Reflection Weeks 8-15

The second half of the semester was just as fulfilling, thought provoking, and behavior changing as the first half of the semester. There were many activities that we did that I was able to take a lot from.

Web Groups & Share and Voice
This activity we did taught me a lot. We switched web groups up this semester, and I was able to learn a lot from three new people, and all of the different things they learned I was able to learn a lot from. I was really fond of Cole, Niki J, and Shelby, and all that they were able to teach me. Every week I took something different from them, whether it was Cole's great recycling ideas, Niki's advocacy for clean water, Shelby's great input on recycling, I really enjoyed having these people in my web group this second half. After all of these different share and voices were done I learned how to hook up to a linky party. This was awesome to be able to see what everyone else in class was doing as well. I was able to easily locate this, and explore from there. I had never learned how to do this until we did it in class, I really enjoyed the linky parties!

Junk Project
Whenever I had trash, or something that I thought I could not use anymore I would just simply throw it away. However, I learned that just because you think something is broken if you actually take a moment you can see all that it really can be, and nothing is really junk. I was able to take an old mirror that I thought was broken, and turn it into an earring tray, or even a candy tray, or serving dish. I now find myself looking at everything in my house and thinking of a ton of different uses that I could turn it into. I have learned to look at my "junk" differently, and find different uses for me. My classmates had so many cool ideas that I found really aspiring, and I am excited to redecorate my house now from this project. I really did learn that what is someone elses garbage really is someone elses treasure.

Advocacy Projects
After doing all of these different advocacy projects I really learned  a lot. It was not until I actually did these assignments that I even knew who represented me, or anything about them. I learned who actually represents me area, and all the different bills that are trying to be passed, and how difficult it actually is to get a bill to pass, and make it all of the way through, no matter how good it is. I liked looking at the one I did in regards to making less air pollution, because we are all the ones who are affected by this. I learned a lot more about politics that I ever have before, which was something I never took an interest in before. I also learned what it meant to actually advocate for something, and truly be apart and have an impact on an issue, or idea. This was something I had never known or learned before.

My Own Blog
I have learned a lot about blogging in general. Even though at first I was a bit frustrated with the whole blogging idea as I had never used it before, and was a bit overwhelmed I have come to learn that it really is a great tool that is very beneficial. I learned how to put my own ideas, view others, and comment on them to actually learn what they are saying while offering my own input. I believe blogging is a great way to interact and learn from other people as well.

Final Thoughts
During this second half of the semester I have learned so much in regards to blogging, being environmentally friendly, simple ways to change my behaviors, and that everything we do has some kind of consequence, and that if we really want to change we can. I learned so much from all of the different share and voices about where to shop, food labels, recipes, books, and many more things. I have created a list of everything I want to experiment and learn about. This really was a very beneficial class that I learned so much from that I am going to use for the rest of my habits. I have so many new, improved behavior habits that I am really proud and happy about.

Share & Voice: Video

Ever since taking this class, and seeing all of the different documentaries I have really changed all of my eating habits and behaviors. I use to go to Super One and buy whatever was on sale, such as Easy Mac or the most sugary cereals, because they were cheap. I never actually looked at the labels, and what was inside of them. However, ever since then I find myself actually looking at labels and shopping at Whole Foods. I try to buy organic foods, or attend farmers markets for local farmers around the area. My diet has changed entirely, and I am quite pleased with my new behavior. On the Whole Foods website I found this very informative and interesting video discussing how foods are labeled. In this video them emphasized the difference between organic, and natural. I now know that the only if it says "naturally organic" does that truly mean it is. I really learned a lot about labeling foods, and how companies use their own name on the labels at a cheaper price then a name brand item, but there is no difference in the actual ingredients, but because the label is more popular verses the store brand people think it is better, but really they are just paying more. Now when I go to the store I am actually going to look at the label or a store brand verses a name brand product and compare what is in them. So, I challenge you this, to read the labels next time you are at the store and compare the two products.
Are the ingredients the same?
How much is the difference in cost?
If you buy the store brand compared to what you usually do, does it taste different?

I went to the store and bought Great Value cheese tortillas chips, commonly known as Doritos.
I was able to get these for $1.79 less and there was a slight difference in taste, but they were not bad tasting at all. I was able to learn all of this from the video I watched on the Whole Foods websites about labeling and that there really is no difference if you know what you are really looking for.
Everyone should check it out, it is very informative!

