Reflection: Weeks 8-14

During the second half of class I have learned and explored several issues of environmental health that I am excited about.  We completed blog posts, researched topics, and shared our thoughts and opinions about several areas of environmental health.

I am most excited about when we explored the ideas of junking, upcycling, and repurposing. Junking is the art of searching for or finding bargains or antiques (Urban Dictionary). Upcycling is a process of converting waste or useless materials into new, high quality products (Wikipedia).  Repurposing is the act of giving an object a new purpose or use (Merriam-Webster).   I recently completed a project using an over the door Christmas card holder and created a photo holder.  This project was simple and now I can use this item year round instead of only at Christmas time!  I bought frames from a craft store and decorated them.  The filled frames fit perfectly into the holder and are removable at any time. I can't wait to complete additional upcycling projects!

During the second half of class we also completed an advocacy project for several weeks focusing on an environmental issue that matched up with the Healthy People 2020 objectives. I researched and discussed the bill S.875 -- Drinking Water Right to Know Act which is a bill to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to require additional monitoring of certain contaminants, and for other purposes.  This bill corresponds to the Healthy People Objective EH-5 Reduce waterborne disease outbreaks arising from water intended for drinking among persons served by community water systems. I couldn't believe that carcinogens and gasoline additives are still found in some public water supplies! From this project we learned how to research bills, create fact sheets, and write letters to elected officials.  This is a great skill that can be used to voice your opinion on any topic, not just  on environmental issues.

Another big section of the second half of the class was the Share & Voice blog posts.  Students blogged about any topic that corresponded to environmental health issues.  We learned from great websites, online sites, and YouTube Videos from this weekly activity.

This has been a great class that has helped me explore numerous topics that I haven't thought about before.  I am excited to continue learning and share my knowledge with others!

Share & Voice: Duluth & Superior Sustainable Eating

This YouTube video was created here in Duluth, Minnesota by the University of Minnesota Duluth Anthropology Senior Seminar students in the spring of 2010!  I would like to share this video because not only does it suggest great tips for healthy and sustainable eating, but the tips are centered around Duluth, Minnesota so we can all use these tips and visit the stores suggested. Some of the sustainable and local stores they suggest visiting are Whole Foods Co-op, Great Harvest Bread Co., and The Farmer's Market at UMD. This video is both educational and informative and is a great example of how anyone, even students, can advocate for what they believe in.  I hope you enjoy this locally created video as much as I did and can use some of their great suggestions!

Advocacy Project: Letter to Elected Official

December 11, 2011

Senator Amy Klobuchar
302 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-3244

Senator Al Franken
515 W 1st St Suite 104
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 722-2390

Vote YES for S.875 -- Drinking Water Right to Know Act. A bill to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to require additional monitoring of certain contaminants, and for other purposes.

I am writing to request your support in The Drinking Water Right to Know Act; a bill to ensure that our water is closely monitored for contaminates and pollutants.  Water is an essential need for daily life.   According to Healthy People 2020, 7 outbreaks per year during 1998–2008 developed from water intended for drinking among persons served by community water systems.  The Drinking Water Right to Know Act is aimed at reducing this number by requiring public water systems to detect and monitor contaminants on the Environmental Protection Agency's unregulated contaminants list and report findings to the national drinking water occurrence data base.  This act will also require water monitoring at determined frequencies.

Millions of Americans enjoy public water daily.  However, many of these American do not know what may be in their water.  According to Senator Frank Lautenberg, since 2004, more than 62 million Americans have been exposed to drinking water that meets EPA standards but actually contains potentially harmful contaminants, including some that are toxic.  The EPA does not regulate 140 chemicals that may be in our drinking water. Large cities have found gasoline additives, pesticides, fracking chemicals used to produce natural gas, and chromium six which is a carcinogen linked to stomach cancer, leukemia, and other cancers.  Some of these cities include New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Washington, DC; cities with some of the largest populations in our country.

Opponents may disagree with this bill because of the additional costs of  testing and reporting.  However, medical costs are much higher for illnesses.  In extreme cases, carcinogens found in water can be deadly.  Testing is much cheaper than a the price of a human life.

Health issues have been on the rise recently and I appreciate everything our senators are doing to ensure health of all individuals despite their age.  However, water is essential to life and a major component of our daily lives.  Our friends and family consume this water daily and the last thing we want is our loved ones to consume toxic and harmful contaminants.  I am hoping you will considering voting yes for this bill and ensure safe, clean drinking water for everyone.

