Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 5: Final Weekly Review and Overall Project Reflection
My SMART goal: I will shower for 5 minutes everyday for the next 5 weeks.
This week I did pretty well in achieving my SMART goal. The week was about half; with me achieving it 4 times.
Successes and Challenges:
I was successful for half the week. I used my phone to set an alarm so I would turn off the shower at the right time. When I needed to shave I turned the water off. It was still really challenging to shower in 5 minutes. I did go over that a couple of times but overall I did better than last week.
What Feelings did you experience?
I felt pretty good the whole week. Even though I didn't always make my time I still was always under ten minutes at least so it felt good to save water.
What did you learn this week?
I learned that the more you practice a behavior the easier it is to change that behavior into a habit.
What are your plans for next week?
This project is done this week but I will continue with my SMART goal.
Review of entire process:
My SMART goal was: I will shower for 7 minutes everyday for the next 5 weeks. I changed my SMART goal once from 7 minutes to 5 minutes.
The things that helped me to be successful were using an alarm to time myself in the shower so I knew when I had to get out. Also, just knowing I had a goal to keep made me shower faster. It was challenging at first to shower for only 7 minutes but once I got used to it, it just became habit. It's still hard for me to shower for 5 minutes. When I needed to shave I just turned off the water so I wouldn't go over my time limit.
From this project I learned how easy it is to change a behavior if you really try to change it. I learned that I used to take showers that were way too long and I save gallons of water just by showering for a shorter amount of time. Behavior changes have to be worked on; they aren't something that is going to happen overnight. For a behavior to change, you have to keep trying to change the behavior until it becomes a habit.
The environment benefited from my project because I saved tons of water from being wasted. By conserving water I helped to reduce water pollution. I also saved energy that is used to heat the water.
I will continue this behavior because it has become natural now for me to shower for only a little while. However, I will probably shower 7 minutes and not 5 minutes. I think it's important that I keep conserving water by lessening my shower time.
For anyone making a lifestyle change, I recommend that they pick something that they really want to change or something they really care about. It's so much easier to make a lifestyle change if you really want to. I would also recommend to keep trying if it doesn't work at first because it's very likely that the change will not happen right away.
Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 5 hosted by Amy@Amy in the Rain
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Advocacy Project: Letter and Fact Sheet
December 6, 2010
Sen. Barb Goodwin
U.S. Senate
650 Sullivan LN NE
Columbia Heights, MN 55421
VOTE YES ON S.RES.650.ATS: National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
The proposed national prevention week will help educate the public on lead poisoning in children and teach people about prevention. By designating one week to prevention of lead poisoning, this bill ensures that the public will be aware of this issue and take action against it. As a current Health Education student from Minnesota, I believe that there should be a week each year designated to childhood lead poisoning. This will keep the public aware of the issue so that steps can be taken to eliminate blood poisoning levels in children.
The prevention week will help educate the public on the dangers of lead poisoning in children. According to the CDC, lead poisoning affects nearly every system in the body. There are often no symptoms for blood poisoning, thus it can go unnoticed. Children under the age of 6 are at the most risk because they put their hands and objects in their mouths more. Also, children at and below the poverty line are also at more of a risk. It would be ideal to completely eliminate blood poisoning as a health issue, but until that comes about a program for prevention once a year is needed to help increase awareness.
Opponents might say that levels have decreased significantly in the past and that there is no more need for blood lead prevention. However, there are still cases of childhood lead poisoning. There have also been many toys and other objects recalled because of lead. Although companies in the U.S. may not used lead based paint, toys and other objects imported from other countries may contain lead based paint. The problem is still there and must continue to be addressed until it is eliminated.
We appreciate the past support of the bill and hope it continues to get passed each year. As a health education student, I hope you realize the importance of educating the public on blood poisoning in children. Vote yes to S.RES.650.ATS: National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.
Alyssa
Fact Sheet
How do children get lead poisoning?
Older homes can contain lead-based paint. Painted toys may contain lead as well as some drinking containers. Children who put toys, containers are suck on the windowsill in an older house may get exposed to lead. If they eat paint chips or soil containing lead they may also get exposed.
What are the symptoms of lead poisoning?
Sometimes there are no symptoms. When there are symptoms, they are like other illnesses. Loss of appetite, tiredness, irritability, weight loss, and reduced attention span.
What are the affects of lead poisoning?
If not detected early, children with high blood levels may have damage to their brain or nervous system, slowed growth, hyperactivity, behavior problems, headaches, and learning problems.
How can you prevent lead poisoning?
More information:
For more information you can go to the CDC website or EPA's website.
