Read 'n' Seed 4: Third quarter of Omnivore's Dilemma

This section of the book is titled The Forest. It covers chapters 15-17 and pages 277-332.  This section begins by explaining how the author plans on making his own meal by hunting and foraging.  Next, he discusses animal rights and the "Omnivore's Dilemma". He also talks about being a vegetarian and how that also has its draw backs.

Facts:

There are 10 million Vegetarians in America.

Animal liberation: is the idea that the most basic interests of animals should be afforded the same consideration as the similar interests of humans. Advocates approach the issue from different philosophical positions but agree that animals should be viewed as legal persons and members of the moral community, not property, and that they should not be used as food, clothing, research subjects, or entertainment.

The author discusses Peter Singers book Animal Liberation at great length in this section as his inspiration to becoming a vegetarian.

Implications:
This section was much shorter than the others but I really liked how the author showed many sides of this issue.  He discussed the rights of animals and the importance of the decision you make to eat meat.  He also talked about our countries obsession with convenience and how it is effecting our health and our decision making.  The industrialization and brutalization of animals in America is unheard of in other countries. Pollen does not argue that everyone should be a vegetarian but instead that we eat animals with the consciousness, ceremony, and respect they deserve.

Share & Voice: Dine Green

Dine Green is a great website for finding a Certified Green Restaurant near you!  I think it would be very helpful when you are on vacation or in a new city to find tasty food without the carbon footprint.  :)  What standards do these certified green restaurants have to meet? Click here to find out! 

7 Ways to Green Your Dining Experience

1 Choose to dine green by patronizing Certified Green Restaurants®

2 Walk, take public transit, dine at a restaurant close to your home or office, or carpool when dining out

3 Carry pocket-size guides to sustainable seafood, like the ones from Blue Ocean Institute, to help you make smart seafood choices at the fish counter, or your local sushi joint.

4 Bring your own mug for coffee. Make sure to remind staff to make your drink in the cup you bring, not to waste by making it in a to-go cup, then pouring it into your travel mug

5 Consider menu items lower on the food chain. For example, chicken has a lower environmental impact than beef, while sustainable seafood has a lower impact than chicken, and vegetarian and vegan items have the lowest of them all.

6 Bring your own re-usable container and offer it to your server when you ask to take your leftovers home

7 Our research has found that several restaurants claim that 25% of food ordered by customers is wasted and thrown out. Be conscious about what you order and really think about how hungry you are.

For more information watch the Green Restaurant Association Educational Video!

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 6: Weekly Update

My SMART Goal

Over the next ten weeks I will use reusable waterbottles 100% of the time when drinking water and other beverages such as coffee, sports drinks and juice and I will consume 8 glasses of water a day.

Successes

I was able to drink 8 glasses of water everyday this week! But believe me it was a struggle.  I had to leave myself reminders on my phone in order to get it done on the weekend but I feel like it will only get easier from here on out. I was also able to use a reusable container almost every time I drank something this week.

Challenges

We had our first basketball road trip this weekend and it was really hard to turn down plastic bottles.  They give us water and gatorade after every game.  It was hard to turn down the free gatorade because as a college student I almost never turn down free food.  I did use a plastic glass at the hotel without realizing it also.

Feelings

Overall, I am very happy about the progress I made this week.  I drank 8 glasses of water each day! I feel like it will continue to get harder to turn down plastic containers the more I travel with the team.  Hopefully, I can stay true to my goal.

What I Learned

I learned that making a change isn't always easy but it is worth it.  I have had fewer headaches because I am staying more hydrated.  I am also drinking less soda and coffee because I am always drinking water.

Plans for Next Week

For the upcoming week, I plan on keeping my current SMART goal:

I will use reusable waterbottles 100% of the time when drinking water and other beverages such as coffee, sportsdrinks, and juice and I will consume 8 glasses of water each day.

Check out the hydration calculator and see if you are hydrated!
I tried it and it said that I needed to drink 16 glasses of water a day based on my weight and the amount of time I spend exercising each day.

