Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 2: Weekly Update

Last week my SMART goal was:


 I will eat 2 servings of vegetables (serving= 1/2 cup) and 2 servings of fruit (servings= 1/2 cup) 4 days a week, for the next 4 weeks.


The last week has offered some success for me in trying to use my SMART goal.  I went grocery shopping last week and stocked up on fresh fruits and vegetables so it was easier to eat them, because I had lots of them around.  Another tactic that I used to remember to eat the fruits and vegetables was packing them up the night before.  This helps me to see what I will eat and what I still have to eat.  I have always tried to include a lot of healthy foods in my diet so I knew that it wouldn't be to hard, but eating all of these servings some times can be very challenging for me.  Some of the challenges that I face include:

• eating healthy on the weekends
• the money that it can cost to buy these foods
• time that we all seem not to have

I know that on days that I do reach my SMART goal I feel better all around.  I feel better knowing that I accomplished something that I set my mind to.  I also feel a lot better physically because my body is getting good foods in it.  It helps me to feel more energetic.  I learned that trying to achieve your goal is not always as easy as writing it down on paper.  But with a little effort its really not to be.  I look forward to what the next week will bring.  I plan to cook more meals that include fruits and veggies in them to try to get my servings in more creative ways.  I plan to keep my goal where it is , at least for this next week.  Im very close to meeting it and I am determined that this week I will be able to do it.


"Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 2 hosted by Amy@Amy in the rain."

Share and Voice: The Preserve Brand

I don't know if any of you have every heard of the brand Preserve, but I came across a toothbrush made by them the other day and target, and I couldn't help but take a second look at it.  When I took a closer look I was really pleased to see all of the great eco-friendly qualities this product had even down to the packaging which doubles as a mail back package so the tooth brush can be properly recycled.  Some of the other features include:

• made from recycled yogurt cups
• recyclable after use
• BPA free
• Made in the U.S.A
• No animal testing
• and a variety of colors to choose from
• Affordable Price of $2.99

Preserve offers a variety of other products as well including dishes, table ware, and storage containers.  There motto states, "Nothing Wasted, Everything Gained"  I thought that was a neat way of saying things.  And I encourage you to check out their website. http://www.preserveproducts.com/products.html

Advocacy Project: Healthy People/ THOMAS

Objective from Healthy people 2010: Reduce Indoor Allergen Levels

The progress quotient chart showed no current data towards this goal.  Which I feel helps to justify the need for it even more.


Disparities: Exposure to allergies is greater in people whom live in urban areas


Opportunities & and Challenges:
 No low cost methods are available for people to check the allergen levels in their homes.  Also many buildings that have already had codes were not required to keep health considerations in mind, such as allergen reduction.  Many of the new ventilation processes may help to improve moisture and air quality control, and in turn may have a positive impact on indoor allergy levels.  Effective moisture control helps to reduce rates of dust mites, and cockroaches.  Use of ventilator fans in bathrooms and kitchens may help to greatly improve allergy levels.  However many building designers are not aware of the benefits of this.


Emerging Issues:
There has been a steadily increasing number of deaths from asthma and allergy related problems.  It has greatly increased awareness of the problems these types things can create.  In 2000 the Institute of Medicine released a publication called " Clearing of Air: Asthma and Indoor Exposures".  It overviewed new evidence listing the relationship between asthma and indoor air, and allergens from dust mite, mold, pets, and gas appliances.  People do now see the need for more education, hence why this bill is needed. 


H.RES.407
Title: Expressing support for designation of May as "National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month"
Sponsor: Rep Castor, Kathy
Co- Sponsors: 102 : follow link to see all
Latest Major Action: 5/28/2010 passed/agreed into the House.  On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolutions.
Recommendation: Vote Yes for H.RES. 407 : Expressing support for designation of May as "National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month"
My political representative: James Oberstar