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. 

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. 

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.

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.


                                                                              
              

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!! 

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.

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...

Share & Voice: egg farming: Industrial VS. organic

I found this video on the CNN website and found it kind of fascinating. It talks about the fact that BOTH industrial and organic eggs have the potential of containing salmonella, merely because chickens pick it up from outside (wildlife, feces) and have that chance of getting infected. I have heard of misconceptions that organic products don't contain such infections, but this video says it how it is.


But what I really was happy to hear, was the very end segment. In California, they plan on forbidding small-cage chicken farms... which could just as well be the start of many other states afterwards. Maybe we WILL see change soon



http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/08/24/egg.safety.debate/index.html

Share & Voice: Electronic recycling

Upon reading the Sunday newspaper, I found a little flyer called The Waste Paper. It pertains to the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District, and includes tips and information on our sanitary system around our area. I found an article named Electronics Recycling and it urges everyone to recycle any unwanted electronics such as video players, TVs, monitors, computers and other small electronics like phones, mp3 players and digital cameras. Electronics contain materials that are hazardous to humans and the environment, and there is actually a law that requires that they be recycled. You can recycle them at the WLSSD Materials Recovery Center. Start cleaning out your closets you pack-rats, and start recycling!

Share & Voice: Tapping the Earth's Heat

I was searching up topics on the National Geographic website and came across an article on Geothermal Energy. It is energy that can be extracted from under the Earth's crust. The reservoirs of hot water and steam can be used to heat buildings and homes! I think it's amazing how many different ways there are to produce energy, but we're still so reliant on oil even though it is so hazardous to the environment. If you want to read on this, here is the link!!!

Geothermal Energy

Share & Voice: Anemia

So, my sister recently found out that she was Anemic. For those of you that don't know what this is, Anemia is having a decrease in the number if red blood cells, or less hemoglobin in the blood. This is a condition that often happens to women, due to lack of iron. My sister found out that she had Anemia because she couldn't figure out why she was addicted to chewing on ice! I thought it'd be interesting to inform you on things you can do in order to reduce or to manage the onset of Anemia. It is important that we stay healthy and aware of our bodies.

Here is the link!
How to manage anemia

Share & Voice: How to Drink More Water

WATER WATER WATER, have you had your 8 glasses today?! 

Here are some Reasons to Drink Water: 
1. It helps up lose weight-- we often think we're hungry, when in reality we're just thirsty!
2. Lowers  the risk of a heart attack
3. Gives us energy
4. Relieves headaches-- dehydration can cause headaches 
5. Healthy skin
6. Helps with digestive system
7. Can reduce cancer risk of colon and bladder cancer
8. Cleanses body--clears out toxins and wastes
9. Better exercise

I found a website that gives some tips as to how you can succeed in getting your minimum of 8 glasses/day. CHECK IT OUT!

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/9-tips-how-to-drink-more-water-441417/

Share & Voice: Save Energy, Save Money!

So I am kind of a freak when it comes to saving energy, specially when I've lived in a house with 5 other students that do not have the same mentality as I do about the issue! And of course, I do anything I can to save money, being a broke college student and all. Soo, I found a website that gives some simple ideas for you to do, that will save energy... if you are trying to move towards a more environmental friendly mindset as well. Take a look through them and you'll be amazed with some of the tips. There are things you never thought you could do, that will benefit you and your next energy bill!
http://www.energy.gov/applianceselectronics.htm

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

Share & Voice: My trip up the Northshore

I took a trip along the Northshore towards Gooseberry Falls in Duluth on a beautiful 65 degree day after class with a few friends.  I came along TONS of monarchs, one of which I managed to have land in my hand that my friend got to snap a few photos of. 

There was the most brilliant reflection of the sun off of the still water that Lake superior simply sparkled--> hard to stare at without sunglasses!

 I recently acquired a new macro/fisheye lens for my Canon Rebel Xsi. I was able to get up close to the plants and get a clear, crisp picture of the wildlife.





We also walked alongside the lake and found flat and round rocks that were PERFECT for skipping rocks.

Nature is such an important part of my life, 
and getting out and taking pictures is just something that makes me feel complete.

Share & Voice: TRUTH "Second Hand Smoke"

I chose TRUTH "Second Hand Smoke" for my video. It is a song about how secondhand smoke can impact the health of others living in one's household. Although it is displayed in a humorous manner by imitating The Brady Bunch, it is actually based on a very serious issue that just about everyone in our society has to deal with. Even if you may not LIVE with someone who smokes indoors, we are all affected by the secondhand smoke that we come across in our everyday lives. For example, going on a walk and passing someone who is smoking, or being a passenger in a smoker's vehicle. Our environment is directly influenced by smoker's habits.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sE7B6Z6-rls&feature=related

Welcome to Elly Dreams Green!!!

My name is Elly Sturm, currently attending UMD as a Junior. My blog reflects what I've learned throughout my Environmental Health course.

There are 6 possible types of posts on my blog. They include:

1. Advocacy Project
2. Eye Openers
3. Reflections
4. Eco-chic Lifestyle Change 
5. Read 'n' Seed
6. Share and Voice

The members of my web group are:

1. brier@lovinnaturewithbrier
2. Kristy@kristysfuninthesunspot
3. Jamie@jamiesaysjump
4. Lauren@laurenspouringrain
5. Mary@blueskiesformary
6. Sarah@takeahikewithsarah

Now you have learned a few basic things about what I plan on accomplishing this semester, and invite you to continue to check out my blog page for new updates!