Transform the US Economy to a Circular/Eco-Sustainable & Profitable One. Letter to our NY State & Washington Leaders, and the Albany Times Union. By Ottavio Lo Piccolo, 9-3-19.

Senator Schumer, Gillibrand, and congressman Tonko,                                                                                                                                                              
I am a public school teacher, a retired veteran and, like you, I am concerned about the health of our planet and our future. I have been learning and teaching about ocean plastic pollution and how to reduce waste since 2016. You probably are aware of the serious threat that plastic and Styrofoam trash/pollution is posing to our State, our country and our planet; how it’s poisoning the land, the water sources and the oceans.

I would also like to present to you some of the solutions that experts are calling for- in order to avert an ecological disaster and possibly transform NY State and the US economy into a smart/profitable/sustainable one. And this can be done by reducing waste and improving our recycling efforts/infrastructure. If this is done, our state and country could become a leader in a profitable/healthy/circular economy, hence we would create jobs and prosperity for the near and distant future.

Single-use plastic and Styrofoam products are devastating to the planet; plastic bags, bottles, silverware, cups, lids/caps, straws, dishes, food containers, covers, etc. in addition to plastic/Styrofoam packaging for foods, electronics, appliances, etc). Disposable items (cigarette lighters, razors, markers, and many more) are also a threat to the planet. This pollution is contaminating the soil, the water, and the world's oceans. Scientists and environmental organizations, like National Geographic and Green Peace, tell us that only 9% of our plastic trash is recycled in the USA and most of it -79%- is accumulating in landfills or sitting in the natural environment.

This means, that at some point, much of it ends up in the oceans. And if present trends continue, by 2050, there will be 12 billion metric tons of plastic – that's a rubbish truck full every minute. Ocean plastic is estimated to kill millions of marine animals every year. In addition, scientists estimate that anywhere from 1/4 to 1/3 of seafood has micro plastic in it. And other sources tell us that 94% of all drinking water in the USA is polluted with plastic, and 70% of the world’s water contains plastic too! Micro plastic is in the food chain, in fish; hence it is already in our bloodstream!

NY State has already passed a ban on single-use shopping bags (it will take effect March 2020)- that's a good step in the right direction, however, the time has come to do more- we can no longer continue wasting natural resources (and money too!) by throwing them away- because they are becoming less and less scarce, and we can't continue filling the Earth with waste! Our federal government should also do more in this area.

I realize that improving the waste/recycling system and asking the food/plastic/oil industry to change/adopt; to recycle and to use biodegradable products (instead of cheaper plastic/Styrofoam items) will be costly, however, the benefits to our economy will outweigh the cost, and NY State could become a model of circular/sustainable/profitable economy! As those of California, many US cities, and the European Union- they are prime successful examples of this new model.

I invite you to learn more on about the plastic/Styrofoam pollution threat, please read and then sign my educational petition with Change.org – it has already been signed by almost 6,000 people!
GOVERNMENTS MUST DECLARE PLASTIC & STYROFOAM HAZARDOUS when RELEASED into the ENVIRONMENT at http://chng.it/YcnqrJJn

Thank you!
Ottavio Lo Piccolo 

LETTER TO THE ALBANY TU, 9-3-19
I am concerned about the health of our planet and our future, and i think that our State leaders should be too, and should start taking bold/effective action soon. Plastic and Styrofoam trash/pollution is threatening the health of our State and our planet; it’s poisoning the land, the water sources and the oceans.

Single-use plastic and Styrofoam products devastating to the planet; plastic bags, bottles, silverware, cups, lids/caps, straws, dishes, food containers, covers, etc. in addition to plastic/Styrofoam packaging for foods, electronics, appliances, etc). In addition to disposable items (cigarette lighters, razors, markers, and many more). This pollution is contaminating the soil, the water, and the world's oceans. Scientists and environmental organizations, like National Geographic and Green Peace, tell us that only 9% of our plastic trash is recycled in the USA and most of it -79%- is accumulating in landfills or sitting in the natural environment. This means, that at some point, much of it ends up in the oceans. And if present trends continue, by 2050, there will be 12 billion metric tons of plastic – that's a rubbish truck full every minute. Ocean plastic is estimated to kill millions of marine animals every year. And other sources tell us that 94% of all drinking water in the USA is polluted with plastic, and 70% of the world’s water contains plastic too! Micro plastic is in the food chain, in fish; hence it is already in our bloodstream!

Our State has already passed a ban on single-use shopping bags (it will take effect March 2020)- that's a good step in the right direction, however, the time has come to do more- we can no longer continue wasting natural resources (and money too!) by throwing them away- because they are becoming less and less scarce, and we can't continue filling the Earth with waste!

There are solutions that experts are calling for, in order to avert an ecological disaster and possibly transform NY State economy into a smart/profitable/sustainable one. Our state must work on reducing waste and improving our recycling efforts/infrastructure. If this is done, NY State could become a leader in a profitable/healthy/circular economy, by creating jobs and prosperity for the near and distant future.

I realize that improving the waste/recycling system and asking the food/plastic/oil industry to change/adopt; to recycle and to use biodegradable products (instead of cheaper plastic/Styrofoam items) will be costly, however, the benefits to our economy will outweigh the cost, and NY State could become a model of circular/sustainable/profitable economy! As those of California, many US cities, and the European Union- they are prime successful examples of this new model.

I invite you to learn more on about the plastic/Styrofoam pollution threat, please read and then sign my educational petition with Change.org – it has already been signed by almost 6,000 people!
GOVERNMENTS MUST DECLARE PLASTIC & STYROFOAM HAZARDOUS when RELEASED into the ENVIRONMENT at http://chng.it/YcnqrJJn

Letter to the Sch'dy gazette

LETTER TO THE ALBANY TU, 9-3-19
Our State has passed a ban on single-use shopping bags, which will be effective March 2020- that's a good step in the right direction- however, the time has come for all of our State leaders to do more- to act and take bold/effective action- to prevent/reduce the plastic/Styrofoam trash/pollution that is threatening the health of our State and our planet; it’s poisoning the land, the water sources and the oceans. We can no longer continue wasting natural resources (and money too!) by throwing them away- because they are becoming less and less scarce, and we can't continue filling the Earth with waste!
 
Single-use plastic and Styrofoam products devastating to the planet; plastic bags, bottles, silverware, cups, lids/caps, straws, dishes, food containers, covers, etc. in addition to packaging for foods, electronics, appliances, etc, and disposable items (cigarette lighters, razors, markers). This pollution is contaminating the soil, the water, and the world's oceans. In fact, National Geographic and Green Peace, tell us that only 9% of our plastic trash is recycled in the USA and most of it -79%- is accumulating in landfills or sitting in the natural environment. And at some point, much of it ends up in the oceans. If present trends continue, by 2050, there will be 12 billion metric tons of plastic – that's a rubbish truck full every minute. Ocean plastic is estimated to kill millions of marine animals every year, and other sources tell us that 94% of all drinking water in the USA is polluted with plastic, and 70% of the world’s water contains plastic too!

There are solutions that experts are calling for, in order to avert an ecological disaster and possibly transform NY State economy into a smart/profitable/sustainable one. NY state must work on reducing waste and improving our recycling efforts/infrastructure. If this is done, our State could become a leader in a profitable/healthy/circular economy, and create new jobs and prosperity for many years.

Improving the waste/recycling system and asking the food/plastic/oil industry to change/adopt; to recycle and to use biodegradable products (instead of cheaper plastic/Styrofoam items) will be costly, however, the benefits to our economy will outweigh the cost, and NY State could become a model of circular/sustainable/profitable economy! As those of California, many US cities, and the European Union- they are prime successful examples of this new model.

I invite you to learn more on about the plastic/Styrofoam pollution threat, please read and then sign my educational petition with Change.org – it has already been signed by almost 6,000 people!
GOVERNMENTS MUST DECLARE PLASTIC & STYROFOAM HAZARDOUS when RELEASED into the ENVIRONMENT at http://chng.it/YcnqrJJn

Petition: US GOV'TS MUST DECLARE PLASTIC & STYROFOAM HAZARDOUS when RELEASED into the ENVIRONMENT 

Read this petition and learn what you can do to reduce plastic/Styrofoam pollution and protect our planet from this ominous global threat to our health, the environment, and our future.

At the bottom of this post, you'll find the 14 habits that every individual should adopt every day!

 

1.     The world’s oceans, and our planet, are in grave danger! They are being polluted with our single-use plastic trash, plastic packaging, and Styrofoam cups/containers and packaging. Single-use items are bags, bottles, silverware, cups, lids/caps, straws, dishes, food containers, etc. In addition, to plastic disposable items like cigarette lighters, razors, markers, and many more. 

 2.     However, there are many other harmful products- in addition to plastic trash- that is devastating the world’s oceans. Here are some of the major ones; discarded fishing nets, deflated balloons, pesticides, herbicides, toothpaste, cosmetics, sunscreens (that contain microbeads- tiny pieces of plastic), high level of CO2 emissions (pollution from fossil fuels; coal, oil and methane gas- used in auto vehicles/factories)- these are causing ocean acidification- the bleaching (or death)- of corrals. In addition to sewer waste, loaded with microbeads (tiny pieces/particles of plastic)-  which are found in; face scrubs, women's cosmetics and in toothpaste and some liquid soaps. Thank God the governments of Canada and the US have banned microbeads. The US ban will be effective this year, in July 2019. However, many cities in China, India Indonesia and Africa flush their sewer waste directly into rivers, which carry it to the oceans. Microplastics (tiny pieces of plastic, 1/5 of an inch) are also released from motor vehicle tires, which get washed into the oceans, by rain, and via the sewer system! And from electric clothes washers/driers when they are used to wash/dry synthetic clothes (made with polyester/plastic fibers)! Microplastic now is also in the air we breathe and the water we drink! In addition, overfishing has depleted marine life and so has seismic air gun blasting (noise pollution from oil exploration), and noise from Navy sonar- are also killing marine life. Radioactive waste, from nuclear reactors, has entered the food chain. Hot water from power plants and some factories is dumped directly into rivers/streams- killing many marine animals because of sudden changes in temperature. And finally, acid rain from air pollution is caused by the burning of fossil fuels.  

3.     The reason for all this plastic pollution is because we, in the USA and in many  other countries, do not recycle enough. In fact, according to National Geographic and Green Peace’s only 9% of our plastic trash is recycled (in the USA). Most of it -79%- is accumulating in landfills or sitting in the natural environment. This means, that at some point, much of it ends up in the oceans. And if present trends continue, by 2050, there will be 12 billion metric tons of plastic – that's a rubbish truck full every minute.

