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!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
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
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Advocacy Project: Issue Overview
Introduction:
The issue is elevated lead blood levels in children. The bill S.RES.650.ATS Designating the week of October 24 through October 30, 2010 as "National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week" has addressed this issue by making one week a national lead poisoning awareness week.
Who is affected by the issue?
Children who are exposed to lead through the environment in which they live and parents who don't want to harm their child. Nobody gains from this issue. Children lose this issue because their health is affected by how much they have been exposed to lead.
What are the consequences of the issue?
Individuals are affected and can suffer from damage to the brain or nervous system,learning problems, and headaches. Families of those affected will have to deal with the heath issues that it brings to their children.
What is the economic impact of the issue?
IQ scores are lower for those exposed to lead, this is valued in forgone earnings. Lower IQ scores affect earnings and therefore the economy loses money. Not eliminating lead exposure has a big cost to foregone earnings.
What is the social impact of the issue?
Those living in older homes might still have lead based paint. Also, immigrant children may be at an increased risk.
What are the barriers?
Education, foreign made toys and money.
What are the resources?
Education on lead poisoning. Will need companies who buy imported products on our side.
What is the history of this issue?
The number of children with lead poisoning has decreased 4.7 million since 1978. Lead based paint has also been reduced which decreased the number of homes with it from 64 mil in 1990 to 38 mil in 2000. Many imported products have also been recalled.
Allies and Opponents:
Parents of children would support this issue. Those who would oppose the issue would be companies that still use lead as a base. To involve both in advocacy efforts I would point out that if children are getting sick from their products then people are going to stop buying them.
Your Recommendation:
I want policy makers to vote yes on this issue.
The issue is elevated lead blood levels in children. The bill S.RES.650.ATS Designating the week of October 24 through October 30, 2010 as "National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week" has addressed this issue by making one week a national lead poisoning awareness week.
Who is affected by the issue?
Children who are exposed to lead through the environment in which they live and parents who don't want to harm their child. Nobody gains from this issue. Children lose this issue because their health is affected by how much they have been exposed to lead.
What are the consequences of the issue?
Individuals are affected and can suffer from damage to the brain or nervous system,learning problems, and headaches. Families of those affected will have to deal with the heath issues that it brings to their children.
What is the economic impact of the issue?
IQ scores are lower for those exposed to lead, this is valued in forgone earnings. Lower IQ scores affect earnings and therefore the economy loses money. Not eliminating lead exposure has a big cost to foregone earnings.
What is the social impact of the issue?
Those living in older homes might still have lead based paint. Also, immigrant children may be at an increased risk.
What are the barriers?
Education, foreign made toys and money.
What are the resources?
Education on lead poisoning. Will need companies who buy imported products on our side.
What is the history of this issue?
The number of children with lead poisoning has decreased 4.7 million since 1978. Lead based paint has also been reduced which decreased the number of homes with it from 64 mil in 1990 to 38 mil in 2000. Many imported products have also been recalled.
Allies and Opponents:
Parents of children would support this issue. Those who would oppose the issue would be companies that still use lead as a base. To involve both in advocacy efforts I would point out that if children are getting sick from their products then people are going to stop buying them.
Your Recommendation:
I want policy makers to vote yes on this issue.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Share'n'Voice: Festival of the Seasons
I know I just did a share'n'voice about an event coming up, but I just found out about another one today that I think people might be interested in.
On Saturday November 20th, the Duluth Farmer's Market is having "Festival of the Seasons." It is from 10 a.m. til 3 p.m. There will be wreaths, Garland, Ornaments, Crafts and more. All items are made by local artists and craft people! It is located on 14th Ave. East and 3rd St. Go check it out!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)