Blogged for Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 6 hosted by Amy@Eco-Chic with Amy

Advocacy Project: My Political Representatives

President Obama
Democrat 
Website
Contact Information:
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Comments: 202-456-1111

Congress
Senate: Amy Klobuchar
Democrat
Website

Contact Information:

Metro Office:

1200 Washington Avenue South, Suite 250

Minneapolis, MN 55415

Main Line: 612-727-5220

Toll Free: 1-888-224-9043

House: Colin Peterson
Democrat
Website
Contact Information: 

714 Lake Avenue, Suite 107
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

(218) 847-5056

State Senator 
Julianne Ortman
Website
Contact Information:

100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 
State Office Building, Room 125
St. Paul, MN 55155-1206
Phone: (651)296-4837

State Representative 
Jon Hoppe
Website
Contact Information:

317 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155
Phone: (651)296-5066

Governor
Tim Pawlenty
Democrat
Website
Contact Information:

130 State Capitol
75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55158
(651) 296-3391

County Board President 
Harry Salminen
Becker County 
Website
Contact Information:

12176 County Hwy. 17
Detroit Lakes, MN  56501
Phone: 218-847-6295

Mayor of Detroit Lakes, MN 
Matt Brenk

Website
Contact Information:
218-234-7040
mattbrenk@loretel.net

Reflection: Weeks 7 & 8

WEEK 7

This week started with the Environmental Working group eye opener activity.  I think this is a very good resource and I have bookmarked it and will be using it to check the products I have and to search for new ones.I don't was beauty products to effect my health or the environment.

During class we watched the video "Green".  It surprised me how environmental racism is effecting people in our country.  I have heard the term "cancer ally" but actually seeing footage from that area and hearing from residents has really opened my eyes to how bad it really is. It is awful that the chemical companies have basically decided the health of the people living in these area.  I am much more aware of the products I buy and I hope by making better choices I can help cut back to the use of these chemicals.

Week 8

I love the eye opener this week. Junking is SO cool! I am really excited to do the project Dr. V is talking about.  I can't wait to see the things our class comes up with.  My mom has been junking for years but I never knew there was a name for it or cool blogs with so many ideas. 

In class we watched the documentary "Thirst".  Once again this video opened me up to another set of issues that I wasn't aware of.  The scariest part of the video for me was how companies such as coca-cola are using a countries water and bottling it to sell it back to the people for a profit when the people are unable to get their own water from their land.  I also really enjoyed our class discussion of the Smoking Ban Forum.  It was great to see my classmates stand up for the ban and voice their opinions.  

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 5: Weekly Update

My SMART Goal

Over the next ten weeks I will use reusable waterbottles 100% of the time when drinking water and other beverages such as coffee, sports drinks and juice and I will consume 8 glasses of water a day.

Successes

I was able to drink 8 glasses of water 5 out of seven days this week.  When I am in class and at school I tend to drink more water becuase I always have my water bottle with me but I struggled on Friday and Saturday to drink enough water becuase I was busy and not on my usual schedual.  

Challenges

I sliped up four times this week buying a soda, orange juice, and two coffee's at the coffe shop.  I am disappointed that I did this and I know I can do a better job next week.  I also had a hard time drinking 8 glasses of water on the weekend because I was out of my normal schedual. 

Feelings

Overall I am happy with my progress this week.  I drank a lot of water but I am disapointed with the amount of plastic containers I purchased.  Not to mention I spent $7 buying those drinks when I could have been drinking free water.

 

What I Learned

I noticed that I am drinking a lot more water which means I am drinking less soda and coffee.  I get caffine headachs and I am trying to cut back on the amount of coffee and soda I get to get rid of these cravings.  So far my SMART goal has been very helpful in that sense.  It is cool how changing one seemingly simple thing can change other things in your life for the better.

Plans for Next Week

For the upcoming week, I plan on keeping my current SMART goal: 

I will use reusable waterbottles 100% of the time when drinking water and other beverages such as coffee, sportsdrinks, and juice and I will consume 8 glasses of water each day.

