Meet the Sustainabuddys
Az: Azahel Henriquez is a first-year student from Wyomissing, PA. He is majoring in business.
Dime: Dime Messina is a first-year student from Schuylkill Haven, PA. He is majoring in business.
Justin: Justin Fabbricatore is a first-year student from Brick, NJ. He is majoring in criminal justice.
Markus: Markus Geunes is a first-year student from Sinking Spring, PA. He is majoring in criminal justice.
Research
Our team’s project focused on learning more about the growing dangers of microplastics in water and how they impact both the environment and human health. Our main goal was to better understand the risks associated with microplastic exposure while also taking direct action to support environmental health within our local community.
We began our project by researching the presence of microplastics in water and the ways humans are exposed to them on a daily basis. Early on, we explored testing water at different sites to gain insight into the issue firsthand. As our research developed, we learned that addressing environmental problems also requires preventative and restorative action. This led us to focus primarily on a service project centered on improving local ecosystems.
Narrated Research Presentation
EACAP Sustainabuddys Presentation.pptx
Service
As part of our service component, all team members—Dime, Markus, Az, and Justin—worked together to plant trees at Baer Park and Reading Centre Park. Tree planting was chosen as a practical way to support environmental health, improve water filtration, and contribute to long-term ecological stability in our community. Through this experience, we were able to directly assist our local parks while applying the environmental knowledge we gained through our research.
Through this project, we accomplished both educational and hands-on goals. We not only gained a deeper understanding of the dangers microplastics pose to humans and the environment, but we also helped improve local green spaces by planting trees. Additionally, we learned valuable tree-planting skills and developed a better understanding of how to properly care for newly planted trees to ensure their long-term health and survival.
Service Action Video
Reflection
Reflecting on this experience, our team gained a greater appreciation for the connection between scientific research and community action. Moving forward, continued research on microplastics and the development of new strategies to reduce exposure and pollution are essential. Projects like this demonstrate how small, local efforts can contribute to addressing larger global environmental issues, and we hope our work encourages others to take part in protecting both their communities and the environment.