One Person Can Change the World
Farquhar Honors College
Teagle Foundation - Knowledge for Freedom Program
Paradise Preserved
Preserving South Florida's Natural Beauty through Sustainable Practices
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Malachi N.
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June 29, 2023
Inquiry: “How can I make my community eco-friendlier"/ How to reduce pollution in south Florida
Paradise Preserved is a project that will consist of trying to reduce the plastic usage in South Florida by trying.
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Go outside and take a deep breath of fresh air. You can’t.
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In the current state of southern Florida, there are major problems with pollution consisting of mainly plastic waste and fossil fuels that affect our day-to-day lives. Plastic is harmful due to its long-lasting nature and resistance to degradation, leading to persistent pollution in the environment. Fatal consequences consist of degrading air quality, ocean pollution, and damaging our health. A crucial problem with multiple factors and virtually no solution.
I inquire about creating a biodegradable substitute for plastic. Plastic is harmful because it doesn't biodegrade, instead, it breaks down into tiny particles that end up in our water, soil, and food. Plastic pollution can harm wildlife, cause environmental damage, and pose health risks to humans. Furthermore, plastic production and disposal contribute to climate change and use up valuable resources.
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Biodegradable plastics can help the environment by breaking down into natural substances, reducing waste and pollution in landfills and waterways. They contain additives that make them break down more easily, but these additives release harmful chemicals during the decomposition process, which can potentially harm plants and animals. Some biodegradable plastics may require specific conditions to break down completely, leading to incomplete decomposition and the release of even more harmful chemicals.
What: Interact with companies and manufacturers that make bioplastics or normal plastics and schools and communicate with them to try and have them adopt bioplastics in their establishments to reduce the total amount of plastic waste
When: Within the next year 2023-2024
Where: South Florida
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Why: I am concerned with the current state of south Florida as the pollution is increasing at an alarming rate with no signs of slowing down
Public Resource List
Brian Ng a b, et al. “Understanding the Occurrence and Distribution of Emerging Pollutants and Endocrine Disruptors in Sensitive Coastal South Florida Ecosystems.” Science of The Total Environment, 21 Nov. 2020, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S004896972037251X.
Pollutants and endocrine disruptors in sensitive coastal South Florida Ecosystems:
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The presence of harmful chemicals in South Florida's surface waters poses a significant risk to both aquatic species and humans. A study conducted from 2017 to 2019 found that wastewater contamination and the presence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products were widespread. These pollutants, including caffeine, sucralose, DEET, and carbamazepine, were frequently detected, indicating the impact of wastewater on surface water. Concerns were also raised about the presence of steroid hormones, such as estrone and 17-β-estradiol, which could disrupt the endocrine system in the aquatic ecosystem. The study emphasizes the need for better management of these contaminants to safeguard the environment and human health in South Florida.
Taofeeq D. Moshood, et al. “Sustainability of Biodegradable Plastics: New Problem or Solution to Solve the Global Plastic Pollution?” Current Research in Green and Sustainable Chemistry, 26 Jan. 2022, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666086522000157.
Sustainability of biodegradable plastics: New problem or solution to solve the global plastic pollution?
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The escalating utilization of plastic has precipitated a surge in environmental pollutants, necessitating a shift towards biodegradable plastics as a means to foster a more sustainable and eco-conscious world. A comprehensive assessment of the entire life cycle of biodegradable plastics, encompassing production objectives, priorities, and sustainability, is imperative. These plastics exhibit properties similar to traditional variants while bestowing additional advantages by minimizing their environmental impact, particularly in terms of carbon dioxide emissions. A holistic understanding of their production, application, and ecological imprint is crucial in meeting the growing demand for cost-effective and environmentally friendly materials. This study examines influential factors, adopts a triple bottom line approach to evaluate sustainability, and presents a sustainable framework to ensure the long-term viability of biodegradable plastics, thereby contributing to the advancement of this field.
U.S. Energy Information Administration. “U.S. Energy Information Administration - EIA - Independent Statistics and Analysis.” EIA, www.eia.gov/state/analysis.php?sid=FL. Accessed 29 June 2023.
Fossil fuel usage in Florida:
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Florida is the second-largest electricity producer in the United States, primarily fueled by natural gas. Natural gas-fired power plants contribute to about three-fourths of the state's total in-state net generation. Nuclear power stations provide over one-tenth of Florida's net generation. Coal-fired power plants have declined and now supply only about 7% of the state's total net generation. Renewable resources, mainly solar energy and biomass, account for a small portion of Florida's net generation. Solar energy has shown significant growth, with utility-scale and small-scale installations contributing to the state's solar power capacity. Florida also has minor crude oil reserves and limited natural gas production, mainly used for maintaining reservoir pressures in oil zones. The state relies on coal imports from other states and overseas, but coal consumption has decreased due to the shift to natural gas-fired generation.
Natalie A. Welden, and AbstractGlobally. “The Environmental Impacts of Plastic Pollution.” Plastic Waste and Recycling, 13 Mar. 2020, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128178805000086.
Plastic pollution in Florida:
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Plastic litter poses a significant threat to the environment and wildlife. While the "more plastic, more pollution" mindset helps us understand the issue, the reality is more complex. Plastics are highly durable and resistant to degradation, persisting for hundreds of years. Plastic production has dramatically increased over the past 70 years, with an estimated 1200 million metric tonnes expected to be in landfills or the environment by 2050. Plastic pollution is found in terrestrial and aquatic habitats, with rivers carrying it to the oceans. Garbage patches, like the Great Pacific garbage patch, form due to ocean currents, but distribution is influenced by various factors. Understanding the scale and distribution of plastic pollution is crucial for addressing this environmental challenge.
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