Through these first four weeks of Environmental Health I can honestly say that I have learned way more than I through I ever could in this short of time. I would like to start out by saying that I never in my life envisioned I would have or use a blog, and now it is part of my everyday life. When we first learned how to develop a blog we learned multiple things regarding blogging, from blog etiquette to how to create an avatar (an animated version of yourself). Also within our blogging we learned how to comment on the blogs of our group members. Commenting is helpful because it provides you with input from your group members on your blog and the things you post on it. We learned how to manage our blogs by using Google Reader, a website where you can subscribe to your group members blogs as well as any other information you desire that is on the Internet.
During the third week of class we chose our Read 'n' Seed books, we will be reading these over the course of the next few weeks to inform our classmates (via blog) of the issues and topics our books cover. The book I chose is Exposed by Mark Schapiro, it is an overview of how the European Union (EU) is addressing the toxic chemicals that are put into everyday products used by people all over the world. It touches on a set of guidelines that the EU is putting into place to ban these negative substances from use in products throughout Europe. The catch is that throughout the United States we are doing noting to regulate the ingredients that are impacting us daily, and this book points out the reasons why we continue to cut corners.
At the beginning of this week (week 4) we has class at the new Bagly Outdoor Classroom, where we discussed our ecological footprint quizzes and learned the "ins" and "outs" of the classroom. Our ecological footprint quizzes were a true 'eye-opener' because it put into perspective how wasteful we really are as a society. My ecological footprint being almost 4 earths really made me realize how I can do my best to make sure to preserve our earths resources and educate my peer on these issues as well.
This overview once again covers just the first four weeks of this class, and I am extremely excited to see what the remainder of this semester has to offer!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Share & Voice: Western Wisconsin in the Fall
Read 'n' Seed 2: First Quarter of "Exposed"
So far through "Exposed: The Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Products and What's at Stake for American Power" I have read the first two chapters (41 pages), these chapters were titles "Soft Power, Hard Edges" and "The Beauty Bluff."
So far into my reading the author Mark Schapiro has given a brief overview of the steps the European Union (EU) has taken to rid their products, from computers to makeup, of the toxic chemicals used to make everyday items. Chapter 2 took a more in depth look into the cosmetics industry and how the EU has made it a top priority to make sure their citizens are safe from these types of toxic chemicals. On the other hand the United States, for the most part, chooses to turn a blind eye to these issues in order to not compromise profit. This book will continue to take an in depth look into a large majority of products consumers in the U.S. used in their everyday lives that contain these types of toxins.
Throughout the making of this book Schapiro has interviewed dozens of individuals and organizations form both sides of this spectrum, and the results are staggering. A European committee of toxicologists known as the Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products congregated in 2005 to develop a "negative list" of ingredients that are not allowed in cosmetics in Europe. By the end of 2006 this list had grown from four hundred to more than eleven hundred substances. Meanwhile the United States just leave it up to the cosmetic companies to decide what is appropriate to include as an ingredient in their products. A statement from the the FDA's Bureau of Colors and Cosmetics in the book reads, "Cosmetic products and ingredients are not subject of FDA pre-market approval authority.....Cosmetic firms are responsible for substaining the safety of their products and ingredients before marketing." This book also discusses "glocalism," which is an individual, group, division, unit, organization and community which is willing to "think globally and act locally." In a nutshell this means that with the actions taken by specific organizations doing their part to following the guidelines put in place by the EU to ensure the safety of their customers, the overall outlook on consumer safety and protection will be viewed as a necessity by most if not all companies throughout all of Europe.
I feel like this impacts everyone within our society because these toxic products will influence us all either individually or the people closest to us. A statistic found in the book, courtesy of the University of South California School of Medicine, states that women who use hair dyes at least once a month are twice as likely to develop bladder cancer than women who do not; and those who use it for fifteen years or longer face triple the risk. This is just one of may statistics that have been provided throughout this book, and as a whole this book has completely opened my eyes about how us as citizens of the United States are all at risk of these types of effects.
