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."
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.
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!!
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)
