Month: February 2022

When I first started blogging, I really just wanted to inform others about the basic environmental issues that plague our society but really focus in on how we can take care of our planet. However, I’ve realized that learning about the science behind the environmental issues can be just as rewarding. So, today we will be talking about ozone depletion.

The ozone layer, also known as the ozonosphere, is located within the stratosphere and  lies roughly 20 miles above the Earth’s surface. Ozone is a molecule consisting of three Oxygen molecules bound together. This area of the atmosphere is extremely important in absorbing a large portion of the radiation that is emitted from the sun, specifically UV light. This is extremely important to humans, as intense UV light can cause many types of skin cancers. Although Ozone levels usually remain pretty constant over time, some human actions can cause ozone depletion or the thinning of the ozone layer.

When fossil fuels are burning or chlorine gas is used to clean swimming pools, chlorine and bromine are released into the atmosphere. Although minuscule amounts of these atoms actually reach the stratosphere,  they bind to ozone, and effectively destroy the ozone molecules. Only a small concentration of chlorine and bromine are needed to destroy hundreds of thousands of ozone molecules (one chlorine molecule can destroy over 100,000 ozone molecules!!!!).

As previously stated, without human involvement, ozone layers are usually constant over time. However, when more ozone molecules are destroyed than there are created, the ozone layer begins to thin. In the 1980s, due to the high release of aerosol propellants (which have since been banned) a “hole” was created over Antartica. Ozone depletion affected the atmosphere all over the globe, but concentration of ozone got so bad over Antartica, that there was extremely little ozone protecting the continent.

Lots of work has been done since the infamous “hole” was created, and thankfully ozone layers have begun to reach normal levels thanks to prevention methods; as mentioned earlier, aerosol propellants that were releasing a lot of chlorine and bromine were banned. As of today, ozone depletion is much less of a problem than it was just 40 years ago. We must continue to stay on top of it so that we can avoid the issue before it occurs!! Prevention over cure!

I’m sure that we have always come across articles such as these listing seemingly very simple ways to be more environmentally conscious. Personally, I always see these tips and stick with it for only a couple days, when I end up stopping and going back to my wasteful ways. However, I think writing this article will hopefully make me much more mindful about the small things that can make a difference while also hopefully inspiring others to do the same.

Stop using plastic bags!!!

I think that this is one of the easiest ones to implement. As we saw last blog, ocean pollution is a very large problem and non-biodegradable plastics are one of the biggest players in pollution. Although it might feel instinctual to grab a bag whenever you check out of Louie’s, try to avoid it! Most of the time, picking up a candy bar or a bag of chips don’t require a bag for themselves. Try to use your pocket! Although it is undeniable that there there are some times, we can always re-use old plastic bags or even use actual re-usable cloth bags.

Turn off the lights after leaving a room

This is something that the common parents always says; turn off the lights!! Not only does it lower the electricity bill, but it helps to conserve energy. The plants that generate the energy to power anything emit carbon and other greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases are molecules that absorb radiant light (such as that from the sun) and effectively trap the heat in the atmosphere. This is one of the main causes of what we know as global warming  The less non-renewable energy that we use, the less we contribute to global warming!!

Cut off you mask straps of disposable masks after use

This tip is a bit different than the other two. We should always remember that our actions can affect the lives of not only other humans, but wildlife as well.

Recent studies have shown that over 3.4 billion (with a b) masks are thrown away every day. That means an extreme amount of pollution that ends up in wildlife. Animals, specifically small birds can choke on these masks; it is important to cut off the straps to reduce the risk of choking!!!