Blogged for Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 5 hosted by Amy@Eco-Chic with Amy 

Eye Opener: Junk on the Brain

Terms
antiques/antiquing: An antique (antiquus; old) is an old collectible item. Antiquing is a shopping activity.

junk/junking: Waste, any undesired thing or substance or Scrap, recyclable waste used to build new things.

flea market: A market, usually held outdoors, where antiques, used household goods, and curios are sold.

thrift shop: A shop that sells used articles, especially clothing, as to benefit a charitable organization.

upcycling: The process of converting an industrial nutrient (material) into something of similar or greater value, in its second life. Aluminum and glass, for example, can usually be upcycled into the same quality of aluminum and glass as the original products.

resale shop: A shop that sells again something that has already been purchased.

What do the terms above have to do with environmental health?
They all have to do with using the resources we already have instead of buying new products.  If we reuse things and stop relying on new products it will save the amount of emissions and chemicals that it takes to produce new items.

Local resources


antiques/antiquing: Canal Park Antique Center
Location: 310 S Lake Ave, Duluth, MN 
Contact info: (218) 720-3940‎


junk/junking: Junkologie 
Location: Wisconsin
Contact info: alvn.mail@gmail.com


flea market: Shady Hallow 
Location: Detroit Lakes, MN (my home town)
Contact info:  adhanson@gmail.com or call 218.847.9488


thrift shop: Savers 
Location: Duluth, MN near target
Contact info:(218) 722-1894


upcycling: Green Mercantie (many upcycled and green products)
Location: Duluth, MN Superior Street
Contact Info: (218) 722-1771


resale shop: Dannie Duluth
Location: 932 E 4th St, Duluth, MN‎ 
Contact info: (218) 724-850


When I lived at home I would go to the flea market with my mom all the time! I have also been to savers and to Dannie Duluth but I have never purchased anything from these stores.  I realize that I do not take advantage of second hand stores and after doing this assignment I have realized that there are a lot of cool things out there to find!

Organ Pipe Photo Holders
I thought this was a very cool project! I love pictures and this was such a unique way to display them.  I also love organs and these old wooden pipes are gorgeous.

Pick Another Daisy

This is so COOL! She took an ice cream cone holder and transformed it into a candle holder, vase, and a place to store office supplies.  Have candles all over my room and this would be a nice way to organize them.  Plus, it would save on my electric bill if I lit my place with candles.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Junk Part 2 

I thought that this was a very thoughtful way to welcome a guest.  It is an old bread loaf pan.  I would never think that it could be used for veggies, office supplies and a welcoming gift but I guess it just takes a little imagination. :)

Read 'n' Seed 3: Second quarter of Omnivore's Dilemma

This section of the book is titled Grass. It covers chapters 8-14 and pages 123-262.  This section begins by explaining how organic food is produced and why it is becoming more popular.  The author suggests that it is because it "gratifies some of our deepest, oldest longings, not merely for safe food, but for a connection to the earth and to the handful of domesticated creatures we've long depended on." I thought that quote was very interesting.  The next chapter goes on to explain what standards products have to meet to be considered organic.  Eventually, the author documents a weeks time he spent on an organic farm.

Terminology


"organic" according to the USDA

• 100% Organic- means that every ingredient in the product was raised and harvested in an organic environment as approved and certified by the USDA.
• Organic- means that 70 to 95 percent of all the ingredients have been raised in a USDA approved manner
• Any product containing ingredients with less than a 70 percent organic content can separately list each ingredient that falls into the USDA organic category, but the product may not display a label claiming the product as organic.

Interesting Facts:


Today it takes between seven and ten calories of fossil fuel to deliver one calorie of food energy to an American plate.

Growing food organically uses about a third less fossil fuel than growing it conventionally.

Implications:
The information in this section was very interesting and I think it is very important for consumers.  If you want to know what you are buying you need to know how it is made and whether or not you are buying a brand name or a quality product.  After reading this I realized that the amount of work farmers put into their crop in order to produce organic products it worth the extra price of organic foods.

