Reflection: Weeks 13-14 combined with Reflection: Overall Course

Weeks 13-14: The last few weeks we've been focused on our Junking Projects, advocacy project, and we took a class trip to Goodwill and got a tour. I'd say that the trip was my favorite, because it opened my eyes to see how much they really put into their company, and how much they care about reusing and reducing the amount of waste. Also, they provide jobs to those with disabilities. I never knew such things like how they take apart the pieces of mattresses, and use all of the different parts to make something else out of them. I think it's great that they spend time to do recycle all of the parts, even though it sounds like it's a very time consuming process. I think it's great that there are companies that put so much effort forth to continue the recycling chain.

The sharing of our junking projects was also fun. So many creative ideas were introduced and I think the class overall really got a feel for making everyday objects into something more meaningful and useful.

OVERALL COURSE: I'm not even sure where to begin. I've learned so much in this class, more than I thought was possible. I knew about some of the issues (animal farming, genetically modified foods, CO2 emissions) but I have never really gone into DEPTH on them. This class allowed me to dissect the information, and get a personal feel for the issues. We saw some very powerful documentaries that really made an impact on the class, especially "Tapped." I don't think many people knew just how much harm a plastic bottle can make. We each made a SMART goal for our eco-chic lifestyle change project, and the goals ranged from eating organically, taking public transit to school, and eating less meat and more vegetables/fruits. It was very influential to me, because we could see the documentation of how each week went for everyone. I got some new ideas, and insight on how to make the goal easier to reach, or how hard the goal was to obtain.

I've definitely become more aware of my impact to the environment, and what kinds of changes I can make to make my ecological footprint a little smaller. People need to be informed on all of these issues, in order to want to truly change!! It's amazing how many people are unaware of the harmful effects of water bottles, what actually goes on in the raising/killing process of the meat that we eat, the importance of buying local food products etc.

I feel that I'm much more cautious of the things that I eat/buy, and I owe it to Environmental Health. Every time I drive alone and don't carpool, every vegetable or fruit that I buy that isn't organic (I think about how it was grown, and what types of chemicals might be on it), new clothes that I purchase (when i could've bought it from a used clothes shop, and CHEAPER AS WELL!) I will not forget about all of these environmental issues, and I will continue to spread what I've learned to others.

Eye Opener: Environmental Online Learning Activities

1. Ashley's Activity

Total City Miles: 7,200Total Highway Miles: 4,800City MPG: 22 MPGHighway MPG: 32 MPGGallons of Fuel (City): 327.27 gallonsGallons of Fuel (Highway): 150 gallonsGallons of Fuel (Total): 477.27 gallonsTotal Pounds CO2: 9211.31 lbs My Pontiac Grand Am produces a total of 9211 pounds of CO2, and I am astonished by such a high amount!!! My car probably gets about 22 miles/gallon, which is a lot better than trucks and other larger vehicles out there. I never knew that just an individual car could emit that much pollution. Just think, most households have 3 or 4 cars (one per person!)  2. Katie's Activity 1. My BMI: 20.98--> Normal - Yes, I do think this is an accurate way to measure your weight. It Takes into consideration your height, which is a very important factor. 2. I think that I am somewhat adequately taking in the right amount of calories each day. I try and eat as many WHOLE grains as I can each day, but sometimes might not each the 3 oz that is recommended. I definitely reach the milk goal of 3 cups daily, but I also might overeat on cheese (my favorite!) I don't think that I eat the 5.5 oz of meat and beans. -I need to decrease the amount of fatty cheeses that I eat (or at least start buying lowfat/nonfat cheeses. -But, if this is too difficult, I could try and mix in vegetables with the cheese so that I am at least getting my vegetable intake. 3. I chose Pilates (intermediate) and Aerobics (high impact) and I was surprised to see that they weren't very different in calories burned!! I'd think that aerobics would burn a lot more. Pilates burned 254 for 50 min while aerobics burned 276 for 40 minutes. Though they were 10 minutes apart, I thought it'd be much more of a difference. Also, I thought that BOTH would burn more calories. It is so hard to burn the amount of calories in a pound, I feel that after a workout I've burned off so much, when really it isn't that much 3. Kara's Activity -I scored 68 -I pretty much knew all of the information/questions. I am still a little uninformed about biofuel, but I know that it is a form of renewable energy.  4. Lauren's Activity -I am only 10% fit according to the fitness quiz, what a buzz-kill!!! 1. Pilates and shoveling the driveway 2. two days/wk 3. 50 minutes an activity 4.  Jumping rope (in med ball class) 5. 1 day/wk 6. 20 minutes during activity 7. less active than last 3 months 8. I answered 6/7 NO. The one YES that I answered was being dizzy sometimes during exercise. 9. I have been trying to get more physically active 10. control weight, lower stress, look better 11. My sister WOULD help, by helping me get homework and studying done, and motivating me to go to the gym with her. However, she doesn't live in Duluth. 12. I am fairly confident 5. Jamie's Activity -15 pushups -45 sit-ups -1 1/2 minutes -18 inches -14 minutes YOUR SCORE: 32 You have the right idea and are on your way to excellent fitness. Stay where you are and you'll still be ahead of the pack. But if you want to amp it up, check out the SELF Challenge. 6. Dani's Activitiy I was able to answer 6/10 questions. Even though there were resources available, there was a lot of new vocabulary/terms that I've never heard of, so the information didn't stick the first time reading them over. Gasification and pyrolysis were two new terms that I learned about!!

