Little Hands Learning Center

Little Hands

Written by Caleb Cheha Paik

Last spring, EcoSave members traveled to Tanza 1, a remote village in the Philippines, to meet and interact with the children and families living there. EcoSave initiated Little Hands, a daycare center, for these children, and has been sponsoring it ever since. This center provides education but mainly serves as their communal home for children to bond as one family.  

This past summer, these children received an opportunity to have a field trip to downtown Antipolo City. They could experience things they had never seen before: playgrounds, arcades, shopping malls, etc. Supervisors, chaperones, and teachers of the daycare center described the event as life-changing. The children started to have "self-confidence", "[socialized] with each other through various activities", and "learned to listen and give to others." 

One teacher of Little Hands claims that her goal as an educator is to "explore every potential of the students, cultivate them in things they can't do, give them the right and appropriate knowledge, and teach them the good Word of God." Empowered by this disposition, teachers and volunteers strive to help these children daily. By promoting academic and biblical lessons, these teachers hope that the children of Tanza 1 can live a satisfying life. Despite the harsh living conditions, the children are optimistic, verifying how even little acts of service can influence the lives of these children. 

As EcoSave, along with myriad other volunteers, continues to support and nurture Little Hands, the impact of their work extends beyond just education. The field trip to Antipolo City was a glimpse of what these children could achieve with the right opportunities and guidance. The joy, confidence, and sense of community they experienced during this trip have sown seeds of hope and ambition in their young hearts.

Looking ahead, EcoSave is committed to organizing more activities and initiatives that will broaden the lives of these children. We envision a future where children like those of Tanza 1 not only survive but thrive, becoming well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to their community. The work is far from over, but with continued dedication and support, there is a promising path ahead.

Promoting Insect Appreciation with Black Soldier Fly Stickers

Promoting Insect Appreciation with Black Soldier Fly Stickers

Written by Caleb Cheha Paik

EcoSave recently launched a unique initiative aimed at fostering a deeper appreciation for insects, specifically Black Soldier Flies (BSF). Specifically, we packaged and distributed BSF-themed stickers to ten children’s libraries across South Korea, to reshape the public perception of insects and promote environmental awareness.

Insects are often misunderstood and even seen as unappealing or unpleasant. However, our mission was to highlight the environmental benefits of BSF, including their role in composting and waste reduction. These insects can break down organic waste efficiently, making them essential to addressing issues of food waste and soil health.

The sticker campaign, designed to be both fun and educational, featured playful illustrations of BSF, each accompanied by common phrases used in texts. The hope was that children would begin to see insects as essential players in environmental conservation rather than pests to be avoided.

By sending these stickers to ten children's libraries across South Korea, EcoSave aimed to reach children at an early age, helping them develop a respect for all creatures. Additionally, the initiative emphasized the importance of considering waste management strategies to combat climate change. This campaign is one of many innovative approaches we use to inspire communities to rethink their relationship with the natural world. By transforming how people, especially children, perceive insects, we hope to contribute to a future where biodiversity is cherished and sustainability is a priority.

Air Pollution and Public Health

Written by Caleb Cheha Paik

Air pollution emerged as a significant concern for public health in recent years. As urbanization and industrialization continue to increase, polluted air is a part of society, harmfully affecting the well-being of people around the world. 

Air pollution contains harmful pollutants primarily from the combustion of fossil fuels, vehicular exhaust, and industrial emissions. Specifically, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, and carbon monoxide are some of the toxic substances that permeate the air. These pollutants not only spoil the atmosphere of society but also pose a significant threat to respiratory and cardiovascular health.

According to the World Health Organization, around 2.4 billion people are adversely affected by air pollution every year. Additionally, there are around 7 million premature deaths annually caused by ambient and household air pollution. 

As mentioned before, these deaths concern respiratory and cardiovascular health. Particulate matter can easily penetrate the respiratory system of an individual, causing inflammation and worsening pre-existing conditions such as asthma. Prolonged exposure to these molecules can lead to irreversible lung damage, leading to these numbers of deaths. Beyond respiratory concerns, air pollution has a profound impact on cardiovascular health. Long-term exposure to pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and ozone leads to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, these particles can infiltrate the bloodstream, causing inflammation and harmful effects on blood vessels. 

