Reflection: Weeks 13-14 & Overall Course

In the previous weeks I have primarily learned about three key topics: Goodwill Industries, Online learning activities, and Junking.

Well what can I say, in my past reflection posts I mentioned that I felt there was still a lot to learn and I was not disappointed.  To start off, my class and I took a field trip to one of the local Goodwill Industries in town.  It was very unique hearing about how the business is run and I found it fascinating how the company managed all of the items.  What fascinated me most, though, was that the employees mentioned that they do sacrifice efficiency and productivity to alter to the needs of the employees!  I thought that was so neat how it seems their primary purpose and goal of the industry is to provide job opportunities to individuals who have some sort of disability and would have a difficult time finding an initial job elsewhere.  The Goodwill Industry is really looking out for the good of the city and the citizens in it.  What also caught my attention was learning that items are either recycled, sold to other industries, and shipped overseas to third-world countries to provide them with clothing and such.  As a result, I do plan to shop at Goodwill more and I have already informed a number of my friends how Goodwill operates and a group of them have mentioned that they will shop there before going to places such as Savers.

What do I plan to purchase at Goodwill you ask? Well, another skill we learned in this course was how to conduct junking projects.  Junking entails a process in which you collect old/unused items and create them into something new.  I did mention junking in a previous reflection post, but what I learned this time is all of the many ideas and inspirations that may result from objects.  At our last class meeting we presented the junking projects that we created and I saw so many neat pieces, for example one classmate created a decorative star out of barbed-wire!


One of the final projects we had to conduct was an online learning activity.  We had to teach about our topic we advocated for; and mine was using alternative forms of transportation.  So to add a little 'twist' to the topic my lesson was based around conducting an investigation and figuring out what forms of air pollution result from driving automobiles.  I had a lot of fun creating the activity and I learned that online activities can be fun and engaging, it's all about the way you approach it!  This assignment really taught me, once again, to think 'outside the box.'  I also learned a lot about other environmental concerns by completing activities that my classmates created.


Overall Course:


I would have to say the main, mother-of-all thing that I learned throughout this course was to critically think.  I always thought of myself as a critical thinker, however, this course really showed me that there is another ball-field when it comes to thinking outside of your normal mindset.  This course proved to me that when we do approach a subject we generally tend to only know the 'surface' and top layer of the matter; and from that we often feel we are an expert, however, below the surface is a whole new range of thoughts, dilemmas, and considerations that need to be taken into account.


I also learned what it means to be a health educator.  As a health educator I do feel it is important to talk with other people about health topics and I have realized how much of an influence I may be on others.  My friends and family often come to me for advice when it comes to health, whether it be physically, emotionally, or spiritually people come to me because they know me as the 'health expert.' I have learned that because people do see me as an expert and that I have a degree in health education when I mention something to them that regards health they really take it to heart and consider the advise I give them.  I am very honored that people view me this way, however, I must admit this course has really opened my eyes up to the fact that I can have quite an influence on others.


Ultimately the words of my classmate, 'What haven't we learned from this course?' seems to sum up the semester pretty well, haha!

Eye Opener: Online Learning Activities

TACKLING TRANSPORTATION: SARAH
For this activity, we were asked to choose 3 places that we visit on a regular basis and mention how we commute to them.  We then accessed the Google Transit website and route our locations. 

Location 1: Home to UMD (school and work)
Convenient Route: Bus - 10 minute ride
Typical Commute: This route does not differ from my typical route. I have been living off-campus for 3 years now and I have always taken the bus to school.  I have actually been able to convince one of my roommates that riding the bus is easier and more convenient and she has been taking it ever since it first snowed!
Realistic Change: This is a realistic change because I am doing it!
Incorporation of Route: Yes, I have incorporated this into my daily routine.

Location 2: Home to Essentia Health
Convenient Route: Bus - 8 minute ride
Typical Route: I know in the past when I have gone to that area I have driven.
Incorporation of Route: Yes, I would like to incorporate this into my routine. I will be doing my internship at Essentia Health and after growing up in the country, to be honest I have had enough of city parking, haha!

