General

To deepen students’ understanding of biology and environmental issues, foster scientific inquiry and community responsibility, and translate knowledge into practical, campus- and community-focused sustainability actions.

This club found by us provides students a chance to actively study, protect, and restore local ecosystems while gaining hands-on scientific experience and building an inclusive community of learners.

Club Exhibition

Tagline

Stop plastic in our soil. Start healthy soil now.

What’s the issue?

Plastic agricultural and garden films (mulch, sheeting, etc.) often break down into fragments that remain in soil — changing soil structure, harming microbes and plants, and contributing to microplastic contamination. These residues can reduce key soil functions and may persist for years if not managed.

Our objective

1.Raise awareness across campus about soil plastic pollution and its ecological consequences.
2.Measure & map local residual film presence through student-led soil surveys and simple field sampling protocols.
3.Test solutions (biodegradable mulches, natural mulches, recycling pilots) and share evidence-based recommendations.
4.Mobilize action — host cleanups, run workshops, and partner with campus sustainability and local farms to reduce future inputs.

For a greener planet!

A picture of us, preparing for the exhibition

Mini Speech

Our club hosted a public lecture examining two linked topics. First, we reviewed evidence that plastic mulch and other film residues can persist in soil, impair soil structure and function, introduce microplastics into terrestrial ecosystems, and affect soil organisms and plant health. Second, we surveyed contemporary scientific approaches that aim to address plastic pollution biologically — namely the conceptual idea of introducing plastic-degrading genes into environmental microbes via plasmid-borne constructs. We highlighted Streptomyces as an example of a filamentous, enzyme-producing bacterium that researchers study for biodegradation potential. The talk emphasized the promise of biological solutions alongside important caveats: ecological risk, horizontal gene transfer, efficacy in realistic field conditions, regulatory oversight, and the need for transparent, ethically guided research. Attendees were encouraged to weigh prevention and materials substitution strategies (reducing use of problematic plastics) alongside technological fixes.

For a greener planet!

Picture of a in class speech about the viablity of DNA editing.