The World Health Organization recognizes the urgency of the situation and they make efforts that mitigate the impact of air pollution on public health. For example, they bring awareness to transitioning to cleaner energy sources, promoting sustainable transportation, and implementing strict environmental regulations that are crucial steps in establishing a balance between the air and health.

All in all, air pollution is a public health challenge that demands immediate global attention. Recognizing the adverse consequences can bring awareness to the importance of prioritizing clean air initiatives, especially for the well-being of vulnerable individuals and future generations.

Piezoelectricity

Piezoelectricity: An Alternative Source

Written by Caleb Cheha Paik

Piezoelectricity is seldom recognized as a great energy source. However, diving down into its true functionality, piezoelectricity can exceed other energy sources, especially in terms of sustainability. Piezoelectricity is the ability of certain materials to generate electricity in response to applied mechanical pressure. This ability allows for many possibilities to generate electricity, making it a promising alternative to traditional energy sources. 

One of the most intriguing factors of this energy source is its versatility. Piezoelectricity can be harnessed through various means, ranging from footsteps on a busy sidewalk to vibrations emitted by machinery. This means that piezoelectricity can be harnessed easily by being implemented into traditional applications, such as walking, in order to capture the wasted energy and convert it into usable electrical power. 

Many urban cities worldwide are already implementing piezoelectric tiles in public spaces to capture the energy generated by the footsteps. One such reason is its great potential in the field of renewable energy. While piezoelectricity is entirely renewable, it also enhances other types of renewable energy. For example, wind turbines can be implemented with piezoelectric tiles so that energy from wind-induced vibrations can be captured, in addition to the electricity generated by the actual turbines.

While this technology holds a promising future, it is also important to note the drawbacks. There are still challenges to overcome, such as optimizing material efficiency, improving durability, and reducing production costs. However, ongoing research in this technology drives progress, which is slowly bringing out the full potential of piezoelectricity.

In conclusion, piezoelectricity represents a promising alternative to traditional sources of energy. It serves as a clean, renewable, and versatile energy source that can convert energy into electricity with simple applications. Thus, by harnessing electricity through this technology, a future that is energy-abundant, safe, and clean can be obtained.

Tidal Energy: A Promising Alternative

Tidal Energy: A Promising Alternative

Written by Caleb Cheha Paik

When people think of renewable energy, the prominent sources that come to mind are solar, wind, hydropower, etc. However, most people don’t think of addressing the immense potential tidal energy can have. Unlike traditional sources of renewable energy that depend on specific weather conditions, tidal energy harnesses the reliable and predictable movement of ocean tides. These ocean tides are affected by the gravitational forces of the moon and the sun, and they can be converted into electricity through modern technology. As the world seeks these kinds of alternatives to fossil fuels, understanding the benefits of tidal energy is paramount. 

One of the primary advantages of tidal energy lies in the ocean’s predictability. While weather patterns can be hard to predict, tidal currents can be easily discerned as they follow patterns of the lunar cycle. This allows tidal energy to be a consistent source of renewable energy as it provides stable, perpetual power. 

Moreover, being a source of renewable energy, tidal energy has minimal impact on the environment compared to traditional fossil fuels. They don’t emit greenhouse gasses or other pollutants that fossil fuels do emit. This results in cleaner air and reduced carbon emissions, thus less global warming.

Another benefit to tidal energy is its high energy output. Compared to other renewable sources of energy, tides have great density, allowing tidal turbines to generate more significant amounts of energy. This makes it suitable for coastal regions with strong tides and waves. 

While there are many more benefits, it is important to mention the challenges. Tidal energy comes with high initial costs, technological complexity, and a small potential environmental impact on marine ecosystems. However, many of these challenges can be mitigated with ongoing research and development efforts. 

ll in all, tidal energy represents a promising future for sustainably amassing large amounts of electricity. Harnessing the power of tides can help reduce the use of traditional fossil fuels that continue to harm the planet. And it’s not like we are running out of oceanic water. So, why not implement it into society? 