Advocacy Project: Hummers, SUVS, gas-guzzling cars...how big is YOUR footprint?

Hummers, SUVS, gas-guzzling cars.... how big is YOUR footprint? 
Purpose: A need for an immediate switch to alternative modes of transportation to reduce motor vehicle emissions

Rising CO2 concentrations in air in past decades

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is defined as a gas that is the waste product of cell respiration and the combustion of fossil fuels. Types of fossil fuels are coal, natural gas and petroleum, which all contain hydrocarbons.


The amount of CO2 being emitted from human activities is exceeding the natural rate of the carbon cycle. Activities, such as burning of fossil fuels, contribute to the 22% extra CO2 addition to our atmosphere. This rise in CO2 concentration, in turn, adds to the effects of global warming by 50-60%, causing major concern for our environment. Climate change, storm activity, and melting of ice caps all occur as a result of global warming. 


The adverse effects of these vehicle emissions not only cause damaging effects to our environment, but to our health. It can affect respiratory function causing breathing difficulties (i.e. asthma), headaches, and dizziness to humans. 


It is estimated that more than 20,000 air pollution-related deaths per year, per degree celsius rise, have occurred worldwide. This greenhouse gas may be a leading factor in this statistic. 

Here is a list of the top 10 gas guzzling cars of 2010

10. Hummer H3 Alpha

9. GMC Sierra 1500 4WD

8. Nissan Armada 4WD

7. Lexus LX 570

6. Mercedes-Benz GL 550

5. Nissan Titan 4WD

4. Infiniti QX 56

3. Land Rover LR4

2. Land Rover Ranger Sport

1. Porsche Cayenne GTS.  

As you can tell by such evidence, the release of this greenhouse gas emission into our environment is creating problems that can be easily prevented if we simply take action on the matter. Below is a link to a carbon dioxide emissions calculator, that tells you how much you are contributing to its rising rate with the use of your own vehicle (if you own one).

CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS CALCULATOR

If you need to convert your miles to KM, here is a website to do so:
Converter (miles to KM)

Reflection:
Once you receive your results, please briefly describe what you have discovered about your own use. What changes in your modes of transportation can you make in order to reduce your carbon footprint? Have you ever considered switching over to a more fuel-efficient model of car? Why or why not? What types of changes would you like to see in our current environment, that could promote you to drive your car less?

Share & Voice: the Big Daddy System

coconino.az.gov

I've always thought that it was all up to the mother to make sure their child is born healthy. No alcohol, no smoking, need of folate etc... until I came across an article called Big Daddy System. This article found that anything from pesticides to inhalations of  paints, to drinking or smoking habits, can contribute to that males future children's prenatal health. It has been shown that many abnormalities can occur from the father's way of living. I thought this was pretty interesting, because no one really thinks about how the father should act prior to conception, when in reality it is something that needs to be further cautioned. Toxins, cigarette smoke and other harmful substances are something that EVERYONE must be aware of, and keep in safe distance so not to harm not only the individuals, but their future offspring. If you're curious to hear more on this topic, please feel free to read further into the article provided. 