Location 3: Home to Glensheen
Convenient Route: Biking - 12 minute ride
Typical Route: I generally drive because I often run a little late!
Incorporation of Route: Yes, I would like to incorporate this into my routine.  Towards the end of this summer I was beginning to ride my bike to work more.

CHILDHOOD LEAD POISONING: ALYSSA
For this activity our task was to go to the CDC website and report 3 recalled items within the past year. We then went to the EPA website and figured out 3 ways to prevent ourselves from lead poisoning in our home. Finally, we then had to watch a video and reflect on the whole lesson plan and describe what we learned from completing the previous activities.

The 3 Recalled Items:

1. Children's Bangles Bracelets: Recalled March 2010; First appeared May 2007; and Available since August 2008
2. Youth and Junior Hockey Sticks, Shafts, and Blades Gear: Recalled April 2010; First appeared February 2005; Available since March 2010
3. Bicycle Bells: Recalled March 2010; First appeared August 2008; Available since August 2009 

3 Ways to Prevent Lead Poisoning in the Home:

1. Clean floors, window frames, window sills, and other surfaces weekly. 
2. Keep children from chewing window sills or other painted surfaces.
3. Make sure children eat healthy and have a balanced diet; children with good diets absorb less lead.

Reflection:I enjoyed how the video actually demonstrated the signs and symptoms of lead poisoning. I feel often times when we list signs and symptoms we tend to forget how they actually affect a person, but seeing it generally puts it back into perspective. This activity, as a whole, really opened my eyes up to the fact that you never know what materials may be used in an item you purchase. I always liked to think that all items had to pass specific tests before getting 'certified' to be sold on store shelves. I was aware that items have been recalled before, however, it was really scary to learn that a lot of the items on the list to choose from were children's toys. I will definitely be a lot more cautious about the toys I purchase for my nieces and nephews.

WATER VOCABULARY MATCH: CALLIE
Callie provided a few information links that discussed water and she also had a fun matching/pairing game to complete.

By completing the matching game I realized how many different ways water may become contaminated and how many systems there are when it comes to treating and cleaning the water. This activity really makes me appreciate all of the work that is necessary for me to be able to drink clean and non-contaminated water.

UNDERSTANDING EMISSIONS: ADAM
For this activity, we reviewed fact sheets about transportation and being active, we also watched a video, and used a vehicle pollution impact calculator to measure our emissions then report on our findings and what we have learned.

1. After completing the emissions calculator, I found out that I am a little better than average.  Even though mine was lower than average I know there are still plenty more ways I can reduce the amount of exhaust emissions I permit. I do take the bus quite a bit, especially during the school year and in the summer I am trying to bike and rollerblade more so that's a start! 
2. I learned that if I must drive some cars may be fueld by 'clean fuel,' which is made of ethanol (a renewable fuel, unlike fossil fuels. I also learned that clean fuel is available at a variety of locations in the Twin Cities.
3. After watching the video I found it interesting that in the video, 'Walkable Communities,' it was mentioned that most places that are necessary to go (ie. work, school, church, grocery store) will all be within walking distance. It was also mentioned that Walkable Communities are the way of the future, which I feel is funny because if we look back on history (I mean way back like settler's time, haha) most communities were walkable communities and have simply developed over the years. I have never heard of these communities before, however, I would really like to go visit one to learn more about how the community runs.

OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD CROSSWORD: SAM
For this activity, Sam created a crossword puzzle for us. I had to search for the answers online and as I searched I found out lead poisoning and the effects they can have. Below I have listed the answers to the crossword that I found.

Down:
1.  Inhilation
2.  Decades
4.  Wash

Across:
3.  Lead
5.  Blood
6.  Symptoms
7.  Work

THE EFFECTS OF SMOKING: KRISTY
For this activity, Kristy provided a couple of websites regarding smoking statistics in the United States as well as in Minnesota.  Once we went through the websites we then had a quiz/survey to complete about smoking.

As I was completing this activity I found it so surprising at the statistics the websites shared.  I do get very nervous when I am tested on things so this activity was also challenging to overcome.  I am a little bummed that once I finished the quiz I was not able to see my answers so that I would know the correct one.  The information was very powerful and the websites, especially the Minnesota one really captured the emotion that smoking is a serious matter and has negative affects on everyone it encounters.