Environmental Awareness

Written by Caleb Cheha Paik

Living in an era marked by global advancements in technology, environmental awareness is paramount. Furthermore, as the world shifts to industrialization, the demand for a delicate balance between human activities and the health of the environment has reached its climax. 

Environmental awareness involves the relationship between human actions and the natural world. Specifically, we need to recognize the impact of our choices on ecosystems, biodiversity, and the climate. Environmental awareness also means going beyond just knowledge and acknowledgment of the issue at hand. It calls for a commitment and willingness to make eco–friendly decisions in daily life. 

One of the most important challenges we currently face is climate change. Climate change is the consequence of greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions are primarily caused by human activity. Due to climate change, there are rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and melting ice that are reminders for imperative action for sustainable practices. Environmental awareness encourages individuals to reduce their carbon footprint by influencing them to embrace green technologies, adopt eco-friendly transportation, support renewable energy sources, and many more. 

Another critical issue that requires attention is biodiversity loss. Common human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and habitat destruction threaten numerous species. A society that is aware of these issues can recognize the value of preserving biodiversity. Specifically, every species plays a significant role in their respective ecosystems. Efforts to protect these species can help enhance their roles, which can ultimately bring benefits to humans.

Education plays a pivotal role in fostering environmental awareness. Schools, communities, and businesses should and must prioritize environmental education to bring responsibility in society. Promoting this deeper understanding is crucial for building a sustainable future for the younger generation. 

Overall, we must prioritize environmental awareness in our lives by fostering a balanced relationship between human activity and the environment. Even small individual actions can have a significant impact when it is globally multiplied. 

Urbanization

   Urbanization

Written by Caleb Cheha Paik

    Urbanization has been the defining trend of the 21st century. Sure, urbanization brings about economic development, enhanced infrastructure, and improved living conditions. However, the dark sides to urbanization can outweigh these benefits. As cities expand and populations soar, the environmental toll becomes increasingly evident, posing many significant threats to our planet.

    One of the most conspicuous consequences to urbanization is air pollution. The surge of industries, vehicles, and energy consumption in urban areas leads to heightened levels of air pollutants, such as nitrogen and sulfur dioxide. These pollutants not only compromise air quality but most definitely contribute to diseases related to the respiratory system, posing a serious threat to people in urban areas. Furthermore, these pollutants may include greenhouse gasses that can increase the process of global warming, posing a global threat. 

    The rapid expansion of cities often results in clearing vast areas of land for development. This clearing mostly includes deforestation, which not only destroys vital ecosystems but also diminishes the planet’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide, a key contributor to climate change.

    As populations grow, so does the demand for water. The extraction of water for multiple purposes often leads to the depletion of local water sources, causing scarcity in many areas. Additionally, poor waste management systems result in the contamination of water, further jeopardizing the health of ecosystems and the communities that rely on the sources. 

    Finally, the conversion of natural landscapes into urban areas has consequences for biodiversity. The destruction of habitats and ecosystems disrupt the balance of green landscapes and animals. Many species struggle to survive or adapt in the face of rapid, immense change, leading to a decline in biodiversity. This loss of biodiversity not only diminishes the value of landscapes but also disrupts essential ecosystem services, such as pollination. 

    While urbanization brings undeniable benefits, its negative environmental impact cannot be ignored. Conservation practices and planning must be implemented into society to address these environmental challenges;. Only through mindful and sustainable urbanization can we hope to mitigate the adverse effects on the environment.

• https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/urban-threats

• https://ugc.berkeley.edu/background-content/urbanization/#:~:text=Urbanization%20often%20results%20in%20deforestation,alter%20species%20ranges%20and%20interactions.

