Innovation and Environmental Science
Recently, there have been a lot of talk on innovation, and how it is so important for our nation’s future. So, what is innovation? Innovation is making a product more practical and actually “bringing it to the market”. In the past when people made products, they did not think about its environmental impact and only focused on making profit. An example is plastics. It’s quite disturbing to me that people did not think about the raw materials needed for making the product, and how to dispose of the product later. I knew right then that innovation and environmental sustainability should not be separated and sustainability must be considered right from the beginning of designing a product. We have a lot of rethinking and redesigning work to do, and the fastest way to get there is by adopting biomimicry: the new method of innovation that shows how we could create products by learning from nature.
Over the years, there has been a lot of exposure to adopt environmental sustainability through many programs, incentives, regulations, and making data openly available to the public. Did you know that 10 times more cars have appeared on the road since 1970, but the amount of pollution has reduced because of stricter regulations resulting in better car models? This clearly shows that we can certainly make new products and not hurt our environment.
There are many new products and solutions coming out now by using the method as shown in biomimicry, which clearly explains how to observe nature and learn the “blueprint” from nature, and apply those similar forms, processes, and systems to solve our most challenging technological problems that we are facing today.
We have already seen the consequences of our previous path, and our manufacturing methods. Since manufacturers were more focused on short term benefits, we are now dealing with pollution and challenges with our waste. We need to think long term, and embrace sustainability.
It is quite comforting to know that many top companies are refocusing and are showing commitment towards environmental sustainability, so as students we can feel confident that learning environment science would help us later in our future. We need to take advantage of the opportunities and resources provided by our schools, like field trips to local conservation facilities.
Remember, environmental etiquette is the new norm for innovation. Environment science benefits you, our humanity, and our planet! Let’s keep learning from nature!
Pavan is 13 years old, founder of non-profit organization, Green Kids Now, Inc., founder of Green Kids Conference, Official Biomimicry Youth Speaker, and an International reporter for Primary Perspectives radio Show. (http://greenkidsnow.org)
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.
Celebrate Endangered Species Day
Have you ever had the chance to visit a national park or a zoo? Think about what it would be like if you couldn’t visit these places because there were no more animals and plants or if you no longer had the opportunity to see the grizzly bear, pacific salmon, sea otters, and other endangered species because they didn’t exist anymore.
When I was growing up, I was lucky enough to travel to different areas of the country on family vacations. We went to places like Yosemite National Park in California, the Bronx Zoo (which was a few hours from my hometown in upstate New York), Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky and many more, learning more about different animals and plants. As an adult, I learned about the Endangered Species Act which protects the plant and animal species that are at risk of becoming extinct. Because of this Act, we are given the opportunity to experience the rich variety of native species that define our nation. I recently learned that there is a special day, May 17th that is designated to celebrating endangered species.
Visit the Endangered Species Day website to learn about what you can do to celebrate on May 17th. You can find educational resources and learn about endangered species near you. You can even find ways to help protect endangered species by doing small things in your neighborhood like planting native vegetation to provide habitat for wildlife, discuss the importance of biodiversity and species preservation with your friends and participate in an Endangered Species Day Event.
Shelby Egan is a student volunteer in the EPA’s Air and Radiation Division in Region 5, and is currently obtaining her Master’s degree in Urban Planning and Policy at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has a passion for protecting natural resources, cities she’s never been to and cooking any recipe by The Pioneer Woman.
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.
Career Advice from Carolyn
I have been amazed at all the different careers available at the EPA, and I have barely touched the surface! I recently sat down with Carolyn Bury who is a Project Manager in a program I had never even heard of at the EPA. It is great to know there are so many positions for all types of people who are interested in protecting the environment.
What is your position at the EPA?
I am an Environmental Scientist. My role is Project Manager in the Resource Conservation Recovery Act Corrective Action program which is an environmental remediation program. I oversee the cleanup of hazardous wastes at the facilities which are under our jurisdiction.
Do you have prior work experience that has helped you here?
I have worked in three different programs at the EPA. Everything I have done at the EPA has helped with my current position. In addition, before the EPA, I worked as a forester for the US Forest Service, where I did environmental assessment work, vegetation surveys, timber sales and outreach. I spent a lot of time in the field which I loved.
What is a typical day like for you?
On a typical day I am reading, writing, and talking on the phone. I review technical documents like sampling and analysis work plans for soil, water, sediment, etc, environmental data from the sampling events, and proposed remedies. In our program we do a lot of negotiations with companies regarding how the environmental investigations are conducted, how data is interpreted, and what the significance of the data is in terms of risk to people and ecological receptors like wildlife and plants.
What is the best part of your job?
I am never bored! That is my main criterion for a job. There is always something new and different to do, with no lag time. There is a lot of work, but it’s all interesting work. I am currently working on six sites and each has its own set of circumstances and personality. In addition, I like my coworkers a lot and the environment of the EPA.
Did you always have an interest in the environment?
Yes, I did. Back in high school I helped start one of the first recycling programs and was involved in a small environmental club. I was caught up in the 70’s save the earth movement. However, I did not have much guidance on what to do in college, so I did not take environmental courses until I met a forestry major in college.
What classes did you take in school that you use on the job today?
I majored in Forest Ecology with a Spanish minor. I took many courses that help me on the job today. These include watershed management, soil science, GIS, hydrogeology, chemistry, and technical writing. In addition, all of the ecology courses have helped me as well.
Do you have any advice for kids today who have an interest in protecting our environment?
I advise anyone to pursue what they are really interested in. It is a misconception that you need a specific degree to get a certain job. You never know what an employer is really looking for so it would be a mistake to assume that you have to major in a field you don’t really like to get your dream job (usually) Get a good education and study what you are passionate about!
Kelly Siegel is a student volunteer in the EPA’s Air and Radiation Division in Region 5, and is currently obtaining her Master’s degree in Urban Planning and Policy at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has a passion for sustainable development, running, and traveling with friends
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.
Asthma Awareness Month
Now that spring has arrived, it’s time to raise awareness about asthma! Asthma is a serious, sometimes life threatening chronic respiratory disease that affects the lives of almost 25 million Americans, including an estimated 7 million kids. The U.S. EPA is celebrating Asthma Awareness Month by spreading the word about how serious asthma can be and how important it is to manage environmental asthma triggers like secondhand smoke, dust mites, pet dander, mold and many others. Please join the EPA in raising awareness of this condition by teaching others what asthma is and how the environment can affect people with asthma.
Although I have never suffered from asthma, I understand how it can affect someone’s day to day activities. My childhood best friend, Katherine, suffers from asthma. My pet cats and dog would make it difficult for her to breathe when she would come over to play. With her inhaler in tow, Katherine was always aware of how pets could affect a play date with friends.
The EPA makes it easy for students to learn how to manage the environmental triggers of asthma. You and a parent or guardian can visit http://www.epa.gov/asthma/ to learn more about asthma triggers and Asthma Awareness Month. What is even cooler are all of the interesting materials the EPA offers to raise awareness about asthma. Tell your parent or teacher they can visit the EPA’s website to get a free copy of Clearing the Air of Asthma Triggers. You and your friends can also read Why is Coco Orange? to learn about asthma and air quality. During Asthma Awareness Month this May, help spread the word about asthma!
Shelby Egan is a student volunteer in the EPA’s Air and Radiation Division in Region 5, and is currently obtaining her Master’s degree in Urban Planning and Policy at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has a passion for protecting natural resources, cities she’s never been to and cooking any recipe by The Pioneer Woman.
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.
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