Sen. Barb Goodwin
U.S. Senate
650 Sullivan LN NE
Columbia Heights, MN 55421
VOTE YES ON S.RES.650.ATS: National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
The proposed national prevention week will help educate the public on lead poisoning in children and teach people about prevention. By designating one week to prevention of lead poisoning, this bill ensures that the public will be aware of this issue and take action against it. As a current Health Education student from Minnesota, I believe that there should be a week each year designated to childhood lead poisoning. This will keep the public aware of the issue so that steps can be taken to eliminate blood poisoning levels in children.
The prevention week will help educate the public on the dangers of lead poisoning in children. According to the CDC, lead poisoning affects nearly every system in the body. There are often no symptoms for blood poisoning, thus it can go unnoticed. Children under the age of 6 are at the most risk because they put their hands and objects in their mouths more. Also, children at and below the poverty line are also at more of a risk. It would be ideal to completely eliminate blood poisoning as a health issue, but until that comes about a program for prevention once a year is needed to help increase awareness.
Opponents might say that levels have decreased significantly in the past and that there is no more need for blood lead prevention. However, there are still cases of childhood lead poisoning. There have also been many toys and other objects recalled because of lead. Although companies in the U.S. may not used lead based paint, toys and other objects imported from other countries may contain lead based paint. The problem is still there and must continue to be addressed until it is eliminated.
We appreciate the past support of the bill and hope it continues to get passed each year. As a health education student, I hope you realize the importance of educating the public on blood poisoning in children. Vote yes to S.RES.650.ATS: National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.
Alyssa
Fact Sheet
How do children get lead poisoning?
Older homes can contain lead-based paint. Painted toys may contain lead as well as some drinking containers. Children who put toys, containers are suck on the windowsill in an older house may get exposed to lead. If they eat paint chips or soil containing lead they may also get exposed.
What are the symptoms of lead poisoning?
Sometimes there are no symptoms. When there are symptoms, they are like other illnesses. Loss of appetite, tiredness, irritability, weight loss, and reduced attention span.
What are the affects of lead poisoning?
If not detected early, children with high blood levels may have damage to their brain or nervous system, slowed growth, hyperactivity, behavior problems, headaches, and learning problems.
How can you prevent lead poisoning?
- Learn about where lead is found
- Keep the home dust-free
- Wash children's toys frequently
- If you have an older home get it tested for lead
- Make sure there is no cracked or chipping paint
- Have your kids wash their hands after playing outdoors
More information:
For more information you can go to the CDC website or EPA's website.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Reflections: Weeks 9-12
As always, these past four weeks have been eye-opening.
Week 9: During this week we started our Eco-chic lifestyle goal. I learned how to create a SMART goal to use for my lifestyle change. I also started the Advocacy project. I had to look up all my political representatives. This was good to do because I actually learned who to talk to advocate for issues.
Week 10: This week we watched a video called "Unnatural Causes." This video was about the effects of social class. We had to look at different bills for our advocacy project. This was interesting to learn about all the different issues out there. The second week of my lifestyle change went pretty well; it was fun to challenge myself.
Week 11: We watched a video called "Story of Stuff." It was about what it takes for us to get products. It was interesting to learn how we are able to get products so cheap. I also learned that people usually only keep stuff for 6 months and then throw it away. The junk project was introduced this week. We looked at different junk items and had to think of ways they could be used or transformed. This was also the third week of the lifestyle change and I decided to make my goal more challenging.
Week 12: This week I didn't do so well on my lifestyle change. It was more challenging but I thought I gave it a good try. For this week we had to do a photo essay on the environment. I took pictures of paper and plastics bags. I found that there are a lot more places starting to put out plastic bags recycling containers.
Overall, I think I learned the most about different ways that I can be an advocate in or for my community. I'm learning to look more at junk as a potential treasure and not just junk. Right now, I think I will just be an advocate to my family; I hope I can start getting them to make some changes for the environment. It's almost the end of the semester! I can't wait to see everyone's junk project!
Week 9: During this week we started our Eco-chic lifestyle goal. I learned how to create a SMART goal to use for my lifestyle change. I also started the Advocacy project. I had to look up all my political representatives. This was good to do because I actually learned who to talk to advocate for issues.
Week 10: This week we watched a video called "Unnatural Causes." This video was about the effects of social class. We had to look at different bills for our advocacy project. This was interesting to learn about all the different issues out there. The second week of my lifestyle change went pretty well; it was fun to challenge myself.
Week 11: We watched a video called "Story of Stuff." It was about what it takes for us to get products. It was interesting to learn how we are able to get products so cheap. I also learned that people usually only keep stuff for 6 months and then throw it away. The junk project was introduced this week. We looked at different junk items and had to think of ways they could be used or transformed. This was also the third week of the lifestyle change and I decided to make my goal more challenging.
