Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Thanks to NC Coastal Federation (NCCF), our Manteo Middle School group learned about recycling and how marine debris negatively impacts our Outer Banks environment. They were tasked with sorting trash samples found on the beach by how frequently they were found - from cigarette butts to construction debris to fast food containers. Then they learned which of these items can be recycled.
This activity made it clear that reducing litter is necessary in keeping our beaches, sounds, and ocean clean and safe. Students were surprised to learn how few items can actually be recycled by local town and county services. Reduce and reuse need to come first!
Is it safe to drink? Will it support wildlife?
Sarah Hallas, of NCCF, led students through a series of experiments designed to test water quality and salinity. Students used various tools to measure water quality and learned which levels of salinity were considered healthy for animals living in fresh, brackish, and ocean waters.
Many of these students had helped to build oyster reefs earlier during the summer program, so they already embraced the importance of maintaining the quality of the water that surrounds us in the Outer Banks.