4.     Ocean plastic is estimated to kill millions of marine animals every year. Marine species, from zooplankton to whales, now eat micro plastics (tiny pieces smaller than one-fifth of an inch across), which has broken down into smaller pieces, after years of floating in the ocean, and/or sitting in the environment. In addition, scientists estimate that anywhere from 1/4 to 1/3 of seafood has micro plastic in it. And other sources tell us that 94% of all drinking water in the USA is polluted with plastic, and 70% of the world’s water contains plastic too!

5.     If you’re wondering how all of this trash gets to the ocean- the culprits- the causes- according to Ocean Conservancy, National Geographic and Greenpeace, are garbage dumps located near bodies of water, creeks, rivers and lakes. Hence, the harmful chemicals released from plastic, as it sits in the soil, seep into the ground water, and eventually they reach the oceans. Much of this plastic trash is also transported to the seas by the wind, the sewer system and water bodies.

6.     It is clear that one way to reduce plastic pollution is to ban all single-use plastic and Styrofoam containers/packaging, and declare them both environmentally hazardous. If this is carried out by governments, then the whole business of plastic/Styrofoam production will be controlled/regulated (enforced with education, warnings, signs, fines and enforcement personnel), so that this huge amount of trash can be better controlled, and prevented from reaching the environment- hence avoid high level of contamination- the pollution of fresh water, of the soil and of the oceans. In addition, other solutions are also effective, as charging fees for plastic bags! In Ireland plastic bag use fell to 90% after a tax of 37 cents/bag. In Los Angeles County, a plastic bag ban and a charge on paper bags reduced single bag use by 95%! Shoppers simply switched to reusable bags! Sweden made reasonable increases in deposit fees for bottles and cans (depending on their size), from 5 cents to 30 cents. This increased recycling/return rates to 97%!


7.     So, as consumers we have a powerful positive effect- when we put into action the 7Rs, the following 7 environmental steps. First, apply, the 4Rs (4 concrete steps at home, at work and everywhere 24/7) of; Reducing, Reusing, Refusing and/or boycott (stop purchasing/using) all kinds of Styrofoam cups/containers and single-use products, like plastic bags, bottles, cups, straws, stirrers, dental picks, swabs (aka q-tips). and last, but not leas is Recycling. 
Second, boycott products that are disposable, as cigarette lighters, markers, disposable razors, etc.- and replace these items with ones that are degradable, made from natural materials/fibers (paper, wood, food- as edible cutlery/silverware/dishes, etc).  
Third, we must educate the public; our own families, our students/children, and teach them the 3Rs (environmental behavior steps) of; Respect, Responsibility and Reaction (toward the protection of the Earth). Society needs to be encouraged and educated in avoiding products that harm the environment and instead purchase/use biodegradable products. This will be expensive in the beginning, but it will eventually drive down prices, and it will help transform the economy to a circular/clean/sustainable one- an economy that will concentrate on reducing waste by recycling it, and put back materials back into the economy, instead of dumping them into the environment. Not to do so it will certainly bring the eventual destruction/degradation of the planet, which will be a lot more expensive! California and the European Union are prime examples of this new sustainable and profitable model!  
Fourth, communicate with local municipalities, and ask them to improve the waste collection/recycling system to reduce plastic pollution and other harmful waste from reaching the environment.  
Fifth, contact political leaders at all levels;  the municipal, county, State and federal government levels; and demand that they do all they can to make the plastic and food/beverage industry accountable. All governments must also accept responsibility by passing/enforcing regulations/laws, with the aim of educating the public (in schools, with signs/posters,environmental personnel: inspectors/managers, and with rewards/recognition, but also fines/sanctions when needed, etc). These actions will protect the planet from the threat of plastic/Styrofoam trash, and all other types of pollution that are mentioned above, which threaten our existence on planet Earth- our only home.  
Sixth, governments must mandate recycling of all entities in society; from individuals, to families/households, to businesses (both public/private). Everyone should be mandated to recycle all plastic, and do it correctly; without contaminating it- no food/liquids and no trash, no unreciclable items like straws, stirrers and no plastic bags in single-stream recycling bins. 
Seventh, hold corporations accountable for the harmful waste they produce. The oil/plastic and food industry should be responsible. They must work to reduce their waste (not just increasing their profits), otherwise they should pay more taxes- depending on the level of harmful waste that they produce. Therefore, corporations/industries/businesses and public entities (schools, hospitals, prisons, etc), should share in the responsibility of controlling/recycling their waste, by paying a carbon/plastic/Styrofoam tax. Governments must support/regulate them, so that solutions and alternative products, that are not harmful to the environment and all living things, will be found. Many US cities have already banned single-use plastic/Styrofoam products. California and many countries/cities in the European Union are prime examples of this sustainable model. We should study/imitate them and quickly implement the best methods and/or improve upon them. Communities/corporations' goals should be ZERO-WASTE.  
Eight, we must join forces and support environmental groups and organizations because these lobby our governments for us. Here are some of the effective/reliable ones I know- you can find them online; Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL), Earthjustice, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Oceana, Ocean Champions, The Climate Reality Project, National Geographic, and Sierra Club. Ninth, we must pray for our planet and for humanity, for peace, for tolerance, for social/environmental justice and love toward our planet and one another.

8.    Latest update, as of 5-26-19. According to The Guardian, on march 27, 2019, the European Parliament voted to ban single-use plastic cutlery, cotton buds, straws and stirrers as part of a sweeping law against plastic waste that despoils beaches and pollutes oceans.The vote by MEPs paves the way for a ban on single-use plastics to come into force by 2021 in all EU member states." To read the whole article, click on this link: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/mar/27/the-last-straw-european-parliament-votes-to-ban-single-use-plastics?fbclid=IwAR3LurgUFtQl1wNbkgoLE-GNMEfhnWTnaaGLuwJNIi3TEkAzhaVTHQSrNq8
 

9.     The information for this petition was extracted from: A Plastic Flood in an Ocean of Troubles.  What we Society Needs to do in order to Save our Planet (c) (c) Ottavio Lo Piccolo, 2018. Expected to be published by World Ocean Day, June 8, 2020, or sooner.

10. EARTH DAY & WORLD OCEAN DAY CELEBRATIONS AT OUR SCHOOLS, HOMES and WORK PLACES! Click on the links below to access educational/ activist activities for all:

b. This is the official UN site:
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/world+ocean+day+activities/FMfcgxwCggCNxgsvKvGKFtQpHGqsJLbW

c. This is to access my activities:
https://ottaviolopiccolo.blogspot.com/2019/02/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-x-none.html

d. This is an excellent video reportage in Italian and some in english, by the National Italian TV show Le Iene.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=435177533694005&id=416079542270471

 TO SIGN THIS PETITION
  "U.S. House of Representatives: All US GOV'TS (States, Counties, municipalities) MUST DECLARE PLASTIC HAZARDOUS TO THE ENVIRONMENT"
Our goal is to reach 1,500 signatures and we need more support. You can read more and sign the petition here: http://chng.it/XyMZHSh8Hz

Here are the habits which every individual should adopt in daily life

Ocean Pollution Solutions

• Reuse plastic if it is possible. Don’t use plastic materials like straws, lids, plastic cups and plastic containers. Carry your own utensils which should be made of wood, steel or any other materials.
• Avoid using plastic utensils.
• Visit your nearest restaurants and give them the advice not to use plastic.
• And give them an alternative which will be beneficial for them. Advise them to use ceramic coffee cups instead of using plastic cups.
• Use reusable coffee mugs, containers, bottles etc.
• Tell your nearest supermarket to avoid excessive plastic objects.
• Make a garment bag for your vegetables and fruits whenever you go for buying some vegetables and fruit use that bag instead of using plastic bags. Use that bag for a whole month before replacing it.
• Avoid such products which are wrapped in an excess amount of plastic.
• Also, you can take action for those companies which use an excess amount of plastic for wrapping products.
• Replace your plastic items of home with alternatives which are less harmful.
  
• Whenever you see plastic in nature, collect it and give it to your nearest plastic recycling company.
• Promote awareness of oceans pollution with your friends and family share this website with them so that they can take an action about this harmful pollution.
• Promote them by rallies or social awareness walk.
• Share videos and photos about oceans pollution on your social media.

Source: 12 Ocean Pollution Solutions That Helps to Save Marine Life https://renewableworld.net/ocean-pollution-solutions/

Articles on: BIOPLASTICS, and National Geographic: A RUNNING LIST OF ACTION ON PLASTIC POLLUTION. Find out how you can help reduce plastic and Styrofoam- two of the biggest polluters/poisons on the Earth. Sign two petitions (at the bottom) to save the coral reefs and Ban Plastic & Styrofoam.

For those of us who want to help our planet by reducing the threat of plastic and foam- I am sharing parts of two reports/articles;

The first one is titled: BIOPLASTICS. MADE FROM PLANTS & NATURAL MATERIALS from The Food Revolution Network
to read all of it logon to: 
https://foodrevolution.org/blog/single-use-plastics-problems/

And the second, from National Geographic is titled:  
A running list of action on plastic pollution. The world is waking up to a crisis of ocean plastic—and we're tracking the developments and solutions as they happen.
 to read all of it logon to:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2018/07/ocean-plastic-pollution-solutions/

1. BIOPLASTICS. MADE FROM PLANTS & NATURAL MATERIALS from The Food Revolution Network
https://foodrevolution.org/blog/single-use-plastics-problems/

It seems like plastic is almost everywhere. But it turns out to be hazardous to your health and your planet. Get the facts, and find out how you can take action to solve the plastic problem and cut back on your use of single-use plastics.

---

From bags to food containers to car parts, plastic is a significant part of our day-to-day lives. Global production of plastic has been nearly doubling every decade. But experts are becoming increasingly concerned about the impact of plastic on the environment — and on human health.
How harmful is plastic? And what about plastic bans? Do they work? Or are there better ways to tackle plastic pollution?
And what can you do as an individual to protect yourself from harm and to help solve the plastic problem?

Bioplastics are made from natural sources, including vegetable fats/oils, corn starch, straw, wood chips, and even food waste.

While bioplastics are typically considered more environmentally-friendly than traditional plastics, they aren’t a catch-all solution. Many still end up in landfills, and as more come on the market, there are issues with land use, proper disposal, and toxicity.

Researchers are currently working on bioplastics that are compostable, degradable in water (should they end up in the ocean), and non-toxic. Though promising solutions are in development (such as bioplastic straws made from avocado and bioplastic coffee cups made from potato starch, corn starch, and cellulose — the main component of plant cell walls), they aren’t yet widely available.