Advocacy Project: Letter to an Elected Official

December 8th, 2011

Pat Strachota
Room 324 East
P.O. Box 8953
Madison, WI 53703

VOTE YES ON EH-2 Increasing the Different Means of Transportation Act of 2011

The main purpose of this proposed act is to offer alternative means for transportation that are more environmentally friendly that will produce less air pollution from the standardizes buses, trains, and cab services. I am in favor of this idea to promote biking, walking, or even car pooling in some cases to help keep healthier air for everyone to breath, and to promote a healthier lifestyle by implementing exercise into our daily lives. This act will provide an all around healthier lifestyle for everyone.

This act will help us all become healthier. It is proven that since 1980 cases of asthma have increased 75% and this is due to the quality of air we are breathing. All of the different buses, bus routes, taxi, trains, excessive driving produces mass amounts of pollution, and fuel going into the air. We are all greatly affected, since we are all breathing this dirty air. It is shown that shopping trips to the store, or local businesses are less than 5 miles from home, which would be the perfect opportunity to either walk, or ride a bicycle. It is known that obesity is a problem in our country today due to the newly developed sedentairy lifestyle we have developed. If this act is passed we all will be breathing healthier air due to increased air pollution from automobiles, and become more active, and healthy in terms of our own respiratory and cardiac health. The benefit of our health out weigh the cons in both short and long term effects.

Opponents of this bill may say that by promoting alternatives means companies are going to lose business. However, the same companies can also offer bike, or roller blade rentals, and they would still be making a profit. They would also be saving large amounts of funds as they would not have to supply their vehicles with the expensive gas prices they are having to pay. If they increase their prices of their company it will discourage many from taking the bus, or a taxi, but for the ones who really want to they are going to pay the amount, so all of these companies are still going to be making a profit. I believe for my solution and support for promoting alternative modes of transportation in our daily lives is a great idea for everyone's health, and daily behaviors, as we will all be benefitting in the long run from this. We all breath the same air, so we should all work to keep it clean, and not be selfish.

We greatly appreciate the efforts you have made to finding a solution to this problem, and look forward to hearing from you soon. We hope that you vote "yes" on this proposed act to help all of our well being. If you have any further questions, or concerns please feel free to contact me at, 262-222-3333 or healthylife@d.umn.edu.

Sincerely,

Lindsay W.

Share & Voice Week 3

Through my web group I have found myself SO inspired by all of the work that Cole is doing! Every week I look forward to reading her blog, and to see all of the great environmentally friendly things she is. I was very intrigued by her photo essay actually. I have always wanted to be better to the environment, but I would definitely get lazy, or didn't really know how to go about doing things. However, after seeing all that she did with her garbage and how easy it was to recycle I found to be awesome! Now there really is no reason that I should not be able to do that. After living in my house with 5 girls and people always over there is a lot of garbage scattered throughout, and empty cans. If my roommates and I all made an effort to be more environmentally friendly and recycle we would be helping conserve so much, while producing less garbage, and making it easier for garbage centers to not have to sort through all of our trash. She was able to go through tons of garbage and boxes from garbages to not even one full sized garbage bag after a week just by all of the composting, and recycle. I am truly inspired by her efforts, and think it is awesome what she is able to do!
Great Job Cole!
Everyone should check out her projects and all of the work she is doing at How Does Cole's Garden Grow?  I know I am going to continue to do so! Not to mention her fruit bars were also delicious, which I am going to attempt to make, even though my cooking skills are not the greatest.

Advocacy Project: Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet About Minimizing Public Transportation and Promoting Other Environmentally Friendly Transportation Options

What is the current problem? 

People rely too much on public transportation, or driving themselves places instead of walking, biking, or finding alternative methods. All of this driving pollutes the air, and people are unaware of how much this really affects all of us, because we are all the ones breathing the air. 

Who is affected by this?

1. Us (the citizens breathing this polluted air)

2. Transportation companies (buses, taxis)

What are possible solutions to reduce this pollution, but still provide safe ways to get around?

1. Have companies offer services for a small fee. This way they are still making money, but also discouraging people to rely on it so much, causing less pollution, and dirty air that we all have to breath. Many people are unaware of the long-term affects that occur from the air we are breathing now.