Green Buildings

    Green Buildings

Written by Caleb Cheha Paik

    As global awareness of the environmental impact of human activities begins to rise, green buildings are becoming a profound transformation in architecture that is leading to a sustainable future. Built with sustainable materials to minimize environmental impact, green buildings are eco-friendly buildings that are designed to minimize environmental footprint. These structures perform this task by integrating innovative technologies to reduce resource consumption, enhance efficiency, and promote overall well-being. 

    The main importance of green buildings is the commitment to energy efficiency. Unlike green buildings, traditional buildings consume high amounts of energy, significantly contributing to climate change by emitting greenhouse gasses. On the other hand, green buildings employ many strategies such as advanced insulation to optimize energy usage. They also utilize renewable energy sources such as solar panels to further reduce the reliance and use of non-renewable energy. 

    Another focus of green buildings is water conservation. Modern technologies such as rainwater harvesting and irrigation systems help reduce water consumption, addressing the global scarcity of water. The overall purpose of green buildings is to strive to create a system where resources, such as water, are efficiently used and waste is minimized. 

    Government initiatives and certificates, such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) are adopting green building practices worldwide. Specifically, LEED is the world’s most widely used green building rating system. LEED certification ensures healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings, which offer environmental and social benefits. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of environmental sustainability. 

    As we transition into a period of sustainable change, green buildings can be a profound method of striving for a more eco-conscious future. If green buildings are utilized worldwide, it can make a significant difference in achieving a healthy environment.

• https://www.usgbc.org/leed

• https://www.pnnl.gov/explainer-articles/green-buildings#:~:text=Green%20buildings%20help%20reduce%20negative

237 Run

 237 Run

Written by Caleb Cheha Paik

On the 20th of July, members of EcoSave as well as other volunteers signed up to run across the Banpodaegyo to honor 237 million children worldwide who lack proof of identification, such as birth certificates. 

Runners were equipped with a name tag that not only served as proof of participation, but mainly served to spread awareness. More specifically, the real names of various children who have received support from OpenHands regarding the lack of birth certificates were inscribed on the tag. It also contained their age, gender, village, and country of origin. 

The purpose of this nametag was for participants to run "with" the children, recognizing the significance of birth certificates, and how they can change the lives of these children. 

Furthermore, a fundraiser was held to support this event and the meaning behind it. Water bottles were distributed with QR codes leading scanners to learn more about the situation behind these children. 

Role of Agriculture in Environmental Sustainability

 Agriculture in Environmental Sustainability

Written by Caleb Cheha Paik

    As the global population continues to rise, the role of sustainable agriculture in meeting the demand for food and contributing to a healthier planet becomes vital. 

    Traditional agricultural practices have been linked with biodiversity loss. However, sustainable agriculture seeks to change this by simply promoting biodiversity within and around farmlands. Certain agricultural approaches, such as polyculture, foster a more diverse range of crops, attracting beneficial insects and supporting natural pest control. Essentially, sustainable agriculture helps maintain a balance between various species by mimicking natural ecosystems. This overall leads to biodiversity conservation. 

    Traditional agricultural methods, including the use of synthetic fertilizers, can degrade soil quality and contribute to erosion. On the other hand, sustainable agricultural practices, such as minimal tillage, focus on building and maintaining healthy soils. Healthy soils can act as a carbon sink, taking carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and mitigating climate change. This is an alternative way of solving the issue of climate change, in addition to minimizing deforestation. Moreover, the use of diverse crops in certain agricultural methods can enhance soil fertility, promoting long-term agricultural sustainability. 

    Furthermore, agriculture is a major consumer of water resources. Sustainable agriculture prioritizes efficient water management practices, such as rainwater harvesting. These practices can increase efficiency and also reduce environmental impact since water use is being optimized. 

    Finally, sustainable agriculture minimizes chemical inputs by adopting organic farming methods to regulate soil fertility and pest control. This approach emphasizes the use of natural predators, crop rotation, and others to reduce the ecological footprint of agriculture.