 

How Does Plastic Harm Human Health?

Research has found that many chemicals used in plastic production can cause health problems for humans.
Many plastics, for example, contain a chemical called bisphenol A, or BPA.When BPA is used in food or beverage containers, not all of the chemical gets sealed into the product. Some of it leaches out — especially when exposed to heat or sunlight. The primary source of human exposure to BPA is through packaged foods and drinks.
BPA is a known hormone disruptor and strongly linked to a number of diseases, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, cancer, infertility, low sperm count, liver problems, and ADHD.

 

What About BPA-Free Plastics?

As news started coming out about the dangers of BPA, many manufacturers began phasing this nasty chemical out of their products. At first, that seemed like a good thing.
But when the National Institutes of Health funded research on BPA-free plastics, researchers found that “almost all” commercially available plastics that were tested leached synthetic estrogens — even when the plastics weren’t exposed to conditions known to unlock potentially harmful chemicals, such as the heat of a microwave oven, the steam of a dishwasher, or the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
According to this NIH-funded study, some BPA-free plastic products released synthetic estrogens that were even more potent than BPA.
The bottom line: BPA plastics are dangerous to your health. And it seems likely that most BPA-free plastics offer little, if any, improvement.

 

And the second one- from National Geographic is titled:  
A running list of action on plastic pollution. The world is waking up to a crisis of ocean plastic—and we're tracking the developments and solutions as they happen.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2018/07/ocean-plastic-pollution-solutions/
(Note, in this site can enter your email and National Geographic will send you an app that will inspire/help you in reducing plastic waste)

National Geographic magazine devoted a special cover package to plastic in June 2018, and since then, the issue has received more attention from the media, public, and politicians the world over. Here, we track some of the developments around this important issue. We will update this article periodically as news develops.

250 groups launch massive global plastic partnership

October 29, 2018

Two hundred and fifty organizations responsible for 20 percent of the plastic packaging produced around the world have committed to reducing waste and pollution.
The initiative is called the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, and it includes a diverse group of members including the city of Austin, clothing company H&M, Unilever, PespsiCo, L'Oreal, Nestle, and Coca-Cola.
The Global Commitment touts a number of high-profile partnerships. It's a collaboration with the United Nations and is being led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Other partners include the World Wide Fund for Nature, the World Economic Forum, the Consumer Goods Forum, and 40 academic institutions.
Ultimately, it's working to promote a circular economy for plastic, a concept that entails reusing or repurposing plastic instead of letting it sit in a landfill. The shift would require building or improving collection and processing facilities, and five venture capital firms have pledged $200 million toward the initiative.

Recycling used items into new products is one of the three targets set by the commitment. Corporations joining the commitment must also phase out single-use plastic packaging and ensure it can either be reused, recycled, or composted by 2025.

“While elements of the EMF Global Commitment are moving in the right direction, the problem is that companies are given the flexibility to continue prioritizing recycling over reduction and reuse,” said Ahmad Ashov from Greenpeace Indonesia in a press release. “Corporations are not required to set actual targets to reduce the total amount of single-use plastics they are churning out.”

Every 18 months, the targets will be reviewed, and participating businesses must publish data on their progress each year.

Governments that join the commitment are pledging to create policies that help support a circular economy.



1. PETITION with ChangeOrg - By Ottavio Lo Piccolo
Gov’ts Must Declare Plastic & Styrofoam Hazardous when Released in the Environment, (to be sent to US House of Representatives, Pr. Trump, $ NY State)
https://www.change.org/p/u-s-house-of-representatives-gov-ts-must-declare-plastic-hazardous-to-the-environment?recruiter=325200390&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=share_petition&recruited_by_id=54a6e9f0-1830-11e5-884c-937dd35c0cf5&utm_content=fht-14429985-en-us%3Av6
(Note, if the link doesn’t work, just copy and paste the title of the petition into the search box at www.change.org)

2. Action Alert: Petition to Help Protect Coral Reefs- SIGN THE PETITION TO SAVE THEM!  At:
 https://www.earthday.org/2019/03/15/action-alert-petition-to-help-protect-coral-reefs/

Around the world, coral reefs are in danger. These fascinating organisms, which provide habitat for thousands of other species and help support global industries with a value totaling as much as $9.9 trillion, are under attack. With their existence threatened by rising ocean temperatures, ocean acidification, chemical pollution, and damage from human contact, coral reefs need your help!
 
Here’s what you can do to help protect coral reefs. Buy and use only oxybenzone and octinoxate-free sunscreens and sign our petition urging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to remove these chemicals from sunscreens. The FDA has issued a proposed rule that would update regulatory requirements for most sunscreen products in the United States and is seeking public comment until May 28, 2019.

Extended exposure to the sun’s rays can be harmful, which is why wearing sunscreen is so important. Equally as important is making sure that the sunscreens we are wearing are not harming the outdoor environment we enjoy. That is why it is essential we demand access to sunscreen that is free of the coral-killing oxybenzone and octinoxate.

The Environmental Working Group has found that both ingredients are found in nearly 65% of non-mineral sunscreens. Consumers have the right to protect themselves and their children from the sun without causing harm to the outdoor environment.
For this reason, Earth Day Network is asking you to sign this petition urging the FDA to remove oxybenzone and octinoxate from sunscreens.

EARTH… THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL.
An Earth Day Lesson, by Ottavio Lo Piccolo
ENL (English as a New Language) Teacher 

Last updated pdated 1-21-23

Italian version: 
LA TERRA ... IL REGALO PIÙ GRANDE. Una lezione sulla Giornata della Terra, di Ottavio Lo Piccolo. Insegnante d'inglese (negli USA). 
(Aggiornata: 21-1-23)

A view from Torretta, the town where I grew up in Sicily, near Palermo, southern Italy.
Veduta da Torretta.

A. Suggestions for Teaching this Lesson.
INTRO. Begin this lesson by asking your students (Ss) the first 3 (of the 4 EQs, Essential Questions)- that are written on a K-W-H-L chart, as shown here below in item "a."

A. Suggerimenti per insegnare questa lezione.
INTRO. Inizia questa lezione chiedendo ai tuoi studenti le prime 3 delle 4 D.E. (o Domande Essenziali) - che sono scritti su un foglio di carta (il grafico K-W-H-L, ovvero:cosa Sai, cosa Vuoi sapere, Come imparerai, e infine Cosa hai Imparato della Terra), che sono qui sotto nella voce "a".

a. The K-W-H-L Essential Questions;
1. What do you know about Earth Day? I know that...

2. What do you want to know about it? I want to know why...
3. How will you learn about earth Day?  I will learn by...
4.  What did you learn from this lesson on Earth Day? I learned that...  (Note, this question will be answered at the end of this lesson/unit)

a. Domande essenziali S-V-C-I;
1. Che cosa sai della Giornata della Terra? So che...
2. Cosa vuoi sapere a riguardo? Voglio sapere perché...
3. Come imparerai sulla Giornata della Terra? Potrò imparare da
4. Che cosa hai imparato da questa lezione sulla Giornata della Terra? Ho imparato che...  
(Nota, la quarta domanda verrà risposta alla fine di questa lezione).

b. Procedure
1. Ss answer and write their responses on their individual 8 & 1/2" x11" K-W-H-L chart, and for those students (Ss) who do not know how to write- the T can write the Ss responses on the board- on large chart paper- and Ss can then copy then on their chart. When necessary, support those students who need help in writing. 

2. After Ss finish writing their responses on the chart, they will read their answer back to the T (teacher).

3.  Post the 8 EQs (listed below in item H) in your classroom/hallway- so that students can review/learn and/or get familiar with the answers/topics.

3a. Optional: copy/post/display the above 4 questions, and all the student's answers (under each individual question) on a poster, or on the board.

Note: The 4 K-W-H-L questions can be used also as a quiz/review at the end of the unit, and/or to play games.  

Remember to;
a. Reward students on their good performance/behavior/attitude. 

b. Support/Help as needed (more/often) those who struggle with the English language (reading/writing/speaking/listening).  

c. Be positive/kind, and paraphrase when students make mistakes (repeat correctly what the student says- as not to embarrass/put him/her down).
d. After the K-W-H-L chart begin developing the student's background knowledge  (what they know of the subject)- so that they can become familiar with it, hence they will be able to discuss/talk, think, write, and/or create something they like (a book, poster, artwork, survey, etc.).  

How do we develop/increase the students' (Ss) Background knowledge? We can develop it in many ways;

a. Watching/discussing  a documentary movie like the ones listed below (Disney earth/oceans, Blue Planet, etc.)

b. Reading/discussing a book/magazine article, or parts I, II, and III listed below.

c. Review/discuss the EQs, and the Essential Questions below

d. Going on field trips

e. Doing/holding a park/beach clean up day

f. Inviting a speaker who is an expert in this topic, etc. 

g. Writing essays and/or making artwork

h. Applying the 4Rs in our class/school, at home and everywhere!!

i. Enter Earth & World Ocean Day Contests!

1.  NY STATE Earth Day Contest 2021 

Show Senator Peter Oberacker how to Reduce, Reuse & Recycle to explore & save the Earth!

Trash is so much more than garbage. How can you re-imagine it for a better future?

Note, any other topic related to earth Day will also be accepted!

Submit your essay, poetry, or artwork to our online Earth Day Showcase. All entries must be electronically sent by 4-19-21

to: oberaker.nysenate.gov

Below: Manhattan. Acrylic painting by Ottavio Lo Piccolo, 1976.
In basso: Manattan. Acrilico su tela.

© Copyright Ottavio Lo Piccolo. All rights reserved. No part of this lesson  and artworks, may be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the authors’ written permission. Classroom teachers may copy/reproduce this lesson, and images, and/or parts of them, but only for instructional purposes, and only for their classroom students. For permissions to publish contact me at ottaviolopiccolo5@gmail.com and explain in writing what you intend to do with my writings. THANK YOU!

ANSWER/DISCUSS (talk about) THESE EQs, ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS WITH YOUR TEACHER and/or classmates.

1.     What is Earth? And is it a place to exploit and/or to love and care?

2.     What is Earth Day? And why do many people celebrate it?

3.     Do you love and care for the earth? Why? What do you do?

4.     Do you agree that the earth is a precious gift to mankind? Why? Why not?

5.     What does the earth give us humans?

6.     What can we do to save it from our neglect? Our pollution and abuse?

7.     What do you promise to do, in order to keep Earth clean?

8.     Do you agree that everyday should be Earth day? Why? Why not?

9.     Do you have any ideas on how we could remind/encourage people to celebrate Earth day every day? By keeping it safe, clean, and healthy?