2. In the summer time offer rental bike services right by the train, bus, or taxi station, and have the option available to people.

Take a Bike Over the Bus and Here's Why!

(All found from Air Resource Board: Bicycle Awareness)

-More than half commute trips, and 3/4 of shopping trips are under 5 miles in length, which would be perfect for biking and getting outside

-About 27.3% of the driving public reported that they rode a bicycle at least once last summer, which equals to approximately 57 million people over the age of 16 who rode a bicycle and have access to one

-A bicycle is an excellent choice for an aerobic, enjoyable exercise

Asthma and Air Pollution

-Asthma has increased within 75% since 1980, which is affected our children and their potential health

-The long-term affects of breathing polluted air are still unknown

By helping to promote other means of transportation such as biking and walking we can help save ourselves and our health in the long run. Even though public transportation and automobiles are a good idea our health is more important. 

Eye Opener: Photo Essay

I never took the time to realize all of the little things UMD has to offer when it comes to being environmentally friendly and promoting recycling right here on campus. I would always see various items throughout the halls as I would glance at them, but when I really took the time to look I realized there actually is a lot of different ways in which UMD promotes helping the environment. I had never noticed all of the different recycling bins compared to garbages, and all of the little signs placed throughout campus as well. I was actually surprised to see all of this, and in a way I guess I took it for granted, and never really appreciated the efforts that were being put forth right in front of me. All of the pictures that I found were in the parts of the schools where I usually am, and I was able to find all of this! I am definitely going to explore the rest of the school and see what else UMD is doing!

 Burt's Bee, organic shampoo and conditioner that is offered right in the student store. Along with this there was also lotion, and chap stick as well. This is an easy investment, and very accessible to all students. It also wasn't too expensive, so it would be appealing to students as we all go for the cheaper items. The colors were also something that caught my eye as I was wondering around.

 There is a section in the freezer in the student store dedicated to organic and naturally grown frozen foods. I have to say the enchiladas, pizza, and mac & cheese did look quite delicious. I actually ended up buying an organic pizza (never had this before) and ended up loving it. This was a great investment that I will be buying more of.

 "Go Green" light bulbs that were also found in the student store. All of these were energy saving bulbs that were on sale. This is the perfect idea for everyone, especially the students who live right on campus and need a bulb for a desk or bed lamp. I also bought one of these for my lamp at home.

 "We Recycle!" This is a just a simple recycling bin (as there is a ton of these throughout the school) but a little effort goes a long way. The top of the bin is shaped so only paper could fit into it, which saves a lot of time in the long run because people get lazy and if it were bigger any type of garbage would be thrown into this. This saves time and money by not having to sort all of this out when the garbage is taken out.

This is just a simple recycling bin, but I saw so many of these ones! In the gym and athletic area alone I counted 9 of them! This is just a simple gesture but is easy to do and makes it impossible for there to be liter around, because there are so many garbages scattered throughout the school!

 Right outside of the gym and weight room there is a station to refill a water bottle. This is a great idea to have after everything we learned about the pricing and garbage that comes from plastic bottles. This idea is very beneficial, because instead of buying water it is easily accessible right when you are done working out! I use this piece of equipment almost daily.

 To go along with the idea of having your own reusable water bottle instead of a plastic one that would just be thrown away I found these cool UMD ones right in the student store as well. There was a lot of different kinds, like the color scheme and design, but these just happened to be my favorite! This is a great idea to invest in one because you are promoting your school and have easy access to water all throughout the day, which is the most important nutrient for you to ingest.

 This was what I believe to be the best idea when it came to recycling that I saw. This was located right outside of the library, which is the perfect spot as many students (or should) go there. There was 4 different compartments, each with a different place to recycle from bottles & cans, trash, aluminum, and plastic. This would make it simple to sort out off the garbage and recycling if people would just take the extra effort and put there trash in the right spot. I definitely believe this to be the best idea!

"Be bright. Turn off the light" This was on the light switch right in a bathroom. This is a great idea to have this sign here. There are many times I go into the bathroom, or even our locker room and no one is in there, but the light is still on. If we would simply put this sign there we would be saving a lot of electricity. I actually put a sign like this in our locker room right by the switch, just so we could help to conserve energy when we are not in there. It is already catching on, which is very exciting to see!

