There was no doubt that when the Science Club decided to reassemble, they would come back strong. For the past few weeks, they have been discussing and working on something BIG! Since Earth day is on April 22, they want to bring awareness to the importance of recycling. They want to inform every one of the extreme dangers that single-use plastics can be towards the ocean habitats. Not only can these discarded plastics pollute our oceans, they can also harm the marine wildlife. In fact, plastics pollution has a direct and deadly effect on the marine life.

Hundreds and thousands of sea turtles, seabirds, seals, and other aquatic mammals are found dead from ingesting or being caught in plastics. According to an article on www.biologicaldiversity.org, fish alone ingest 12,000 to 24,000 tons of plastic each year! They then go on to explain that sea turtles also ingest multiple plastics. While plastic bags are the commonly ingested, some species of turtles tend to also ingest styrofoam, rope, and monofilament lines. It doesn’t stop there either. Gulls and pelicans, who usually get their food from the ocean, have been found to have plastic in their stomach. The plastic ingestion reduces the volume in their stomach, which causes the birds to eat less. This will ultimately lead to the birds starving themselves. This takes such a heavy toll on the marine wildlife.

Clearly, Plastic Pollution is a major problem right now and that is why the science club wants to bring awareness to the topic. What better way to do that then by making a visual display of a whale tail that has been filled with the plastics that can be found in the stomachs and caught on many of the aquatic animals? Mr. Polochak, the Science Club advisor even explained how he felt towards the issue. “As a SCUBA diver, I have seen beautiful coral reef ecosystems and swam through schools of fish. It’s disturbing to me that this environment and the marine life are being threatened by plastics. Images of animal’s digestive tract loaded with bits of plastics makes me want to do my part in correcting this problem.” He then goes on to explain, “I am hoping this display will raise awareness and get people thinking about the importance of significantly reducing single-use plastics.” The Science Club plans on putting the display in the rotunda for everyone to see!

They’re not only putting up an amazing display but also have decided to include the students of Lindenhurst High School as well. The Science Club is hosting a competition that can help bring even more awareness to the problem at hand. Any class or club can join! The entry fee is only $20 and it could be well worth it in the end. The best sculpture will actually win prize money! The amount you can win depends on how much money the Science Club can make because the winning team wins 50% of the club’s profit. For example, if the club makes $400, then the winners will get $200. The money will be given to the class that they represent. The entries are to be submitted no later than Monday, April 16 to room 153. There are some other requirements in order for your plastic masterpiece to be accepted into the competition. Your group must use at least two different single-use plastics. However, you aren’t just limited to two. Those participating are encouraged to get creative and use any plastic you want to use! Your sculpture must be at least one foot and cannot exceed five feet.

The club wants to make a difference, and with your help, they can achieve their goals. Come join them on their adventure to make the world a better place, one step at a time.