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 5: Final Weekly Review & Overall Project Reflection

1. This week my goal was to drink 64 oz. of tap water from my Nalgene 5 days/wk. I achieved this goal, but barely.

www.treehugger.com

2. I decided to increase my intake from 56oz to 64oz, and I definitely could tell the difference (even it only being 8 oz!). I didn't drink as much water as I should have in the beginning, so the last few days I needed to play catch-up and drink a lot more water than I am used to. This made me feel like it was more of a punishment than an enjoyable experience. I did succeed in continuing to carry my water bottle around with me everywhere, even though it is rather heavy and obnoxious to have on me all of the time. 
3. I felt very full at the times when I was forcing myself to drink more water, and definitely had to pee a lot more!! But I did feel very hydrated while I worked out this week, this makes me feel like it was all worthwhile. I usually have to take several breaks to drink water during workouts, and I felt that this need decreased significantly. 
4. I learned that no matter how difficult it may be to reach this goal, it really does benefit me in the end, and I need to start looking at the good aspect of things (hydration!) and keep a positive outlook on how it helps me out in the end.
5. I will keep my goal of 64 oz of water 5 days/wk because though I did reach it this week, it was a struggle to get there. I think that I need to slowly train myself into it.

OVERALL REFLECTION
1. My beginning SMART goal was to drink 64 oz. of tap water from my Nalgene 5 days a week. Throughout the weeks, I have gone back and forth between the amount being 64 oz. or 56 oz. of tap water 5 days/wk.
2. Buying a BPA-free water bottle in the beginning is was really helped me through. It would be difficult to measure how much you've actually drank without something to go by. Weekends got in my way when I didn't carry my water bottle with me, and ended up drinking other beverages instead of water. I am going to continue to bring my water bottle with me everywhere.
3. Benefits I've received from this project were more energy, more hydration and an overall feeling of cleanliness and health. I learned that I can change my behavior if I really feel that I am capable of doing so (self-efficacy!!). I pushed myself to do this, and now I feel like it's a part of my norm. I actually love water.
4. I feel like I've motivated people to drink more water, by showing all of the improvements I've made throughout this project. It's not an entirely difficult change, but it does wonders!!! Also, I haven't been purchasing disposable water bottles, so I have been saving energy simply by doing that. 
5. Yes, I plan on continuing this behavior. The pros definitely outweigh the cons, and I feel much better now that I have started this.
6. Keep motivating yourself, or find other's to join you. If you find yourself slacking, alter your techniques so that it fits with your lifestyle. The only way to achieve your goal is to keep pushing forward! Hopefully it will soon become a natural behavior. 




Blogged for the Eco-chic lifestyle change Week 5: Update and Reflection, Hosted by Amy@Amy In The Rain

Share & Voice: Greasecar Systems!!

system.tstc.edu

Just randomly searching up on some topics, and I came across this video/information on Greasecar Vegetable Fuel Systems, which consist of diesel vehicles that one started, can run on used vegetable oil! It is called "biodiesel" and can also fuel cars with animal fats, and used/recycled cooking oils. It is a non-petroleum renewable source, that produces much less greenhouse gases into our environment. Check out the video, and if you want to learn more google it, it's pretty interesting. 

Advocacy Project: Letter and Fact Sheet

December 6, 2010
Mike Opat
House of Representatives

300 S. 6th St.

A2400 Government Center

Minneapolis,  MN  55487-0241

Phone: 612-348-7881

VOTE YES ON: H.R. 3271: Green Routes to Work Act

Dear Mr. Opat, 

The proposed bill, H.R. 3271: Green Routes to Work Act, is in critical need of being passed. This bill works at finding better ways to improve commuting and transportation options. Our current forms of transportation are producing excessive greenhouse gas emissions and must be reduced. By passing this bill, we will be working towards a greener environment. The most recent updates on the amount of CO2 emissions shows that the United States is at the highest level over all other countries. This is an issue that is obviously affecting all americans, and providing greener ways of transportation for employees would be a great start to reducing this statistic. 

 Benefits will be provided to employees as an incentive to taking commuter vans to their destinations. With our depleting supply of oil, action must be taken on finding ways of slowing this process. Providing employees with transportation will promote other forms of green transportation for other situations as well. I think that this act is exactly what we need in order to pave a way towards saving our environment. Not only will it be saving our precious clean air, but it will save employees money usually spent on gasoline. It is a convenient alternative to commuting to work, and reduces the amount of unnecessary driving. 

Opponents of this bill might not want to pay taxes that goes towards funding these commuting programs.  Though taxes might have to increase a little, there are also benefits offered to those commuting responsibly. In addition, people will be saving money on gas spent traveling. 

