhood parks are locked shut. This isn’t an apocalyptic future; it’s a brutal reality for two Long Island neighborhoods.
Saving
The Sound
Photo Courtesy of Bose d' Anjou via Flickr
By Nandee Migon
The Long Island Sound is 1,320 miles of estuary, putting it among the most active and diverse ecosystems on the planet. With 600 miles of coastline and over 120 species of fish, the Sound has become a popular spot for tourism and activity.
However, these shining A-pluses in aesthetic and entertainment haven’t stopped the Sound from receiving poor grades on its water quality.