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An example of an ecosystem. Learning Indirect Environmental Impacts After reading our blog last week, you should have learned some direct environmental impacts of garbage and waste in the eco-system. This week, learn about two "Indirect Environmental Impacts" of debris on the eco-system: Ecosystem Alteration : Anytime garbage or waste finds its way into the ocean or any landscape, the surrounding eco-system is altered.  Animal and plant life are harmed an displaced as a result, but the effects don't end there.  Even the effort to REMOVE debris can cause indirect negative impacts.  The process of "beach raking" uses heavy machinery to remove garbage from beaches which in turn negatively harms the ecosystem.   Invasive Species : Clearly, garbage and waste in the ecosystem is harmful.  But not only is the actual garbage dangerous, but often this debris contains thousands of micro-organisms and invasive species.  In a marine eco-system, the invasive species act...

The Importance of Living an Eco-Friendly Life If you are interested in living a green life, you are most likely aware of the dangerous effects of trash and waste on the environment. Learn about some "Direct Environmental Impacts" of debris on the eco-system below: Ingestion : A dangerous impact of waste in the environment is that animals might mistake the trash for food.  Clearly, ingesting any waste is dangerous and can cause adverse health effects, infertilization, and death to the animals.   Entanglement : This is often cited as the most-recognized  Environmental Impact of waste and debris in the marine ecosystem.  With so much waste in the ocean, fish, turtles, and other animals can become entangled in rope, plastic bags, netting, etc.  Not only can this physically exhaust and distress the animal, but they can develop wounds and infections from entanglement. Ecosystem Alteration : Debris and waste not only impacts animals: the surrounding eco-system suffers....

Green Tips for the Fall As the weather turns colder and the days become shorter, try to practice some particular, fall-friendly, green tips perfect for the season: Compost: This time of year is wonderful for collecting compost (also known as "organic matter") because there is an abundance of grass and leaves around before natural elements like snow and rain cover everything and there are also should be plenty of food left over from holidays.  Remember to unload your compost often- find compost drop-off sites online to act as a guide! Local Focus: Instead of buying foods full of preservatives, try to buy food from local farmers markets.  Not only will you be supporting local business, but you can rest assured you are getting fresh produce and food! Leftovers: During this time of year, you can expect holiday meals and dinners.  Don't throw any of the food away that is not eaten!  Instead, save the leftovers and eat those for subsequent meals.  There is no excuse f...

A Recycling Trivia Game Not all paper, cardboard, and plastic products can be recycled!  Examine the photos below and determine why the following products CANNOT be recycled. Plastic Bags Plastic baggies can never be recycled, despite having the word "plastic" in the title.  Interestingly, plastic products are sometimes re-purposed into bags. Paint Cans Though made from aluminum, paint cans are not recyclable material.  This is because the paint inside stains the can which disrupts the recycling process. Paper Towels/ Toilet Paper Any paper product contaminated with food residue or fluid cannot be recycled because the oils from the residue saturates the material. Read a full list of recycling do's and don'ts on the University of Buffalo's website, titled The Ultimate Recycling List . Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropoli...