Do you know where the world’s largest trash dump is located? You might be a little shocked to find out that it’s actually in the Pacific Ocean! That’s right – our trash is being dumped right into the ocean and has accumulated to twice the size of Texas. There are two “garbage patches”. One is off the coast of Japan and the other is between California and Hawaii. The air currents in these two dumps make the water flow in a circular pattern, catching all sorts of trash, most of which is plastic. Since the pressure is too strong and flows in circles, most of the trash gets trapped in the currents. However, sometimes the currents shift, causing masses of the huge dump to actually wash up on the shores of some Hawaiian islands. Not only is it unpleasant to humans, but this ocean pollution is also killing marine animals that ingest or get tangled in the trash. If we don’t do something soon, our entire Pacific Ocean is going to become a dump. If we all stepped up and created a cleanup of the Pacific Garbage Patch, we could make a difference in the lives of its marine life. The recycling of the plastic that is out there might be enough to pay for the cleanup.

What do you think should be done to eliminate the Pacific Garbage Patch?

Now here’s something the Ocean Protectors would be proud to hear: NASA scientists have found a way to turn ocean temperatures and tides into electricity! The ocean’s tides and temperature allow the scientists to capture a high-pressure fluid, which can then be turned into electricity on land. There are already many different methods used to turn tides into power, but NASA’s method would be able to work on a much larger scale and would also catch more “energy” from the water’s temperature. I’m glad that NASA scientists are looking for alternate energy sources because contrary to what a lot of people think, our energy sources will not last forever. We are using them up at a rapid rate. Since the ocean’s tides are so powerful and its temperatures fluctuating so much, this hydrokinetic energy idea seems like it could be a realistic solution to our energy crisis. Let’s hope that this clean and renewable energy source concept works and can be implemented without harming our marine life!

Time Magazine recently put out their annual “Top 10 Ideas Changing the World List”. Number ten on this list was an interesting surprise: LifeCycle Assessment. Not familiar with it? Neither was I! The LifeCycle Assessment has been in place for decades. According to the website, “LCA is a technique to assess the environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with a product, process, or service, by compiling an inventory of relevant energy and material inputs and environmental releases; evaluating the potential environmental impact associated with identified inputs and releases; and interpreting the results to help you make a more informed decision.” Sounds complicated, but really the LifeCycle Assessment is in place to ensure that the products that we buy are environmentally friendly. Some manufacturers, such as General Motors, have a special section on their website detailing what they are doing to make sure that their products are created with the environment in mind. A few listed on GM’s website include using recycled materials, proper disposal of scraps, and eliminating hazardous materials. It’s great to see an effort by these industry “giants” to help reduce their company’s eco footprint. Sometimes, the little efforts may not seem like much, but when carried out for long periods of time and in conjunction with everyone else’s, it makes a huge positive impact on our planet!

How neat is this? 12-year-old Max Wallack was the grand winner of Design Squad’s Trash to Treasure contest. His invention? A homeless shelter made from trash! The shelter’s frame is made from wire and the walls are made from plastic filled with packing peanuts, which provides a layer of insulation. His inspiration for this winning invention was a trip to Chicago, in which he saw many homeless people living on the streets. Ever since then, he’s had a desire to help them out. Check out the final product here. It’s great to see a contest aimed towards encouraging kids to invent environmentally friendly gadgets and even greater to hear about a kid with such a huge “green” imagination. Great job, Max!