The University of Minnesota-Duluth is home to all of us, and really is making an effort to help keep our school and community clean with offering so many ideas and various equipment to help, so there really is no excuse to not have a beautiful school. Let's all do our part and help keep UMD environmentally friendly!

Check out everyone elses's ideas!

Advocacy Project: Issue Overview

Introduction

Pollution in the air from motor vehicles and excessive public transportation

HF0400 Environmental and Natural Resource Money Availability, trying to find different methods of funding, and ways to get around without polluting the air as much

Who is affected by the issue?

All of the citizens are affected by air pollution, because we are the ones that breathe the air. People that are in more industrialized and crowded cities, such as Minneapolis are affected more, as they are around it more.

All of the citizens in highly populated cities lose the most, like their health because they are the ones breathing this air, and polluting their lungs. Also, by relying on public transportation they are partaking in less exercise. These citizens lose their health and fitness compared to the citizens living in the cities that don’t breath in as much smoke and smog, and walk around their land more.

The public transportation drivers (bus and taxi) and businesses gain money and revenue, as they know people depend on them, and their services, because people take the easy way and are lazy.

What are the consequences of this issue?

The consequences are poor health, air pollution, and short quality of life.

The individuals’ health is affected. Their families are affected by having their loved ones potentially become sick from the pollution, and decreases expected life.  The consequences for society are more overall pollution, less air quality.

What is the economic impact of the issue?

The economic costs are expensive to pay for all the gas used to transport people, maintenance repairs, and miscellaneous costs. It would be more worthwhile to not offer so many options, or reduce the number of buses and taxis available.

The economic benefits stem from all of the revenue public transportation brings in. All of the business owners, and employees of these companies benefit from this.

What is the social impact of the issue?

The social costs of this issue are an opportunity to meet other people while traveling publically, so everyone can benefit from this. Also, a recreational activity, and sight seeing opportunity. The companies providing this service bear the cost since they are the ones paying for repairs, and gas. Also, everyone is affected by the pollution at its costly levels.

Some of the social benefits are getting to be around new people, and in different parts of town. When you take a public bus there are a lot of stops along your route which gives you a social opportunity, and you get to learn from others, and see different parts of town that you may of not known were there. Everyone can benefiting from this new experience while getting to know and learn from others and their experiences.

What are the barriers?

The barriers are that there is a need, and high demand for different ways to get around the city due to the lack of cars people have, and high gas prices, so they use these methods to save money. Taxis are used for people who are under the influence and need a safe ride home. Also, in the cold weather people will not want to walk, or take a bike from place to place, it does become a safety concern.

The barriers to addressing this issue are people are stubborn, and won’t want to make a change, or try something different. People are also lazy and even in nice weather they will refuse to walk, or use a bike and will just expect to be picked up, and taken care of from public transportation.

The people can be overcome by seeing how bad it is to breathe the city, highly polluted air, and all of the damage it does to their body. There are a lot of long term affects that people are unaware of, so stressing those. Also, all of the damages their methods do the environment, like ruining the eco system, and plants.

What are the resources?

The resources needed to address this issue are evidence and statistics of breathing in poor and polluted air stressing the health affects long term from this. The safety concerns from taking public transportation at night, or by yourself when you do not know who is around, or the kind of people on the bus. Also, the effects from the smoke and smog that go into the air from big buses and trains.

The health affects can be found by comparing the breathing capacity and quality of breaths from an individual who lived in the city, and rode the bus for many years compared to someone who lived out in the country, who hasn’t been exposed to as much pollution.

The safety issue can be found by looking and observing the people around bus stops, and on buses late at night.

What is the history of this issue?

The history of this issue in the community is known to not travel alone at anytime, it is just unsafe. Also, breathing in this type of air is comparable to cigarette smoke, and the poor affects it has on your lungs, brain, and respiratory system.

The past efforts made were trying to promote different methods of transportation that would help benefit your health and be a source of exercising, like biking or walking.

The results of this were in the warm weather people would attempt other ways, but once it was cold or poor weather they resulted back to using the bus everyday, or driving themselves.

Allies & Opponents

The people who would support this issue are the citizens concerned with preserving and maintaining the environment. Also, healthy people who want to live and long healthy lifestyle, and do not want to be breathing poor air. Fitness buffs would also like this idea, as walking or biking is healthier then driving places, and a good source of exercise.