10. What are the things that harm (hurt) planet Earth?

11. How can we, all of us; individuals, business, communities, corporations, and government agencies protect  our planet from the threats (dangers) of pollution?

12. What will you as an individual do to protect the Earth from the threats of pollution? 

b. Procedura (per insegnare questa lezione) 
1. Gli studenti rispondono e scrivono le loro risposte, sul loro foglio di carta (il graphico K-W-H-L, con le 4 domande S-V-C-I, ovvero cosa sai, cosa vuoi sapere, come imparerai, e cosa hai imparato). Se ci sono studenti che non sanno scrivere- l'insegnante scrive le loro risposte sulla lavagna - in modo che e gli studenti (che non sanno scrivere da soli)-possano copiare le risposte sul foglio o il loro graphico. Ricordiamoci di sostenere/assistere di piu' quei studenti che hanno bisogno di aiuto in questa attivita'.

2. Dopo che hanno finito di scrivere le loro risposte, gli studenti (uno alla volta) leggono la loro risposta all'insegnante.

3. Esporre le 8 DE, ovvero le domande centrali/essenziali, della lezione, (elencati sotto nell'elemento H) nella tua classe o nel corridoio - in modo che gli studenti possano rivederli e quindi ripassare le risposte.
Alcuni esempii di risposte date da alcuni studenti:
1. Che cosa sai della Giornata della Terra?  
So che in questo giorno ci sono tante manifestazioni.
In questo giorno la gente pulishe i parchi, spiagge, vicinati, ecc.
2. Cosa vuoi sapere a riguardo?  
Voglio sapere perché la gente non recicla.
Vorrei sapere quando hanno iniziato a celebrare la giornata della terra.
3. Come imparerai sulla Giornata della Terra?  
Potrò imparare dalla TV, dai libri e dalle riviste.
Potrei imparare leggendo una rivista.
4. Che cosa hai imparato da questa lezione sulla Giornata della Terra?  
Ho imparato che tutti dobbiamo collaborare per salvare la terra.
Ho imparato che c'e anche una giornata dedicata agli oceani, l'8 di giugno.
(Nota, la quarta domanda verrà risposta alla fine della lezione).

3a. Facoltativo: esporre, le 4 domande precedenti (S-V-C-I) e tutte le risposte degli studenti (sotto ogni singola domanda), su un poster o sulla lavagna- in modo che gli studenti possano ripassarle.

Nota: le 4 domande S-V-C-I possono essere utilizzate anche come quiz/ripasso, o gioco/gara fra gli alunni- chi sa' piu' vince.

Ricordati di;
a. Premiare gli studenti sulla loro buona prestazione / comportamento / atteggiamento. 
b. Dai supporto / aiuto se necessario (più spesso) a coloro che hanno difficoltà con la lingua inglese/Italiana (su tutte le modalita': lettura / scrittura / conversazione / ascolto).

c. Sii positivo / gentile e non dimenticare di ripetere (paraphrasare) quando gli studenti commettono errori (cioe' di ripetere correttamente quello che dice lo studente) per non imbarazzarlo e/o umiliarlo.

d. Dopo aver completato/risposto alle prime 3 domande del grafico S-V-C-I, inizia a sviluppare le conoscenze di base dello studente; informandoli per imparare di piu' sull'argomento- ovvero la Terra - in modo che possano familiarizzarsi con essa, quindi saranno in grado di discutere / parlare, pensare, scrivere e / o creare qualcosa che gli piace, come per esempio un libro, un poster, o arte, come un disegno, o un poster, e/o fare un sondaggio, ecc.

La conoscenza di base può essere sviluppata in molti modi; guardando un film documentario, leggendo / discutendo un libro / articoli di una rivista, andando in gita, invitando un oratore esperto in questo argomento, ecc.

B. WRITING
EARTH DAY. WHAT IS IT? WHY CELEBRATE IT?
Begin by asking your Ss that you're going to reading a book on Earth Day and/or watch a documentary (as the one below). I have provided a list of books down below, at the bottom of this post you may find books on earth Day from your local school/community library).

Or read and discuss parts I, II, and III below; 

A. What is Earth Day?    Part I

B.  WHAT THINGS HARM (damage) EARTH? Part II

C.  WHAT THINGS HARM (damage) EARTH?_Part III

Note, before showing the film: DisneyEarth!! Begin by introducing it- tell the Ss what this documentary movie is about. Read the summary here below. This is a great film. Ss will love it!

Summary Disneynature Earth. Documentary- Released in 2007 (90 min.). 
An entertaining/educational film that will teach students/people of all ages about the beauty of Earth, hence it is appropriate/perfect for Earth Day! Adults and children of all ages will enjoy it. I did! And so my students. 

This is a global journey, which reveals how animal mothers struggle to raise their young in an increasingly dangerous environment. In the Arctic, a polar bear and her two newborn cubs must find food across the quickly melting ice. In Africa, an elephant and her calf begin an arduous journey in search of water, but a pride of lions guards the pool. A humpback whale must keep its calf safe over thousands of miles as they migrate from the equator to Antarctica. Released: Oct.10, 2007. It is narrated by: Patrick Stewart (British release).

B. COMPITO SCRITTO: GIORNO DELLA TERRA. 

CHE COS'È? PERCHÉ FESTEGGIARLO?
Inizia dicendo ai tuoi studenti che leggerete un libro sulla Giornata della Terra, oppure che guarderete un documentario (come quello qui sotto; DisneyEarth). Per libri sulla Giornata della Terra- cercateli nelle vostre scuole, biblioteca locali, e/o librerie nella comunità).

Prima di mostrare il film: DisneyEarth !! Inizia con un'introduzione: puoi leggere e/o discutere la spiegazione (sotto) di DisneyEarth !! Questo è un grande film. E' piaciuto a tutti i miei studenti!

Riepilogo Disneynature Earth. Uscito nel 2007 (90 minuti- per tutte le eta').
Un film divertente/educativo che mostrerà a studenti, e persone di tutte le età, la bellezza della Terra. Un documentario adatto/perfetto per la Giornata della Terra! Adulti e i bambini di tutte le età lo apprezzeranno. Questo è un viaggio globale, che rivela come le madri degli animali lottano per crescere i loro figli in un ambiente sempre più pericoloso. Nell'Artico, un orso polare e i suoi due cuccioli appena nati, devono trovare cibo sui ghiacci che si sciogliono rapidamente. In Africa, un elefante e il suo piccolo iniziano un arduo viaggio alla ricerca dell'acqua, ma un branco di leoni si trovano vicini ad attaccarli. Una balena deve mantenere il suo piccolo al sicuro per migliaia di miglia mentre migrano dall'equatore all'Antartide. Uscito il 10 ottobre 2007. È narrato da: Patrick Stewart.

Earth- Official Movie Trailer (watch in HD! 2.10 minutes)- US version, narrated by James Earl Jones. Click on the link to watch it  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeacjOkLjZ0

Click on the link below to watch the full BBC version of this excellent documentary
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43TLOX_0XAI
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My answer to the 1st EQ; 

What is Earth Day & why do people all over the world celebrate Earth day?     

A.     What is Earth Day?            Part # I (1)

1.         It is a day that is celebrated on April 22^nd. On this day we celebrate and appreciate our planet; we remember to treat it well and we do certain things that help it stay clean, healthy, and safe for all living things. For example, on this day, we may clean an area in our neighborhood, a road, and/or a park that is filthy with trash.  These activities will help keep our communities and our planet clean and safe from pollution and other dangers or threats.

2.        Earth day is also a day when people plant trees and gardens, clean parks, and write their government to remind them to protect the environment, the land, the water, and the air. Another name for the environment is nature. We must take care of nature because it gives us all we need to survive. Earth provides us with life! It gives us food, air, water, animals, and many beautiful places! Many wonderful plants and animals! Will you promise to take care of it for the rest of your life? Will you pledge (promise) to be kind to the earth and all living things?

3.      In schools, many teachers and students learn about this day and how they can prevent planet Earth from being harmed (hurt, destroyed) with poisonous and dangerous chemicals and other forms of pollution that are ruining our planet at this time; as CO2 emissions- these are the gasses that come out of auto vehicles (cars, trucks, etc. also from airplanes, trains and boats/ships), and plastic trash- our single- use plastic; items like plastic bags, dishes, straws silverware, swabs (also known as q-tips), dental picks, felt tip markers, disposable razors and many more, in addition to  Styrofoam containers and packaging- these are littering (trashing, dirtying, polluting) the oceans of the world.

B.  WHAT THINGS HARM (damage) EARTH?_Part II

1.         Our planet faces many threats (dangers) that are manmade- created by humanity. The first most dangerous threat is nuclear war, and the second threat is pollution from several sources; CO2 emissions (smog from auto vehicles and factories), herbicides (plant killers) and pesticides (bug/insect killers), single-use plastic trash (things we use once, and then we throw away plastic bags, bottles), and third is deforestation the cutting down of forests.

2.        There is so much plastic pollution in the world because the USA, and many other countries, do not recycle enough; farmers use harmful (damaging) chemicals to grow their crops, people throw their plastic waste in the trash, and some even throw it outside, in the environment, on the ground or in the sea. In fact, 79% of plastic waste (trash, litter, garbage) is accumulating (going) in landfills (dumps)- and as it sits (stays) in the natural environment, it contaminates (poisons, spoils) the soil and water sources, our drinking water. Lots of this plastic waste gets transported (carried, moved) to the sea by the wind, sewer systems, and water bodies; creeks, and rivers. In addition to microplastics (tiny pieces of plastic, 1/5 of an inch) are also released from motor vehicle tires, which get washed into the oceans- by rain- into the sewer system! And microplastics from electric clothes washers/driers when they wash/dry synthetic clothes (made with polyester/plastic fibers)!

3.        No wonder why scientists are continuously (constantly, always) warning us. They tell us that if present trends continue, by 2050, there will be 8 billion metric tons of plastic in the oceans! This means that every minute that passes, the equivalent of rubbish (trash, garbage) truck full goes into the world’s oceans! This pollution is poisoning our drinking water and killing millions of marine (ocean) animals. 

4.        So, it is evident, that everyone, me, you, our families, businesses, corporations, and governments must reduce and eventually stop this enormous (huge, very big) amount of waste that is filling and destroying our planet earth. 

