On February 7, 2025, we had an interview with Anna Bateman, the Stewardship and Development Manager of NYC H2O. NYC H2O is an organization that educates New Yorkers about the local water ecology in New York.
Anna taught us about how it’s not just important to be mindful of our waste. We should understand where all our waste is going, and how long it stays on Earth. She also said it’s important to know why we’re consuming and try to consume less. She also talked about experiences she had on the beach. Of course, she found trash, but she also found a pile of creepy mannequin legs on the shore. Sadly, she also saw dead animals stuck in plastic bags washed up onto the shore. She could see the impact of ocean pollution just by walking by the shore.
Anna thinks prevention is the most effective way to stop ocean/water pollution. For example, people can prevent trash from blowing out of trash cans, or limit how much they use or buy something that can contribute to ocean or water pollution. Things that we, normal people can do to affect this problem is beach cleanups. It’s easy to sign up for and is enjoyable(for some people).
She also told us about ways we young people can impact ocean/water pollution in the future as a job. There are many types of skills and jobs around this topic. Most people think of trash and marine debris, cleanups and marine biologists when they think of ocean pollution. But there are many more different aspects of ocean pollution, and many ways to help. Anna said it’s important to know what you’re passionate about and what skills you have and connect it to ocean/water pollution to make an impact using your skills and interests.

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On February 6, 2025, we visited the New York Aquarium in Brooklyn with Eliza and the Microplastics group(Xander, Hannah, Fox, Audrey, Taiyo).
We learned about how oysters can help the ocean. Oysters filter water and make it clear, and the clear water helps plants grow, which provides habitats for marine animals. Oysters have disappeared from New York because of pollution, dredging, and overharvesting. An organization called the Billion Oyster Project is helping restore oysters in New York Harbor.
We also learned about everyday items that can pollute our ocean and things we can use instead. Normal soap is better than antibacterial soap, because of the chemicals inside it. The chemicals will go down the drain, and into the ocean, and the chemicals can kill marine life. Regular soap works just as well to clean yourself. Powdered detergent is better than liquid detergent because it’s lighter and inside biodegradable boxes. On the other hand, liquid detergent is heavier to ship and comes in plastic bottles. We also learned that a single oil-change’s worth of motor oil dumped in the drain or gutter can pollute and ruin a million gallons of fresh water. Instead, you can go to their local auto parts store, and recycle old oil for free. When you flush old medicines down the drain, they would end up in rivers and oceans, which would damage marine life. Instead, you can return them to the pharmacy.

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On December 19, 2024, we had an in-house interview with our science teacher, Eliza Zygmuntowicz. We asked about what Eliza has done as a scientist relating to water and ocean pollution, and important information about our topic.

Eliza has taught about water pollution, and also has taught about green infrastructure and planting near water. She talked about how it is important to know about this topic because only a small percentage of water is drinkable, and all the fresh water is frozen in glaciers, and is not accessible.

Something we learned is that water and ocean pollution affects us by plastic breaking down and entering our bodies, which can affect our health. We also learned that loose dirt can get into fish gills, which can kill fish. A major cause of water and ocean pollution is fertilizer getting into the ocean.

Something that I personally thought important was that water and ocean pollution affects communities of color and low-income communities because of environmental racism. The resources go to high-income communities, while the negative impact goes to low-income communities. A problem relating to low-income communities and water pollution is that people made reservoirs and pushed out the people who live there.

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