The people who would oppose this issue are the companies that own buses, taxis, cabs, or the people who drive everywhere and do not like to exercise or go out into the cold or outside in general.

To involve both the allies and opponents regarding this issue would require a bit of compromise. Both sides are looking to help out people, whether it’s providing transportation, or promoting their own health and well being, so both sides share that. In order for both sides to win they could both focus on promoting walking, or biking in the warm weather times, and then come winter offer more public transportation, so it will cut down on the pollution, and help promote a healthy lifestyle, yet still as a back up offer public transportation.

Your Recommendation

I want policy-makers to vote in favor of spending more money on advertising, and alternative transportation methods that don’t pollute our air and environment like buses, trains, and cabs. I want there to be more of a push for car polling, only if absolutely necessary. I would like to see more promotion towards walking places, making it accessible and a realistic idea, or even renting a bike to use would be beneficial and less air pollution, while still being quick.

Sources:


http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topicsobjectives2020/objectiveslist.aspx?topicId=12


https://www.revisor.mn.gov/revisor/pages/search_status/status_detail.php?b=House&f=HF0400&ssn=0&y=2011


http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eco-friendly


http://library.thinkquest.org/26026/Environmental_Problems/air_pollution.html


http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/air/

Share and Voice Week 2: ISV Australia Crossings Project

Hey Mate!
For about two weeks this summer I went to Bermagui, Australia! This was the most influential and rewarding trip I have ever been on. During my time here we planted over 1,000 trees, went koala surveying, and learned so many different ways on living a sustainable lifestyle. We stayed with a family who owned "The Crossing". This was an incredible project, I learned what it really meant to rough it and live outdoors. This experience made me truly grateful for everything that I do have, and I learned to take nothing for granted. We cooked and prepared food that we picked out from the garden. I have never eaten so many vegetables in my life! We were also only allowed to shower every 3 days, with a 5 minute timer, so I learned to not waste water. The projects we did was really cool as well. We barely had any electricity, so we had to make our own fun. It was were serene to just sit outside a fire, and listen to Erik play his guitar on the evenings. Or, during the day we would take nature walks, and explore the beautiful land as well. It was exciting when we got to go into town. I learned that I use to take a lot for granted in regards to the amount of paper products I used, or heat. This was the greatest experience I have been apart of. I met so many wonderful people that I still am in contact with today. I also developed so many habits that I still use today. I am less dependent on technology, a better cook, and just more aware of what I am using, and always find the thought in the back of my head of, do I really need this?
If ever given the chance I would go back to Australia, and work on a sustainability project in a heart beat!

                                                         Jumping beside the beach!

                                                      Group after planting 1,000 trees!

                                                        Rendering Australian homes!

                               Group shot with some Aboriginal leaders after koala surveying!

                                                   Just swinging away in the rainforest!

Advocacy Project: Healthy People/THOMAS

Healthy People 2020
EH-2 Increase the different modes of transportation to and from work
Definition: Find different, environmentally friendly ways of transportation in our everyday life that will not pollute the air, or cut down the amounts of fuel we are using and putting into the air
Target: .6 percent
Baseline: .5 percent of trips were made to work via bicycle in 2008

According to Merriam Webster Dictionary the definition of environmentally friendly is something that is not environmentally harmful


HF0400 Environmental and Natural Resource Money Appropriate
Title: To fund the community with money to help clean our air from all of the pollution caused by all of the fuel expensive modes of transportation used. Then, encourage people to use public transportation, or other forms of transportation; bike,walking etc. 
Sponsor: Denny McNamara (R)
Latest Major Action: Representative Denny McNamara, Chair of the Committee on Evironment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance called a forty-fourth meeting to order at 8:53 a.m. on May 3, 2011, in Room 5 of the State Office Building. 
Recommendation: Yes for HF0400 Environmental and Natural Resource Money Appropriate Act
My Political Representative: Governor, Mark Dayton 

Share and Voice Week 1

This is a GREAT website for everyone to look at. Global Stewards: Environmental Tips has so much information on it, and simple everyday actions, and behaviors to do to help our earth. There is simple recycling, reducing, and reusing tips. Then, there are projects you can do around your community to help make it from friendly, like picking up garbage. Also, kind of like our junking project, there is ideas on how to reuse certain materials that you may consider to be garbage, but can actually be used for different things! Everyone should definitely check out this website!
I really liked the part about different methods of transportation, which I think would be great for everyone else to look at, as we all know what a pain it is to park at UMD with the limited parking options. I also learned a lot from all of the pollution that comes from plastic that I never really knew as much about. There is really no need to have plastic bottles, when it would be easier and cause a lot less pollution if everyone would just refill a glass bottle.
Check out this very informational website!

