Author: Mariya Zelenskyy

Celebrate World Ocean Day on June 8th and throughout the year!

2024 Action Theme: Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate

One Ocean,
One Climate, 
One Future – Together

Plastic has made our lives easier in many ways. It’s durable, lightweight, and has a variety of uses, from storage containers to outdoor furniture. The problem with plastic is that it’s often discarded improperly. And sadly, much of that plastic ends up in our oceans. 

So what can we do to protect our oceans? We can start by arming ourselves with knowledge, then use what we’ve learned to create lasting solutions that keep our oceans and waterways clean, healthy, and safe.

5 Ocean Plastic Facts:

1. Globally, we’ve only recycled 9% of plastic.

Of the 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic produced over the decades, we’ve only managed to recycle 9% of it worldwide (OECD, 2022).

2. By 2040, the amount of plastic pollution is expected to triple. 

Approximately eight million metric tons of plastic are dumped into the oceans annually (Jambeck et al., 2015). If we don’t take action now, we’re looking at nearly 24 million metric tons of litter by 2040 (UNEP, 2021). 

3. The ocean absorbs over 30% of global carbon emissions. 

Between 1994 and 2007, the world’s oceans kept 34 billion metric tons of CO2 emissions out of the atmosphere. Since then, the absorption rate has increased as atmospheric carbon levels rise, but one day our oceans may be unable to keep up and marine life will be at risk due to excess CO2 (Gruber et al., 2019).

4. Humans are eating microplastics. 

Recent research estimates that we unintentionally consume 0.1–5 grams of microplastic (plastic that’s broken down into microscopic bits) every week (Senathirajah et al., 2021). 

5. There are over 700 oceanic dead zones worldwide. 

Sewage outfalls and agricultural runoff are the primary contributors to dead zones—oxygen-depleted areas in the oceans that can’t support marine life. There are over 700 dead zones globally—a steep increase from the 1930s when fewer than five had been identified (Malone & Newton, 2020). 

We can turn the tide on plastic pollution if we make lasting lifestyle changes. There are many ways to make a positive impact—and they’re all easy.

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

Bicycle commuting to school or work can help you avoid the hassles of traffic congestion and get a little exercise during your transportation time. 

For those new to bike commuting, consider riding with someone who already commutes by bike. Find a bike commuting mentor or partner through Ridematch

Make sure your bicycle is the right size for you and is properly adjusted. If you are in the market for a new bicycle, check out the hybrids and mountain bikes. Some commuters prefer the fatter tires and upright position for riding in traffic.

Wear a bicycle helmet every time you ride. Recent studies indicate that wearing a bicycle helmet can reduce your risk of head injuries. See bike helmet requirements

Lights and reflectors are a must, even if you do not plan to ride at night. There is always a chance of a late meeting or spur of the moment social activity after work or school that may see you riding home after dark. A white headlight and a red rear reflector are required by Washington law for night riding.

A rack over the rear wheel helps carry items such as clothes, briefcases, books, etc. Panniers that attach to the racks are available in a variety of sizes and shapes.

A basic tool kit and a tire pump will allow you to make roadside repairs should they be necessary. The farther away you are from your destination, the more important this becomes.

Fenders are handy if you plan to ride when its wet.

Dress for the weather – It is sometimes tricky to know exactly how to dress for a particular temperature. But as a general rule, you should be comfortable to slightly cool before you start your ride. You will warm-up quickly once you get going. If you dress so that you are warm before you even start riding, you will get too hot. Layer your clothing so that you can always add or subtract a layer depending how you feel a mile or so into your commute.

More bicycle safety tips

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

Cycling is a full-body workout. Because it is an aerobic exercise, it raises your heart rate and breathing. Your body uses oxygen to turn fats and sugars into energy, so the more you breathe during biking, the more calories you burn. In fact, can burn as much as 444–733 calories for an 185-pound rider who cycles vigorously for 30 minutes. This makes it an excellent exercise for overweight and obese riders looking to lose weight. 

30 minutes of moderate-intensity cycling 4 times a week can burn about 1.3 kg of fat per month.

Obesity is becoming more prevalent in the US, with multiple states experiencing a rise in obesity rates. In particular,  was at 28.1% in 2022. The condition puts individuals at risk for developing chronic conditions, which is why many obese individuals turn to strategies like calorie restriction to lose weight. Yet, for some, biological and genetic factors can hinder their weight loss efforts.

You can’t make the most out of cycling if you do it randomly—it must be part of an effective weight-loss strategy. That means you need to also follow a sustainable diet plan that nourishes your body, fuels your workouts, and prevents further weight gain.