Share & Voice: Smoking Forum

I attended the smoking forum and it was a very cool experience.  I didn't know what to expect from the forum because I have never attended one before.  I was hoping to hear both sides represented.  I am a non-smoker and I support the smoking ban along with all of my friends and classmates.  There are also no smokers in my immediate family.  Because of this I was excited to hear what the other side had to say and their reasons for wanting to keep smoking on campus.  I was surprised that only two "smokers" voiced their opinion at the forum, I was expecting a better turn out.  Even though there were only a few people there I think the debate was still very, very, interesting.  It was cool to see a few of my classmates get up and voice their opinions in front of the group.  They all did a great job!

I didn't say anything but I was still there wearing a t-shirt from the American Lung Association showing my support for the smoking ban.  After attending the forum my opinion didn't change about the smoking ban but I tried to keep an open mind and listen to all sides of the issue.  I feel more informed on this topic and I am excited to see what happens in the future concerning the ban, smoking shelters, and fines.

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 4: Weekly Update

My SMART goal:  Over the next ten weeks 10 weeks I will use reusable water bottles 100% of the time when drinking water and other beverages such as coffee, gatorade, and juice and I will consume 8 glasses of water a day.

Successes:  I did a really good job this week on the first part of my goal.  I only used a non-reusable container once this week! I have not managed to drink 8 glasses of water a day yet but I am doing better than I did last week.  I have been saving money and have almost cut soda out of my diet.

Challenges: It was challenging for me to drink 8 glasses of water a day.  I always ended up forgetting and trying to drink a lot of water before bed but then I would have to get up twice a night to go to the bathroom.

Feelings: I was proud of myself for reaching the first part of my goal this week! On the other hand it was frustrating that the second part was so challenging for me.  However, this was my first week with my new goal and I am confident that once it becomes a routine I will be able to reach it.

What I learned: I learned that even seemingly simple goals can be hard to meet when they are not a part of your everyday routine.

Next Week: I plan on sticking with my revised goal and improving on it by my next weekly update! :)

Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 4 hosted by Amy@Eco-Chic with Amy

Eye Opener: Environmental Working Group

Crest Toothpaste: Rated 5 out of 10 and Considered a Moderate Hazard

I never thought of toothpaste being a hazard.  It is shocking to see that ingredients within the toothpaste I am currently using are linked to things such as cancer and reproductive toxicity.  I need to consider changing some of the products I use.  This is a great site to search for healthy and safe products.  

Reflection: Weeks 5 & 6

WEEK 5:
What we choice to eat has a major impact on the environment and week 5 was a huge wake up call to that fact.  Our eye-opener this week was the CSPI activity.  I did three different assignments that showed me how my diet effects the environment and my health.  I was encouraging to see that even the smallest change can make a huge difference.  Next, we watched the video "Future of Food".  I thought this video was really interesting and it changed the way I look at my food choices.  The question that I have been asking myself is, where did this come from, instead of just randomly picking the first thing I see.

I began reading my book Omnivore's Dilemma and so far it has been one of my favorite parts of this class.  Watching "Future of Food" was a great introduction to the food industry and Omnivore's Dilemma explores the topic as well.  I am excited to continue reading and to learn more about the history and future of food.

WEEK 6:
In class on Monday we watched the video "Diet for a New America" which gave even more interesting information on the food we eat.  I learned a lot of things about the cattle industry that I didn't like such as the treatment of the animals and the pollution of drinking water.  After watching the video I have cut down on the amount of meat I eat and have decided to quit eating red meat all together.  I think it is a good choice for my health and for the environment!

I also learned some fun things about blogging!  There are so many things you can do with a blog.  I am planning on finding something cool to add to mine soon.

I have added on to my SMART goal this week.  I am going to try and drink 8 glasses of water a day! The last few days have been tough but so far I have made my goal.  Have a great weekend everyone! See you on MONDAY.

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 3: Weekly Update

My SMART goal: Over the next ten weeks 10 weeks I will use reusable water bottles 100% of the time when drinking water and other beverages such as coffee, gatorade, and juice. 
I feel like I am acheiveing my SMART goal.  I have had a few draw backs but overall I have used a reusable container for my beverages.


Successes: I feel like I am drinking more water and cutting down on the amount of waste I produce.  I never noticed how often I purchased plastic containers and I feel like I am saving money too! 


