Reflection: Weeks 1-4

Although all of this posting can tend to get a little excessive, I've actually enjoyed going on the web and searching up new topics to report on about the environment. I'm not usually UP on my news and this class has pushed me to look out there and actually see what's going on in the world, after all.... it IS what is affecting me, right?! 
I briefly learned about blogging when I was in a high school writing class, but technically, Environmental Health has taught me everything new about a blog: how to design the page, how to link the blog to a Gmail account, how to follow other users, how to look up/add gadgets etc. I never knew there were so many different fun links to share with other bloggers. 
The ecological footprint Eye Opener was a cool exercise that made me think a lot about how many resources I actually use. There are many things that I can do to try and reduce my energy consumption, and already I've tried to begin. One little thing that I've been doing, is making sure electronics aren't plugged in if they're not being used.
The class period where we learned about the Bagley Outdoor Classroom was my favorite. Everything from the bird protectors down to the wall panels were sustainable and ecologically friendly. It's amazing how much energy you can save in the long run even with such a smaller establishment. And in the winter, UMD might actually GET payed for their energy--just going to show how efficient the building is. 
I've learned a lot so far from this class, and can't wait to go further into the semester. This is knowledge that is important for everyone to know, because it directly effects them.