Thank you for your time and consideration in this health issue.

Sincerely,
Alyssa G.

Share & Voice: Enjoying the Seasons

We are so lucky to live in Minnesota where we are blessed with four very different seasons and can experience beauty at all times of the year!  

Winter

Jay Cooke State Park 

  

Spring

Insects in Duluth, MN.

 

Summer

Sunset in Ely, MN.

Heron watching over Fish Lake.

 Lake Superior Lighthouse

Fall

The backyard of the Glensheen Mansion in Duluth, MN.

Chester Park, Duluth MN.

Advocacy Project: Fact Sheet

Is Our Drinking Water as Safe as We Think it is?

Image from: BlueDaze

Background:
"The Safe Drinking Water Act only allows EPA to require temporary monitoring of a small group of unregulated contaminants. So the public has no idea that they might be drinking water laden with unregulated contaminants" (Frank Lautenberg).

The Drinking Right to Know Act would require an increase in monitoring for unregulated,  hazardous pollutants. Also, this bill would require the Environmental Protection Agency to make information on contaminants in drinking water readily available online and easy to read and understand.

Facts: 
"Since 2004, more than 62 million Americans have been exposed to drinking water that meets EPA standards but actually contains potentially harmful contaminants, including some that are toxic. In fact, research shows there are more than 140 chemicals in our drinking water that the EPA does not regulate" (Frank Lautenberg)

Some of the chemicals recently found in United States water supplies:

• Gasoline additives
• Pesticides
• Fracking Chemicals: used to produce natural gas
• Chromium Six: a carcinogen linked to leukemia, stomach cancer, and other cancers

"7 outbreaks per year developed from water intended for drinking among persons served by community water systems in 1998–2008" (Healthy People 2020)

Our drinking water may not be as clean as we think it is.

You can help by advocating for clean, safe drinking water. 

Tell your senator to vote YES for the Drinking Water Right to Know Act.

Sources:

Drinking Water Safety and Right to Know Legislation
Healthy People 2020

Eye Opener: Photo Essay

Renewable Energy Across the State of Minnesota

"Renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies are key to creating a clean energy future for not only the nation, but the world" (National Renewable Energy Laboratory).

"The United States currently relies heavily on coal, oil, and natural gas for its energy. Fossil fuels are nonrenewable, that is, they draw on finite resources that will eventually dwindle, becoming too expensive or too environmentally damaging to retrieve. In contrast, renewable energy resources—such as wind and solar energy—are constantly replenished and will never run out" (National Renewable Energy Laboratory).

Grand Meadow Wind Farm--Dexter, Minnesota

Wind Turbines Wind Farm:  "The wind farm spans a stretch of farm fields six miles long and four miles wide, and is spread out over roughly 10,000 acres southeast of Interstate 90 three miles north and three miles south of Hwy 16, in Grand Meadow, Clayton, and Dexter Townships in Mower County" (Excel Energy)

Wind Turbine Converter: All energy generated by the wind turbines is set to the converted and sent to the power lines to be transferred to the power plant.

Power Lines: Energy from the converter is sent through these lines to the Power Company.

Personal Wind Turbine--Austin, Minnesota

"Renewable Energy SD is the Upper Midwest’s leading provider of wind turbine consultation, sales and development services. We offer turn-key renewable energy solutions from an exclusive dealer factory network. We are committed to supporting and strengthening individual, local economies as well as green initiatives while increasing the energy independence of the United States" (Renewable Energy SD).

Personal Home Solar Energy Panels--Winona, Minnesota

"We provide ... solar electric, solar hot water, solar hot air, and energy efficient lighting solutions for the residential, commercial, and government sectors. Our services include: Site Surveys, Quoting, Design, Procurement, Installation, Commissioning, Training, and Customer Service. Our goal is to make renewable energy and energy efficiency available and affordable to everyone while providing outstanding professional service, superior attention to detail, solid integrity, proactive safety, quality products, and competitive value" (Winona Renewable Energy LLC)

Advocacy Project: Issue Overview

Image from Minnesota Department of Health

S.875 -- Drinking Water Right to Know Act (Introduced in Senate - IS) A bill to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to require additional monitoring of certain contaminants, and for other purposes.