    All in all, agriculture can play a pivotal role in environmental sustainability. As the global population struggles with the challenges of feeding a growing community, the need for sustainable agricultural practices becomes significant. Therefore, it is imperative that farmers and other supporters collaborate to promote agricultural practices that ensure a sustainable planet. 

Biodiversity Conservation

Biodiversity Conservation

Written by Caleb Cheha Paik

         Earth contains a stunning array of species, whether prey or predator, each contributing to the web of life. Apart from being a scientific concept, biodiversity is the heartbeat of Earth. It makes this world hospitable, and vibrant. However, only a few know about the biodiversity crisis and the current need for biodiversity conservation.

Despite its obvious importance, biodiversity currently faces a crisis. Human activities–deforestation, habitat destruction, overexploitation, pollution, climate change–are driving species extinction at an alarming rate. In fact, the average decline of species population was around 69% since the 1960s. Since then, the numbers kept increasing. This loss of biodiversity not only breaks the web of life, but also weakens the planet’s ability to survive. 

Conservation is the best method for biodiversity crisis mitigation. It protects and restores natural habitats, implements sustainable resource management, and combats the drivers of biodiversity loss. However, if conservation is not a global endeavor, it is a challenge to restore biodiversity. Governments, organizations, communities and individuals all over the world must work together to coordinate conservation efforts and reach the goal of having a sustainable environment. In situations like these, where the problem is a global issue, every action counts. Each person has an active role to play in biodiversity conservation. Whether it is reducing carbon footprint, promoting sustainable practices, or participating in conservation projects, every action matters. Furthermore, education and awareness are equally significant. The more we understand the value of biodiversity loss, the more motivated we become to protect it. 

            All in all, biodiversity conservation is an imperative that must globally take place. Together, we can sustain a better future for the web of life and ensure that it remains vibrant as before.

Eco-Friendly Products

            Eco-Friendly Products

Written by Caleb Cheha Paik

            In a world where ecological footprint is on the rise, eco-friendly products have been a key solution to combat climate change and reduce its consequences. As we strive for a perfect, sustainable future, businesses are responding to climate change by introducing eco-friendly products. 

Eco-friendly products are also often referred to as green or sustainable products. They are designed for the purpose of reducing economical footprint by using methods and materials that have minimal impact on the environment. These products serve to reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and promote healthier/better lifestyle choices for consumers. 

Having such a purpose, eco-friendly products have many benefits. One of its primary benefits is their ability to reduce waste and pollution. For example, since plastic products such as water bottles, shopping bags, and straws several contribute to environmental degradation, alternatives such as reusable water bottles, cloth shopping bags, and metal straws help to lessen this severity. Ultimately, they help to lessen the burden on landfills and oceans while minimizing plastic pollution. Furthermore, another benefit to using eco-friendly products is the long-term cost savings. Eco-friendly appliances typically lower the energy and utility bills by using less water and power. Additionally, certain green products such as reusable grocery bags can immediately help save money every time you need to buy a grocery bag for five cents. This is just one example where eco-friendly products can help one save money. While there are many more benefits to using green products, there are bound to be cons if there are pros. One such disadvantage is that they have a higher upfront cost. Sure, these products most certainly save money as it is used, However, eco-friendly products often come with a higher price tag compared to traditional alternatives. Furthermore, many consumers and sellers are not fully aware of the benefits and importance of eco-friendly products. This may certainly lead to a lack of demand for eco-friendly options, hindering widespread adoption.

As we navigate through the challenges brought by climate change, embracing eco-friendly products is an important step for this journey. These products play a vital role in reducing environmental degradation, and achieving a sustainable future. 

