Welcome!

My name is Yelena Bannikova. I am a student at Las Positas College doing an Honors Project for my Oceanography class. I decided to do research on marine pollution, especially on plastics and their effect on oceans. It is natural for living creatures to leave their trace on Earth. However, the trace of humans currently exceeds all the established norms. Ecologists across the globe are concerned about the pollution of the oceans. Even though oceans have the ability to clean themselves, the pollution has increased to the level of a serious threat that can not be eliminated without human intervention. One of those dangerous for marine life threats is plastic, a cheap and durable material that is used in a variety of ways.

Why do you think this topic is important to us, who live on land? Of course, many people neglect the topic of ocean pollution, especially in the uncertain times we live in. It is natural for us as humans to first be concerned about our primary needs, such as safety, food, and shelter. Yet our environment affects us. If we take care more of it, we will have a better place to live. Our ocean provides us with plenty of food. Not only it is a big food industry, but also it is one of the simplest ways to provide for the family - get a permit and fishing rod; then acquire some fishing skills. The ocean provides our lands with beaches that attract millions of people every year. This, in turn, feeds all the local stores, restaurants, and services. Taking aside the material profit, it is a natural refuge for our nervous system that helps us release the stress of daily life. It is worth some thought and consciousness.

This project has two major goals. One of them is to educate students and others about plastic pollution, especially how ordinary people like those living in the San Francisco Bay Area unintentionally harm the oceans. The other and ultimate goal is to share ways to prevent plastic pollution and save the oceans, which could be done by changing everyday habits and being conscious about shopping choices.

Contact info: yelena.bannikova@gmail.com