Introduction:

• "Drinking Water Right to Know Act - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to require a public water system that detects an unregulated contaminant included in EPA's list of unregulated contaminants to be monitored by public water systems and included in the national drinking water occurrence data base, to continue to monitor for the detected contaminant for such period, at such frequency, and at such levels of concentration as the Administrator determines to be appropriate. Authorizes the data contained in the national drinking water contaminant occurrence data base to be used by the public. Requires the Administrator to: (1) evaluate the extent to which such data is accessible to and useable by the public; and (2) make such data more accessible to and useable by the public" (Bill Status and Summary). 
• Too many citizen are drinking water that is contaminated with hazard pollutants. "Since 2004, more than 62 million Americans have been exposed to drinking water that meets EPA standards but actually contains potentially harmful contaminants, including some that are toxic. In fact, research shows there are more than 140 chemicals in our drinking water that the EPA does not regulate. "In some parts of our country, these chemicals include gasoline additives and pesticides. In other states, drinking water contains so-called fracking chemicals, which are used to produce natural gas. In some communities near drilling rigs, you can turn on the tap and literally light the water on fire. "As if that isn't disturbing enough, late last year, chromium six -- a carcinogen linked to leukemia, stomach cancer and other cancers -- was found in the water supplies of 31 American cities" (Frank Lautenberg)
• This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on May 3, 2011 (PopVox)
• S.875 -- Drinking Water Right to Know Act

Who is affected by the issue?

• Everyone that drinks from a public water system will be affected by this bill.
• The Administrator that is by regulation required to monitor the public water system for the detected contaminant and EPA may lose money from this bill from paying for the work and materials for testing.
• Citizens drinking public water will gain the security of knowing their drinking water is safe.  With the elimination of harmful contaminants in the water, citizens will no longer pay for doctors or medications to recover from the illness and diseases obtained from the contaminated water.

What are the consequences/ barriers of the issue?

• Testing and monitoring of the water will cost time and money which may increase taxes and in turn affect individuals, families, and society as a whole.
• Hiring a new employee or adding work load to an existing employee will be a barrier for the mandated testing and reporting agencies.
• Implementing suggestion to improve drinking water may also be costly and time consuming.

What is the economic impact of the issue?

• Testing and monitoring of the public water will cost money to complete for the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Illnesses, diseases, and cancers may be reduced by elimination toxic chemicals and carcinogens in the public drinking water which will reduce medical expenses.
• Implementing corrections needed discovered from water testing may be an economic issue for the government.
• Rewriting drinking stands and publicly disclosing information may have an economic impact on the government and testing agencies.

What is the social impact of the issue? 

• Toxin and carcinogen-free water will reduce possible illnesses and side effects that are caused from the 140 chemicals found in public drinking water that are currently unregulated.
• Making water data available to the public will allow citizens to make informed decisions on their water consumption.

What are the resources?

• We need to address where the money will come from to set new standards, implement testing of public water systems, and publicly disclosing information. This money may need to come from a tax increase, water standard violation ticketing, or Clean Water Agency donations such as American Water Resource Association, Clean Water Action, Partnership for Safe Water, or Charity: Water.
• These resources can be tapped by implementing increases taxes or violation ticketing.  Organization donation can be achieved by simply stating our need and asking for help.
• For Minnesota: Minnesota State Drinking Water Offices in St. Paul
• "States can use funds that the EPA makes available through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program to help their water suppliers improve drinking water quality" (EPA).

Minnesota State Drinking Water Offices:

Minnesota's drinking water program
Drinking Water Protection Section
Dept. of Health
625 Robert Street North P.O. Box 64975
St. Paul, MN 55164-0975 651-201-4700

Minnesota's source water program
Drinking Water Protection Section
Dept. of Health
625 Robert Street North P.O. Box 64975
St. Paul, MN 55164-0975 651-201-4681

What is the history of this issue?

• May 3, 2011: Date this bill was introduced into Congress.  
• Drinking Water Right to Know Act is in the first stage of the legislative process.  
• Twenty-five years ago,  Frank Lautenberg authored the Right to Know Law on toxic chemical releases to make sure people know about potentially hazardous substances in their communities. (Frank Lautenberg)
• December 16, 1974: Safe Drinking Water Act was implemented to assure that the public is provided with safe drinking water, and for other purposes (EPA).

Allies & Opponents:
Allies: American Water Resource Association, Clean Water Action, Partnership for Safe Water, or Charity: Water.
Opponents: Mandated testers

I recommend the Senate should vote YES on S.875 Drinking Water Right to Know Act .  This Act will ensure safe public drinking water for all citizens.

Share & Voice: The Great American Smoke Out

The Great American Smoke Out!
Thursday,  November 17th 11:00-2:00pm
Kirby Table Area in front of the book store


There is a great event happening on the UMD Campus this week that I would like to share! During our Community Health Class we had a guest speaker from the American Lung Association. She is hosting an event to decrease smoking on Campus. Shannon from our class is helping with this event also I believe! This event is The Great American Smoke Out and is in honor of Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

Subway cold turkey subs will be offered to all smokers who hand in a pack of cigarettes and agree to attempt to quit smoking "cold turkey". During this event there will be information about the new UMD Smoke-free Policy and resources to help quit smoking. There will also be a drawing for a $25 gift card to UMD Stores for individuals who are not smokers. This event is sponsored by: The Student Health Advisory Committee and UMD Health Services, The American Lung Association, UMD Employee Health and Wellness, The College of Pharmacy, Essentia Health Tobacco-Free Services.

Here is a little information from the American Cancer Society on this National Event:

"The American Cancer Society is marking the 36th Great American Smokeout on November 17 by encouraging smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. By doing so, smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life – one that can lead to reducing cancer risk. Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the US, yet more than 46 million Americans still smoke. However, more than half of these smokers have attempted to quit for at least one day in the past year. Quitting is hard, but you can increase your chances of success with help. The American Cancer Society can tell you about the steps you can take to quit smoking and provide the resources and support that can increase your chances of quitting successfully. To learn about the available tools, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. "

More About Eco Fashion World

Here is a little more information about the website Eco Fashion World that I previously posted about!

These are all of the websites that are connected through Eco Fashion World.  Each website is directly linked to their personal website.  Here are the stores: 

Here are a few items I found from the websites that are Eco friendly!

Dress from EcoSkin linked from Eco Fashion World:

Jacket from Jute and Jackfruit linked from Eco Fashion World:

Bag from All Girls Want This! linked from Eco Fashion World:

Eco Criteria (direct from Eco World Website):

Eco fashion is a generic term that can mean many things. To us, eco fashion is a holistic concept that refers to all fashion products that have been created in such a way as to contribute to a healthier and more equal world. On this website we use several criteria to differentiate products in our guide

• Vegan: Products that have been made without the use of leather or animal tissue products. Examples are shoes and bags made from “vegetal leather” using Amazonian rubber instead of animal skins or other recycled or man-made materials. 
• Ethically Produced: Ethical fashion is fashion that has been produced with respect for people and the environment. Although there are existing certifications for Organic and Fair Trade, we want to encourage companies who are taking significant action but don’t qualify for certification. This might include companies producing locally or on small scales in developed countries, who might not qualify for Fair Trade certification or companies working with farmers to transition to sustainable crops but who might not yet qualify as Organic (which takes a few years). The “Ethic Chic” section of each brand profile should have details on the specific steps of the brand’s ethical production. 
• Craft/Artisan: Products that have been crafted using artisan skills such as embroidery, which preserve the perpetuation of ancestral traditions. 
• Custom: Also called demi-couture or made-to-order. This is a way of encouraging quality and “slow fashion” over mass-produced disposable fashion.
• Fair Trade Certified: An organized movement that promotes standards for international labor (such as reasonable work hours, no child labor, the right to unionize, a fair living wage), environmentalism, and social policy in areas related to production of goods. Fair Trade focuses on exports from developing countries to developed countries. Some Fair Trade certification organizations include: FLO www.fairtrade.net, IFAT www.ifat.org, TransFair (Canada and US) www.transfairusa.org and www.transfair.ca. 
• Organic: Natural fibers that have been grown without any pesticides and other toxic materials, preserving the health of humans and the environment. The process of organic growth can be certified by various organizations. 
• Recycled: Anything that has been made from already existing materials, fabrics, metals or fibers. These are often reclaimed from previously made clothing and accessories and reworked into new ones. Fibers can also be re-purposed from pre-existing fabric, re-spun and reused for new garments. 
• Vintage/Second-Hand: Vintage is a generic term for new or second hand garments created in the period from the 1920’s to 1975. However, the term is often used more generally for second-hand clothes or up-cycled clothes (second-hand clothes that have been given a new life through some sort of customization).