For more info on climate change visit/click on the link below by NASA: The Effects of Climate Change https://climate.nasa.gov/effects/

C. HOW CAN WE PROTECT THE EARTH? Part III We can all protect Earth and keep it clean and safe if we do at least some of the following things;

1. All of us must apply the 7Rs (at home, at work, and everywhere 24/7). The 7Rs are Respect, Responsibility, Renovation, Reduce, Reuse, Refuse and Recycle. Refuse means not purchasing and/or using all kinds of products 5hat can harm our planet, such as Styrofoam/plastic packaging, cups, containers, and single-use products like plastic bags, bottles, cups, straws, coffee stirrers, and swabs (q-tips). We can replace these with biodegradable products; those made from natural materials (such as wood/paper, cotton, wool, etc.). We must also reuse durable products (made of metal, ceramic, wood, and cloth fibers), and begin using clean renewable energies from the sun, the wind, and the ocean. Second, we must boycott (stop using/buying) plastic/Styrofoam single-use products and disposable products like cigarette lighters, markers, disposable razors, etc.- and replace these items with ones that are degradable and/or long-lasting, made from natural materials/fibers like paper, wood, metals and also from food, as edible cutlery (silverware/dishes, etc).- because natural products do not harm the Earth. Society must gradually and quickly change the linear economy- the one we have now, which makes/produces products that end up in the trash; to a circular economy, one that is sustainable (free of waste and non-polluting)- where products get recycled, re-used, hence re-entered into the economy- therefore reducing waste, making a profit and keeping the environment clean because one other objects in a circular economy are reaching the goal of zero-waste- producing no trash at all!

2.      Therefore, it is important that we also take care of nature because it gives us all we need to survive. Earth provides us with life! With everything we need to survive and enjoy too! It gives us food, air, and water! And many beautiful places, myriad of (lots of) plants, and many species (types) of animals! 

3.      So, will you pledge (promise) to take care of planet Earth for the rest of your life? Will you pledge to be kind to the earth and all living things? If you do so, it'll be an act of love- because to love something/someone- we must show it with our actions and our sacrifice- even a small sacrifice is an act of love. We will show the world that you really care for our beautiful, unique (only one), and precious (valuable) planet Earth, our only home when we stop polluting it and treating all living things with care/respect/compassion.

4.      I truly hope that you too will become a friend of the earth? Will you become a POPE! A Protector Of Planet Earth! And that you will kindly lead others to do the same.

EARTH DAY VIDEOS

Below is a list with links to Videos & Movie trailers (short videos, 4-15 minutes). I invite you to watch some of them and learn more about the effects (results) and devastation (destruction and harm) that plastic waste is doing to our oceans. Also, if you can, view some of the films listed at the end of this lesson. 

 

Documentary Movies

1.     A Plastic Ocean - Trailer (2:09 min) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zrn4-FfbXw

2.     Plastic Paradise. The GREAT Pacific Garbage Patch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf5JI0b1L7k\

 

3.     Plastic Oceans | What is the impact of pollution in the sea?  12 minutes. ABC Science, 2012. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwTDvqaqPlM Oceans are silently choking on our plastic waste. 

Videos on the threat of ocean plastic pollution and solutions

1.     How does plastic end up in our oceans? (1.2 min) Aug 24, 2017 By Greenpeace

https://youtu.be/Our5CZz5qoU

A truckload of plastic is entering our oceans every single minute. But how does it get into the sea? Find out by watching this fascinating video. If we act together - we can hold governments and corporations to account and stop our oceans from becoming dumping grounds for plastic. Pledge to end ocean plastics now: http://act.gp/2x4oahV

 

2.     The effects of ocean pollution (1.5 min) Aug 6, 2016, by Project Seavax

https://youtu.be/ZqTTSVM5TCo

 

3.   Are You Eating Plastic for Dinner? | Short Film Showcase (4.4 min)

Oct 23, 2014      https://youtu.be/FjT8GG0ETQg

 

4.     POWERFUL VIDEO: Why We Need to Stop Plastic Pollution in Our Oceans FOR GOOD | Oceana (4 min) Oct 9, 2019 https://youtu.be/Yomf5pBN8dY

5. Ocean Pollution - Save Our Marine Life (4 min) - https://youtu.be/l3XGUnjDRUQ

6.  How We Can Keep Plastics Out of Our Ocean | National Geographic (3 min.)

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQTUWK7CM-Y&t=30s

 

7. How to Save Our Planet (8.3 min) by Apr 5, 2019, by WWF International

https://youtu.be/0Puv0Pss33

It’s simple. Sir David Attenborough explains how humans can take charge of our future and save our planet. What is Our Planet? A Netflix original documentary series and groundbreaking collaboration between WWF, Netflix, and Silverback Films, Our Planet showcases the world's natural wonders, iconic species, and wildlife spectacles that still remain. We are all a part of this amazing planet, but we're changing it like never before. Discover the story of the one place we all call home. Watch Our Planet on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/ourplanet

 C1. TERMS EXPLAINED- Earth Day Lesson

a. Nuclear war. Humanity could destroy Earth many times over because many countries have too many nuclear weapons; bombs, missiles, rockets, and airplanes that can deliver unimaginable destructive power.

b. High levels of CO2 emissions. This is pollution or smog that comes from fossil fuels, (coal, gasoline oil, and methane gas- that are used in auto vehicles (cars, trucks, vans, SVs, motorcycles, etc.) and factories. CO2 emissions damage (harm) the Earth, and our environment (air, soil, and water). They cause the acidification of the oceans and the rising of the temperature in the water, which damage the ocean ecosystem (its area, its animals, and plants) and it also causes unpredictable (unstable, crazy) weather patterns all over the world. The rising of the temperature in the oceans causes: flash (quick/destructive) floods, droughts (no rainwater), heat waves, forest fires, melting of the poles, and the world’s glaciers. In turn, this melting causes the rising of sea level.

c. Deforestation, the cutting down of forests, is also another problem; wild animals are dying and running out of space, they come in closer contact with domestic animals and humans, hence they transmit viruses, like the covid19- which came from bats to pigs and to people.

d. Herbicides (plant killers) and pesticides (bug/insect killers) - chemicals- that farmers use to grow and control their crops. These chemicals have killed millions of bees and polluted the soil (earth), creeks, rivers, lakes, and oceans. In addition to our drinking water, these chemicals, when released (freed, let go), in the environment, make people and animals sick with cancer.

e. Single-use plastic trash- the things we use once, and then throw away- like plastic bags, bottles, silverware, cups, lids/caps, straws, dishes, swabs (or q-tips), dental picks, food containers, balloons and disposable items, cigarette lighters, markers, razors and more.

f. Disposable products are things like cigarette lighters, markers, disposable razors, etc. - They must be replaced because they create lots of waste that pollute and contaminate the Earth.

 g. Degradable products are usually also long-lasting, they last a long time, and they are made from natural materials/fibers like paper, wood, and metals and also from food, such as edible cutlery (silverware/dishes, etc.).- because they are natural products and do not harm the Earth.

h. The linear economy- is the type we have now in most places- this economy (or way of creating things and labor or work) makes products that eventually end up in the trash.

i. The circular economy, is sustainable (free of waste and non-polluting)- where products get recycled, re-used, and hence re-entered into the economy- therefore reducing waste, making a profit, and keeping the environment clean too!

j. Zero-waste means producing no trash at all!

k. Neglect means to abandon, to leave alone, to disregard, to be disinterested in something and/or someone. We have neglected our planet in the last 60-100 years! It’s about time we change our attitude and course!

k. Micro plastic are tiny plastic fragments (1/5 of an inch) that break up from the plastic trash that has been sitting in the soil and/or floating in the oceans for years. Microplastics are also released from motor vehicle tires and from electric clothes washers/driers when they wash/dry synthetic clothes (made with polyester/plastic fibers)! They get washed into the oceans- by rain and the sewer system!

l. Microbeads are also very small pieces of plastic that are in polyester clothes and also in some toothpaste and women’s cosmetics (make-up)- luckily, many countries have banned microbeads from toothpaste and cosmetics. That is why it’s a good idea not to wash polyester clothes in hot water and also avoid putting them in electric driers for a long because the microbeads get blown into the air. Drying clothes in the sun or in an empty room is a lot safer and cheaper too! 

La mia risposta al prima DE, domannda centrale/essenziale; 

Cos'è la Giornata della Terra e perché la gente in tutto il mondo celebra la Giornata della Terra?

1. Earth Day è un giorno che si celebra il 22 aprile. In questo giorno noi - l'umanità - tante persone nel mondo, celebrano e apprezzano (siamo grati) il nostro pianeta. In questo giorno le persone ricordano a tutti di trattare bene la Terra, ma asnche ogni giorno! E fanno certe cose che aiutano il nostro pianeta a rimanere pulito, sano e al sicuro per tutti gli esseri viventi.

2. Ad esempio, in questo giorno, alcune persone hanno un cleaning party! Una festa di pulizia! Puliscono un'area del loro vicinato, una strada, una spiaggia, i attorno la loro scuola! E/o un parco pieno di spazzatura. Quindi, in questo giorno le persone cercano di mantenere il nostro pianeta pulito e al sicuro da inquinamento e altri pericoli.

3. Il giorno della terra è anche un giorno in cui le persone piantano alberi e scrivono i loro capi di governo, e ricordano loro di proteggere l'ambiente, la terra, l'acqua e l'aria- l'ambiente, la natura.

4. Nelle scuole, molti insegnanti e studenti parlano di questo giorno e come possono proteggere il pianeta Terra di essere danneggiato con sostanze chimiche velenose e pericolose e altre forme di inquinamento che stanno rovinando il nostro pianeta in questo momento; come emissioni di CO2: questi sono i gas che escono dai veicoli automobilistici (auto, camion, ecc.) e dai rifiuti di plastica: la nostra plastica monouso; articoli come sacchetti di plastica, piatti, posate, cannucce, q-tips, pennarelli, rasoi usa e getta e molti altri, e anche contenitori e imballaggi di polistirolo: questi sono rifiuti (spazzatura, sporcizia, inquinamento) degli oceani del mondo.

5. Allora, è importante anche che ci prendiamo cura della natura perché ci dà tutto ciò di cui abbiamo bisogno per sopravvivere. La terra ci fornisce la vita! Con tutto! Ci dà cibo, aria e acqua! E molte belle piante e animali!

6. Quindi, prometterai di prendersi cura del pianeta Terra per il resto della tua vita? T'impegnerai ad essere gentile con la terra e tutti gli esseri viventi? Se lo fai, sarà un atto d'amore - perché se veramente amiamo qualcuno o qualcosa- dobbiamo mostrarlo con le nostre azioni e il nostro sacrificio - anche un piccolo sacrificio è un'atto d'amore. Mostreremo al mondo che c'interessa veramente il nostro bellissimo, unico e prezioso pianeta Terra? La nostra unica casa! Smetteremo di inquinarlo e tratteremo tutti gli esseri viventi con cura, rispetto e compassione?

