Ocean Dead Zones

I've heard of the ocean's dead zone many times in my life, but never knew that this problem was MAINLY linked to farming.

Since the 1960's oceans around the world have eerie areas that contain dead zones. Dead zones are when all living life is non-existant. They have been known to have a lack of oxygen & have tons of nitrogen from farm fertilizers to emission from cars and factories. They run from 45, 000 miles in the Gulf of Mexico to the Mississippi river. These dead zones have been known to be the size of Oregon!

Farming, cars, and factories have been creating this pollutant that is killing our oceans because it adds toxic chemicals into our waters. This pollutant is particularly dangerous to the marine life.

The dead zone has been known to effect reproduction in fish. Fish eggs are impossible to be born in this type of area due to a lack of oxygen. The dead zone has been killing millions of fishes lately, which in turn can lead to an uneven ecosystem and even potentially collapse it.

Crabs, plankton, clams & shellfish are highly affected due to oxygen depletion. They have been affecting the ecosystem's food chain; with the ecosystem in effect, it can destroy our marine life and oceans for good.

Some researches have suggested that in 10 years ocean dead zone's will increase immensely and we need proper care for it to end.
Some solutions we can help is to support crop biodiversity, which have been known to replace farm fertilizers with a more healthier crop that can help sustain farmlands.
Another solution is to buy organic! Organic food is made with natural ingredients that does not contain chemicals and fertilizers.

I  find the ocean dead zone fascinating because what we eat and drink may have a huge impact on the oceans. Part of the food and drinks that we consume come from farms and factories. For some time now, these two factors have been a leading disaster for the ocean dead zones.

This picture depicts the ocean's "dead zones." The light green color indicates the dead zones.

Goji Berries

Goji berries. I have to rant about this fruit because it provides so many health benefits; I have tried it and believe it does its good share of work. When i returned home from winter break the first thing my mom made for me was a goji berry hot tea. I have to admit i was a bit skeptical about this fruit because 1. i've never eaten this fruit before and 2. I never heard of goji berries. That doesn't seem right now does it? Although, i've come to realize this fruit contains high amounts of vitamin A. This fruit has been known to be eaten raw or steamed in water to make tea.

Goji berries is known to be found in China and the Himalayas. When consumed, it has been known to  help with numerous afflictions. For example, they have helped with diabetes, high blood pressure, fever, and age-ralted eye problems. Goji berries is contained with high amounts of antioxidants and vitamin A; they have been known to help with anti-aging problems. This fruit helps you sleep, provide dopamine, increase athletic performance and calmness.

I officially love Goji berries. You can get Goji berry fruits anywhere in a Chinese super market or your local grocery store. 

What i love to do with Goji berries is eat them my oatmeal or brew them in my tea. I admit both taste wonderful. Goji berries have helped with my health and i highly recommend them.

                                           This picture depicts a mound of dried Goji berries. 

Pacific Gyre Garbage Patch

Okay...so i did a project about this problem in my environmental ethics class and i have come to learn this is a HUGE problem in our society. The Pacific Gyre is a bit disturbing. Fishes, turtles, seagulls, dolphins, and many more have been living in this disgusting environment. It's just disturbing to think about animals living in a pool of garbage everyday.

The Pacific Gyre Garbage Patch (which is the size of Texas) is a vortex of our garbage that has been put out in the middle of the ocean because we have no where else to put them. This garbage patch is affecting our marine life, oceans, and health. This mainly affects our health because we eat those fishes that have consumed the garbage that they mistakenly assume as food. In the end we are affected because we consume the fishes with plastic in it. Most of those plastics contain toxins that can kill us. These toxins include key chemicals like bishenol A (BPB) and phthalates, which have been linked to affect our development. According to Times Magazine, "Obesity, diabetes, autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder — could have chemical connections with plastic." 


Some solutions to this problem are foundations that have promoted people to help clean out our oceans. Also, asking questions & getting involved with this problem can raise concerns and help us find solutions. Learning to recycle and throw garbage in the correct section (ect. compost, recycle) can help the environment a lot.  

This picture indicates how long the  Pacific Gyre has been around due to the turtle's shell. It takes approx. 10-20 years for the turtle to fully develop into it's shell. 

Below you can find a link to the garbage patch.

Pacific Gyre Garbage & Map

Starting Fresh

I have blogspot again! Only this time i made a new one because some how I can't remember my password or username for my old one. Its good to make a new blog and start over. It's like starting fresh.