Description In my 10th grade Chemistry class, we were tasked with learning about a specific object's chemical components and how they affect the environment once they are disposed of. My group had a Tylenol bottle as our object in which we then researched its chemical components and how its decomposition affects the environment. In our project we learned that the sticky adhesive of the label and plastic or the bottle when incinerated releases harmful toxins which lead to respiratory issues around the world. After we then created an infographic to summarize our findings and to Take Action, we individually were supposed to upcycle a material into a item of our choice. I chose to make a home decor wreath that hangs which could be primarily used during Fall. The material I worked with was cardboard and decided to make something that didn't need much cutting since cardboard is more tedious to cut. The other component was to create a brochure explaining what my item is and how it safely affects the environment which goes along with our upcycled trash item.
My project expresses how I reacted upon the waste dilemma that comes from certain materials and used a safer one to recreate something out of it. I debated on what path I wanted to take for my project and decided to create something that would be friendly towards all ages and pleasant to the eye. Another component of this pillar is how deeply I reflect on what I learned which is the root of my creation because I felt so deeply about creating something meaningful to others. I identified an opprotunity to do something good for another and our wonderful planet and took the step to help. Thus, I now can assess options and plan my actions since this project.
Since this project, I became aware about the things the world throws away, specifically how they dispose of them. Most countries just continue to fill up their landfill and ruin more of Earth's precious landscapes and waters. Of course, I was included in the millions of people that didn't dispose properly and realized that I need to make a change. I started taking action and recycling whilst sharing my knowledge to help the rest of my community. I also feel more informed about common materials in our daily life and how I can re-purpose them through recycling. All in all, my knowledge has increased immensely and guided me into an environmentally aware citizen.