Advocacy Project: My Political Representatives

This week for our project we learned about political advocacy, and the importance of it. This was a very good idea for me, because I do not pay attention to politics at all. It was good to find out and read a little about who is actually representing me. I do live in Minnesota, but am a registered voter in the state of Wisconsin, so I researched who represents Slinger, WI. 


The President is, Barack Obama. Since he is after all the president it would be hard to reach him personally, but his contact information would go through the White House. 


The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 2500


Visitors Office:
202-456-2121

One of my State House Representatives are, Pat Strachota, a Republican of the 58th District.


Room 324 East
State Capital
P.O. Box 8953
Madison, WI 53703


(608)264-8486


Rep.Strachota@legis.wisconsin.gov

The second State House Representative is, Glenn Grothman, a Republican of the 20th District.


Room 10 South
State Capital
P.O. Box 7882
Madison, WI 53707


(608) 226-7513


Sen.Grothamn@legis.wisconsin.gov

The governor is, Scott Walker.


PO BOX 620437
Middleton, WI 53562


govgeneral@wisconsin.gov

One of the Wisconsin Senators is, Herb Kohl, a Republican. 


310 W. Wisconsin Ave. Suite 950
Milwaukee, WI 53202


senator_kohl@kohl.senate.gov

The second Wisconsin Senator is, Ron Johnson, a Republican. 


517 East Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53202


(414) 276-7284


info@ronjohnsonforsenate.com

Reflection Week 1-7

         I know this class is only halfway done, but I have already learned so many things about myself, the environment, blogging and just my surroundings in general. It is actually crazy to think about how much this class has already impacted my everyday life and behavior, especially in these last two weeks!
         Over the last two weeks I have learned about myself as a person. I had always thought that I was a good person, and good to the earth for simple reasons, like taking out my garbage, recycling basic items in my house, and not littering. However, I have learned that it goes much deeper then just these simple tasks, even though they are good starting points. My SMART goal was to not use paper toweling, or paper products, which I am proud to say that I no longer do. I only use only the minimum amount of toilet paper that I actually need when going to the bathroom. These are simple habits that I had never really thought of you. Also I have learned that if I really want to make a change that I will, and from that it will in turn change all of my other habits. After doing the "Junk on the Brain" activity I have found myself looking at everything in my house and finding so many different uses for it. I've cut old t-shirts and used them for rags. I now used an old coffee can to hold flowers in the house. If this would of been me two weeks ago I would of simply thrown all of my garbage away when I was done with it, and never even thought of all of the possibilities of different uses that could come from it. I am really proud of my new outlook on life, of saving, reusing, and recycling a lot of things I have.
         Two weeks ago when we watched the movie GREEN, that really hit home a lot for me. I grew up by a lot of small farms and had always heard and thought that yes farmers work hard, and am ashamed to say that I took their farming for granted, and thought it was something easy they did to save on money. I now see that I am very wrong for this idea, and am embarrassed that I ever even had this idea. From that video I saw that our environment is a very precious item, that should not be taken lightly. It would not be kept the way it is if it wasn't for the farmers producing foods, and keeping it healthy with all of their fertilizing and maintaining of their crops and gardens. Farmers help reduce some of the need for factories, which ruin our environment with all of the pollution they produce. I now have a whole new respect for farmers, and all of the hard work they do for us. I would actually like to go and work on a farm for a few weeks, so I really can get the true experience, I think it would be very humbling and a good idea for me. I have also learned that we are all responsible for our environment, since we are all living here. I believe that actions are contagious. I now try to pick up one piece of garbage everyday that I see (which there is always a ton on my 5 minute walk to school). I believe by doing this that if someone sees me they will pick up the habit, and do it themselves, and if everyone would do this then our world would really be a different place. I also like to do my part with helping to GO GREEN so I have taken a vow to only drive my car when I absolutely need to. I now walk to school everyday to save on not only gas, but the pollution as well. This change has been going on for a little over two weeks now, which I am proud to say that I am helping our environment.
         Within these last few weeks I have found a new love, blogging! In the beginning I was a bit skeptical about blogging, but have found that I really enjoy it. I find myself just going through everyone's blogs and reading of all of the great work that they are doing, and it is so exciting to read and learn from them! I really do enjoy this, and find it inspiring to try some of their new lifestyle changes, or get ideas from this. I really have liked Niki J's idea of trying to eat more vegetables! This has been something I have always wanted to do, but never really found the motivation to do so until I started reading her blog, so if it wasn't for blogging I would still be in phase one of just wanting to change, but not really doing so.
         I can easily say this is my favorite class that I have ever taken here at UMD. I really have never learned so much about our world that I have in these few weeks. I had always taken everything I had for granted, and always expected it all to just be there for me, but never really learned how things work, and the simple tasks that I can do to help our world. I am also excited that form this class I went to Whole Foods Co-op for the first time last weekend, which was such an exciting experience for me. I found myself just wondering around reading the labels on all of the foods, and when I found something that was GM free I was very happy to see that. I bought a lot of organic foods which I am very excited to try, especially a delicious Boca Burger that I just made the other night. I really have enjoyed this class, and am learning so much, and am very excited and happy with the person I am becoming and all of the new different behaviors I have acquired as well!