Advocacy Project: Breathe-Freeville Mystery

Breathe-Freeville Mystery

Purpose: 
To teach students the various forms of air pollution caused by automotive transport.


Background:
When it comes to getting from place to place people tend to want the shortest route possible.  As a result, automotive transportation - such as cars and trucks - seems to have been the best option.  However, using automotive transportation as opposed to alternative modes - biking and city transit - seems to be leaving a harmful footprint on our world.  Automotive transportation releases and emits air pollutants into the atmosphere.  


Air pollution affects everyone, and with current traffic levels air quality in urban as well as rural settings is worsening. Once released into the air, exhaust emissions are breathed into the body and transported into the bloodstream; which is then carried to all the body's major organs.  It has been estimated that air pollution - of which vehicle emissions are the major contributor - is responsible for 24,000 premature deaths in the UK every year.  Health concerns affiliated with exhaust emissions are illnesses such as cancer and asthma.  In order to reduce the amount of people being affected we need to be aware of what exhaust emissions are being released and how detrimental these air pollutants are to the environment as well as our health and well-being.


Instructions:
We need your help!  There has been a terrible incident in the town of Breathe-Freeville!  It appears that everyone in the city has started to develop different health illnesses and they are not sure what's causing it!  After interviewing each victim the city has concluded that all victims were outside at the time of each incident and that the suspect has been known to strike at any hour of the day.  The city has narrowed it down to six suspects but need further assistance, so to solve this mystery they have decided to call you, the health educator detective, to help get their city get back to the way they once knew! 


Your mission: To interview each suspect and figure out how to fix the situation.  Below you will find your name along with a link to the suspect you need to conduct your background check on. To do this successfully you will want to use at least one other resource to site your answers the questions about the suspect.  Once you have your answers report back to me so, together, we may figure out who has been up to this nasty act! Good luck detectives!
Detective and Suspect:

1. Calista - Druscilla de Spilla (aka Benzene (C6H6))
2. Kristy - Punky Carbone (aka Carbon Monoxide)
3. Samantha - Red Haze Harry (aka Nitrogen Oxides)
4. Alyssa - Petite la Wheeze (aka PM2.5) 
5. Adam - Fossil Phil (aka Carbon Dioxide)
6. Sarah - Burnice D'Smog (aka Formaldehyde)

- Cards courtesy of New York State's Department of Environmental Conservation

Background questions to answer:

1. Suspect (name of air pollutant)
2. Motive (where does pollutant come from)
3. Crime (what health effects is it having on citizens/environment)
4. Lock 'Em Up (Alternative resources we could use/do to replace/reduce the pollutant)
5. Case File (what did you learn from this activity)

PS.. Does anyone know how to get rid of extra spacing? When I push 'enter' once extra spacing comes with it!

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 5: Weekly Review and Final Reflection

I will place any extra food I have after each meal into a bucket to be dropped off and composted at Sara's Table Restaurant (a composting site) each Tuesday evening between 5:00-7:00pm. 

I did really well in achieving my goal this past week.  Once again, between my roommates and myself we were able to fill up three full bags of compostable materials and actually made a couple of trips to Sara's Table.  The only portion of my SMART goal that I did not stick with was when the full compost bags were dropped off. We did do one drop off last Friday as well as one drop off on Monday.

Where I succeeded in my goal was continuing to take all scrap pieces of my food and other compostable items  into the composting bag.  My biggest improvement was composting more than just food scraps. I also composted items such as egg shells, coffee filters, and used matches. What I did to help me be successful in this area was I made a brief list of items I know are used around my home on a regular basis. I also informed my roommates about these other compostable items and they have been doing exceptionally well at remembering them as well.

One challenge that I encountered was the time issue. I'm not too worried about this, however, since it does not seem to be slowing down the momentum of my roommates! Another challenge is that one of my roommates is having a more difficult time remembering to composte. I have suggested that if she does have questions she can ask me. I do plan to create a sign to put up just above our garbage with a list of items that may be composted so hopefully this will make them recheck what they were about to toss away.