Challenges: I had a few draw backs this past week.  I wanted a "hot apple blast drink" from Caribou and I purchased one and didn't use a reusable container.  I also purchased an orange juice from the school store and it came in a plastic bottle.  

Feelings: I felt greedy when I bought the drink from Caribou because I knew I was going against my SMART goal but I did it anyways.  I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought.  This same feeling of guilt occurred when I purchased my orange juice.  But overall I thought I did a good job. 


What I learned: I learned that by not drinking out of plastic containers I am saving a lot of money and reducing the amount of waste I produce.  I also am drinking less soda and sports drinks and that is good for my health because it lessens the amount of sugar I consume.  


Next Week:
I plan on making my goal more challenging by adding drinking up to 8 glasses of water a day.  As of now I have not been keeping track of the amount of water I drink so this will be a challenge for me.  We will see how it goes! :) 

Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 3 hosted by Amy@Eco-chic with Amy

Share & Voice: Trails.com

I love going hiking and being outside and I found a website that will make it easier to find different trails anywhere around the United States! It is called Trails.com and all you have to do it search for your desired area and the website will give you surrounding trail options.  I searched Duluth and it gave me seven trails in the area along with their distance, skill level, location, and other interesting facts.  I think this would be very helpful if you were on a vacation and wanted to find a trail. I hope you guys get a chance to use this site!

Read 'n' Seed 2: First quarter of Omnivore's Dilemma

First Quarter: Industrial: Corn

Chapters 1-7

Pages 15-109

This sections explains where our food comes from and how it is produced.  Corn is in 1/4 of the foods we eat.  The book starts by explaining the history of corn and how is has come to be in 14 of the foods we consume today. Pollan covers many disturbing topics from mass production, processed foods, feed lots, obesity, subsidizing, and all of the politics behind it.  

There were many amazing facts brought up in this section of the book. A few that I thought were really interesting were: 

Facts

• Early in the twentieth century American corn breeders figured out how to bring corn reproduction under control and to protect the seed from copiers this eventually lead to the seed patents.  Soybeans are also found in 2/3 of all processed foods.  
• Government spends up to $5 billion dollars a year subsidizing cheap corn.
• When you add together the natural gas in the fertilizer to the fossil fuels it takes to make the pesticides, drive the tractors, and harvest, dry, and transport the corn, you find that every bushel of industrial corn requires the equivalent of between a quarter and a third of a gallon of oil to grow it-- or around fifty gallons of oil per acre of corn.  
• According to the surgeon general, obesity today is officially an epidemic costing the health care system an estimated $90 billion dollars a year.  
• Three of every five Americans are overweight.
• The United Nations reported that in 2000 the number of people suffering from overnutrition --a billion-- had officially surpassed the number suffering from malnutrition-- 800 million.  
• 19% of American meals are eaten in the car.

Implications:

The things I have learned in the book so far are very disturbing and shocking.  We should care where are food comes from and we should care how our technology has effected our society.  Even though Americans are over weight the Government and food industries keep pumping cheap corn into every food product they can in order to make a profit. We need to take control of our own lives and make better choices for ourselves and for the environment.  When we buy processed food products, fast food, meat, ect. we are saying that we agree with what is being done in the food industry and that we want it to continue.  I am as guilty as anyone but reading this book is making me think twice before purchasing these items.  

 

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 2: Weekly Update

My SMART goal:

Over the next ten weeks 10 weeks I will use reusable water bottles 100% of the time when drinking water and other beverages such as coffee, gatorade, and juice.

I feel like the first week of my SMART goal has been going smoothly.  I purchased a new water bottle and I have only used a non-reusable container once this week.  

Successes: I did forget my water bottle one day this week but instead of buying a plastic one I just used a empty glass that I had in my locker.  I have been drinking a lot more water since purchasing my water bottle and I have noticed that I have had less headaches! I have always had a problem with headaches and migraines and I find that the more water I drink the less likely I am to get one.  

Challenges: I accidently bought a coffee at the coffee shop the other day and I didn't bring my reusable coffee cup.  I didn't realize until after because it is such a habit for me.  I will just have to keep trying!  I also attended a meeting and they were passing out free bottles of water.  I was thirsty but I made the choice to turn it down.  