We appreciate your support on developing a transit network in Minneapolis, and of smart public works projects. I see that you're very dedicated to making this environment green, and I encourage you to vote "yes" on H.R. 3271. 

FACTS ABOUT GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

Nation Master shows that the United States ranks number one in CO2 emission levels just above China.

• United States has 5,762,050 with China at 3,473,600. Almost double of what China produces.

Breathing Earth states that 1000 tonnes of CO2 is released every 5.3 seconds in the United States

• 19.22 tonnes/year per person

CO2 is naturally removed from the carbon cycle, but humans excess production of it is faster than what nature can remove.

Combustion of fossil fuels is the largest contributor of CO2 emissions. 

Reflection: Weeks 9-12

This semester has been speeding by, I can't believe this class is almost at it's end! For these past few weeks, we've been mainly focusing on our Advocacy Project and our eco-chic lifestyle change. I've learned who my political representatives are, and have been researching up on a Healthy People 2010 objective that deals with finding alternative forms of transportation. We did an issue overview on each of our objectives that we chose, and I found out a lot about who this issue affects and how it affects society and our economy. I've never really thought that far into some issues, and this assignment made me look deeper into this issue and really realize how important it is that I vote when I'm given the chance. My voice should be heard, because these objectives need to be met. 
For the eco-chic lifestyle change, we each made our own SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, timely) to work on throughout the remaining weeks of the semester. I chose to increase my intake of tap water, and use a BPA-free water bottle. I've really seen a difference in the amount of energy I've had since I've been working on my goal, and I feel so great that I'm actually able to obtain my goal each week. I've felt a sense of pride ever since I set this goal for myself. I know now that if I just make a conscious effort, I can achieve whatever I aim towards. 
We've been doing some other projects such as our photo essay, where we had to document some type of environmental health issue through photos and then present it to the class. Our junking project is in progress (we do it on our own time) and we had a mini junking project in class where we had to think of what we could make out of some random objects that were brought in. Now when I look around at things, I see it with a different view. I see not for what it IS, but what it CAN BE! I never knew that was such a creative thinker!

Share & Voice: World AIDS Day

chocolateorchid.blogspot.com

As some of your might've heard in Dr. Keeney's class today, Dec. 1 (today) is World AIDS Day. Today is a day for everyone to take action on reducing the number of incidents! The website resources for where to get tested, posters that you can download and print, and other ways of getting your voice out to spread information about this unfortunate disease.

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 4: Weekly Update

joyfuljuicer.com

1. My SMART goal was to drink 56 oz. of tap water 5 days/wk. I accomplished my goal this week!!
2. I have still been using my Nalgene while I'm at school, which I have measured that by filling it up just over 3/4 of the way twice during the day, I will reach my goal. I like to have fresh, cold water... so by only filling it up 3/4 of the way, I can drink that and fill it up again afterwards. Some challenges that I faced this week was the fact that I wasn't in school 5 days out of the week, so I did not have my water bottle on me. I had to count the number of cups (same size cup every time) that I drank, which I would sometimes forget to do, and which is tedious work. I still stuck to exchanging milk and other drinks for water though, so I was able to keep up with my goal.
3. I have been feeling a lot better about myself lately, simply by drinking more water. It's weird, but somehow it has been putting me in a mood that makes me want to exercise and eat better (more than normal anyways). It has also helped me curb my hunger at times, which helps with my bad snacking habits. 
4. This week I learned that by picking up one good habit, it has a tendency to lead to other healthy, good habits. I feel that I am cleansing myself, and that this gives me more motivation and energy to exercise. Sometimes you just need to aim towards one small step, and eventually you will climb the the top of the staircase!
5. This week I will change my beginning SMART goal of drinking 64 oz of tap water 5 days/wk. I've been successfully reaching my 56 oz goal, and feel that I am ready to fully challenge myself and try to hit the daily recommendation.


Blogged for the Eco-Chic lifestyle change Week 4 Hosted by Amy@Amy in the rain

Share & Voice: Watts up?

(treehugger.com)

I was scanning through some websites and thought it was appropriate to provide you with a link on tips to save energy this winter! It provides ideas such as buying ENERGY STAR products, sealing off areas where air might leak out, and lowering your thermostat to reduce your energy bill by a lot!! Me, being a college kid, knows how it feels to have to pay that heating/electricity bill in the winter months... and hope that you will all read this article and pick up some tips on how to save some money as well.


