Reflection: Weeks 9-12

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Wow, we are already at weeks 9-12.  We have covered so much already!  Some things we focused on were advocacy, SMART goals, Eco-chic lifestyle changes, THOMAS, junking, environmental literacy, and blog hops.

The most beneficial thing we identified in this section of the course was the piece on advocacy.  We learned so many new things.  First of all, we covered what advocacy actually is, and were able to choose an issue we are passionate about and advocate for it.  Through this process we identified a Healthy People goal and a House Bill using THOMAS.  We then went on to do in-depth research relating to the issue and share and overview with the class.  I was also able to incorporate my Photo Essay into my advocacy project and have really enjoyed this part of the course.  This was my favorite thing we have done so far in the semester. 

The other really awesome thing we have done during this portion of the course is are Eco-Chic Lifestyle goals.  Everyone was able to create a SMART goal relating to something they felt could use a change in their life.  My goal revolves around drinking water out of a reusable bottle from the faucet or drinking fountains.  I used to buy tons of bottled water and now I don't!  It is so exciting for me and the environment.  I really like how all of our goals can be different and we all get to focus on one area in our life to change to better then environment.  One of the films we watched, The Story of Stuff, was probably one of the most beneficial videos I have seen.  It was a pretty simple film and very easy to understand.  It got straight to the point and was a great learning resource. 

JUNKING!  This is one of the most exciting aspects of environmental friendliness, in my opinion at least.  Junking is basically taking an object that was once thought of as junk or unusable and turning it into a completely new item.  We have to do Junking piece and I have to say I am really excited for mine  At first, I had no idea what to do and didn't think I would find anything in the garage that I could use.  But luckily Thanksgiving night, I found these old salt and pepper shakers (Great Grandma style old).  I had no idea that's what they were even used for, they just looked like empty jars to me.  I intend to turn them into bookends so stay tuned!

The most recent thing we learned about that was pretty neat is called blog hops.  It allows you to link up with the host blog and then copy a code to your own blog which allows who linked to be displayed on your blog post.  So now when you click on my Photo Essay post, you also are able to see all the posts done by my classmates on the same project.  I think that is really beneficial for Internet purposes because then you can see what others are doing on the same topic. 

As you can see we have covered a lot in this portion of the class.  I have come to actually enjoy learning about all these topics of Environmental Health.  I had no idea some of the impacts we were making on the environment.  We learned how we can all make a difference for the environment too.  I definitely utilize this knowledge in the future!

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 4: Weekly Update

1. My SMART goal was I will drink 40 ounces of water out of my reusable stainless steel water bottle 7 days a week.  I would say that I was fairly successful with this goal.  I was able to achieve it 6 days last week, Thanksgiving being the slacking day.
2. I was only able to be home the night before and the day of Thanksgiving, which for this goal, was a blessing in disguise.  We live off bottled water at my home because our water goes through softeners and the well and has a lot of minerals in it.  (My dogs can't even drink it because it gives them kidney and gallbladder stones.)  So we do not drink it.  What we typically do though is bring jugs to my grandma's house, who lives in the actually city, and fill them up.  But my point is, is that it was very difficult to stick with my goal while at home.  Thanksgiving was a bit of challenge for that reason.  Being at work allows me to be successful because we have those really big jugs you can fill from and I love it.  I usually fill it once when I get there, midway through the day, and then again before I leave at night.
3. I wouldn't say I had any specific feelings this weak.  A little disappointment at the end of the week from not being able to achieve my goal again, but I was so close that I was also filled with excitement.  This is because I really think next week I will achieve this goal.  Throughout this last week I had a real positive attitude for my goal because I knew I was doing well.
4. I learned that drinking tap water can be a challenging thing for everyone, but if you really try to make it your lifestyle, it is not that difficult.  It is more difficult when I am at home but I know there are ways to get around it.  
5. For next week, I intend to keep my goal the same because I really think I can achieve it.  It has obviously been challenging since I have struggled over the last few weeks to actually complete it 100%.  I am very hopeful for what next week will bring.  My goal for next week is: I will drink 40 ounces of water out of my reusable stainless steel water bottle 7 days a week.

Blogged for Eco Chic Lifestyle Change Week 4 Hosted by Amy@Amy in the rain

Share and Voice: How Does Smoking Hurt the Environment?

This article is a very powerful one.  I had no idea of some of the statistics it provides.  For example, did you know that 50% of all litter is cigarette butts?  The United States smokers alone litter more than 250 billion cigarette butts a year.  These butts are toxic and not going anywhere, hence polluting our environment.  Read on to find out more information about How Does Smoking Hurt the Environment?

Eye Opener: Photo Essay: Breathe Free UMD

Fight for Healthy Air!  The quality of the air we breathe greatly affects us, including second hand smoke.  The University of Minnesota Duluth is doing something about this.  UMD enacted it's "Breathe Free" policy in 2007.



This sign hangs next to the Swenson Science Building, located on Kirby Drive. 

 


Multiple pole banners can be found while driving through campus.




Did you know you can receive up to a $1000 fine for smoking within 15 feet of a bus shelter?  This doesn't just apply to UMD campus, it is a Duluth City Ordinance.




Signage located just inside the Kirby Bus Hub







These signs are located near almost all entrances of UMD.

 


Did you know you can receive a monetary fine for smoking within 100 feet of health services?  This area spans to Goldfine Apartments, Heany Hall, and Lake Superior Hall dormitories.  This is also a Duluth City Ordinance of smoking within 100 feet of any medical facility.





Become a Supporter!  Supporters ensure this policy is followed.  The Task Force is working on increasing enforcement and creating more severe consequences for violators.

 


Supporters paint the logo on sidewalks all around UMD campus to remind others of the policy.


There should be NO ONE on campus who does not know we have a Breathe Free policy.  You have the responsibility to tell those who are violating that it is not okay.  This is your air too.  One of the policy's goals is to create a healthy air environment where we do not have to breathe second hand smoke.  Support Breathe Free UMD!

For more information on BreatheFree UMD please visit the website:  www.d.umn.edu/breathefree

Photo Credit: Kristy Seaver and Alex Warren