Reflection of Weeks 9-12

I cannot believe that we are already in week 12.  Its scary how fast time goes by.  Its getting to the point now that we are all getting really busy and stressed out, but I also cannot wait until this semester is over.  Once again we have learned a lot on the last few weeks, but at first I did not even realize it.  I couldn't really remember what we had talked about, but when I looked back it all came back to me.

Advocacy
We probably learned one of the most important things this week.  I would assume that before this week most of us had heard of the word advocacy.  The problem is that I didn't know what it meant.  It can be defined according to wikipedia as aim to influence public policy and resource allocation  descions within political, economic, and social systems institutions; it may be motivated from the moral, ethical, or faith principals, or simply just to protect and asset of interest.

 Some other important things to remember include:

• advocacy is not a direct service
• does not need to involve conflict

I never really realized just how important this was expesially to our major. I also never realized that it was one of our seven responsibilities.  Im excited to see how the rest of it goes and hope to learn more because it definietely does not come naturally to me.

Another thing that I learned was more about my political represnetatives .  Being aware of who are leaders are is the first step in the advocacy process.  Also I was surprised at how much I didn't know, and doing the research really made me realize that I need to keep more up to date on that.  It was also really nice to see the different representatives from the different part of the states and the local governments.

Smart Goals:

We also learned about smart goals.  Most of us thought that we knew what they were exactly, but it turns out they were a lot harder than you think.  There are certain things that you need to remember when formulating one and they include:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable
• Realistic
• Timely

I think its really great that we turned them into our eco-chic life style change.  I think that its a really good tool to use to motivate us.  I have been making concious efforts to try and meet my smart goal each week.  Its also great to see everybody else and how they are doing.  It makes you want to try out some of their smart goals too such as

• eating organic produce
• riding the bus
• taking shorter showers

One of my favorite activities that we did this quarters was showing our photo essays.  Im glad that we got to see everyones it was really great. I could not believe the neat stuff that some people just had laying around.  Its also really great to see the progress that people are making in being more environmentally friendly.

Overall I think that this class continues to have a great impact on all of us.  It has made us more aware of what we do and how we can change things that we don't like.  I look forward to the last couple of weeks.

Share and Voice: Go Green During the Holidays Too

Since the Holidays are coming up I thought I would do something Christmas themed. Did you ever wonder what to do with your old Christmas decorartions.  Im sure we have all gotten hand me downs from our parents, but what do you do with them after that.  After all that we have learned this year we all know what can happen if you throw them away.. bad things.  Any ways there is some exciting news out that I heard on WCCO 4 news in the cities. You can now recycle your Holidays too!  Recycling lights isn't really a new concept, they are just making it a lot more convient by getting ACE hardwear stores involved.  Not only are we recycling,  but we are now even producing LED christmas lights at Target.  This Christmas they are hoping to collect 200,000 pounds of lights!   I included an interactive map that gives you a list of locations to recycle your lights at. 

For more information in this article you can visit:
http://www.recycleminnesota.org/
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/tag/recycle-your-lights/

Here is a list of locations you can drop them off at:
http://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/community-projects/campaigns/recycle-holidays-2010#map

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 4: Weekly Update

My smart goal is:

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.


I have to admit, that I definitely did not meet my smart goal this past week. I really did try , but it was just to hard for me to do it when I was on the road so much. A lot of it was poor planning on my part. I should have thought ahead and went to the store and brought me own fruits and vegetables.


One of the biggest challenges this week was being tempted by all of the bad food that was offered to me this weekend. Also I went out to eat at restaurants a lot so I didn’t really have much of a choice. One good thing, was that I did eat a lot of veggies and fruit, but the bad thing was that they were not in their whole form. They were in pies or hot dishes, so they don't really count.


One thing that I noticed this week was how crappy that I felt over the weekend. Eating bad foods really does take a toll on my body. I noticed that I had much less energy, and got a lot of headaches. Its crazy how food can do that.


One of the biggest things that I learned this week is to remember to plan ahead, and that you cant rely that you will do it when you get there. Its hard when your in a new place to do that, but in the long run I think that it will really help out.


This week I will meet my goal, and I am going to try and surpass it by eating my goal all seven days this week. I know that I can do it, but I just have to get to the grocery store :) I am excited to see how the week turns out.


Blogged for the Eco-Chic lifestyle change Week 4 Hosted by Amy@Amy in the rain

Eye Opener: Photo Essay

Neat Things From Goodwill

 Since we talk about Goodwill in class, and the importance of buying used items when you can I thought it would be a good idea to show some of the things I have found at Goodwill since I have been in school.  They really do have some great stuff!

This is a picture that I have hanging in my room.  Its actually an old vinyl record that I found at Goodwill my freshman year.  Its a really fun was to decorate especially if you like music.  Its easy to change if you want to, and plus it was only around $2.00, so its a really cheap alternative to buying expensive new wall hangings.

There is a lot going on in this picture, but what I wanted you to see is the vase.  I got it for 50 cents, and they always seem to have a lot of them in a variety of shapes and colors.

This is pretty self explanatory.  My roommates and I got this table from Goodwill when we were going to move in,  Its a great place to find furniture.

The shoes and the scarf are also some items that I have found there and fell in love with.  The shoes were new with the tags on them even.  

You can usually find some fun glass wear there too!

Last, but not least my guitar.  I had always wanted a guitar, but wasn't serious enough about playing to be able to buy one.  So when I came across this I was so excited.  I bought it for $15.00 and needed to put one new string on it for $2.00, so it cost me under $20.  It is such a great find and its all thanks to Goodwill.  