Feelings: I was proud of myself for bringing my water bottle most days but when I forgot and bought my coffee I was disappointed in myself for not remembering. At the same time I thought I made the right choice in turning down the bottle of water at the meeting.  It was a small sacrifice but it was worth it. :)

What I learned: I learned that even a small thing such as carrying around a water bottle can be hard because it is one more thing to remember.  I hope that eventually it will just become a habit.  

Next Week: I plan on keeping the same goal for next week and doing my best not to forget to use a reusable container.  I will also try and drink more water throughout the day.  Wish me luck!!

"Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 2 hosted by Amy@Eco-Chic with Amy"

Share & Voice: My brother

My brother is 24 years old and he graduated from the University of Minnesota Moorhead in 2009 with a degree in Sociology.  During his last year of college he became really interested in living a sustainable lifestyle and eating organically.  He decided to accept an internship working on a farm 50 miles outside of Duluth.

The La Finca Farm is a CSA farm where members purchase a share of the harvest before the growing season begins, paying for their share in scheduled installments. Once the harvest begins in mid-June, Summer Share members receive a weekly delivery containing fresh, certified organic vegetables, fruit, and herbs. Following the Summer Share in October, Fall Share Members receive the best of the fall veggies, and the Winter Share extends the season to the end of January! They also offer a free range chicken share with delivery in summer or fall. Members also receive a weekly newsletter with preparation tips, recipes, and an update from the fields.

After watching the video in class I now have a new appreciation for what he is doing.  It is a lot of hard work but he feels like he is learning a life skill and plans to grow his own garden in the future!  Not to mention he brings me fresh organic veggies every time he comes to visit. :)

Its a jungle out there...

Eye Opener: CSIP

I took the tour of our food supply on the CSPI website and learned some disturbing things.  It is scary to learn where are food is coming from.  Between the pesticides, the cattle filled with antibiotics, fertilizer factories, polluted rivers and the inhuman practices in slaughterhouses we are setting ourselves up for a disaster.  Not only do these practices harm the environment our health is also in shambles.

Next I took a look at the Green Calculator these were my results:

I thought since I don't eat a lot of meat my scores would be better but the since I consume dairy and eggs I still am effecting the environment with my food choices.

After reducing my servings of cheese, milk, yogurt, and eggs my scores improved:

With even the smallest change the effects on my diet and the environment show great improvements.

I pledge to protect my health and the environment, I will eat a more plant-based diet—more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and nuts and fewer fatty meat and dairy products. When I do eat animal products, I will emphasize ones that are lower in fat and raised in humane ways that minimize harm to the environment.  I took this pledge because I now understand how my choices effect my health and the environment and even the smallest change helps.

My "eating green" grand total was 17 which is considered "good"


Types of foods with the highest score:

Vegetables, Fruit, and whole grain bread.  I scored the highest in these categories because they are the healthiest foods and I usually get all the required amount of servings.

Types of foods with the lowest score:

Cheese and dairy.  I scored the lowest in these categories because they are animal products and I eat too many servings.

Which category do you need the most improvement?

I need the most improvement in the environmental category.


What can you/will you change to improve the score?


I will eat less dairy to improve my score.  I will start by cutting back to the amount of cheese I eat.


Summary

This "eye opener" was very interesting.  I think it is amazing how the choices we make effect the environment in such a big way.  I have control of what I put into my body and I am going to start to make better choices.  In the past year I have basically stopped eating meat and I thought that doing that was enough to help the environment and my health but now I see that cheese and dairy products have the same negative effects.

Share & Voice: Ecorazzi

Ecorazzi.com provides celebrity gossip and news that helps celebrities share their positive messages on topics covering environmental, humanitarian, animal rights, and vegetarian issues.  In America we are fascinated with celebrities and I think it is a great idea to show how they are involved in the "green" movement.

They cover topics from film and music to events and fashion.  On this website I learned that October is Vegetarian Awareness Month!

Check out this website and see if your favorite celebrity is GREEN! :)