It feels great seeing my roommates take initiative themselves and compost with me! This has taken some pressure off of me and reduces the amount of work I would have to do if I were continuing to do this project on my own. I have also notived that our garbage bins have not been filling up nearly as fast as they once were. This could either be a result from us consuming less food, but I'm going to go ahead and assume that the reduced amount of garbage is because we are composting a lot of items.

This past week I learned the importance of reminding my roommates

I plan to continue with the same goal as before and place any excess or outdated items into the composting bucket and bring the bucket to the composting site at the end of the work week.  I do plan to stick with last weeks SMART goal. The main issue I have been dealing with is when I drop off the bags, however, I feel that since they are getting dropped off on a very frequent basis.

My initial SMART goal was to collect any compost items and bring them to Sara's Table on Friday morning from 10:30-11am. I did modify the time quite a lot because it often conflicted with my schedule or was an inconvenient time to compost, ie. late morning was difficult because I try to be on-campus by 9am.

What really helped me succeed was creating reminders for myself by either leaving a note on my shelf or having a list of compostable items readily available. This way I wouldn't become impatient about if I should compost the itme or not. My roommates also played a tremendous role in helping me succeed since I wanted to set a good example for them and, to be honest, reminded me to not be so lazy and help out the environment by composting. The biggest barrier for me was when I would drop off the composting bag.  I do feel that if I were to create a better composting bin for us we would not have to make as many frequent trips up to Sara's Table then we have been.

This project has really taught me how to compost, what it means to compost, and what to compost. I learned that behavior change is possible but there are two items that may be crucial in the succession of the change. One is by selecting a goal that is realistic, it may not be where you would ideally like to be, but if you start small you may work your way up. The other crucial factor is how much support you have, if you inform your friends and family about what you are doing they may hold you accountable to what you said to them which may motivate you to follow through with the behavior change. Informing other may also encourage them and they may want to partake in the change with you! I learned that I can actually compost, haha! I have been wanting to do it for the past year or so but after learning about how much of an impact I am leaving on the earth I wanted to look into adapting behaviors that I wanted to make sure that I am doing my part in helping sustain our environment.

My roommates have benefited tremendously since I started this project. They have been adapting the composting behavior as well along with having the basic knowledge of composting and what it is all about. I actually had a roommate tell me earlier today that there is a place at CSS that has a composting area in the dining room. She said she noticed some things they were doing on campus to promote composting and she informed me when she saw somthing that mentioned composing she thought of me. I can really tell that my roommates are taking composting seriously and have informed a few close friends on the topic. The environment benefits from composting because it reduces the amount of waste that is brought and distributed throughout the landfill.

I do plan to continue composting. I am actually having a lot of fun learning about what items can be composted and what ones can't. The behavior has not been too difficult for me to adapt because I have been wanting to do it for a while and simply needed and incentive to begin. I see composting as kind of a scavenger hunt to be honest. I'm looking for compostable items to place into the bag and I feel once I have found it I can 'check' it off of my list for that day.

I stated two suggestions for people above, which are starting with a realistic goal before 'jumping' in to the behavior. Also, create a support group they will encourage you through the process and may even join you which makes the behavior a little easier to incorporate, if it's being incorporated into your loved one's lives as well.

Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 5 hosted by http://amyintherain.blogspot.com/2010/12/eco-chic-lifestyle-change-week-5-weekly.html

Advocacy Project: Letter to Public Official

http://www.photos8.com/

December 6, 2010

Roger Reinert
House of Representatives
429 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155Phone: 651-296-4246

VOTE YES ON H.R. 4722: ACTIVE COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION ACT OF 2010

Dear Mr. Reinert,

The proposed bill, H.R. 4722: Active Community Transportation Act of 2010, is in critical need of being passed. The proposed forms of alternative transportation will have a large impact on reducing the current high rates of air pollution emission across the State of Minnesota. As a health educator and citizen, I believe our current forms of automotive transportation are producing excessive greenhouse gas emissions, which are detrimental to our environment, at rapid rates and must be reduced. By passing this bill, our state will be will be working towards creating a more eco-friendly environment and healthier citizens within our community.

