Reflection: Weeks 5-8

I have learned so much in the last four weeks.  My new knowledge comes from in class discussions, finishing my Read 'N' Seed Book, and Eye Openers.  One day in class, we were able to design graphical headers.  I liked that because it makes me feel more technologically savvy and that I am able to create something that looks professional.  Throughout the last month we have watch four films, which are Future of Food, Fresh, Green, Tapped.  This films have really inspired me and provided me with so much new information.  I had no idea half the stuff that went on when it comes to growing foods or bottled water.  Not going to lie, everyday I leave thinking there are so many things wrong with this world.  We are destroying it, and in return destroying future generations.  Eventually, no one will experience this planet like we do.  After each movie, we discuss as a class the impact it has on us.  I think it is really eye opening for everyone in the class to see these films; thus very beneficial that we have the opportunity to learn from them. 

I also finished my book for the Read 'N' Seed, which was Plenty - Eating Locally on the 100 Mile Diet.  I learned some amazing benefits from choosing to eat locally and how this impacts the environment.  Basically, only good comes from participating in something like this.  Granted, it may be difficult at first, it is worth it in the end.  Through Eye Openers, I learned about my Eating Green Calculator and how this is impacting my environment.  I also learned about how harmful cosmetic products are.  I have no idea that there were so many chemicals and negative consequences to using make up products.  I have always assumed that since it is approved to be sold, it must also be safe.  Well, that is completely wrong; at least that is what I have been learning.  Most recently, we have begun to learn about "junking."  Or basically reusing items to create new things, or finding things that other people do not want and making them your own.  It has really opened a whole new creative side of me and I think it is something that I will really enjoy.

Overall, I would say that I have mainly just learned how big of an impact I really have on this planet.  Whether I am trying to or not, I am affecting everything around me for better or for worse.  Some things I can do to try and improve my effects include cutting out certain food groups.  It is becoming more and more relevant for me to become a vegetarian and I am seriously considering it.  I need to be recycling everything I can.  I should reuse items that perhaps I may have seen as waste, or even other people's waste and turn it into a creative project.  I should also reconsider cosmetic and hair care products.  And lastly, I will not be buying bottled water any more.  These are just some of the things that I have learned about over the last four weeks that I will start to incorporating into my life.