Dead Zones

Sections and regions of the earth’s oceans and large lakes that have significantly lowered oxygen levels are referred to as “Dead Zone’s”. These low-oxygen, or hypoxic, environments typically form as a result of chemical runoff during which large concentrations of elements such as nitrogen and phosphorus are deposited into the water. In turn, algae and other single-celled plant life are able to feed off of these elements which result in the development of an algal bloom, or a mass increase in the algae population in the area. Since algae consume oxygen and omit carbon dioxide (similar to the way humans breathe), all, or most, of the oxygen in the local environment is depleted, resulting in the dying off of all other aquatic life in the area.

Dead zones occur in several coastal areas off of the United States, particularly within the Gulf of Mexico. This body of water supplies a very large portion of the United States seafood supply, and the cyclical intensity and extent of these dead zones results not only in huge environmental impacts in these areas, but can have devastating economical impacts as well. Luckily, there are many actions you can take as an individual to have an impact on the intensity and subsequent impact that these dead zones have. For starters, buy local foods from farms that use limited chemicals and fertilizers, as runoff from big farms that use a ton of chemicals are a main culprit driving the creation of these dead zones. Dispose of pharmaceuticals, household cleaners and other chemicals in an environmentally conscious way, and as always, get informed and educate those around you to do the same. For more information regarding the causes and effects this Dead Zone has, as well as ways to get involved, please visit: http://www.smm.org/deadzone/. 

Time to Take an Action for Kids

A child waits for relief at a drought affected area in West Bengal, India.

In living far below the poverty level, rural children suffer from malnutrition

and miss out on education and medical treatment. 

@ 2007 Sudipto Das, Courtesy of Photoshare

                    

Every day because of unsafe water supplies and poor sanitation and hygiene 1,800 kids are dying, that makes 75 kids an hour. “ If 90 school buses filled with kindergartners were crash every day, with no survivors, the world would take action. But this is what happens every single day because of poor water, sanitation and hygiene.”  Every child has the right to live, the right to health. Every child must have access to at least 20 liters of water to be able to continue their life in a healthy way. Due to global warming children’s right to a healthy life is becoming more difficult. It is time to take action publicly and privately. You can save as many children as would filled 90 school busses everyday. They are waiting for your help. 
For more information pleas visit Unicef website.

http://www.unicef.org.nz/Children-dying-daily-because-of-unsafe-water-supplies-and-poor-sanitation-and-hygiene-UNICEF-says

Yusuf Celik

African Water Crisis

In looking at the harsh realities of water pollution on a global scale we can see that Africa as a whole deals with some of the worst conditions. This video contains more information on the horrible problems of water pollution around the world and in Africa. There are so many people suffering on the continent of Africa and as a wealthy country we should do what we can to help those who are in need of clean, drinkable water. There are so many organizations out there dedicated to the water crisis in Africa. That's what they do full time and they need our support. There are ways you can help in each individual organization. One great way to help is to spread the word. Put this video on Facebook and get people educated on these issues. Water is an essential need for every human being. Let's meet those needs. Here is a link to the organization who made this video and another link for an organization that is focusing in on the water crisis in Africa:

http://www.charitywater.org/

http://thewaterproject.org/water-in-crisis-south-africa.php

Meds for Everyone...

whether you want them, or not

While some chemicals are required, by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to be filtered out of our drinking water, prescription medications are not. 

According to this article: http://www.salon.com/2013/03/14/your_tap_water_is_probably_laced_with_anti_depressants_partner/

trace amounts of antidepressants, and other psychotropic prescription medications are found in most urban water supplies.

The impact of this drug residual, on humans, is not known, but it is also in the waters that our sea creatures are living in. 

Here are some ways to prevent prescription medications from entering the water supply:

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/EnsuringSafeUseofMedicine/SafeDisposalofMedicines/ucm186187.htm

Midway

On Midway Atoll, a remote cluster of islands more than 2000 miles from the nearest continent, the detritus of our mass consumption surfaces in an astonishing place: inside the stomachs of thousands of dead baby albatrosses. The nesting chicks are fed lethal quantities of plastic by their parents, who mistake the floating trash for food as they forage over the vast polluted Pacific Ocean.
This picture by the photographer Chris Jordan, display one of the many consequences of water pollution that we cannot see.

I invite you to visit his display in his website and portfolio. 

http://www.chrisjordan.com/gallery/midway/#pile%20CF000740%2016x21

Rain Water Harvesting

Millions of people lack access to safe drinking water. Check out water.org for more information.

So many of us take our water for granted. Andrew Brown asks us to consider, "What gets the water to the faucet?"

Many regions import water, which ultimately has global impact. Brown addresses the issue with mindful rain water harvesting techniques.

This beautifully shot short video gives an illustration of his methods:

This is just one way individuals are using innovation to conserve water.

In what ways do you conserve water?

Or in what ways would you like to begin conserving water?

Comments welcome below:

Star Power for Water Power

Off shore drilling poses a serious threat to our water. Who can forget the 2010 Gulf oil spill, which was the worst in US history?

Last week, actress Kate Walsh (Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice), took her celebrity status to Capitol Hill and lobbied for "legislation that would provide subsidies for offshore wind power development".





Here at Portland State University, we have been compiling a list of celebrities who use their star power to do good for the environment. Who would you add to the list?

Feel free to comment below and we will definitely notify you when we feature your favorite sustainable celeb!

Remember, we do not need celebrity status to get involved in cleaning up our oceans. Click here to learn how you can help Oceana with their efforts.