Eco-Transit Solutions!

Unit Essential Questions:

1. What value do we see in the biodiversity and natural resources of the earth? The variety of living things on Earth (biodiversity) and natural resources like forests, rivers, and minerals are extremely valuable, more than most might even recognize. They provide us with food, clean water, and medicines, and even help regulate the climate that makes life possible. Without biodiversity and natural resources, human life could not be sustained.

2. What human actions are associated with altering Earth’s natural systems? Human activities like burning fossil fuels such as gas, oil, coal for energy, cutting down forests, overfishing the oceans, and releasing pollutants into the air and water are major factors altering and damaging Earth’s natural environments. These actions disrupt the balance of nature by causing climate change, habitat loss, and ecosystem decline.

3. How can individuals, communities, and nations live sustainably? To live more sustainably, individuals can reduce energy use at home, recycle, eat less meat (even though I’m not doing that), and choose environmentally friendly products. People who are for their community can create green spaces, improve public transportation, and start recycling programs. Nations can and need to transition to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, protect natural areas, and enact laws to limit pollution and waste.

Reflection Questions:

1. How did this project deepen your understanding of sustainability? This project deepened my understanding of sustainability by examining how an organization like SEPTA can transition to more eco-friendly and renewable practices to reduce its environmental footprint from transportation. It gave me a good understanding of how much comes into play when trying to make something more sustainable for the environment!

2. What information about your chosen industry surprised you most? Why? The information that surprised me most was how much SEPTA currently relies on fossil fuels to power its bus and train fleets, contributing to air pollution and climate change impacts. To me, if the company is well aware of how much this impacts its community why is there no change being implemented? It’s necessary that we start to make change and most people are semi-aware of that, which is why this is so surprising to me.

3. How did you contribute to your group’s project? Provide specific examples. What were you proud of, in terms of your overall project?

How didn’t I contribute to my group’s project is the real question. From the start, Anaiya and I had a huge workload since our group was smaller compared to the others. But we stepped up to the challenge, for all the checkpoints, we divided the work up, and I made sure to complete my parts thoroughly. When it came to the physical component, I collaborated closely with the CTE students, communicating and working as a team to create the best possible structure. Initially, I didn’t think we would do that well given our smaller group size, but I’m really proud of how our project turned out in the end.