Water Gardens and the Urban Environment

Back to Tap has been in touch with the pioneers over at the Science Barge to discuss their prototype, sustainable urban farm and environmental education centre that is now in its third year of operations. It is the only fully functioning demonstration of renewable energy supporting sustainable food production in New York City. And it is floating on the Hudson River!

The Barge grows tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce with zero net carbon emissions, zero chemical pesticides, and zero runoff. It is powered by solar, wind, and biofuels, and irrigated by rainwater and purified river water. By providing an accessible and fun platform for exploring urban food production and sustainable energy, the project helps to change attitudes towards the urban environment.

As part of the expansion of the Science Barge's gardening mandate, a greenhouse has been built on top of a local school, and it is great to see innovation and primary education literally feeding off of each other. The greenhouse relies on an advanced hydroponics system to grow fruit and vegetables, providing a great science class tutorial as well as enhancing the nutrition of diminutive New Yorkers. Schools everywhere should have gardens as a focal point for educational, nutritional and ecological advancement.

Barges in London (above) and in Boston (below) which inspire us to explore ecologically sound ways of interacting with the urban rivers.

Here in London, Back to Tap is excited about the Barge Garden Competition being held in Boston - the honourable mentions on their blog offer inspiration for London to think creatively about how we interact with the environment. In particular, we look forward to future work that re-examines our relationship with water, the earth most precious resource.

Plastic Bags Sail the Seas: time for a ban or two

Back to Tap is happy to be following the trials and tribulations of the 5 Gyres Team as they set out to quantify the Pacific Garbage Patch - formed of plastic bottles and other plastic waste.

Like our friends over at the Plastiki, the 5 Gyres sailing team is seeking to explore the problem of plastic waste in our seas, but they are taking a more scientific approach. Increasing the knowledge base and general public awareness of the plastic pollution will hopefully drive political change.

Already, there have been successful attempts to ban plastic bags in cities and towns in the UK and now the EU has even proposed a national ban on the polluting plastic bag. It seems that slowly but surely, the world is waking up to plastic's destructive impact on our ecosystems.

Plastiki Redux - What can we learn from their journey?

As part of our ongoing engagement with the Plastiki team, Back to Tap recently caught up with David de Rothschilde in Australia. After completing the Plastiki voyage almost a year ago, it remains to be seen where he will be sailing next?

On our minds have been on the next step in the Plastiki team's voyage. After celebrating the one year anniversary of the voyage on March 20th, they are moving on to explore adventure, community and social change with a new online network at www.myoo.com. Check back next week to see what Back to Tap is up to on the Myoo network.

David de Rothschild Sails the Seas on the Plastiki

Plastics and Contamination in our Oceans - 5 More Reasons to Go Back to Tap!

New research suggests that fish are consuming and being affected by plastic waste in the Pacific Ocean. Plastic waste from industry and consumer products accumulates and washes into the sea. As Captain Charles Moore, the founder of Agalita explains, all the plastic waste that is generated in inland areas inevitably makes it down rivers to the sea. The long-term build up of plastic waste in our Oceans mean that there are now major plastic gyres in all five of the world's oceans.

The pollution in these oceans are five more reasons to stop using bottled water and go Back to Tap!

10 Ways to Use Less Plastic

How do we change behaviour to be more sustainable? Of course there are many inspiring examples of how to reduce our collective carbon footprints, yet when it comes to creating change at the individual level, it can be very difficult to really get things done. In this post, we've tried to help you move away from plastics by breaking things down so that you can choose individual steps towards reducing plastic use:

(1) Stop buying and using bottled water - Plastic bottles are a major source of marine debris and are piling up around the world. Make your own filtered tap water and carry it in a stainless steel drinking flask, or simply drink straight from a filtered tap.

(2) Say "no" to plastic grocery bags - Plastic bags are a leading source of ocean garbage. Purchase and bring your own reusable bags when buying groceries.

(3) Say "no" to plastic snack bags, baggies and sandwich bags - Cloth napkins, wax paper or reusable sandwich bags and boxes can be used in place of their plastic equivalents.

4) Avoid Products that use Plastic to Begin With - Plastic is convenient but most of the cheaper grades (the clear stuff) find its way into our food, often leaving a film on anything that is wrapped in it and which we then eat. Microwaving anything in plastic cooks plastic residues right into the food, vaporizing other chemicals that contaminate the food and air.

5) Recycle or Reuse Materials - Plastic can be recycled and you will find that when you start recycling you at least save money on trash bags. Many containers can be washed out and reused (though they should be sterilized with apple cider vinegar). Note that only the higher grade plastics can be reused.

6) Choose Products with Biodegradable Plastic - Now many plastic cups along with packaging peanuts and other supplies are available in a biodegradable form. Companies like Ecosafe and Natur-Tec are providing real solutions to the plastic problem.

7) Repair, Sell or Upgrade Gadgets Many people run out and buy the latest new cell phone or iPod more often than needed, discarding their old phones in the rubbish where they not only add to plastic landfill but also leak out various other contaminants like Mercury. Meanwhile older components, while larger, are often superior as they tend to be constructed of much more solid materials. By repairing your items you can keep things in top shape much longer. Tackle small problems when they arise. Take the time to fix things. Buy used products when possible and sell your items online or at the local rummage sale when they are no longer needed. Prefer products that offer replacement parts.

8) Recycle Computer Parts - If you must discard items like monitors or printers, at least take them to an electronics recycler. The claim that most plastics can be recycled has been proven false, but for some plastics, the option is there. So recycle where possible while proactively cutting out plastic from your life.

(9) Experiment with New Materials & Innovative Products - From bamboo to glass and stainless steel, there are many options to help you make the move away from plastic.

(10) Convert those around you to plastic free living!

Use Less Plastic from TakePart on Vimeo.

The Pacific Ocean Gyre

If anyone has found themselves drifting in the middle of Pacific recently, they may have found themselves in a sea of plastic waste. As our friends over at the Plastiki know so well, plastic waste poses a major threat the health of aquatic ecosystems from the mid-Pacific to local beaches.

Here at Back to Tap, we are hoping that people will stop using bottled water and put an end to one major source of plastic waste. This will hopefully lead a shrinking of the Pacific Ocean plastic gyre: