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.

Share 'N' Voice: Environment Minnesota

So I was just pokin around online and I came across this awesome website called Environment Minnesota.  It is all about things occuring in Minnesota that we can be a part of to help our environment.  There are some interesting subjects like the boundary waters, green transportation, clean water acts, and saving the forests.  They even have a breakfast forum titled "Green Ideas and Ham."  I love the title!  Dr. Seuss anyone?  I found a lot of valuable information on the site, and it really hits home since it is all about Minnesota.  And the best part, they offer internships!  I know we all have to do one, so if there is something interesting to you I encourage you to look for further information.  Check out a few things and let me know what you think.

Eye Opener: Junk on the Brain

Part 1:

1. Antiques: an old collectible item; desirable because of age, uniqueness, beauty, etc.
2. Antiquing: form of distressing with intention of making the item look old or antique
3. Junk: is an unwanted or undesirable item
4. Junking: finding discarded items and turning them into usable items
5. Flea market: a place where inexpensive secondhand items are sold or bartered
6. Thrift shop: a shop that sells goods at low prices
7. Upcycling: coverting waste materials or unusable products into new materials of higher environmental value
8. Resale shop: shop that sells items again

Part 2:

1. All the of terms above greatly relate to the environment and environmental health.  They all deal with the fact of reusing things.  Whether that is taking something someone else didn't want, or recreating something into a whole new item, it is all about being resourceful and utilizing the items we currently have or that are in close proximity to us.
2. Name, address, phone, and website or blog for the terms above:
1. Antiques: Father Time Antiques  395 S Lake Ave Duluth, MN 55802 218-625-2379
2. Junking: Snowman Hill 4462 West Tischer Road Duluth MN 55803
3. Flea Markets: Studebaker Drivers Club Swap Meet Flea Market and Classic Car Show, Lake Superior College 2101 Trinity Road Duluth MN 55811 
4. Thrift Shops: Savers 1740 Mall Dr, Duluth, MN 55811  218-722-1894 
5. Upcycling: An example of upcycling is Sara's Table, they convert wine corks into bulletin boards and parking lots.1902 East 8th Street Duluth, MN 55812 (218) 723-8569
6. Resale Shop: Pawn America 339 E Central Entrance, Duluth, MN 55811-5513                       (218) 727-2274
3. I currently do not use any of these things.  I do occaisionally go to the Good Will in my hometown with my mom or grandma but here in Duluth I have not taken advantage of these places.  I would say I do not utilize these places for a couple of reasons.  First, I just never thought about their existence, therefore I never went.  And second, simply time.  It is easier to just go to Target whenever I need things and get them all in one place.

Part 3

1. The first item I found that I think is amazing are these picture frames.  I'm obsessed with pictures and scrapbooking and this is a really neat way to display it in my home.  I love the uniqueness of it.I also feel like I could actually create something like this and would enjoy doing it.
2. The next item I found are these bookends.  Granted, I am not very into chess but the idea of it is really neat.  Bookends would be really neat gift ideas and fun to create, you could put a ton of different items on the base.
3. I love this last item.  It is a domino clock.  I do not think I am experienced enough to be able to do it, but I think it would be really neat to be able to do and it looks really cool.  I have a ton of old dominoes that I could reuse for this kind of project, so perhaps one day I could do it.