This program will help provide education and more opportunities for citizens in our community to have access to use alternative modes of transportation. Currently, 28% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. are produced by automotive transportation, which results in high morbidity and mortality rates amongst citizens in our community. A recent study showed that if every American spent thirty minutes a day walking or bicycling instead of driving greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced by 64 million tons and lose 3 billion tons of excess body weight a year. By reducing rates of automotive transportation in our community, citizens are more likely to be active within the community, build a healthier stamina, and enjoy living a prosperous life with their loved ones. This will reduce the strain for the U.S. to rely on other countries to supply forms of fuel for automotive transportation use and reduce tax rates at the county and state levels.

Opponents of this bill might say that alternative modes of transportation will result in community businesses going out of business and layoff of employees. This might be true, however, there are other businesses that could strive and new businesses develop to adhere to the new needs of the community.

We appreciate your support on developing adequate transportation opportunities for the citizens in your region. We hope you realize the best course of action to protect our community's air is to vote 'yes' for H.R. 4722.

Sonny

FACTS ABOUT GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AND ALTERNATIVE MODES OF TRANSPORTATION

- Not driving for one day a week could reduce CO2 emissions by 8 pounds per week, or 400 pounds per year.
[Pennybacker, Mindy. Walking, biking, and ride sharing. Do One Green Thing: Saving the Earth Through Simple, Everyday Choices, 214. 2010.]

- When traveling 2,500 miles cross-country, driving emits about twice as much carbon emissions (3,000 pounds) than if you were to travel by plane (1,555 pounds) or train (775 pounds).
[Main, Emily; McRandle, Paul. A calculated loss: how to reduce your global warming emissions. The Green Guide. 2007.]

- Driving more slowly saves 1,500 pounds of CO2 emissions.
[Pennybacker, Mindy. Walking, biking, and ride sharing. Do One Green Thing: Saving the Earth Through Simple, Everyday Choices, 217-219. 2010.]

Reflection: Weeks 9-12

In the previous weeks I have primarily learned three key topics: how to advocate, how to compost, and to really think about the products I consume.

Adocacy Project:

In the past few weeks I have been learning what it means to 'advocate' for a right/cause. I have been advocating on using alternative forms of transportation, such as biking, city bus transit, etc. Initially to start out the process I located all of my political representatives -from local to national - and I learned about using THOMAS to look up bills that are proposed to implement throughout the nation. I also answered a number of questions in regards to my topic such as 'Who is affected by the issue?' as well as identifying allies/opponents. This project has really taught me how much effort and time it takes to advocate for a topic. It has also taught me how to advocate in an appropriate manner, it has challenged me to really search for answers and to identify barriers that may be necessary to face. I never realized how much planning and researching went into advocating so I know in the future I will definitely look at both sides of each situation.

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change:

These past few weeks I have also adapting and incorporating a new behavior into my lifestyle. I chose to begin composting and it has been a great experience! I have never composted prior to this so as the process began I did some research on the topic to figure out what it really means to compost. I learned you can compost a lot of items other than simply food scraps, for example, tea bags. Once I decided I was going to compost I informed my roommates and encouraged them to join me in the process. My roommates have been extremely supportive and have been composting with me. After witnessing how much of an influence this whole process has had on them the thing I feel I have learned the most from this project is knowing that it is okay to share with others about how to promote health for the environment as well as for ourselves. Having the title 'Health Educator,' I'm realizing comes with a lot of responsibilities and reliability. When I inform people of something related to health and they know that I am a health educator they really take what I say to heart and trust that what I am telling them truly must be to improve their lives!

Story of Stuff Video:

Finally, last week our class visited the 'Story of Stuff' webpage and listened to some videos about consumerism and how they items we purchase seem to have little to no effect on those around us, we were informed that more goes on 'behind the scenes' then what we generally notice. One example mentioned the pricing of products we purchase and what they really cost to make. You see the product on the shelf for a great discount, however, the video talked about how in order for the product to be sold at a discount price for you somewhere or someone else is 'paying' more, (ie. someone may have to live in a highly polluted area where the product is manufactured). I remember learning once in my economics course in high school about the term 'TINSTAAFL' (pronounced tin-staff-ul). The word is actually an acronym that stands for 'There Is No Such Thing As A Free Lunch.' Basically, this word defines the message the video was sending and that message is someone/something always has to pay for something. Or you could something cannot come from nothing. There is a chance that someone may receive an item that really didn't cost them anything (ie. a prize a company is giving away), however, what appears to be 'free' is not (the company may have to pay for the item in order to give it as a prize). Since this video I have noticed that I am a lot more cautious about the items I  purchase and I have been informing my family and roommates about to make them aware of the situation.