Biking is one of the best exercises to lose weight.

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

Riding a bike is healthy, fun and a low-impact form of exercise for all ages.

Cycling can help to protect you from serious diseases such as stroke, heart attack, some cancers, depression, diabetes, obesity and arthritis.

Cycling is easy to fit into your daily routine by riding to the shops, park, school or work.

Cycling is mainly an aerobic activity, which means that your heart, blood vessels and lungs all get a workout. You will breathe deeper, perspire and experience increased body temperature, which will improve your overall fitness level.

The health benefits of regular cycling include:

increased cardiovascular fitness

increased muscle strength and flexibility

improved joint mobility

decreased stress levels

improved posture and coordination

strengthened bones

decreased body fat levels

prevention or management of disease

reduced anxiety and depression.

Cycling can improve both physical and mental health, and can reduce the chances of experiencing many health problems.

Cycling strengthens your heart muscles, lowers resting pulse and reduces blood fat levels. Research also shows that people who cycle to work have two to three times less exposure to pollution than car commuters, so their lung function is improved. A Danish study conducted over 14 years with 30,000 people aged 20 to 93 years found that regular cycling protected people from heart disease.

Many researchers have studied the relationship between exercise and cancer, especially colon and breast cancer. Research has shown that if you cycle, the chance of bowel cancer is reduced. Some evidence suggests that regular cycling reduces the risk of breast cancer.

2024 Bike Everywhere Day: Tomorrow May 17

Everett Transit will host a Celebration Station at Everett Station that will include:

Bike wheel curling challenge

2024 Bike Everywhere t-shirts

Prize giveaways

Bike checks 

Information about new bike paths and trails that connect you to Everett and beyond

Bike locker information

and much more ! 

Bike Everywhere Month is hosted by Cascade Bicycle Club across the entire region, and filled with commuting challenges for individuals and teams, events such as Bike to School Day and Bike Bashes. Great events and challenges are also held by the City of Everett’s Public Worksdepartment. Did you know that they are planning major biking infrastructure improvements? Click the links to learn about the Fleming Bicycle Corridor or the Fulton Pedestrian and Bicycle Corridor Celebrating our biking community and bringing cyclists of all levels together to encourage the growth of Everett’s biking infrastructure. Games, bike safety checks, raffle prizes, biking maps, and more are available from Bike Everywhere Day partners! 

Event details

Location: Everett Station, Everett, WA
Date: Tomorrow, May 17, 2024
Time: 8:00 a.m. – noon

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

Riding a bike is not only a great way to improve your physical and mental health, but also the health of the planet! Here are some of the ways you’ll be helping the environment just by replacing a few car trips with bike rides.

No Gas, No Pollution

By not using any gas, bikes don’t release harmful emissions that pollute the atmosphere, nor any carbon dioxide that contributes to climate change. Just moderate increases in bicycle use each year could save an estimated 6 to 14 million tons of CO2.

Harmful Chemicals Are Reduced

We usually think of gas as the only pollutant when it comes to cars, but they also use antifreeze and other fluids that are bad for the environment. Biking instead of driving cuts down on all of them.

More Bikes Equals Fewer Roads 

More cars mean more roads need to be built, which causes water run-off that contributes to ground and water pollution. More bikes mean more bike paths and lanes which are more sustainable.

Noise Is Also Pollution

We rarely think of noise pollution when it comes to cars, that is unless you live by a busy street. Swapping bike rides for drives will make your neighborhood quieter to everyone’s benefit. 

2024 Bike Everywhere Day: May 17

Everett Transit will host a Celebration Station at Everett Station that will include:

Bike wheel curling challenge

2024 Bike Everywhere t-shirts

Prize giveaways

Bike checks 

Information about new bike paths and trails that connect you to Everett and beyond

Bike locker information

and much more ! 

Event details

Location: Everett Station, Everett, WA
Date: May 17, 2024
Time: 8:00 a.m. – noon

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

2024 Bike Everywhere Day: May 17

Everett Transit will host a Celebration Station at Everett Station that will include:

Bike wheel curling challenge

2024 Bike Everywhere t-shirts

Prize giveaways

Bike checks 

Information about new bike paths and trails that connect you to Everett and beyond

Bike locker information

and much more ! 

