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.