Eye Opener-Junk on the Brain

Part 1:
Antique: an old collectable item
Junk: any undesired thing or substance
Flea Market: swap meet, place where secondhand or inexpensive good are bartered
Thrift Shop: retail establishment run by a charitable organization to raise money
Upcycling: process of converting waste material or useless materials into new products or materials of better quality or higher environmental value
Resale Shop: the act of selling again to a different party, secondhand selling

Part 2:
All of these terms directly relate to environmental health. They all describe different ways we can reuse our everyday items that we think are trash and find different needs for them. Also, we can go to different places that sell other people's "junk" but find ways to use them for ourselves at a cheap price instead of just throwing everything away. In the end it saves us money, but also it saves the environment from being polluted.
1. Father Time Antiques (antiquing)
395 S. Lake Ave. #1 Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 625-2379
2. Junkers Blog (junking)
Ki Nasseur
From Minnesota, currently living in California
http://junkcamp.blogspot.com/2009/04/calling-all-junkers.html
3. Minnesota Flea Market (flea markets)
Lake Superior College (Annual 2nd Flea Market second Sunday in August)
2101 Trinity Rd.
Duluth, MN 55811
4. GoodWill (thrift shop)
700 Garfield Ave.
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 722 3050
5. Christopher's Lowell Upcycled Furniture from Local Homes
Found in the Sears Dept. at Miller Hill Mall
1600 Miller Trunk Hwy
Duluth, MN
(218) 725 0395
6. Savers (retail shop)
1740 Mall Dr.
Duluth, MN 55811
(218) 722-1894
I do not do any of these things. I honestly have never really thought of any of these ideas actually. When I have garbage, or something I think I can't use I just throw it away. I have never taken the time to actually look at it and see all of the possible options I could use it for. Also, I never think to shop at thrift stores. I have always just went to Target, so whenever I need something my first thought is to always go there.

Part 3:
1. How to Display Pumpkins, I find this to be cool because I just carved pumpkins this past weekend, and some of them didn't turn out like I invisioned it, but instead of throwing it away i could plant flowers in it, and make it into a fun fall decoration for my front porch! It is also right in season, so the weather and timing is perfect for this idea!
2. Happy Father's Day Eve, I really like this idea, because I always want to get my dad something memorable, but I can never come up with a good idea. I never have a lot of money to spend, but yet I want to get him something meaningful. I do have old glass bottles and jars laying around I can easily decorate and make bright, and put a picture of me on it. He can then put it on his desk as a pencil holder, and always see me, it's cheap and easy to do, and I know he could actually use it!
3. Candle Holder 101 I just really like this idea simply because it just looks awesome! I love decorating my house and having candles all around, especially different scents during specific times of the years, but I never know where to put them. I like the idea of the old rustic sheet metal. I just think it looks really cool and vintage, and when I get more of a permaent residence I want to decorate my house like this, it's very pretty! I like the idea!
I LOVED this website! There was so many cool ideas, and projects that I can do just with stuff I have laying around. I have never really thought about half of this stuff, but now my wheels are spinning on all the endless possibilities I have on decorating!