Week 12: This week I didn't do so well on my lifestyle change. It was more challenging but I thought I gave it a good try. For this week we had to do a photo essay on the environment. I took pictures of paper and plastics bags. I found that there are a lot more places starting to put out plastic bags recycling containers.
Overall, I think I learned the most about different ways that I can be an advocate in or for my community. I'm learning to look more at junk as a potential treasure and not just junk. Right now, I think I will just be an advocate to my family; I hope I can start getting them to make some changes for the environment. It's almost the end of the semester! I can't wait to see everyone's junk project!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Share'n'Voice: greenhome.com
I found a great website called greenhome.com: the environmental store. This online store only sells products that are environmentally friendly. The website also offers articles and information on the environment. There are a ton of interesting articles on here. It also has a Toxipedia, which gives you definitions and explanations for environmental terms. On the home page of the website, you can put in your zip code to find your nearest local organic food, find where you can recycle and compost, and see your home's energy usage. It's a really neat website, go check it out! Maybe you'll find some idea's for Christmas presents. :)
Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 4: Weekly Update
My SMART goal for this week was: I will shower for 5 minutes every day.
I did not do very well in achieving this goal this week.
Successes and Challenges:
I only had success one day. It was really hard to only shower for five minutes. I don't think it's enough time. I usually would shower for 6 minutes. I tried to shower really fast but it's hard!
What feelings did you experience?
I felt a little frustrated because I was able to shower in 7 minutes last week but this week it was more difficult to do in 5 minutes.
What did you learn this week?
This week I learned that 6-7 minutes is the perfect amount of time to shower.
What are your plans for next week?
Even though this week was hard, I still plan to try to shower in 5 minutes. I think it is possible, I just have to try more. I want to be a little more successful with this goal in the next week.
Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 4 hosted by Amy@Amy in the Rain
I did not do very well in achieving this goal this week.
Successes and Challenges:
I only had success one day. It was really hard to only shower for five minutes. I don't think it's enough time. I usually would shower for 6 minutes. I tried to shower really fast but it's hard!
What feelings did you experience?
I felt a little frustrated because I was able to shower in 7 minutes last week but this week it was more difficult to do in 5 minutes.
What did you learn this week?
This week I learned that 6-7 minutes is the perfect amount of time to shower.
What are your plans for next week?
Even though this week was hard, I still plan to try to shower in 5 minutes. I think it is possible, I just have to try more. I want to be a little more successful with this goal in the next week.
Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 4 hosted by Amy@Amy in the Rain
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Eye Opener: Photo Essay
For my Read'n'Seed I read about paper and plastic bags so I wanted to show some pictures of bags. I also wanted to show some changes that are being made to lessen the waste.
I took some pictures of people using a bunch of plastic bags at the grocery store. Some are kinda far away because I was trying to be discreet.
I also took some pictures of the plastic bags we had in my house.
At my house, plastic bags are kept in the hanging thing (I don't know the name for it) usually until they are used for something that is thrown away. So we don't recycle plastic bags at my house.
I did notice many different ways some places are trying to be more green with their bags. Some places have recycling for plastic bags and sell reusable bags.
I took a picture of my family using reusable bags shopping. However, I didn't see anyone else using reusable bags.
Plastic and paper bags are a big environmental concern. People are starting to take little steps to use eco-friendly bags. Reusable bags are being sold at many places now, however I still hardly see anyone using them. I hope more people recycle paper and plastic bags if they don't have reusable ones.
I took some pictures of people using a bunch of plastic bags at the grocery store. Some are kinda far away because I was trying to be discreet.
I also took some pictures of the plastic bags we had in my house.
At my house, plastic bags are kept in the hanging thing (I don't know the name for it) usually until they are used for something that is thrown away. So we don't recycle plastic bags at my house.
I did notice many different ways some places are trying to be more green with their bags. Some places have recycling for plastic bags and sell reusable bags.
I took a picture of my family using reusable bags shopping. However, I didn't see anyone else using reusable bags.
Plastic and paper bags are a big environmental concern. People are starting to take little steps to use eco-friendly bags. Reusable bags are being sold at many places now, however I still hardly see anyone using them. I hope more people recycle paper and plastic bags if they don't have reusable ones.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 3:Weekly Update
My SMART goal: I will shower for 7 minutes everyday.
Successes and Challenges:
I was successful this entire week. I didn't go over 7 minutes showering in the past week. I didn't really have any challenges.
Feelings I experienced:
I felt really good about myself because I was able to achieve my goal. It is becoming easier and easier to shower for a short amount of time.
What I learned:
This week I learned that it is easy to shower for less than ten minutes. There's no reason to stand around in the shower wasting water!
For next week, I think I will modify my goal. I am going to try to shower for only 5 minutes! That should make it a little more challenging but I think I can do it.
Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 3 hosted by Amy@Amy in the Rain
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