                                                                              
              

Eye Opener: Photo Essay

 I decided to show some aspects (good AND bad) of restaurants that have to do with environmental issues. First off, at Perkins, I noticed that ALL of the lights were on, even though it was at the sunniest point of the day and lit up the entire restaurant regardless. 

They also tended to be very wasteful with their water. Only 3 people were drinking water at our table, and the waiter filled up a pitcher for our table, even though we hadn't even asked for refills. I'm assuming the water was just poured down drain afterwards.

Only a few of us drank all of the water or pop that we ordered. All of this waste also it just poured down the drain without a second thought. 

On the bright side of things, other restaurants do well with composing and recycling. At Grandmas, the restaurant I work at, we started separating our food scraps from everything else. We have biodegradable bags that we fill to the top, and then bring them to compost sites. 

I'm glad that I could find eco-friend aspects of restaurants. I expected to find all bad things, but actually found some good. I'm proud to work at a restaurant that contributes to composting, especially since we go through so much waste/food every single day. It's ridiculous to just mix everything together when it is so simple to separate them. Though it's a little extra step to do so, it is worth it. I hope that all restaurants find new ways to reduce their waste and start finding more appropriate practices to help out. 

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 3: Weekly Update

1. My SMART goal was to drink 56 oz of tap water, 5 times/week. I completed my goal this week.
2. I succeeded in obtaining my goal this week. It definitely helped that I have my Nalgene that measures the amount of water that I drink. I've also been working out during the week, and I have been drinking a lot more water so that I won't get dehydrated. However, I am still struggling with drinking as much water during the weekends. I don't carry my Nalgene around with me, so I'm not sure how much I actually drink. 
3. I feel very proud of myself being able to achieve my goal. I've always liked water, but it's an extra incentive to have to drink 56 oz each day of the school week. I haven't felt thirsty of dehydrated this entire week.
4. I've learned that by simply setting goals for oneself, it changes your way of thinking. I didn't think that it'd be as easy to drink such amount of water.
5. I plan on keeping the same goal this week, I feel that I still had to work towards achieving it, but still was able to obtain it. 


"Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 3 hosted by Amy@Amy in the Rain."

Share & Voice: A TIP

I was signing into my yahoomail account and found an article on the homepage that was titled "Drinking Water Before Meals Aids Weight Loss," which goes along with my SMART goal of drinking more water. There is actually proven data that this is actually a true fact. Thanksgiving is in a few days, and it's suggested to drink a few glasses of water before you indulge in your succulent meal. To all of those that have drinking more water as one of their goals as well, I suggest you remember to do this and you'll be well on your way to getting your water intake for the day.

Share & Voice: Local Restaurant

I was trying to find restaurants that are organic in Duluth, and I came across the Northern Waters Smokehaus. Its dedicated to using local, sustainably-raised meats and fish, and better yet... its actually affordable! If you are like me, and find it hard to give up on eating meats (even though we all know how they're inhumanely raised) then this would be a good spot to check out!! 

Advocacy Project: Issue Overview

Objective: Increase use of alternative modes of transportation to reduce motor vehicle emissions and improve the Nation’s air quality.