Korean News Acknowledges Ecosave

Written by Caleb Cheha Paik

Throughout numerous years of effort, determination, and service, Ecosave treasured the Philippines Outreach the most. Getting first-hand experience of the conditions of Filipino poverty encouraged us to serve with vigor and purpose. This year, multiple news corporations across South Korea acknowledged the hardworking achievements of Ecosave. From granting brith certificates to building day care centers, Ecosave has done much to receive this recognition. Below are links to some of the news articles posted online:

• https://www.ajunews.com/view/20240326094039852
• https://mydaily.co.kr/page/view/2024032611441707725
• https://m.news.nate.com/view/20240326n08947
• https://www.g-enews.com/article/General-News/2024/03/202403260901112170be835b0a23_1
• https://mobile.newsis.com/view.html?id=NISX20240326_0002674757

 Hail to the Soldier Fly: A Military-grade Breakthrough In Composting

Written by: Hyunseok Elliott Lee

    

    They may look as intimidating as any other bug does to the average human, but like all other insects, the soldier fly is capable of serving a beyond wonderful purpose in this world, perhaps one that may prove to be among the most beneficial to our Earth. 

    The black soldier fly, which resembles a sort of black wasp, originates from South America, but now generally exists along all continents. Only discovered in the early 20th century, the soldier fly was once seen as just another sub-species of insect, but further research proved they had a sort of power unique to themselves. In the 1950s, researchers discovered that the BSFs' larvae could decompose organic matter and green materials. Further research was done to ensure a process could be formulated, and from the 90s, official tests went underway, which further proved that soldier flies could be a potential new weapon for handling waste management, as the larvae were seen to significantly reduce organic waste volumes and convert it into valuable protein and fat, which could be used as animal feed. 

    The soldier fly stands out because of the contents which it breaks down, especially green matter with high nitrogen content. BSF composting is different from standard composting because you can include more processed materials and animal products, such as prepared food, produce, livestock manure, plant waste, and spent coffee grounds. Thus, it is now practiced widespread globally, with many international corporations also taking on the tactic. Encouragement is made for it to be practiced on an individual level as well, as it has proven to easily be possible according to the article below (Forestry.com). 

    The future of BSF composting is nothing but bright, as preparations are being made for it to be implemented on a governmental, or nationwide level. Though it won't be yet capable of making a major global impact this early from its inception, the BSF compost method is one that we can hope to develop into an influential one that may leave a large imprint, and be utilized to inspire more widespread methods as well. 

Forestry article: https://forestry.com/guides/how-to-create-your-own-black-soldier-fly-larvae-composting-bin-a-diy-guide/

Other incorporated articles:

https://www.undp.org/india/stories/hail-black-soldier-fly-turning-waste-animal-feed

https://directcompostsolutions.com/composting-with-black-soldier-flies/#:~:text=Composting%20with%20Black%20Soldier%20Flies%20produces%20leachate%20which%20seeps%20out,nutrients%20available%20for%20your%20plants.

Post written by Hyunseok Elliott Lee

Annual Ecosave Philippines Outreach

2024 Philippines Outreach

Written by Caleb Cheha Paik

We, the members of Ecosave Club, have been helping those in need in the Philippines in collaboration with Open Hands for many years. The year of 2024 was no different. With new helping hands, we were prepared to serve more than ever. On 3/29/2024, Ecosave traveled to the Philippines to begin their service endeavor. 

Arriving at the Philippines in the morning, we prepared to travel to the remote town of Tanza 1 right away. Upon arrival, we were greeted with smiles upon smiles by the residents of the town. We began the opening ceremony, which included the introduction of each member of Ecosave, the background information on Ecosave, and the plans for the first day. After the introduction, each member of Ecosave had the opportunity to perform what they had prepared beforehand. Caleb Paik peformed Love Theme Cinema Paradiso and Nella Fantasia with his Alto Saxophone. Eric Choo performed Autumn Leaves with his Trombone. Elliott Lee and Brigitta Hong sang multiple songs. Finally, Aden Choo and Rebekah Lee performed numerous pieces on the violin. While the chosen songs might have been unfamiliar to the residents of Tanza 1, this event introduced the culture of music and musical instruments. By performing with these instruments, we were able to show the residents of Tanza 1, being musically confined, that hundreds of different instruments exist, and that beautiful, harmonic sounds were capable. Furthermore, we sang "A Miillion Dreams" in unison and danced to K-Pop, with some of the children of Tanza 1 joining.  