Advocacy Project: Healthy People/THOMAS

EH-5 Reduce waterborne disease outbreaks arising from water intended for drinking among persons served by community water systems
Baseline: 7 outbreaks per year developed from water intended for drinking among persons served by community water systems in 1998–2008
Target: 2 outbreaks Target-Setting Method: Modeling/projection
Data Source: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), CDC, NCID, and State health departments.


S.875 -- Drinking Water Right to Know Act (Introduced in Senate - IS)

A bill to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to require additional monitoring of certain contaminants, and for other purposes.
Latest Title: Drinking Water Right to Know Act
Sponsor: Sen Lautenberg, Frank R. [NJ] (introduced 5/3/2011) Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 5/3/2011 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Recommendation: Vote Yes for S.875 -- Drinking Water Right to Know Act

My Political Representatives: Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken

Share & Voice: Eco Fashion World

When I think of environmentally friendly projects I think about organic foods and energy saving appliances.  However, I think many of us overlook the clothes we wear daily.  I found a great website for those of you that need a little Retail Therapy but want to keep the environment in mind.

Eco Fashion World is a website for easy access to sustainable designer brands and online green and organic stores.  The website makes your shopping easy with several search tabs allowing you to search by store, brand, category, Eco criteria, or country.  The Eco Criteria is further categorized by ethically produced, vegan, craft, custom, fair trade certified, recycled, vintage/ second-hand, and organic. They state "Being a green shopper and a sustainable fashionista has never been so easy" and I completely agree.

I suggest this website to anyone who wants to be a green clothing shopper but doesn't want to travel to special stores or read clothing tags.  This website guarantees you will be purchasing Eco friendly, fair trade, sustainable, and socially responsible clothing and accessory brands.  They have done the research for you so no need to worry about the products that are used in your new clothing purchases.  Happy Shopping!!

Advocacy Project: My Political Representatives

Here are my political representatives!

President: Barack Obama, Democrat
The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Comments: 202-456-1111
Switchboard: 202-456-1414

Governor of Minnesota: Mark Dayton, Democrat
Democrat Office of the Governor
130 State Capitol 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155

Senator of Minnesota: Al Franken US Senate, Democrat
Duluth Office: 515 W 1st St Suite 104
Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: (218) 722-2390

Senator of Minnesota: Amy Klobuchar US Senate, Democrat
302 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Main Line: 202-224-3244
Toll Free: 1-888-224-9043

Congressman of Minnesota: Chip Cravaack, US House, Republican
Duluth Office: Gerald W. Heaney Federal Building and United States Courthouse
515 West First Street, Room 235 Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: (218) 740-7803

House Representative: Thomas Huntley - 07A Political Affiliation-Democratic-Farmer-Labor
351 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155
Phone: 651-296-2228

House Representative: Roger J. Reinert - 07 - MN Senate
351 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155
Phone: 651-296-2228

Reflection: Weeks 1-7

The first few weeks of Environmental Health we have explored several topics that I was unfamiliar with.  I have enjoyed watching the class videos including The Future of Food, Fresh, and Tapped.  The Future of Foods discusses Genetically Modified Organisms  and their future in our food.  Fresh looks at how food is mass produced specially looking at animal products.  The movie encourages viewers to eat local and naturally grown products.  Tapped reveals where our plastic bottle waste products are left and how the collection of water is drying up lakes and streams.  Of these movies I really related to Tapped after recently completing my SMART goal.


My SMART goal was to eliminate the usage of water bottles from my daily life and replace reusable containers with plastic bags.  Plastic water bottle usage has become an important issue in the past 10 years with the introduction of water bottles into vending machines.  Plastic water bottles clutter our landfills and oceans harming wildlife.  I was inspired by the Tree Hugger Website and their following statement, "Approximately 1.5 million barrels of oil—enough to run 100,000 cars for a whole year—are used to make plastic water bottles, while transporting these bottles burns even more oil.The growth in bottled water production has increased water extraction in areas near bottling plants, leading to water shortages that affect nearby consumers and farmers. In addition to the millions of gallons of water used in the plastic-making process, two gallons of water are wasted in the purification process for every gallon that goes into the bottles."


UMD campus is also making the transformation from plastic water bottles to reusable water bottles easier by installing water bottle fillers.  Look how many water bottles UMD saved in just one week at only one drinking fountain!