So far into my reading the author Mark Schapiro has given a brief overview of the steps the European Union (EU) has taken to rid their products, from computers to makeup, of the toxic chemicals used to make everyday items. Chapter 2 took a more in depth look into the cosmetics industry and how the EU has made it a top priority to make sure their citizens are safe from these types of toxic chemicals. On the other hand the United States, for the most part, chooses to turn a blind eye to these issues in order to not compromise profit. This book will continue to take an in depth look into a large majority of products consumers in the U.S. used in their everyday lives that contain these types of toxins.
Throughout the making of this book Schapiro has interviewed dozens of individuals and organizations form both sides of this spectrum, and the results are staggering. A European committee of toxicologists known as the Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products congregated in 2005 to develop a "negative list" of ingredients that are not allowed in cosmetics in Europe. By the end of 2006 this list had grown from four hundred to more than eleven hundred substances. Meanwhile the United States just leave it up to the cosmetic companies to decide what is appropriate to include as an ingredient in their products. A statement from the the FDA's Bureau of Colors and Cosmetics in the book reads, "Cosmetic products and ingredients are not subject of FDA pre-market approval authority.....Cosmetic firms are responsible for substaining the safety of their products and ingredients before marketing." This book also discusses "glocalism," which is an individual, group, division, unit, organization and community which is willing to "think globally and act locally." In a nutshell this means that with the actions taken by specific organizations doing their part to following the guidelines put in place by the EU to ensure the safety of their customers, the overall outlook on consumer safety and protection will be viewed as a necessity by most if not all companies throughout all of Europe.
I feel like this impacts everyone within our society because these toxic products will influence us all either individually or the people closest to us. A statistic found in the book, courtesy of the University of South California School of Medicine, states that women who use hair dyes at least once a month are twice as likely to develop bladder cancer than women who do not; and those who use it for fifteen years or longer face triple the risk. This is just one of may statistics that have been provided throughout this book, and as a whole this book has completely opened my eyes about how us as citizens of the United States are all at risk of these types of effects.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Share and Voice: Green Resort - One of Wisconsin's Most Environmentally Friendly Facilities
While doing my internship this past summer I attended the Western Wisconsin Worksite Wellness Conference at the Florian Gardens Convention Center in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. While talking with some people at the conference, this topic came up in conversation because the resort just happened to be right next to where the conference was being held. I thought it was extremely interesting and would like to share it with everyone else.
Green Friendly Resort
The Chaos Waterpark, which is attached to the Acton City amusement park, was awarded in 2009 as one of "Wisconsins Top 30 Projects" and the "Best of Aquatics" award from Aquatics International. The water park uses approximately 10% of the average million and a half gallons to backwash its pool. This water from the pool also circulates throughout the Metropolis Hotel to control the temperature of the hotels rooms. The water in the pool also does not carry any sort of smell and the waterpark uses an air infused cleaning system which is still Wisconsin's only such system to date. Overall the water park purifies 950 gallons of water per minute, seven times above the industry standard, which makes this Wisconsin cleanest water parka and reduces the amount of water wasted in the process.
Green Friendly Resort
The Chaos Waterpark, which is attached to the Acton City amusement park, was awarded in 2009 as one of "Wisconsins Top 30 Projects" and the "Best of Aquatics" award from Aquatics International. The water park uses approximately 10% of the average million and a half gallons to backwash its pool. This water from the pool also circulates throughout the Metropolis Hotel to control the temperature of the hotels rooms. The water in the pool also does not carry any sort of smell and the waterpark uses an air infused cleaning system which is still Wisconsin's only such system to date. Overall the water park purifies 950 gallons of water per minute, seven times above the industry standard, which makes this Wisconsin cleanest water parka and reduces the amount of water wasted in the process.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Eye Opener: Ecological Footprint
After taking my ecological footprint quiz, I am not exactly sure how to interpret my results. I understand that I have a lot of areas where I could reduce my footprint, however, some of the questions I did not have any idea how to answer because as a college student they didn't exactly apply to my current situation. My ecological foot print was said to be 3.3 which is quite a bit, but after I finished my quiz I went back in and adjusted it to other people's lifestyles and things could have been much worse. A few things I could do to reduce my ecological footprint would be promote recycling and healthy eating habits amongst my roommates and close friends, try to avoid making so many trips back home, carpool when driving is necessary, and utilize natural sunlight instead of relying on artificial lighting.