7. Spero davvero che anche tu diventi un POPE! Un Protettore Of Planet Earth- del Pianeta Terra! E che indurrai, gentilmente, gli altri a fare lo stesso.

_________________________________________

Above: Flowers in the City. Acrylic painting. (c) Ottavio Lo Piccolo, 1979.

Fiori nella Citta'

C. STUDENTS' ACTIVITIES- MAKING SOMETHING!
1. Have students make;

a. Books, artworks, posters, 

b. Write paragraphs and/or essays. 

Those who are not up to the task (of writing essays/paragraphs)- could:

c. Write sentences (for those students who aren't yet ready to write because of age/grade/skill level, as those in k-1st grade and/or new ENL Ss, as new learners of English). However, those students (Ss) who are fluent (can speak)- they can tell/discuss their ideas/sentences- and the teacher can write them down, and finally, Ss can copy and/or trace their sentences. 

d. Students can also practice writing/reading by writing captions for their pictures (on their posters/books, etc.), writing about the Earth, or the oceans; on the topics and/or animals that they like and/or want to learn more about. 

e. After they finish their product, have students present their projects to the class, post their works in the classroom/hallway for a while, and then they can take it home, and show it to their parents and friend! Be proud of their accomplishments- encourage/praise them. And they (and you too) will succeed, but most of all, they'll love what they're doing/creating in your classroom! And they'll come back for more!
______________________________________________________________________

Plastic Oceans has

 two feature films coming in 2021! The first, Against the Current, has just finished post-production. It tells the story of

Sarah Ferguson - Endurance Athlete

's an attempt at a human-first swim around Rapa Nui (Easter Island), all to raise awareness about plastic pollution. Here's the first look! Visit webpage here: https://plasticoceans.org/against-the-current/?fbclid=IwAR3D-lyKhVDDUALOiJON2-5KjR07cdFlHc9ORlASFgZIQONrgqIYNgRpqWo 

NYS EARTH DAY ARTWORK / ESSAY CONTEST! Students write an essay and/or make an illustration and 

Show Senator Peter Oberacker how to Reduce, Reuse & Recycle to explore & save the Earth!

Trash is so much more than garbage. How can you re-imagine it for a better future?

Submit your essay, poetry, or artwork to our online Earth Day Showcase. All entries must be electronically sent by 4-19-21

to: oberaker.nysenate.gov

PS, 

any topic related to Earth Day will be accepted.

_______________________________________________________________

D. Discuss the vocabulary words below (from the documentary movie Disney nature Earth) with your teacher, before and/or after watching this fun/educational documentary. You can talk/discuss/explain these vocabulary words- from this movie- prior to showing the movie, and then review it, and give the student a  quiz to challenge them.


Directions. Answer the following questions/sentences (based on the movie Earth, by Disney) by circling/underlining or highlighting the correct letter/s.

Example: The Earth is a livable...    a. star     b. meteor     c. planet

D. Discuti il vocabolario sulla Terra e sulla sostenibilita', dopo aver visto il documentario: DisneyEarth. Questo si puo' fare prima o dopo aver visto il documentario. Queste domande possono essere usate come quiz alla fine della lezione.

Indicazioni. Rispondi alle seguenti domande / frasi (basate sul film Earth, di Disney) facendo circolare / sottolineando le lettere corrette.

1.    Earth is a perfect livable planet because (circle/underline or highlight, all the correct choices, and cross out the wrong words);
 It is...
    a.  too far from the sun
    b. too near to the sun,    
    c. at a perfect distance from the sun.
    d. at a perfect distance from Mars.
_____________________________________________________________________

2.    The earth is the only planet that we know of, which has…
        a.    Bear, air, fair,        
        b.    oxygen, air, food, water, animals, and beauty
        c.    Origin, and oregano
        d.    Water, beer, whisky, risky
__________________________________________________________________   

3.   What’s the angle of the earth in relation to the sun, called?
                                              The…        a. weather        b. tilt        c. quilt
_______________________________________________________________________

4. What factor (or thing), about the earth is responsible for making the seasons?
                                            The…        a. tilt        b. quit    c. oceans
_____________________________________________________________________

5.    To coax means to…  
                                  a. call, encourage        b. yell at, discourage

My mom always coaxes me with loving words as these: "Honey, would you please do this for me? Or, "Come here my son!"
________________________________________________________________________

6.  Animals like raccoons, or hungry people, who scavenge for food…
       a. eat the left overs of other animals and/or they may steal it
                                  b.    Hunt for their own food   

As a child I used to scavenge sausage and cheese! How about you? Did you scavenge too?
________________________________________________________________________

7.    A migration is a…    a. staying in one place all the time    
          b. moving to a different area of the world, and/or region
________________________________________________________________________

8.  To migrate is a…           a. movement, hence a verb   
                                       b. noun, something you can touch/feel
 ________________________________________________________________________

9. Game herds are a group of…        a. people          
                                                             b. wild, domestic animals
___________________________________________________________________________

10. Ferocious winds are very…        a. weak, not too strong
                                                 b. strong, devastating, very strong
__________________________________________________________________________

11. Fertile or lush lands are very…     
                      a. productive, filled with lively green plants
                     c.    Unproductive with very few plants
___________________________________________________________________________

12.    The rain forests are at the…    a. bottom and top- at the poles                                        b. middle of the earth- at the tropics
__________________________________________________

13.    In the rain forests it…     
        a. never rains, the days are cold, and it has different seasons.   

        b. it rains every day, it is warm and humid,  night and day are                 both 12 hours long, and has no different seasons.
___________________________________________________

14.    A quest is a…      a. hiding    b. searching for something,                                              c. not doing nothing
_________________________________________________________________________

15.    PREDATORS are animals that…    a. enjoy    b. kill        

                                                        other animals for food.
_________________________________________________

16.    A PREY is an animal that is…    a. killed, a victim    

                                    b. saved         c. prays to God 

____________________________________________________________________________

17.    Someone or something that DOMINATES is very…   
                              a. strong/important   
                             b.    insignificant, not important and weak
__________________________________________________

18.    To Protect means to…  a.  defend, support, encourage                                                b. destroy, poison, kill
__________________________________________________  

19.    To Reduce means to…            a.  increase or use more        
                                                           b.  use less
________________________________________________

20.    To pollute means to make our planet…    
            a. clean, healthy         b. dirty, filthy, unhealthy
___________________________________________________________________________

21.    Renewable/clean energy is energy that is..   
               a. clean, pure, healthy       
               b. dirty, filthy, unhealthy                   for our planet.
__________________________________________________

22.    Renewable/clean energy comes from…   a. Planet Mars                                                                                   b. space
                c. nature, like the sun, the earth (geothermal energy), 

                         the wind and the ocean’s waves.
__________________________________________________

23.    Fossil fuels pollute…    a. less, a little     b. more, a lot, much         than any other type of energy.
___________________________________________________

24.    To keep a low carbon footprint we have to use…    
                                a. more    b. less          products and energy.
__________________________________________________

25.  Single-use plastic is plastic that we use…        
                   a. over and over, or for a long time       b. only once
__________________________________________________

26.  Something that is durable is…   a. weak     b. safe     

                                                                    c. strong                                                                          and can be reused over.
_____________________________________________________________________________

27.   Something that is reusable, means that it…     
                                       a.  can be used over and over again   
                                       b. can never be used
__________________________________________________

28.  Our duty is another words for our…    a. money, property   
                     b. work, responsibility,      the things we must do.
__________________________________________________

29.  To inform means to give/pass…    a. money, food    
                                           b. information and/or knowledge
__________________________________________________

30. The environment is another name for…    
                                   a. Earth, land, water and air, and nature        
                                   b. Moon          c. universe
_________________________________________________

31.  Plastic pollution is…   a. clean         b. dirty, poisoned  
                                                environment- soil, water & air.
__________________________________________________

32.    A threat is a…        a. safe and healthy     
                                b. dangerous and unhealthy          condition.
____________________________________________________________________________

33.    Federal political leaders work at the…    
        a. State assembly and the Governor
        b. federal level; in Washington DC with the President, in                       Congress- they are senators and congressmen/women.
___________________________________________________________________________

34.     To enforce means to…        a. apply and follow       
                                                        b. let it go and do nothing
________________________________________________

35.    To pledge means to…        a. give, offer        
                                               b. receive, get    c. promise
________________________________________________

36.    To be indifferent means to be…    a. caring, interested   
                                                            b. uncaring, uninterested
__________________________________________________

37.    To be concerned means…  a. to inform oneself and care                                                           b. not to care and find out
__________________________________________________

38. The northern Hemisphere is the...    a. top half        
                                                    b. bottom half          of the Earth.
_________________________________________________

39.  The southern Hemisphere is the...       a. top half        
                                                     b. bottom half          of the Earth.
____________________________________________________________________________

40. The center of the earth is...     a. cold and dry- no rain           
                                                         b. hot and rainy
___________________________________________________

41. The imaginary line at the center of the Earth is called...                       a. numerator      b. arctic circle         c. equator
__________________________________________________

42. An imaginary line is a line that is...    a. real- you can see       

                                                        b. unreal- you can't see 
_______________________________________________

43. The North and South Poles are... a. at the top and bottom       

                                        b. in the middle      of Earth.
________________________________________________________________________
 
44. Sustainable methods are things that we do, like; 

      growing food, raising animals, producing/saving energy 

        and products, etc. that...     a. harms/pollutes         

                                    b. doesn't harm and/or pollute                                                                                      Earth's environment .  
_____________________________________________________
 

45. Circle and/or highlight in yellow the correct choices. Some other examples of sustainable products are...
a. renewable energy from the sun, the wind, the ocean and                      geothermal (the ground) 
b. Using vast (large) amounts of fossil fuels (oil, gas and methane)
c. Using as little as possible fossil fuels
d. Fossil fuels are good for the environment- they do not cause              climate change. 
e. Fossil fuels are not good for the environment- they do cause climate change. 
____________________________________________________

Vocabulary Teaching suggestions;
#3. Post these words in your classrooms/hallway. Make flash cards with the bold/highlighted vocabulary word on one side, and a short/simple written explanation on the other side. Post on a vocabulary wall and play games with your students.
 ____________________________________________________

E. WHICH PARTS, OF THE Disney Earth movie, YOU LIKED THE MOST, and which parts did you like the LEAST (less, not much).
Write 4 sentences that describe at least 2-4 parts you liked the most, and 1-2 parts that made you sad, in this film/movie.
Examples: 
1.    I liked the part when the ducklings were jumping off their home in the tree trunk. 