Bike Everywhere Month is hosted by Cascade Bicycle Club across the entire region, and filled with commuting challenges for individuals and teams, events such as Bike to School Day and Bike Bashes. Great events and challenges are also held by the City of Everett’s Public Worksdepartment. Did you know that they are planning major biking infrastructure improvements? Click the links to learn about the Fleming Bicycle Corridor or the Fulton Pedestrian and Bicycle Corridor Celebrating our biking community and bringing cyclists of all levels together to encourage the growth of Everett’s biking infrastructure. Games, bike safety checks, raffle prizes, biking maps, and more are available from Bike Everywhere Day partners! 

Event details

Location: Everett Station, Everett, WA
Date: May 17, 2024
Time: 8:00 a.m. – noon

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

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WSUE Horticulture Club’s

Plant Sale! at The Showcase 

Friday, May 3rd, 9 am-12pm

WSU Everett

915 N Broadway,

Everett, WA 9820

First Floor Lobby 

Cash or check only

This is a fundraising sale for WSUE Horticulture Club. 

Plants provided at the sale have been cultivated by student members of the club. The types of plants include various houseplants, vegetable starts, and flowers to transplant.

It is being held during a campus showcase, so other student groups will be presenting projects, etc. So, there will be other interesting attractions as well.

Please email Gusta at gustarose.beard@wsu.edu for more information

Today! Plant Swap Event 10 am-2pm at Whitehorse Crit Space

So what is a plant swap Event, exactly? It’s an opportunity for local plant lovers to come together, meet each other, and exchange plant clippings, full plants, even pots and seeds. 

Humans need plants for survival, but we also need them for their basis in the long-term health and sustainability of our environmental systems. Plants improve the environment in many ways, like releasing oxygen into the atmosphere, absorbing carbon dioxide, providing nutrients to animals, and regulating the water cycle — all things we need to sustain life on Earth.

The majority of the oxygen we breathe comes from plants. This is because plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to convert energy into a form that other living things can use, oxygen and power in the form of sugar.

One of the biggest threats to the Earth is the high amount of carbon within the atmosphere from fossil fuels and manufacturing. But through photosynthesis, plants help reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere by storing and using it. Undoubtedly, plants are natural air purifiers; the more prominent and leafier the plant is, the better it absorbs carbon dioxide and produces more oxygen.

The water cycle keeps water moving above and below the surface of the Earth, and plants help regulate the stormwater runoff. Plants and trees absorb water after a storm, saving cities money from maintaining and pumping out excessive runoff.

The role of green infrastructure includes planting vegetation across a town or city to leverage the capabilities of soil and vegetation to infiltrate, redistribute, and otherwise store stormwater volume, with the potential to fulfill additional environmental, social, and economic benefits.

In addition, vegetation returns water into the atmosphere through the soil. As a result, around 10% of water in the form of water vapor goes back into the atmosphere, regulating and replenishing the Earth’s stock of water for the next rainfall and keeping energy running naturally.

Creating a secure place for animals to live is crucial to sustaining biodiversity. Unfortunately, urban sprawl worldwide has impacted our ecosystem by disturbing animal populations. The most effective way not to disturb animal populations is by giving wildlife a natural refuge. 

Healthy plants also provide humans with a source of energy and food. Plants play an essential part in our environment and our diet. They provide us with the nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and fiber we need to survive. In addition, we need plants to feed farm animals, which we utilize for meat and dairy products.

Another way plants save energy is by reducing the costs of heating and cooling buildings. For example, planting a tree on the west side of your building can reduce the demand for electrical grids. It decreases the sun’s effect on the outer walls and roof temperature, which means that heating and cooling your home will require less energy, reduce the environmental impact, and save you money in the long run.

Reduce the Effects of Climate Change

One of the most significant natural issues today is climate change and the burning of fossil fuels. Burning fossils results in high levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the air we breathe. But, this is when plants come into play. On Earth, terrestrial and oceanic plants store carbon dioxide from the air to decrease the number of polluted gases in the environment.

You can grow trees that reduce the pollution level and stave off global warming, including yellow poplar, silver maple, oak, pines, and blue spruce. We all must understand the role of plants in our environment.

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

Sustainability Blog http://sustainability.evccblogs.com

Holy Horticultural Hyperbole, Plantman! The Plant April 25th, 10-2.

You have a thing for free stuff, I hear. Luckily, you can grab up a load of plant stuff and all it will cost you is a smile!  It’s Plant Swap time, where we bring in great green gobs of growth to the Whitehorse Crit Space and you come and take it off our hands. All you need to do is have something to put your treasures in as you cart them away.

Please Email with any additional questions to sustainability@everettcc.edu and get your calendar marked in green for Plant Swap on April 25th