Plastic bags can be cut down by using your backpack as a reusable bag when you go to the store. Other reusable bags are great too, but your more likely to have your backpack with you after class. Eating out less can cut down on styrofoam boxes, as can eating at different places that don’t have styrofoam. You can also try bringing your own reusable container as a substitute. Polyethylene is considered environmentally friendly because the high density polyethylene (HDPE) products constitute the number 2 recyclable plastics. They are one of the most widespread plastics recycled in curbside recycling programs. Low density polyethylene (LDPE), or number 4 plastics, are recyclable, but are accepted by fewer programs.

Submitted by Devin Ratelle

Day 2:

Plastic bags can be minimized by bringing your own reusable grocery bags when shopping. If you don’t have enough, you can also request paper bags instead. Pressure your local restaurants to change to greener food storage alternatives to decrease styrofoam. Also, avoid ordering more than you can eat - consider splitting with a friend if you know portions are large. Polyethylene isn’t really eco-friendly, as it has to be strongly treated to degrade. However, recently, there have been more biodegradable versions of polyethylene that have been developed.

Day 3:

There are both pros and cons to building skyscrapers. One advantage is that it takes up less land, and allows for other things (i.e. room for trees). However, skyscrapers can block sunlight as well as natural breezes, which can cause more stagnant pollution closer to the ground.

Day 4:

One effect of the meat industry is deforestation to provide more land for cattle grazing. Another effect is greenhouse gases. Cattle release a lot of greenhouse gases and it takes fuel to transport meat. A third effect is that more grain is needed to feed livestock. This is actually causing a problem in water quality.

Day 5:

There doesn’t seem to be a quick fix. The best way to deal with it now is to find some way to remove the waste and allow it to degrade. But whenever you’re at the beach and you see litter, you should pick it up.

Submitted by Eileen Hsu

‎Day2: Do you have any ideas on how to minimize the use of plastic bags and Styrofoam boxes? And why is polyethylene environmentally friendly?

Day 3: How do skyscrapers affect the environment?

Day 4: Please list and discuss at least three ways that the meat industry affects the environment

Day 5: What do you think are possible solutions for reducing the plastic vortex in the Pacific Ocean?

Participating in the Eco-Challenges of John Muir Week 2012? Submit your answers here! Don’t forget to include your full name so we know who you are! 

The submit button is on the last button on the right! :)

If you have trouble submitting your answers, reply to this post and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!