 
2.    I loved the part when the baby polar bears came out of their den with their mom and started walking on the snow for the first time in their life.

3.    I also enjoyed the part with the funny acting by two birds in the rain forest. One bird cleaned its home, and another bird danced and changed its face all the time. 

4.    I was sad when I saw the polar bear die from starvation.


F. WHICH WERE YOUR FAVORITE PARTS IN THIS MOVIE? Paragraph Example.  
There were many favorite parts in this documentary movie. The first one was when the baby polar bears came out of their den with their mom and started walking on the snow for the first time in their life. The second one was when the ducklings were jumping off their home in the tree trunk. The third one I enjoyed the most, because it was the funniest part; it happened when the birds in the rain forest acted funny. One bird that cleaned its home, and another bird that danced and changed its face all the time. However, one part that made me sad was when I saw the polar bear that couldn’t find stable ice to walk on, and he almost drowned, but later one it died anyway from starvation because he couldn’t find food.


G. NOW WRITE YOUR PARAGRAPH BELOW.  
Remember to;
a.    Indent one inch
b.    Start with the topic sentence- Example: “There were many favorite parts in this documentary movie, and these were my favorite parts.”
c.    List your parts in chronological order (1st to last): First, Second, Third, etc.
d.    Finish with a sad part

______________________________________________________________________________

H. ANSWER/DISCUSS THESE ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS WITH YOUR TEACHER and/or classmates.

• Write your answers down, and then post/display 2-3 answers in your classroom. An answer that really mean something to you, and that you like others to know.
•  Discuss them with your classmates/teachers and  
• tell them why you chose them.

 
1. Do you love and care for the earth? Why? What do you do?
 
2. Do you agree that the earth the greatest gift of all? Why? 
Why not?
 
3. What does the earth provide (give) us humans?
 
4. What can we do to save it from our neglect, our indifference? Our pollution and our abuse?
 
5. What do you personally promise to do, and will actually do it, in order to keep the earth clean?
 
6.  Do you agree that everyday should be an earth day? Why? Why not?
 
7.    Do you have any ideas on how we could remind/encourage people to celebrate earth day every day?

8. Do you have any ideas/suggestions on how we can reduce, or cut down, and/or eliminate, or stop, all types of pollution? 


I. DIRECTIONS. Answer the questions below by underlining or circling the correct word/s and writing it/them on the line. Use the words below to help you.  
life, death, health, poison, oxygen, air, water, food, fruits, vegetables, nuts, beauty, adventure, ugliness, trees, grass, lakes, rivers, mountains, animals, boredom, excitement, happiness, fun, joy, sadness, love, hate, learning

Example: We must use  sustainable (wasteful, sustainable) methods in order to save Earth.

1.    Why is the earth the greatest gift of all? 
The earth is the greatest gift of all because it gives us (many, few)  ____________ things and because


2.    What does the earth provide/give us humans?  The earth provides/give us humans with... 

3. To save our planet Earth, we can...
Circle, and/or highlight the good actions that help our planet stay healthy, and cross out the bad actions/habits, or bad/things/habits that harm, or hurt, the Earth.

a.    Protect (defend)  apply the 4Rs 

b. Throw everything in the trash, destroy (poison, kill)
     
c.    Reduce (use less) / increase (use more) the amount of  products/        waste

d.    Clean, protect, don't litter  

         
e. Pollute parks and water bodies, like rivers, lakes and oceans.

f.    Use more  /   less   renewable/clean energy  that comes from nature, like the sun, the earth (geothermal energy), the wind and the ocean’s waves.

g.    Use  /  don’t use fossil fuels (gasoline, coal) and use more gasoline vehicles (cars, trucks, trains, buses).

h. Buy / don't buy  locally grown foods (hence we use less / more energy for transportation and therefore make less / more pollution).

i.    Buy foods from other nations, or faraway places; so that we use less / more energy for transportation- therefore we make less / more pollution).

j.    Don't  / Do apply the 4Rs in our homes, at school and at work; recycle, plastic bags, plastic water bottles and containers, soda cans, glass, metal, paper and cardboard.  
Do use / don't use Styrofoam cups and/or trays. 


k. Do buy/use / don't buy use disposable products like plastic silverware (or cutlery: forks, knives & spoons), dishes, straws, stirrers, swabs (or q-tips), disposable razors, etc.

l.    Keep /don't keep  a low carbon footprint; meaning that my family and I use less products, so we create less waste, and therefore we pollute less.

m.    Use / don't do use plastic bags when shopping- instead use durable (strong) reusable shopping bags- so we don’t make more waste that fills/pollutes the land, the water, the air and the oceans.

n.    Do / Don't inform/educate others (family and friends) about pollution and how to protect the earth from this threat (danger).

o.    Do / do not bother to write to others about pollution and how to protect the Earth. We should / shouldn't write/communicate with the local/national news media outlets (newspapers, magazines, online blogs, TV and radio stations), to our government leaders in our cities, our counties, our State leaders (the Governor, State senators and assemblymen/women), and also our federal leaders in Washington DC (the President, the senators & congressmen/women). 

p. We must / must not tell/demand our legislators (political leaders (but always politely and/or kindly) to pass/enforce laws to protect our planet.

q. We should / should not present them the problem/problems, or issue/issues, with facts, not just options 

r. We must / must not take responsibility for our actions now; hence, we should / should not stop polluting and start reducing/reusing/recycling products that can harm our planet.


I. What do you do to help the earth stay healthy and clean?  (pick the things that you will do, from the list below, or make up your own).
Here are some things/actions you may chose to do;
a.    At home, in school, at work, and everywhere/at all times I will follow the 4Rs (reduce, reuse, refuse and recycle) of plastic bags, plastic water bottles and containers, soda cans, glass, metal, paper and cardboard. I will try my best to avoid single-use, and/or any disposable plastic items, like plastic cups, dishes and plastic silverware, razors, lighters, straws, coffee cups, etc.

b.    I will try to keep a low carbon footprint; meaning that my family and I will use less products, and energy (electricity and gasoline), so we will make less waste, and therefore pollute less.

c.    Will not use plastic bags when we go shopping, but instead I use durable (strong) reusable shopping bags- so I don’t make more waste that goes into the ocean.

d.    Inform and teach other students, my family and friends about all kinds of pollution and how to protect the earth from this threat (danger).

e.    Write articles, essays, stories on my personal blog (on the Internet),  and to our local news media outlets (newspapers, magazines and radio stations), about environmental issues (problems) to our government leaders in my city (Albany, Colonie, Latham, Saratoga, Malta, Rotterdam, Troy, Schenectady,  NY), and State leaders in Albany (the Governor, NY State senators and assemblymen/women), and also our federal leaders in Washington DC (the President, the senators and congressmen/women). And I will lobby for (support the banning of) single - use plastic and foam, and will tell them to declare all single-use plastic and Styrofoam hazardous to the environment, and will request them to pass/enforce laws to protect our planet.

f.    Speak, inform and teach others about environmental issues; to students, colleagues, the media and political leaders at all levels, at the local level, in my town, in my county, at the State Assembly, and federal government in Washington DC.

g. I will make  make artworks that show the beauty of nature- so that others may be inspired to protect it.

 Your answer could start like this:
To help the earth stay healthy and clean I promise that I will do the following things...
______________________________________________________

J.    Now it’s your turn! MAKE YOUR LIST- AT LEAST 3-6 THINGS YOU’LL DO TO SAVE THE EARTH! 
Example: Recycle all the things I can, and use less polluting products and drive less.
 
I will do the following things:

1.    ______________________________________
2.    ______________________________________
3.    ______________________________________
4.    ______________________________________
5.    ______________________________________


K. ACTIONS that CAN EFFECT THE EARTH… Chose at least 5 that you will do

       GOOD /POSITIVE                              BAD / NEGATIVE

I will:     Recycle plastic                   Throw plastic in the trash

1. ________________________________________________

2. _______________________________________________

3. ________________________________________________

 4. _______________________________________________

5.________________________________________________



L.    Write a paragraph and/or an Essay; Title:
 Planet Earth is Our Home. How will I Protect Her?  
What do you promise to do, in order to keep the earth clean? 

Example- these are the things, that I, Mr. O, the teacher, will do myself; 

These are the things I will do to protect planet Earth. I will teach/model the ideals/virtues of the 3Rs; Respect, Responsibility and React- toward planet Earth- by showing it with my example/actions. 

So, first, I will be teaching (as I have done since 2016) about the beauty, the wonder and majesty of the earth; by explaining the of the 3Rs and that each one of us has toward our planet Earth. 

Second, I will be applying (as I have already done- for over 20 years) the 7Rs in my life- at home, at work- in the classrooms and schools that I serve (work at). Hence, I will apply the 4 concrete Rs of: Reduce, Reuse, Refuse and Recycle all plastic that I can; like water bottles, bags, soda cans, cups, lids, glass/metal containers, paper and cardboard. I will do my best, not to throw single-use plastic items in the trash, and will not use Styrofoam items!

Third, I will also try not to reduce and/or avoid the use of Styrofoam and plastic bags, and instead I will use durable (strong) reusable shopping bags.  

Fourth, I will not use disposable items, like lighters, straws, swabs (or q-tips) and Styrofoam cups, food containers, etc.- these are used once, aren't recyclable, and then they are thrown away in the trash, like plastic dishes, silverware,  razors and many others. These products create a lot of waste- also harmful to the environment.

Fifth, as an educator (teacher), I will also inform and teach my students, my family and friends about pollution and how to protect the earth from the threats (dangers) of pollution and in particular of plastic trash. 

Sixth, I will keep writing/communicating, about ways to help save the earth from the effects of pollution. I will write articles, essays, reflections (my thoughts/ideas/opinion), and will communicate also with political leaders; starting with my local government leaders in my city/town, County, my State leaders (the Governor, the senators and assemblymen/women in Congress), and to the President. And I will present them the problem of pollution, and I will ask them to protect the earth by taking preventive actions, like keeping plastic away from the environment- by improving the waste collection system in our city/county- since plastic pollution (trash, bottles, bags, Styrofoam cups/containers/trays, and plastic wraps/packaging) poisons the Earth, the oceans and it kills life. I will also respectfully, but forcefully demand (ask kindly) that they enforce (applying, carry out) and fund (invest, get the money for the infrastructure (raods, bridges, plants/factories) that will better collecting and separate all recycling materials: plastic, metals, and glass.

