In 2008 two male sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) stranded along the northern California coast with large amounts of fishing net scraps, rope, and other plastic debris in their stomachs. One animal had a ruptured stomach, the other was emaciated, and gastric impaction was suspected as the cause of both deaths. There were 134 different types of nets in these two animals, all made of floatin...

A comprehensive study of the generation and characterization of municipal solid waste is essential to the longterm efficient and economical planning for solid waste management. The aim of this study was to quantify and analyze the solid waste generated in the city of Ensenada, Mexico, and to use this data in a project that will generate energy through methane gas production. Ensenada’s per capi...

Many tourists are interested in locally-beneficial experiences, which should afford opportunities for vulnerable individuals to earn their way out of poverty. However, host communities remain largely relegated to the role of passive tourees receiving only scraps from the tourism industry. This paper introduces “People-First Tourism”, a project that attempts to leverage information technology in...

Materials Scrap paper torn into 1” x 1” (2.5 cm x 2.5 cm) pieces (paper towels, construc tion paper, and toilet paper work well; a large bowl; a wooden frame 5” x 7” (13 cm x 18 cm) or 8” x 10” (20 cm x 25 cm); nylon or wire screen; staples; a plastic basin at least 2.5 gallons (9.5 liters) in capacity, that is larger than the frame; cloth dishtowels (felt, blotting paper, or newspaper may subs...