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

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.