Ecosystems

Thank you all for your comments on the video, "Exporting Harm." This video is very strong because the problem is very deadly, and can harm the fragile ecosystem. This is why I wanted to show it to you, because the next unit, Unit 8, will cover that topic, Ecosystems. In this unit we'll learn about the connection between animals and plants and focus on biodiversity. We'll also examine the biosphere and its relationship with the ecosystems of the world. We'll focus on the food chain and food webs, and we'll also learn about the planet's life support system.

In today's class, we'll review the homework regarding the Internet Research Log. In the log, you had to focus on recycling issues. The particular issue you wanted to research was up to you. Many of you wrote about recycling problems and demerits. From this I hope you could learn that recycling is not a perfect science, and there are many insufficiencies. In addition, recycling things can sometimes cause other waste to be generated.

A few others wrote about special recycling efforts around Kumamoto, some of which I wasn't aware of. For instance, Kumamoto has the least quantity of garbage per person in all of Japan. Reducing garbage bags, and repair person where one person uses 230 garbage bags for one year. In addition, some PET bottles were made into carpets, uniforms, and seats. I think it's a very good way to recycle things we use every day. Also paper is made into solid fuel. Garbage diet pride is also in Kumamoto to promote the reduction of garbage in Kumamoto. That's good news. Way to go Kumamoto!