After the performances, we were able to briefly visit the Little Hands Learning Center that was funded by our donations. This day care center provided education, protection, and a home to the children of Tanza 1. We were able to post the sign of the center, marking it a place of communion, safety, and family.

On the second and final day of the Philippines Outreach, we traveled back to the town of Tanza 1 to continue our service. We began by providing snacks and other essentials to each family in the town. Families received vitamin snacks, and other necessities such as rice and water. We made sure no one left without anything in their hands. 

Next, we took a tour around the town and realized the devasting condition it was in. Despite this, the residents of the town seemed to be always optimistic, hoping for a change. This optimism boosted our morals, igniting our dedication to serve even harder

                            

After the tour, we went to the day care center and began educating the children on art and music. The children were able to express their thoughts artistically and learned about different musical instruments, from the glockenspiel to the tambourine. They were able to play numerous instruments and got to experience first-hand something they have never done before. After a long day of work, we took numerous pictures with the children of Tanza 1 to mark the special day. Residents were able to keep these photographs, allowing them to treasure the event as a day of commemoration, community, and hope. 

This is what maintains the lives of the residents of Tanza 1: hope. With hope, they are continously optimistic, looking forward to change. And this change can only be granted when we, those who eat multiple times a day; those who have a closet full of clothes; and those who are blessed with a clean home, act to serve and provide for those who are in paucity. So, let's unite and serve to make a change. 

    

Ocean Acidification

 Ocean Acidification

Written by Caleb Cheha Paik

    In contemporary life, ocean acidification is a critical environmental issue that mainly emerged as a consequence of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. As global environmental challenges, such as climate change, occur, the oceans are undergoing profound changes that are threatening marine ecosystems and biodiversity. 

    The primary cause of ocean acidification is the emission of atmospheric CO2. Oceans absorb this CO2, a process known as oceanic uptake, leading to the formation of carbonic acid. This carbonic acid changes the chemistry of seawater. Some human activities that cause the emission of CO2 are the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial activities.

    Many effects result from ocean acidification. The main problem is its impact on marine life. Ocean acidification significantly threatens marine organisms, particularly those with carbonate shells or skeletons. Ocean acidification caused by carbonic acid weakens these outer shells, hindering their ability to maintain their protective structures. Furthermore, these effects on shelled organisms can disrupt marine food webs. Species at higher trophic levels can experience reduced prey availability since their source of food is declining.

    Looking at a broader perspective, coral reefs are vital ecosystems that support various marine life and provide many services to humans. When ocean acidification is present, coral reefs become vulnerable as they struggle to build their skeletons. This jeopardizes the numerous benefits they offer, such as protection.

    Addressing ocean acidification requires global awareness and commitment especially since the main cause of it is due to a result of human activities. By understanding the causes and consequences of ocean acidification, mitigation methods may be attempted. Therefore, the urgency to act is evident, as the consequences of no action can impact the prosperity of marine ecosystems. 

https://www.nrdc.org/stories/ocean-acidification-what-you-need-know#why

Celebrating Earth Day: "Restore Our Earth"

 Earth Day: "Restore Our Earth"

Written by Caleb Cheha Paik

    April 22nd is a special day for all. It's a day where people unite to raise profound awareness about environmental issues and promote actions to protect the planet. Earth Day 2024 was no exception. Millions of people spanning the globe participated in numerous activities to foster a more sustainable planet.

    This year, the theme for Earth Day was "Restore Our Earth", underscoring the imperative call to action for the damages caused by human activities. Specifically, humans addressed the concerns of climate change, pollution, loss of biodiversity, and more. The focus was not only confining the impact of environmental degredation, but also promoting ideas and education for sustainable change. 

    Earth Day saw a plethora of global events, ranging from cleanup communities to educational seminors. Ecosave, along with other participants across South korea, decided to participate in "lights out", saving energy throughout the day. Starting at 8:00PM, numerous communities in South Korea contributed to this activity to help preserve energy. 

Water Scarcity

Water Scarcity

Written by Caleb Cheha Paik

            Water, the necessity for life, is facing a crisis worldwide as water scarcity continues to escalate. There is no doubt that this is inextricably linked to climate change, where water scarcity is posing a threat to ecosystems, communities, and global sustainability. Climate change affects the world’s water in unpredictable and complex ways. From unusual rainfall patterns to the melting of ice sheets, climate change is a significant factor to water scarcity. 

Climate change is exacerbating water scarcity as the temperature rises, disrupting precipitation patterns and the water cycle. According to the United Nations, around two billion people don’t have access to safe drinking water today and roughly half the world’s population is experiencing water scarcity, mainly due to climate change. Already on a significant scale, these numbers are expected to increase as climate change worsens and the population grows. In addition to these statistics, water supplies stored in glaciers are projected to decline over the course of the century, reducing water availability during dry periods in regions where water is heavily dependent on sources such as mountain ranges. 

In addition to water scarcity, the actual quality of the water is also affected by climate change. As water temperatures, floods, and droughts are projected to rise, they heavily exacerbate the quality of water by contributing to water pollution through sediments to pathogens and pesticides.Lastly, all of this combined will put immense pressure on food supply as most of the freshwater used is used for agriculture. 

All in all, it is important to raise awareness about the scarcity and decline of the quality of water. The modern world is in need of desperate initiatives to help fight against crises similar to this one.

March 24 Meeting: World Water Day & Soldier Flies

    March 24 Meeting

Written by Caleb Paik

    World Water Day is a celebration held annually on March 22 as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. To celebrate World Water Day, Ecosave held a meeting and a fundraiser on March 24 to help global issues regarding water and other environmental problems. 

    One such issue Ecosave addressed was the problem of food waste and management. Food waste isn't just a social or humanitarian concern—it's an environmental one. When we waste food, we also waste all the energy and water it takes to grow, harvest, transport, and package it. And if food goes to the landfill and rots, it produces methane—a greenhouse gas even more potent than carbon dioxide. 

    To resolve this issue, Ecosave proposed the solution of Black Soldier Flies. Soldier flies are insects used to remove organic waste materials. They were commonly found throughout the southern portions of the US and now globally. With the production of these insects, food waste can be heavily mitigated especially because of the simple process of growing them. 

    Ecosave now seeks to promote these soldier flies, in addition to other awareness projects, in order to intervene in the growing issue of food waste and management. One project that Ecosave has already completed was making soldier fly emojis for the popular South Korean messaging platform, Kakaotalk. Through projects like this, Ecosave will persevere to address global environmental issues and find solutions to them. 

Sustainable Technology

Sustainable Technology

Written by Caleb Cheha Paik

As South Korea celebrates their remarkable growth in technological and economic advancements, they continue to strive for sustainable technology. Embracing the global imperative for environmental conservation, South Korea is aiming to manufacture many sustainable products in order to become a key player in green innovation, and environmental conservation

The South Korean government committed to dealing with the issue of climate change and reducing carbon footprint through the manufacturing of green technology. This initiative not only helps South Korea, but encourages other countries to follow their footsteps in order to contribute globally. South Korea recently announced its fostering project called Green New Deal 100 Promising Companies in 2022. This program promises enterprises with green technology to respond to climate change and the rise of environmental crises. This program has been further promoted since last year. It has officially become a part of the Green New Deal policies, which includes other policies – Korean New Deal Comprehensive Plan and 2050 Carbon Neutral Promotion Strategy – that strive for a positive environmental change. 

South Korea’s Green New Deal 100 Promising Companies project was initiated to target the transition to low-carbon, eco-friendly energy. Specifically, this project helped accelerate this transition. Furthermore, South Korea started supporting the five leading areas of the green industry and reorganized the carbon reduction yield into a climate response field to nurture companies with the capability to respond to future climate change. Particularly, they focused on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises with carbon-neutral and greenhouse gas reduction technologies. 

This change South Korea has implemented throughout many years serves as a model for other countries to do the same. This way, climate change and other environmental crises are not just being resolved in one place, but on a global scale.