Glocal Challenge

In preparation for the upcoming trip to Costa Rica, we were asked to identify a local environmental issue, research other solutions that have been implemented globally in the past, and then create a unique solution to the problem.

Our Glocal Challenge group, comprised of three other West Potomac Seniors Rachel Campbell, Katherine Rausch, and Max Leonard, chose to focus on how to stop pollution from entering the Potomac River. Growing up so close to the river, we have seen the effects of pollution in the water first hand. Max rows crew in the Potomac, and he - in particular - wanted us to research what we could do to help. Looking into the problem, we found that phosphorous and nitrogen were the two most common pollutants in the river. Our studies on water pollution and agriculture in Environmental Science allowed us to recognize this was a result of fertilizer runoff. The course has also taught us many ways these problems can be remediated - so we started brainstorming ways we could make a difference.

Knowing we have a limited space and budget, my team decided the most effective way to lower the phosphate and nitrate concentration in the Potomac would be to implement a “bitty buffer,” or our own, smaller version of a riparian buffer. Riparian buffers are vegetated areas near bodies of water that help mitigate the impact of adjacent land use. To compensate for a smaller buffer, we researched native plants to the area that would thrive with a lot of sunlight, would be flood tolerant, and absorb high amounts of the chemicals polluting the river. The use of plants that thrive in these conditions would allow the buffer to be extremely effective for a long period of time.

Even in your home gardens, researching what plants you choose to grow can make a big difference in the local environment. Planting flora that are native to the area will decrease the amount of fertilizer necessary for them to grow. It is also important to consider how much rain or sunlight the plant will be receiving in order to establish an environment with a high potential to thrive with little fertilizer. Every garden makes a difference.

To learn more about our project, watch our Prezi presentation.

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