What is the issue/problem? 
-Lack of alternative modes of transportation to reduce polluting emissions
What current legislation has been proposed to address this?
-H.R. 3271: Green Routes to Work Act (introduced in House)
WHO IS AFFECTED BY THE ISSUE?
Who is affected the most?
-People that live in close proximity cities, where vehicle emissions are in high concentration
Who loses, and what do they lose?
-Those that live in cities with a large amount of vehicles. They lose their right to clean air, and are at higher risk of health issues.
Who wins, and what do they win?
-The vehicle distributions and gas stations. They continue to make money off of buyers, regardless of the efforts to reduce pollution.
WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE ISSUE?
For the individuals most affected?
-premature death, cancer and long term damage to respiratory and cardiovascular systems
For their families?
-Premature deaths, high healthcare costs/medical bills
For society?
-increased taxes on medical care
WHAT IS THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE ISSUE?
What are the economic costs of the issue, and who bears these costs?
-Money is needed to fund transit systems, and to create suitable biking and walking trails. Taxes would probably increase for everyone 
What are the economic benefits of the issue, and who benefits?
-Cleaner air, less medical costs. Everyone would benefit from this, especially the people in bigger cities. 
WHAT IS THE SOCIAL IMPACT OF THE ISSUE?
What are the social costs of the issue, and who bears these costs?
-Not as convenient to regular vehicle-drivers. May be difficult to obtain for those who do not live near destination or transit location
What are the social benefits of the issue, and who benefits?
-Physical exercise, a new means of meeting people, less money spent on gasoline. The people that decide to use the alternative transportation benefit.
WHAT ARE THE BARRIERS?
What are the barriers to addressing this issue?
-Money to spend on transit systems and trails, motivation.
How can they be overcome?
-Advertisement, promotion. If the bill passed, taxes would allow money to be spent on alternatives
WHAT ARE THE RESOURCES?
What resources will we need to address this issue?
-safe biking/walking paths, convenient and available transit locations, billboards/media to advertise.
Where and how can they be tapped?
-Taxes, local construction crews, multiple locations to access transit. Word can be spread by famous/well-known people that support the new bill
WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THIS ISSUE?
What is the history of the issue in the community?
-It has been a long-time search to find alternative forms of transportation. We knew that our oil supply would not last forever, so other resources must be used.
What past efforts were made to address it?
-They have come up with hybrid and electric cars. City busses were expanded into the public, exercise was further promoted
What were the results?
-Some of the alternative vehicles too expensive, so didn't really catch on much. According to Health People 2010, transit has been moving AWAY from the target goal, so the bus does not have a large impact. Convenience is what stops a lot of people from making change.
ALLIES & OPPONENTS
Who would support this issue?
-environmental activists, people that want to reduce pollution levels, people that have/know someone that has been affected by emission levels of vehicles
Who would oppose this issue?
-those that do not want taxes raised, those that don't realize/care about the effects of emission of hazardous toxins
How can you involve allies and opponents in advocacy efforts?
-Make taxes inexpensive and make sure transit centers are located conveniently
YOUR RECOMMENDATION
How do you want policy-makers to vote on this proposed policy?
Vote YES for on this bill








(http://www.healthypeople.gov/document/html/volume1/08environmental.htm#_Toc490564700)

Share & Voice: Do you give GREEN thanks?

So in light of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, I searched a little on the internet and found a quiz that you can take to see just how green your thanksgiving is. I was surprised by some of the facts that it provided, about how much energy it takes to heat the oven to cook a turkey, and about how much waste we make yearly. Take a look, and see how eco-friendly you are around this time of year.

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 2: Weekly Update

1. My SMART goal was to drink 64 oz. of tap water 5 days/wk. Though I DID drink much more water than I usually do, I could not fully achieve this goal throughout the week.


2. I always keep my nalgene hooked onto my backpack at school, so that way I am reminded to constantly be drinking water. Also, a few times I exchanged beverages such as milk or iced tea with water at meals. As goofy as it sounds, a challenge that I faced was always having to go pee when I drank all of that water!! It's quite obnoxious having to go in between every class. Another challenge was that if I did not drink 64 oz one day during the week, I'd have to try and compensate over the weekend and I did not bring my water bottle with me everywhere, so I didn't know how much I was actually consuming. 


3. I've been actually very content with how hydrated I've been this last week. I rarely get the feeling of thirst, and it is actually becoming easier to incorporate water into my lifestyle as I continue on through the week. It is not so much as of a force to make me drink it, I actually WANT to drink it. 


4. I learned that it is so important to keep hydrated. I feel like I have more energy, and I know that it is actually refraining me from drinking other substances that may not be as beneficial. 


5. For week 2, I think that I will alter my goal a little by drinking 56 oz of water 5 days/wk, instead of 64 oz. The daily recommendation is 64 oz, but since I did not reach my goal every day for 5 days, I want to see if I can achieve it by lowering my intake by 8 oz (1 glass) of water. If I achieve my goal then, I plan on increasing my intake again. 


"Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 2 hosted by Amy@Amy in the Rain"

Share & Voice: Household cleaning products

I found an article on the Duluth News Tribune website about how our very own household cleaning products actually contain poisonous chemicals that have never even been tested!! The EPA is supposed to be regulating the use of these chemicals, but some products get released before being tested. So the next time you hear the advertisement that a clean house smells good, know that it is not safe to inhale such products. What I found interesting as well, is that the use of these cleaning products have been known to link to ADD, ADHD and OCD. It's disturbing how much the public is not informed on such issues...