For the last few weeks one of our main focuses was on our Advocacy Projects. I have learned a lot about different aspects of politics through these weeks. I learned more in depth who my representatives were and how to contact them if I wanted to raise an issue with them. I also learned where I can find House of Representative and Senate bills that have been passed or are trying to be passed through the THOMAS website.
"Unnatural Causes"
I have seen this movie before in my Developmental Psychology class sophomore year, however, we took a new spin on this. We had to identify the issues and how they affected different people and different factors of our lives. It helped me to think deeper about the issue at hand and not only see what is on the outside. Sometimes these issues do need a bit more indepth answers. This helped me in analyzing my own bill that I chose for my Advocacy Project in order to see the bigger picture and if I think the bill should pass.
Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change
The past couple weeks have involved us choosing an "eco-chic" lifestyle change goal. I chose to eat only 4 servings of meat a week. I chose this because I had learned so much about how the environment is negatively impacted by the meat industry and if I could lower my consumption I could help the environment. I have learned a lot through this process. I have learned that there are yummy alternatives out there that are easy to make. This has been very eye opening for me thus far.
Photo Essay
We also completed a photo essay during these last few weeks. I completed mine on craft projects for children made out of used or recylcable materials. It was very fun completeing the project and I learned a lot of cool ideas for my future kids. I also learned a lot in class when we shared our projects because I got to see different organic Thanksgivings (which I would never have thought about) and learned about how to use old items into new ones. I really enjoyed this project and it had a great positive outcome on our environment.
I think what I have learned over the past few weeks will definitely change my behaviors in the future. I am learning things I have never known before that can help me in my future careers (like how to deal with politicians). I also have made a big impact on how I eat and am eating less meat, which lowering my carbon footprint hopefully. Overall, these last few weeks in Environmental Health have taught me a lot!
I am glad to hear that everything you have learned in the past couple weeks has been effecting your life in a positive way! It is great that you have found some delicious alternatives and healthier alternatives to meat while completing your goal!
ReplyDeleteThe unnatural causes really made me take a look at what I consume, how much of it I consume and what my motives are for choosing one product over another. Often times I would be influenced by the price of items, but now I really think about how much the item might have really cost in order for it to be so cheap for me!
ReplyDeleteI really liked your photo essay! I thought it was unique, and gave us all ideas of things not only to make with children, but also to make as Christmas gifts! I also agree that this class has made a big impact on us. I'm glad that our eyes are being opened so we can live a little greener!
ReplyDeleteWe have learned a lot through out the weeks in this class. Your ability to use the resources and knowledge to help this world become a more green and safe world will be an important responsibility. You are able to show that through your SMART goal, your photo essay, and the advocacy project. Great job!
ReplyDeleteI think doing our SMART goals has really helped me to make a change for the better in my life. I never really ate many vegetables before and ate a lot more junk foods that weren't very good for me. Now i am more aware of what I eat and try to incorporate healthier alternatives.
ReplyDeleteBy choosing the SMART goal that you did, it really sounds like you've enjoyed researching up on alternative foods. By finding tasty dishes, it's a lot easier to change your original eating habits and it kind of creates a fun challenge in the process
ReplyDeleteI really liked the photo essay too, there were so many neat ideas brought to my attention like Sonny's junking photo essay. I'm glad that you have learned so much in the past few weeks, especially regarding your eco-chic lifestyle change of eating less meat!
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