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.

Read 'n' Seed 2: First Quarter of "Harvest for Hope"

1. I have read through chapter 5, pages 1-82.
2. There have been many topics covered throughout each chapter. Some of them being: Genetically modified crops and the use of pesticides, the inhumanities of animal factories, the celebration/rituals of certain cultures, the evolutionary characteristics of animals and the necessity of food for survival.
3. I found the topic particularly on Agribusiness to be very interesting. Agribusiness is just a generic term that is used in agriculture, that has to do with the businesses in food production. From the beginning days of farming, farmers would delicately tend to their crops, by allowing great variety and time for the soil to replenish so that each plant received enough nutrients. Now days, this important technique rarely exists, depleting our soil and vegetation from its nutrition in order to grow mass quantities as fast as can be grown.  Also, GM crops have been introduced, with the United States being their top producer. Genetically modified foods have coding that enables crops to become resistant to specific herbicides and pests. But the issue is, is that although there aren't many short term effects-- it is the long term cumulative effect that is of concern!!
4. This is a huge problem for society. GM crops are being spread globally, and it is hard to say how "organic" crops really can be these days. How are we supposed to stop seeds from catching wind and planting in organic fields? Or water run-offs? It is important that we find more data on this issue before releasing it to the world the way it has been-- specially for children, with them being more prone to such changes in diet. It is obviously difficult to know where ALL of your products from a grocery store are coming from, but that is why we need to start addressing this issue out loud. Ask your local grocery store if your produce is GM... if they do not have an adequate answer, you can request that this be done. Everyone can and should have an impact on this issue. 

Share & Voice: Packers Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Hey hey hey now, don't get me wrong... I am ALLL about the purple and gold, but since Vikings had a by-weekend last Sunday, Oct. 3rd, I was compelled to watch the Packers vs. Lions game instead. 
Right away it was apparent that green and yellow were not the only colors being worn on the field-- PINK was everywhere, supporting breast cancer awareness month. Kohl's department stores also teamed up with the Packers for this display, and handed out pink rally towels to the entering football fans. Items such as towels, pink ribbon stencils, hats, jingle dresses, wristbands and even CLEATS were seen everywhere in the color of pink. 
I thought it was great of Kohl's and the Green Bay Packers to put on such an outstanding recognition of this life-threatening cancer and to all the lives that it has claimed, or has gotten close to taking. Sunday football has a ever-expanding audience, and this was a unique and effective way to get the word spread.


If you would like to read more on it, here is just one website that I found:
Packers, Kohl's To Recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Eye Opener: Ecological Footprint

I chose to take the Ecological Footprint Quiz, and was very surprised to see how much I could do in order to change the amount of resources and space that I take up on this Earth. It said that if i go on with my typical everyday lifestyle, it would take 6.1 planets to supply my needs. Or wants?? 
It made me realize that I could do a lot to reduce my wastes/ or simply HABITS that I usually incorporate into my life. I can't exactly change the fact that I live at my brothers house, which takes up more square feet and has running water and electricity, but I can, however, make sure that I unplug all electric items when I'm not using them, or to take quick showers. 
It is also hard that I live a little further off campus, and need to drive my car to my friends before school, so that I can take the bus the rest of the way. 
I definitely try hard to waste less, recycle, carpool as much as possible, save water and buy items that have reduced amount of material put into storing it. But i can see where I can still help but trying a LITTLE harder.