Recycle – TINA CHIARELLI, PHD, FRGS

Plastic Dependence Revisited

May 11th, 2015tinalc0 Comments

April 22 marked Earth Day. For my part this year I decided to attend a local Earth Day celebration to share information regarding single-use plastic and it’s lasting effects on our environment and wildlife. As I set up my display entitled “Where Does Single-Use Plastic Go When We Are Finished?” I realized that our plastic addiction maybe impossible to give up. I cringed while a watched refreshments being served with plastic utensils. Coffee creamer was made available in single-use plastic containers. Absolutely none of these items were recycled. Craft projects made from recycled or reclaimed materials were transported home in …

World Oceans Day: Why it Should Matter to All of Us

June 7th, 2013tinalc0 Comments

Did you know that 8 June is World Oceans Day? Like all days of designated observance, World Oceans Day was started to bring a yearly awareness, in this case to the state of our underwater world. Although water makes up ~70% of Earth’s surface, our seas remain one of the most unique, important, and yet unexplored parts of our world. As vast as our marine areas are, they are also extremely fragile, quickly being destroyed from an ever-increasing pressure by an ever-increasing human population. I suppose it is easy to dismiss what we do not see on a daily basis; …

A New Year For Conservation

December 30th, 2011tinalc0 Comments

Like years past, 2011 has been full of both triumph and loss. Precious habitat was saved. Conservationists continued to educate and inspire others to help preserve our natural world. In addition, new plant and animal species were discovered; however, a few were also considered to now be extinct. With all of our great accomplishments over the last 365 days, I believe we can do better. Whether we are aware of it or not, we are all interconnected to each and every living thing on this planet. All of our actions, good or bad, have an effect on others. I meet …

7 Billion and Counting

November 5th, 2011tinalc0 Comments

Last month the world population reached 7 billion. In only 12 short years, since ~October 1999, the human population has increased by 1 billion. Let us take a few moments to think about the fact that we now share this planet with 6,999,999,999 other people… and counting. If our global growth rate continues, it is anticipated that by 2050, you could be one of 10 billion! So what exactly does this increase mean for the other species that share our space? Furthermore, what do 7 billion humans mean for the environment? Regardless, if we live in a developing or industrialized …

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Revisited

September 12th, 2011tinalc0 Comments

How many times have we heard the phrase,”Reduce, Reuse, Recycle?” Since the inauguration of the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle or 3Rs campaign in the mid 80s the green movement to better our planet has become a global effort. There are now receptacles for recycling glass, plastic, aluminum, and paper in office buildings, schools, and shopping centers. Most cities have a curbside pick-up service for all recyclables. In addition, you cannot step foot inside a store without seeing reusable bags at the checkout. So if it is easier than ever to recycle why aren’t we all doing our part? Not enough time? …