[CINC] Fw: EMMA WOOD BEACH CLEAN UP FEEDBACK LOOP

[Larry Harris]

This is my memo after beach clean up last year. I did the same area this year and unfortunately with the same results. Little change in source, type, or amount.
And Lisa did a great job again!

Sorry  Paul, no doggie bags were found by me, but plenty of plastic grocery bags!

Mahalo and remember "Chance favors the prepared mind" therefore...MAKE it a great day!
----- Original Message ----- 
From: Larry Harris 
To: channel_islands_naturalist_corps at rain.org 
Sent: Sunday, September 20, 2009 3:13 PM
Subject: [CINC] EMMA WOOD BEACH CLEAN UP FEEDBACK LOOP


EMMA WOOD BEACH FEEDBACK LOOP:  When output from the past (trash) results in influencing the same event/phenomenon in the present or future (more trash).

 

Physical samples collected: Personally, 8 bags of litter from Emma Beach Clean up activity. Most involved did at least as much for a total of well over an estimated 300 bags!

 

Items collected: Plastic, plastic, & more plastic: bottles, cups, plates, liner, packaging, and bags! Also worn out clothing, rags, blankets, and old magazines.  

 

Observation: Most heavily concentrated areas of trash were the washes, ravines, drainage culverts, and brush hollows where homeless had stayed. Areas that will overflow directly to the ocean during rain and wind storms. I estimate that the homeless generated at least 70% of all the litter collected. I think much of the litter on the beach came from the past homeless camps.

 

The feedback loop: The trash is generated by those who camp there because they cannot afford to (or don't care to ) live elsewhere. They stay till ran out by the man and then return later. The economic downturn generates more homeless and they generate more trash. As they generate more trash the oceans become more polluted and less productive, this has a negative effect on the fishing industry which has negative effect on the economy, which generates more homeless, which generates more trash.

 

The result: More trash.



ONE SOLUTION: Reduce plastic use!



But Lisa did a GREAT job!



Larry

Mahalo and remember "Chance favors the prepared mind" therefore...MAKE it a great day!


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