Remember to that its important to remember to keep your eyes open there and don't be afraid to dig, because you never know what you might find.

Share and Voice: Vegan Smoothies

Since my eco-chic goal is to eat more fruits and vegetables, I have been looking for new and fun ways to incorporate them into my diet.  One of my favorite things to have as a treat, or for breakfast is a smoothie.  I came across some pretty cool recipes online and thought that I would try one and share it with you.

Vitamin Greens Energy Vegan Smoothie Recipe

Mixed Greens
2 Carrots
2 Apples (core removed)
1 Cup Rasberries

I added some ice in there too. Also the websites says to make sure you add the fruit first, then the greens, then the harder vegetables because it will blend better.

I encourage you to find some that you like and try them out. They are quick and easy way to get lots of servings at once, and they keep you full!

Check out this website for more ideas!

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 3: Weekly Update

My smart goal is:

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.

This past week I feel was a little more difficult for me in trying to stick to my goal. Im not really sure why I think maybe just because its the second week of things and it gets old. One of the bigger challenges I had this week was that I did not go grocery shopping this week, so I had to eat a lot of frozen vegetables, which I feel get old fast. I also learned that broccoli gets really old fast as well. Other than that it went pretty well I reached my goal again pretty easily.

One cool thing that I learned this week is some new recipes that include lots of fruits and vegetables. One of my favorites is a smoothie recipe that includes a lot of different varieties of them. I can’t wait to try it.

I might have to modify it next week, and make it a little bit harder. I know that I could, and should eat more, especially on the weekends. Also this coming week, because it is Thanksgiving and I will be doing a lot of traveling I will have to make sure that I am prepared and pack my fruits and vegetables before hand. Also I have to be sure to plan ahead what I will choose to eat at Thanksgiving, and when I am home with my family. Overall I think that this is a good challenge and I am excited to see what next week brings.

Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 3 hosted by Amy@Amy in the Rain

Advocacy Project: Issue overview

Introduction:

Many people do not know the effects that allergies and asthma can have on an individual.  Studies show that a reduction in indoor allergen levels can help to reduce the rates of allergies and asthma in individuals.  Therefore there is need for more education on the subject to help to reduce the rates of allergies of asthma.  By designating the month of May as National Allergy and Asthma Awareness month we would be able to combat the issue by focusing on primary prevention techniques by educating the people.

The following bill H.RES. 407 "Designate the month of May as National Allergy and Asthma Awareness month" By doing this we would be able to combat the issue by focusing on primary prevention techniques by educating the people.  Providing more access to cleaner air solutions, and hoping that industry can see the problems that they cause as well.

Who is effected by the issue?

Like most instances all people are effected weather it is in a negative or positive way, but when it comes to this situation specifically families with a low social economic status are the ones mostly effected.  Of those children that are exposed to poor indoor and outdoor air quality are greatly affected, because they are being exposed to such things at a very young age.  Specifically children that live in poverty, and have not only bad outdoor air, but indoor air.  This is because many of them live in poverty, have poor ventilation systems, and no way to access air quality testing products.  

What are the consequences of the issue?

As stated earlier the more you are exposed to poor air both indoor and out, the more susceptible you will be to developing allergies or asthma.  The consequences for these can be very devastating.  Asthma many times can lead to death, it the attack is bad enough.  Research from a study done in 2009 from the Department of Pediatrics shows that incidents of death can also be correlated strongly with certain kinds of allergens.

What is the economic cost of the issue?

The economic cost to this issue can be very great to everyone. As it is with any health issue it is very big economic cost when it comes to the cost of our nations health care bill.  As more and more people become sick the higher our bill will be and the more we will be paying.  This also makes it hard for people to spend money on the economy.  Its an ongoing cycle.  However I'm sure that pharmaceutical companies like this and are doing well because so many people have to buy medication.

What is the social impact of the issue?
According to an article from Pub Medhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2044870 There can be a lot of social impacts of the issue of asthma.  It can affect schooling, employment, level of physical activity, social interaction with peers, and relationships.  

What are the barriers?
One of the biggest barriers to the issue is lack of affordable health care to the people that are most at risk for getting asthma.  Many of the people that have low socio-economic statuses are the ones that are at the greatest risk for developing asthma and allergies do not have the money to afford health care to address the issue.  Another barrier is lack of education and the understanding of the problem its self.   

What are the resources?

One of the main resources that we will need to address the issue is more education on the problem. That is why designating May as National Allergy and Awareness month will help a lot.  If we offer more education on the topic more and more people will become aware and want to take a stand to help this problem. 

What is the history of the issue?

Though it may seem like this subject would have a lot of history, it is actually quite a new topic.  The first diagnosis of asthma was not made until the 1960's.  However it is probably as old as the human race. It has been steadily growing since the diagnosis, since we have been polluting our earth more and industry has kept .  Hence the reason why we need more education on the subject.  

Allies and Opponents?

Some opponents would definitely be big industries.  They do not want to have to try to make the air cleaner.  Because for them that would mean that productivity would have to change in some way, which in some ways it might decrease.  Also many insurance companies may not want people to be more educated on the subject, because then they may not have as many people sick with incidents of asthma and allergies.

Your recommendations?
My recommendations would be to let the people be more informed on the issue. Be designating the Month of May as National Asthma and Allergy and Awareness Month people would have the benefit of more education on the issue.  I think that education is the best way to help prevent disease and we would be doing just that.

The following information was found using the following websites
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1474709/pdf/envhper00436-0331.pdf
http://web.ebscohost.com.libpdb.d.umn.edu:2048/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=2&hid=7&sid=00923b6e-519c-41e4-af91-0f2f41126cd9%40sessionmgr15