Overall, I will say these topics have taught me to be more cautious about what I am consuming and to consider who/what has been advantaged or disadvantaged in order for me to get this item (regarding the 'Story of Stuff'), and how I may leave a legacy that challenges others and myself to make sure we are doing all we can to preserve and sustain our environment (regarding advocating and change lifestyle behaviors).

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 4: Weekly Update

I will place any extra food I have after each meal into a bucket to be dropped off and composted at Sara's Table Restaurant (a composting site) each Wednesday between 10:30 - 11:00am. 

I did really well in achieving my goal this past week.  Between my roommates and myself we were able to fill up two full bags of compostable materials.  The only portion of my SMART goal that I did not stick with was the time I dropped off the bag of compost. My roommate actually dropped the bags off Tuesday evening instead of my scheduled time of Wednesday.

Where I succeeded in my goal was taking all scrap pieces of my food and placing it into the composting bag.  What I did to help me be successful in this area was I continued to place the composting bag on my shelf in the fridge which has been a great spot to remind me that once I'm finished eating I should compost any food possible. 

My roommates also helped me succeed. They have really been amazing at placing their scraps of composting materials into the bag as well. I feel this has been motivating me even more to make sure I'm composting because I am the 'health resource' in our home. I want to make sure that I am continuing to set a good example to them. We have also been continuing to encourage one another to place any scraps into the composting bag and when we go to drop the bags off, we have actually been walking together! This really helps me because than there is more of a motivation for me to walk up to Sara's Table.  If I had continued to do this on my own I know I would be struggling a lot more.

One challenge that I encountered was I again the time factor. Having the drop-off time set for mid-morning was a little inconvenient considering I do try to arrive to school by 9am.  The other 'challenge' that I am facing is that one of my roommates moved the composting bucket outside on our entryway. I do not have a huge problem with this, it is just that now I am having a harder time remembering to save my scraps.  I know she means well and the only reason she placed it outside was because she was afraid the bag may begin to release an unpleasant smell in the fridge.  To resolve this 'issue' I am simply going to hang a sticky note on my shelf in the fridge to remind me. I have also decided to, once again, switch the time I bring the bag(s) to the composting site. I am going to do it Tuesday evening 5-7pm. Often times in the mornings I do feel a little rushed and generally in the evenings I am a little more relaxed and feel as if I have more time to do 'piddly' activities. I feel by giving myself a larger time frame as well will make me feel as if I am having an easier time succeeding with my goal.

I'm sure you're wondering how Thanksgiving went for me, well, as I mentioned in my first eco-chic post my family has always been good about taking scrap food and giving it to our pets. So when we did have leftover scraps after our dinner they were either placed into a bag to be brought out to the chickens the following day or placed on a plate that was brought outside for the dog and cats to clean.

It feels great when I see the composting bag fill up with our scraps. I think it is a great visual to demonstrate how much 'waste' we do produce and that even our scraps tend to add up over time. It is also wonderful seeing my roommates get involved and excited about helping the environment as well.

This past week I learned the importance of sharing what you are doing to help the environment with others. When I initially mentioned what I planned to do with my roommates I thought they would be happy for me, but I didn't think they would get so into it! So it doesn't hurt to inform others about what you are doing because you may never know (or imagine) what kind of an impact that may have on them.

I plan to continue with the same goal as before and place any excess or outdated items into the composting bucket and bring the bucket to the composting site at the end of the work week.  The one thing I will change, again, is the time.  Wednesday at 10:30-11am just does not seem to do it, so I will change the time from Wednesday morning to Tuesday evening.  I am doing this to synchronize with our weekly blog posts as well as so that I may not feel rushed when it comes to completing the behavior change!

Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 4 hosted by http://amyintherain.blogspot.com/2010/12/eco-chic-lifestyle-change-week-4-weekly.html.