My IUHPE Ecological Footprint
My IUHPE Ecological Footprint
Read 'n' Seed 1: Exposed: The Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Products and What's at Stake for American Power
My Read 'n' Seed book that I have chosen is "Exposed: The Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Products and What's at Stake for American Power."
This book discusses the strict standards that the European Union has placed on product sold there. It talks about how products that are high in chemicals and produced in the U.S. will soon be banned from sale in Europe and other areas of the world. The authors rendition on this topic could potentially change the way we as consumers look at the everyday products that have become a part of our every day life.
I chose this book because I have always found interest in the way we as Americans seem to cut corners and do whatever makes things easiest, even if it may involve putting harmful items in an every day product. I have always wondered what might be in some of the things that are on the shelves of stores through our country, and now seeing that other countries have opened their eyes regarding to these issues, to the extent where they are about to ban the sale of some American products in their countries, has increased my interest even further.
Sources about the book and author:
Progressive Book Club Review
Amazon Book Review
Mark Schapiro Bio
Mark Schapiro Blog
This book is 224 pages, so depending upon how the chapters line up each quarter of my Read 'n' Seed will be about 55 pages. My book is set to deliver tomorrow Thursday September 30, so once it arrives I can make my final decision.
This book discusses the strict standards that the European Union has placed on product sold there. It talks about how products that are high in chemicals and produced in the U.S. will soon be banned from sale in Europe and other areas of the world. The authors rendition on this topic could potentially change the way we as consumers look at the everyday products that have become a part of our every day life.
I chose this book because I have always found interest in the way we as Americans seem to cut corners and do whatever makes things easiest, even if it may involve putting harmful items in an every day product. I have always wondered what might be in some of the things that are on the shelves of stores through our country, and now seeing that other countries have opened their eyes regarding to these issues, to the extent where they are about to ban the sale of some American products in their countries, has increased my interest even further.
Sources about the book and author:
Progressive Book Club Review
Amazon Book Review
Mark Schapiro Bio
Mark Schapiro Blog
This book is 224 pages, so depending upon how the chapters line up each quarter of my Read 'n' Seed will be about 55 pages. My book is set to deliver tomorrow Thursday September 30, so once it arrives I can make my final decision.
Share & Voice: Minn. Town Gets Healthy Makeover, Adds Longevity, Together
Today during my Program Promotions class we were discussing social marketing and this community wide program in Albert Lea, MN came up in conversation. Although it is about a year old, almost all of the class had no idea about it; most of this class containing students who are natives of MN. I thought it was very interesting and motivating for an entire community to back something this positive and I wanted to share it with everyone.
Minn. Town Gets Healthy Makeover, Adds Longevity, Together
Summary:
At the beginning of 2009 the city of Albert Lea, MN embarked on a 10 month program that was established to improve the quality of life for the residents of its entire city. This idea was hatched by a man named Dan Beuttner and backed by The AARP and The United Health Foundation, these two organizations raised and donated a majority of the funding that was required for this cause. The city completed approximately 5 years worth of walking path and sidewalk building in about a year, encouraged restaurants to provide healthy alternatives and healthy food on their menus, and made wholesome foods more available to the cities 18,000 residents. Following the completion of this experiment, individuals who completed a survey referred to as the "vitality compass" at both the beginning and the end of this process were said to have added approximately 3.1 years to their lives.
Minn. Town Gets Healthy Makeover, Adds Longevity, Together
Summary:
At the beginning of 2009 the city of Albert Lea, MN embarked on a 10 month program that was established to improve the quality of life for the residents of its entire city. This idea was hatched by a man named Dan Beuttner and backed by The AARP and The United Health Foundation, these two organizations raised and donated a majority of the funding that was required for this cause. The city completed approximately 5 years worth of walking path and sidewalk building in about a year, encouraged restaurants to provide healthy alternatives and healthy food on their menus, and made wholesome foods more available to the cities 18,000 residents. Following the completion of this experiment, individuals who completed a survey referred to as the "vitality compass" at both the beginning and the end of this process were said to have added approximately 3.1 years to their lives.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)