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change-5 Final Review & Reflection

My SMART goal was to completely cut out the use of paper toweling in my home, and to reduce the amount of toilet paper I use as well. In this past week I did experience success with not using paper toweling, because there was none in the house, so there was none to use. It was helpful with the out of sight out of mind motto. I also experienced success with cutting down the amount of toilet paper I use, and just using what I need, and not taking more then just because I could. I did this by placing a small "t" on my hand to remember to count each time I went to grab toilet paper. I had my overall lowest average, so that was exciting!
This past week I didn't face any challenged regarding using paper toweling since I didn't have access to any at home. I always used old t-shirts as rags that were kept in the kitchen. I did face a bit of a challenge with the toilet paper. When I am at school especially there isn't little squares to count, so I had to estimate the amount I used, which isn't going to be 100% accurate to my count, but it will be close as I do have a good idea on what 7 squares looks like to compare it to.
My feelings after this week are accomplished and successful. I am proud of not using paper toweling, and always being aware of the amount of toilet paper I use. I feel like I am doing good when I only use what I really need verses take extra just because it is there. In a small way I feel like I am helping everyone by doing this. I am also proud when I do this as I feel like I am really changing some of my habits.
This past week I learned that if you really want to change you can, you just have to be willing to. Also, I learned that it is easy to save on toilet paper, and you don't always need as much as you think you do. It's a simple saving technique to try.
My plans for next week and the future are to continue to not use paper toweling at all in my house, and to help share and embrace this idea with my friends, as it is a simple thing to do. I will continue to do this for now on. I am always going to continually only use the exact amount of toilet paper that I actually need instead of just taking more then for no reason. I will not modify my goals for the future.
Average Number of Bathroom Use: 6.3 times a day
Average Number of Toilet Paper Squares: 6.2 (this is a record low for me!

My SMART goal did not change throughout the process. I started with wanting to stop using paper toweling and instead make my own rags (through old t-shirts) and to cut down on the amount of toilet paper I use. This stayed consistent every week.
I found my success was from not buying anymore paper toweling, so I would not even be tempted to use it. I also found it helpful to put a little "t" on my hand in the beginning to remember to think of the toilet paper I was using, and from doing this it eventually just became a habit. I did face a challenge when my roommates would buy paper toweling when we didn't need it. In the future I will just remind them more often, and have them help me cut rags so they can see we really do have them.
I believe I benefitted a lot from this project. I changed simple habits that I had never really thought of before. I believe that now in the long run I am more aware of my simple everyday actions. I am also really helping to save on paper products. I learned that it's easy to reuse and find different uses for many things that are just laying around the house.
My roommates benefited from this as well, because they have not bought paper toweling as much, and are using the rags to clean and do dishes now, which is awesome. We are also going through a lot less toilet paper as a whole house as well.
I will continue with this new behavior and habits of mine as it is a good feeling to know I am helping and it's simple to do as well!
I recomend this idea to everyone, it is simple to take old shirts and make rags, and you will also be saving money by not buying paper toweling as well. Also, you do not need as much toilet paper as you may think you do!
Overall, it was a great project and I am glad I participated in it, and in the end I changed some bad habits of mine!

Eye Opener-Enviromental Working Group

I took a chapstick out of my pocket and decided to look at that, not really knowing what to expect. It was just a plain Chapstick Lip Balm Regular, a common everyday product that I would never even think would be harmful to me or the environment at all. After looking I found that it was between low and medium (closer to low) but still had a bigger red line on the graph that I would of though. I mean, chapstick, I never would of thought something like this would be harmful at all. It also has a small cancer rating, which was very surprising to me as well. The allergies and immunotoxicity was between moderate to high. I never really think or hear of people being allergic to something simple like this, but it makes sense. Also, it stated that there was no information of the use of it and animal testing policy.
I was happy to see that animals were not harmed in the process of making the chapstick I use to test subjects for it. I am absolutely against the testing on animals, because I believe they are just like people and should not subjected to many of the experiments they are put through. But, then I think of all of the other products I use and I know that animals are tested and harmed in the process, which does make me sad and wonder if I really need to be using these products or if there is alternative options. Now everything that I do I find myself really thinking about, which is something that I never did before. My overall behaviors and attitudes are changing a lot from this class, and I find it very intriguing to me.