My SMART goal project taught me that I can make small and easy changes that can make a big difference in the long run.  Think if everyone could reduce or eliminate their plastic water bottle usage. We would not have this problem!  I also learned that many individuals are unaware of some of the environmental problems we are facing.  We need to explain the problem and provide solutions for improvement.  I found when I shared with my friends and family the impact the water bottles have, they stopped purchasing them as well!


Shannon read a book called Aqua Shock: Water Crisis in America by Susan J. Marks.  She shared with us the dramatic findings of how our water is disappering.  She also shared tips to reduce our water usage which I really enjoyed and am currently implementing in my daily life.  Some of these ideas that are easy and would help our current crisis include: giving left over water to plants and animals, capturing rain water, installing water efficient appliances, and turning off facets while hand washing dishes and brushing teeth.  We need water to sustain life and I found this topic very interesting with her book, the class movie, and my SMART goal.


Cole read Easy Green Living by Renée Loux and shared her discoveries on living environmentally friendly in several areas of our lives.  She suggested several make up products, cleaning products, kitchen products and bathroom products that are safe for our environment.  I enjoyed learning with Cole and Renée on products I use daily.  She highlighted products and ideas that I have never heard of.  I really enjoyed learning about this book becuase when I think of being environmentally friendly I think of conserving water and energy, not making Eco-chic product choices.


Cayla shared her book Harvest for Hope: A Guide to Mindful Eating by Jane Goodall. Her book explores how large corporations are taking over farmland and livestock all over the world.  I enjoyed learning about pesticides and herbicides and options for refraining these unhealthy chemicals placed on our food.


I have also learned a considerable amount about blogging.  Blogging is a great, free way to share information with others.  I have learned about designing blogs, blog buttons, favicons, and gadgets.  Anyone can blog with a computer and just a little knowledge.  Online information is becoming more popular than ever and I am excited to know the basics of blogging.


During weeks 1-7 I have had my eyes opened to food and products both helpful and harmful to the environment.  I have learned that I knew little about the Green trend and discovered several lifestyle changes I can implement to help the environment.  With my SMART goal completion I learned that habit can be changed with a little determination.  These first few weeks have sparked an interest to learn additional topics and changes I can make that are helpful to our environment.  I now also enjoy sharing my discoveries with important individuals in my life and encouraging them to make environmentally friendly changes.

Eye Opener: Junk on the Brain

Part 1: Terms Defined

• Antiques: An old collectible item desirable because of a unique feature, rarity, or beauty.  Usually an antique is 100 years old or older  (Wikipedia)
• Antiquing: The act of finishing or refinishing in an antique style (Merriam-Webster)
• Junk: Discarded material which may include glass, plastic, rags or metal (The Free Dictionary)
• Junking: The art of searching for or finding bargains or antiques (Urban Dictionary)
• Flea Market: A market of secondhand antiques and articles (Merriam-Webster)
• Thrift shop: A shop selling secondhand articles and may be run for charitable purposes (Merriam-Webster)
• Upcycling: A process of converting waste or useless materials into new, high quality products (Wikipedia)
• Resale Shop: Charity shop usually selling secondhand items donated by the members of the public and is often staffed by volunteers (Wikipedia)

Part 2: Questions Answered

1. What do the terms above have to do with environmental health? 

Environmental Health focuses on making a safe environment for everyone including clean air and water.  Several products are made through mass production in factories which omits harmful chemicals that pollute our air and water.  When we can reuse secondhand materials we reduce the need for these harmful omission during making another product that already exists.

2. Identify at least one local resource for each of the terms above...provide name, location, contact info, and link to website or blog.

• Find Antiques at: Another Sellers Action   2103 1/2 W. 3rd St, Duluth MN 55806 218-722-3360  http://www.sellersauction.com                                                                                                                                                         
• Find Junk at: Savers   1740 Mall Drive, Duluth MN 55811218-722-1894  http://www.savers.com/Find-A-Store.aspx                                                                                                                                       
• Flea Market:  Flea Portal  Hosted at Lake Superior College (Open: Annually 2nd Sunday in August ) 2101 Trinity  Road, Duluth MN 55811 http://fleaportal.com/Flea_markets/Index/MINNESOTA/Duluth  
• Thrift Shop: The Salvation Army Thrift Store   2102 W. Superior St, Duluth MN 55806 218-722-7723  http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf/0/e3610fb5ddd550a1802573250030e32a?opendocument                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
• Find materials to upcycle at: Goodwill Industries Vocational Enterprises, Inc.   700 Garfield Ave, Duluth MN 55802                                                                                                 http://www.goodwillduluth.org/shop-locations.htm
• Resale Shop: Dannie Duluth   932 E 4th Street, Duluth MN 218-724-8507 http://www.dannieduluth.com/                                                                                                                         