 Seventh, I promise to keep my word and do the things I said above, because it is the right thing to do; planet earth belongs to all of us, hence it is also my home, therefore, I will do my part to keep it clean and healthy for my family and for others, and do it asap- as soon as possible- because it is imperative (important) that I do my part now, not later- because it maybe too late. I hope that you agree with me and join me in this effort, of in protecting the environment from further (more) destruction. 

Eight, I will not delay (wait, or waste time), because to wait- it maybe too late for our planet and us, humanity, the people of the whole world, and it may be definitely too late for my children- and also the future of you, my students! 

Ninth, I will try to build consensus (agreement) and get as many people to participate in this effort, of saving earth-  or humanity will not be able to survive without a clean/safe planet Earth. 

(c) Ottavio Lo Piccolo 2018, Teachers may make copies only for their students in an educational setting. Publication, in part, or whole, requires written permission from the author.

For a hard copy of this lesson, or have any questions, please contact me at
ottaviolopiccolo5@gmail.com    Home tel: 518-370-4476

Images below are from Torretta, the little town where I grew up, near Palermo, Sicily, in southern Italy.

The town of Torretta, seen from Bello Lampo Mountain

 

 
 Above, Isola delle Femmine, or Woman's Island, as seen from one of the mountains above Torretta.

Action Alert: Petition to Help Protect Coral Reefs- SIGN THE PETITION TO SAVE THEM!  At:
 https://www.earthday.org/2019/03/15/action-alert-petition-to-help-protect-coral-reefs/

Around the world, coral reefs are in danger. These fascinating organisms, which provide habitat for thousands of other species and help support global industries with a value totaling as much as $9.9 trillion, are under attack. With their existence threatened by rising ocean temperatures, ocean acidification, chemical pollution, and damage from human contact, coral reefs need your help!
 
Here’s what you can do to help protect coral reefs. Buy and use only oxybenzone and octinoxate-free sunscreens and sign our petition urging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to remove these chemicals from sunscreens. The FDA has issued a proposed rule that would update regulatory requirements for most sunscreen products in the United States and is seeking public comment until May 28, 2019.

Extended exposure to the sun’s rays can be harmful, which is why wearing sunscreen is so important. Equally as important is making sure that the sunscreens we are wearing are not harming the outdoor environment we enjoy. That is why it is essential we demand access to sunscreen that is free of the coral-killing oxybenzone and octinoxate.

The Environmental Working Group has found that both ingredients are found in nearly 65% of non-mineral sunscreens. Consumers have the right to protect themselves and their children from the sun without causing harm to the outdoor environment.
For this reason, Earth Day Network is asking you to sign this petition urging the FDA to remove oxybenzone and octinoxate from sunscreens.
Also read articles on: BIOPLASTICS, and National Geographic: A RUNNING LIST OF ACTION ON PLASTIC POLLUTION. Find out how you can help reduce plastic and Styrofoam- two of the biggest polluters/poisons on the Earth. Sign two petitions (at the bottom) to save the coral reefs and Ban Plastic & Styrofoam. https://ottaviolopiccolo.blogspot.com/2019/03/bioplastics-and-national-geographics.html


 In the background, on the Mediterranean Sea, you can see the Island of Ustica- on the right.

For those of us who want to help our planet by reducing the threat of plastic and foam- I'd like to share parts of two reports/articles;

The first one is titled: BIOPLASTICS. MADE FROM PLANTS & NATURAL MATERIALS from The Food Revolution Network
to read all of it logon to: https://foodrevolution.org/blog/single-use-plastics-problems/

Second, from National Geographic is titled:  
A running list of action on plastic pollution. The world is waking up to a crisis of ocean plastic—and we're tracking the developments and solutions as they happen.
 to read all of it logon to:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2018/07/ocean-plastic-pollution-solutions/

Other Recommended Books for Readings/Teaching

Earth/ Water Books In my Collection (* denotes in my collection- PG for primary grades, & MHS middle/high school);

1.      *Baker L. (1992). Life In The Oceans. Animals. People. Plants. New York: Scholastic Inc. (PG/MH)

2.      *Dare, M. & Kutzer, A. (1999). Ocean Animals. Preschool/Kindergarten. The Mailbox Magazine Theme Series. Greensboro, North Carolina: The Educational Center, Inc.

3.      *Dorros, A. (1991). Follow the Water from Brook to Ocean. New York: HarperCollins Children’s Books.

4.      * Godwin, S. (1998). The Drop Goes Plop. A First Look at the Water Cycle (Picture Window Books. (PG, k-3^rd grade)

5.      *Gottlieb, J. (1996). Water Life. Austin, Texas: Steck-Vaughn Co. ( MHS)

6.      * Howell I. (2018) GeoFacts: Earth’s Resources. New York: Crabtree Publishing Co.(PG& MHS).

7.      *Hickerson, E. & Herbeck, S. (2009). Into the Sea. Portsmouth, NH: Heinmann Publishers. PG

8.      *Johnson, R. (2004). A Journey into the Ocean. Minneapolis, Minn: Carolrhoda Books, Inc.- PG

9.      Leahy S. (2014). Your Water Footprint: The Shocking Facts About How Much Water We Use to Make Everyday Products (Firefly Books)

10.  *Malone, P. (2001). I Can Breathe Underwater. National Geographic Windows on Literacy. Washington D.C.: National Geographic Society. (PG: k-2)

11.  *Milton, J. (1989). Step Into Reading WHALES THE GENTLE GIANTS.  New York: Random House.

12.  *McKay, S. (2001). WE BOTH READ. About the Ocean. Novato CA: Treasure Bay. (PG)

13.  * Parks, J. P. (2007). Water Pollution. Farmington Hills, Michigan: Kidhaven Press

14.  First Earth Encyclopedia: A Reference guide to the geographic world. New York: Penguin Random House, 2010)

15.   Shaffer, J. (2009). The Fun Club Goes to the Aquarium. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.

16.  Riddle, P., & Fisher, D. (1992). OCEAN UNIT. Santa Monica CA: Mari Inc.

Oceans, Exploration& Ocean Plastic Pollution & water (*denotes it’s in my collection)

1.      Andrew Haslam, A. (2008). Make it Work! Oceans- The Hands-on Approach to Geography, World Book, Inc.

2.      * Dipper. F. (2002). Guide To the OCEANS. A thrilling journey into a watery world. New York: A DK Publishing Book.

3.      Cramer, D. (2008). Smithsonian: Ocean. Our Water Our World. New York: Smithsonian Books & Harper Collins Publishers.

4.      De Rothschild, D. (2011). Plastiki: Across The Pacific on Plastic: An Adventure To save Our World. New York: Melcher Media.

5.      *Fowler, A. (1997). Friendly Dolphins. Rookie Read-About Science. New York: Children’s Press.

6.      *Talbot, F. (1995). Under the Sea. The Nature Company Discoveries Library. San Francisco: Time Life Books.

7.      Newman, P. (2014). Plastic Ahoy! Investigating The Great Pacific Garbage Patch. New York: Millbrook Press.

8.      Petersen, D, & Petersen, C. (2001). The Pacific Ocean. A True Book. Chicago: Children’s Press.

9.      Petersen, D., & Petersen C. (2001). The Atlantic Ocean. Chicago: Children’s Press.

10.  Parks, P. (2007). Our Environment: Water Pollution.Farmington Hills, MI: KidHaven Press.

11.  Rizzo, J. (2010). National Geographic Kids: Oceans. Dolphins, sharks, penguins, and more! Meet 60 cool sea creatures and explore their amazing watery world. (National Geographic Society,

Rachel Carson’s Books and biographies (* denotes: children’s books)

Rachel Carson she was an American biologist who, in the 1960s, brought to light the problems of chemicals (pesticides, herbicides) in the environment, with her courageous bestseller books Silent Spring. Her work caused a firestorm- it was denounced the chemical industry and derided by the media. However, her work led the way to the creation of new environmental laws and the EPA.

1. * Fabin, S. ( 2014). Who Was Rachel Carson? New York: Puffin Book Group.

2. *Kudlinski, K. (1989). Rachel Carson: Pioneer of Ecology. New York: Puffin Books.

3. * Lawlor. L (2012). Rachel Carson and Her Book That Changed the World. New York: Holiday House.

4. Levine, E. (2007)  Up Close: Rachel Carson a twentieth-century life. New York: Penguin Group.

5. Sounder, W. (2012). On a Farther Shore: The Life and Legacy of Rachel Carson. New York: Crown Publishers.

Plastic/Recycling/Waste Management

1. Donald,  R. L. (2001). Recycling. A True Book. New York: Children’s Press.

2.  Barraclough, S. (2008). Making a Difference: Recycling Things. North Mankato, Minnesota: Sea-to-Sea Publications.

3. Barraclough, S. (2008).  Making a Difference: Reducing Things. North Mankato, Minnesota: Sea-to-Sea Publications.

4. Barraclough, S. (2008). Making a Difference: Reusing Things. North Mankato, Minnesota: Sea-to-Sea Publications.

5. Jakab, C. (2010). Environment in Focus: Waste Management. Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Canvendish Corporation.

6. Morgan, S.(2006). Waste and Recycling. North Mankato, Minnesota: Smart Apple Media.

7. Walker, K. (2005). Plastics. North Mankato, Minnesota: Smart Apple Media,

Climate Change/Global Warming

1. Gore, A. (2006). An Inconvenient Truth: The Crisis of Global Warming. London: Penguin Group.

2. *Seymour  S. (2010). Global Warming. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.

3. Pringle, L. (2001). Global Warming: The Threat of Earth’s Changing Climate New York:   SeaStar Books.

4.   Delano  M. F. (2009). Earth in the Hot Seat: Bulletins From a Warming World. Washington D.C.: National Geographic Society,

5. *Oxlade, C. (2012). Mapping Global Issues. Global Warming. London: Arcturus Publishing Limited.

12.  Lynne Cherry, L., & and Braasch, G. (2008). How We Know What We Know About Our Changing Climate: Scientists and Kids explore Global Warming.  Nevada: Dawn Publications,

Renewable Energy

1. Clean Energy Nation: Freeing America From The Tyranny Of Fossil Fuels by congressmen Jerry McNerney, Ph. D. and Martin Cheek (Amacom  2012).
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3. Renewable Energy Made Easy: Free Energy from Solar, Wind, Hydropower, and Other Alternatives Energy Sources by David Craddock (Atlantic Publishing Group, 2008)

Online Videos

Pollution, over fishing has cut down the world’s coral reefs by 50% in the last 30 years. (Source: Scientists Are Breeding Super Coral That Can Survive Climate Change | VICE on HBO (14 min.)