For Field & Forest Moves Forward
Some of you may have followed For Field & Forest as I wrote this biweekly column about Pennsylvanian flora, fauna, and ecology, until I abruptly stopped writing a year ago. After an extended hiatus, I’m excited to continue sharing interesting facts about our environment and wildlife. But first, I’d like to explain where I’ve been, as well as where I’d like to take this column as we begin to learn together again.
Plastic fragments and blended pellets from ADS.
In college, I took a class called Physics of Energy and the Environment, which included topics such as solar power, nuclear energy, and garbology. I found “garbology” – the study of waste management – both fascinating and critical to our environment and society. Little did I know, upon graduation I would have the opportunity to work precisely in this field for over a year. After graduating college in May 2021, I began an internship at a recycling company in northwestern PA, near my alma mater. Succeeding my summer internship, I was hired as a full-time Technical Writer.
ADS Recycling is the largest plastics recycling company in North America. Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. manufactures plastic pipes and ancillary products for drainage and water management solutions. The ADS Recycling plant I worked at receives bales of post-consumer plastic from vendors; the plastic is manually sorted, ground, washed, dried, and pelletized, creating recycled plastic pellets which would then be sent to other ADS manufacturing plants to be used to make ADS pipe and products. ADS pipe can be identified by its signature green line, and it is often used in agricultural, industrial, and residential construction to effectively manage water.
This opportunity provided me with intimate knowledge of the inner workings of recycling, as an industry and as collective processes. I learned, firsthand, what challenges are posed within the recycling process, as well, and more importantly, the hard work done and incredible impact the recycling industry has on the environment. As an intern, I gained hands-on experience within the recycling process, from sorting to quality control to logistical support. As Technical Writer, I wrote and revised standard operating procedures to help ensure all plant procedures were performed safely and correctly, according to industry and company standards. I participated as a member of the environmental compliance team, ensuring DEP regulations were maintained and environmental contamination was prevented. I also had the opportunity to research and write about nuanced topics within recycling, such as the complexities of plastic, recycling rates around the world, the history of recycling, and national and company recycling goals.
A view over a waterfall in Bad Urach, Germany. (Photos by Faith Forry)
Working for an industry-leading company with immense, international recycling and water management impact was a unique opportunity for a recent college graduate with a passion for sustainability and environmental protection. The experience and knowledge I gained is invaluable. But, as they say, “All good things come to an end.” Although, I’d like to think new “good things” are always just around the corner. After working for over a year in the recycling industry, it was time for me to say goodbye to this wonderful season in life filled with wonderful people and experiences.
In a few short weeks, I will be attending the University of Tübingen in southwest Germany studying for a Master’s of Applied & Environmental Geosciences. Upon graduating college, I knew I wanted to return to school eventually to continue my education, though I thought it smart to save money and gain experience before returning to school. After making the big transatlantic move, I’ve been enjoying settling into my new home for the coming years. The climate and landscape of southwest Germany is quite like central Pennsylvania; the familiarity easily reminds me of home. Germany’s beautiful architecture, delicious food, language and culture – all are wonderful perks that make my experience here in grad school that much sweeter. I’m thrilled to continue exploring what Germany has to offer, and I’m delighted to begin studying again, working towards earning my Master’s degree. To put it simply, I feel exceedingly grateful to have this life-changing opportunity, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store.
After my extended break from writing this column, and a few life changes in between, I’m happy to begin writing again, sharing with you all the things I’m passionate about. As before, I plan on continuing to write about Pennsylvanian flora and wildlife. However, I’d like to expand the scope of this column to include things I learned during my time working in the recycling industry, as well as my experiences as I’m here now in Germany. Future columns may delve into sustainability, plastics, waste management, energies, as well as the plants, animals, and ecology of Pennsylvania and even here in Germany also. I hope you’re as excited to read as I am to share about all of these topics which I find so fascinating – all focusing on the admiration and protection of our environment, wildlife, and precious resources.
If you would like to learn more about ADS – their products, their mission, or their impact – go to https://sustainability.ads-pipe.com/.
Written by Faith Forry — September 4, 2022