3. Identify whether you do any or use any of these things. Why or why not?

 Occasionally I use these resources when I need something for a class project or for an addition for a costume.  Many of the items available at resale shops have great potential but I don't have the time or motivation to put the work into them needed to make the item desirable.  I think Upcycling and Junking is a great way to help out the environment and save money.  I will try to visit these stores more often to find environmentally friendly, price efficient treasures.

Part 3: Get your junk on!

I recently moved into a new house and have a spot in my room that needs something!  I am also lacking pictures of my friends and family in my room and I think both of these problems could be solved with a picture frame/ hanging item.  When searching for projects I keep these problems in mind.  I also love jewelry and found a few inspirational pieces of vintage jewelry reworked. Look at what I found!

• Photo Holder Made from an Old Grate: http://www.junkmarketstyle.com/item/28822/a-simple-grate-for-some-great-vintage-photo
• Large frame with Strings to Hook Pictures on: http://www.junkmarketstyle.com/item/33431/family-photo-wall
• Vintage Jewelry: http://www.junkmarketstyle.com/item/15676/vintage-redesign-jewelry-from-raw-elements-to-fun

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 5: Final Weekly Review & Overall Project Reflection

Previous Week:
My SMART goal is to use reusable containers including a water bottle and Tupperware every day. 

This week I discovered that although I reduced my usage of plastic bags for lunch I am still using plastic bags at the store while shopping. I felt frustrated that I wasn't doing as much as a could in my plastic bag reduction goal. After this realization I joined the trend of reusable grocery bags. I bought a bag from Whole Foods Co-op and keep it in my car for shopping.  I feel much better now that I reduced my Eco Footprint even more!


This week I learned that although we may feel we are doing a great job at being Eco Friendly, there may be additional areas we can focus on.  Simply taking a step back from your hectic life can reveal several improvements that can be worked on, both environmentally and in other areas.

I will continue using my reusable products even after this process is over!  Easy changes can be made to make a big impact.  Once I started to make changes I wanted to expand and continue making changes. 


Entire process:
My SMART goal is to use reusable containers including a water bottle and Tupperware every day.  Overall, I was successful in achieving my goal!  I implemented Tupperware into my daily routine and use a reusable water bottle regularly. This goal expanded over time as I became more conscious of my environment and waste products. I recently purchased reusable grocery bags which were cheap and will be perfect for grocery shopping instead of plastic shopping bags.


I was successful because I was prepared and ready to change in the beginning of the project.  Trying to help, my family actually created an obstacle during this project.  I learned from them that is is important to inform family and friends of your goals so they can assist you if needed instead of hinder.  Simply by informing them they facilitated a change in their lives as well so it was a positive experience for everyone.

From this project I learned that it is easy to make small changes that make a big impact.  Once I opened my eyes and realized the wasteful things I was doing it was easy to make small alterations that are better for the environment.  I personally realized that I form habits and it is hard to break them without consciously thinking about the goals I am trying to accomplish.  I feel many individuals don't take the time to realize the impact on the environment that they are making.  Also, I don't think many people realize how easy it is to change small habits to be more environmentally friendly.  Once this realization has occurred I think there are several small changes society would be willing to make to help our current environmental crisis.

My behavior change impacted the environment which is exciting and the main goal of this project.  Plastic is made from petroleum which is damaging to the environment during extraction.  Plastic bags are a major part of waste that is cluttering our landfills.  Plastic bags also fly into our lakes and oceans harming the marine animals.  (Earth Resource Foundation)  My family and friends also benefited from this project because they learned the negative impacts of plastic products and also saw how easy it is to change simply from being around me while I was achieving my SMART goal.

I will definitely continue this behavior change because it is easy to do.   Plastic bags and plastic bottles have such a negative impact on the environment and this impact must be reduced.  I already have the tools needed to continue my behavior change so there isn’t a reason I shouldn’t continue.  

In the future, I recommend to anyone making a behavior change to have your resources ready from the beginning.  If you are not ready to succeed from the beginning, you will probably fail.  Also, you need to remember that changing a habit takes time so it is important to be determined and patient!  Include supportive family and friends in your goal to make success easier.  This may even increase the positive impact you are making on the environment!  Good luck in achieving your goals!

Eye Opener: Environmental Working Group

The Skin Deep Cosmetic Database Eye Opener was very interesting and informational.  Once I have a routine and become comfortable with certain products I continue purchasing them.  I noticed I tend to use the same products my parents did.  This Eye Opener made me realize that I am comfortable using products even if I know little about them.


I use Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion routinely so I thought this would be a good product to know what I am exposing myself to daily.  This product scores moderately hazardous (4) with high concerns including Endocrine disruption, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs).  I found these results surprising because Clinique claims to be Allergy tested and 100% fragrance free.  Since this is a department store product instead of a drug store product I thought there would be a safer rating than what resulted.   It is scary to know that I am exposing myself to organ system toxicity and endocrine disruption every day!


I would like to know alternative products that don't have these toxicity risks.  Another user felt the same way and asked for suggestions for an alternative product in the comment box one month ago.  She still has not been answered.  It makes me frustrated when I discover I am using a dangerous or harmful product and am not given suggestions for improvement.


With that being said, this Eye Opener does have many positive aspects to it.  This website makes me wonder if all of the products I am using are not only harmful to the environment but also to myself.  When applying products directly to your body it is important to know what is in them and the possible side effects.  I never considered this simply because I was comfortable with my daily hygiene routine.  This thought goes beyond cosmetics.  There are some many types of products that I use routinely without thinking about.  

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 4: Weekly Update

My SMART goal is to use reusable containers including a water bottle and Tupperware every day.  This week I continued incorporating Tupperware into my daily routine. It was a successful week which included a great realization!


I was successful in using my reusable water bottle and also using Tupperware.  I did face a challenge, however.  Occasionally I like to drink flavored water such as Propel.  When shopping I realized this product comes in individual bottles which my main SMART goal is to refrain from.  Continuing to walk through the aisles I came across individual packets that you can put in your water bottle!  I knew these packets existed for Crystal Light but I didn't know they had them for Propel also.  There were also packets for punch and juices.  This is a great Eco chic alternative to plastic bottles.  They also had larger packets for large pitchers at home which was very exciting.


I was really excited about my new Eco friendly flavored water alternatives.  They are cheaper than plastic bottles too!  I was so excited I shared with my roommates and they are enjoying the flavored water as well.  I have found it is much easier to drink more water when it is flavored.


This week I learned that there are options for your challenges if you look for them.  This realization can be used not only during this SMART goal project but also in every day life.  I think several individuals could make sustainable decisions if they think about their obstacles that are preventing them from making these decisions in a different light.


In the next week, I will continue packing my lunches in Tupperware and using my water bottle.  I will also continue looking for smarter options for flavored drinks.

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 3: Weekly Update

My SMART goal is to use reusable containers including a water bottle and Tupperware every day.  This week I incorporated Tupperware into my daily routine. These containers were perfect for packing my lunch every day for school.

I was successful in using my reusable water bottle and also using my Tupperware.  However, I did have a challenge this week.  My mom sent groceries to my house which was very exciting.  Unfortunately, with these groceries she sent 2 liter bottles of sparkling water.  Since these bottle are not reusable I would not purchase them on my own but she did not know of my new lifestyle change.  Now I need to decide if I will drink the water and not waste it, but break my SMART goal.  Or not use the water.  I'm thinking since it is purchased already it would be a waste not to use it, especially because clean water is a commodity in some countries. To avoid this problem in the future I will need to let me mom know of my new goals and how she can help.

I felt terrible telling my mom that these bottles were not Eco-friendly and therefore broke my new lifestyle change.  However, she understood and actually agreed that these large bottles are wasteful. She supports my goal and will stop buying these products.

This week I realized that in order to be successful in my goal I must make my friends and family aware of my changes so they can help and encourage me.  My friends and family don't have to make these changes their selves but I need to make sure they are aware so they don't provide gifts (such as groceries) that don't fit into my goal.  I also learned that a few of these individuals are willing to change with me which makes my goal much easier to achieve.

Next week, my goal is to go back to a perfect week with no plastic bottle usage!  I will also continue informing my loved ones of my new goal so they can help support me instead of accidentally hindering.