Reflection: Weeks 8-14.

It's that time again, Reflection.
Advocacy
I'll start out with the advocacy project we did. Although this wasn't my favorite project because usually I try to stand clear from politics and that sort of thing. I grew up where politics brought out the worst in people, all that disagreeing and arguing. My family apparently doesn't believe in the phrase "Let's agree to disagree" Besides my sappy childhood memories, the advocacy aspect of this class helped me with taking that last step into the operational phase for the things that I have come to care about most, such as air and water.

Photo-essay
The photo essay was one of my favorite projects. It wasn't the same old, same old write a 1500 word essay and I think that's a big part of what got me motivated. It was something different to experience and try. I have always had an interest in photography and this project allowed me to express that interest but also express what I care about.

Junk
The junk project I think was my favorite. I loved seeing everyones projects and ideas and plan to try some of them. While searching for a project to do, I discovered several other projects that I am going to do. Some projects I am doing for Christmas gifts to family and friends. This project helped me discovered new ways to recycle, renew, reuse, and upcycle.

Share and Voice
I'm glad the share and voice gave us an opportunity to share any subject we wanted to that was environmentally related of course. It was interesting reading other peoples' topics and ideas. It gives us to teach the class and hear other opinions.

Overall, the last half of this semester and this class as whole has been one of my favorites. Thanks to all that have made this class great!

Share and Voice: Color Crayons.

For our last share and voice I decided to share a project that I will do one day. This project will especially be helpful or useful when I children someday. Before I show a picture of it, I will explain what it is. You take color crayons that you have left over from you children or if you don't have children yet I guess you can go buy some. You glue them onto a canvas board or maybe just a board you have laying around. Next you take a hair dryer and blow the hot air onto the crayons. The crayons will melt and drip down the board. You can use all one color or make a rainbow. The result should look something like this:

Source: Uploaded by user via Andrea on Pinterest

Then if you want you can add simple objects or designs such as the silhouette in this picture. I love this idea, great project to do with kids as well.

Advocacy Project: Letter to an Elected Official

December 9, 2011

Sean P. Duffy

House of Representative

1208 Longworth HOB

Washington, DC 20515

VOTE NO ON H.R. 97—FREE INDUSTRY ACT (INTRODUCED IN HOUSE-IH)

The proposed issue will have a major impact on people worldwide and the environment. The bill is requesting that the Greenhouse Gases be taken off of the Clear Air Act. If this bill were to pass, it would be a huge mistake, as we are trying to improve our environment from the damage we have already and currently are causing.

As a student in an environmental health class I have become more aware of issues that are going on in the world, especially in the United States. And although we have made great strides in trying to improve our environment by becoming more consciously aware and implementing new ideas and programs, taking the Greenhouse Gases off the Clear Air Act, I feel, would set us back.

A supporter of this bill might say that industries are capable of regulating what toxins are put into the atmosphere or that Greenhouse Gases aren’t responsible for Global Warming. A supporter may even go as far as to say that Global Warming doesn’t even exist. Although there may be evidence to show that Global Warming isn’t occurring, there is stronger evidence showing that it is.  Glaciers are melting, leaving certain animals, such as the polar bear, without a habit to live in adequately.  

I appreciate you for taking the time to listen. I hope to see that you care just as much about the environment as I have become and vote “no” to H.R. 97. If I can provide anymore information, please feel free to contact me at 555-123-4567.

Andrea Volinkaty    

Share and Voice: Pinterest.

For this Share and Voice I was on a website trying to find ideas of what I could share with the class. Then it hit me, I'll just share the whole website with everyone. This is for those of you who haven't yet heard of Pinterest.

It is a website where people are free to share or "Pin" ideas, laughs, photos, quotes, etc. And I must say, it's addicting!! It's along the same idea as Stumbleupon or reddit. I have discovered and tried numerous ideas and/or recipes to upcycle, reuse, or create at home recipes for every day house cleaners and even make up remover. So everyone can get somewhat of an idea of what the website is about here are some things I have discovered:

Source: 9gag.com via Andrea on Pinterest

These are used bottles that have been painted. Great for a kids project or to do with nieces and nephews.

Source: Uploaded by user via Andrea on Pinterest

For the ladies, this is an old paper towel holder that has been painted and is now used for bracelets.

Source: janedeereblog.blogspot.com via Andrea on Pinterest

These are used beer and wine bottles that have lights in them and hung outside for decorations. Perfect for college students!! haha.

Advocacy Project: Fact Sheet

Greenhouse Gases and Global Warming

Facts from United States Environmental Protection Agency

What are Greenhouse Gases?

Greenhouse gases are gases that trap heat from the sun in the atmosphere causing the atmosphere to slowly keep getting warmer and warmer, causing Global Warming or Climate Change.

What are the types of Greenhouse Gases?

The major greenhouse gases that enter the atmosphere because of humans are as followed:

·      Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)- Carbon Dioxide does occur naturally along with being created by human activity. Carbon Dioxide enters through the burning of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, and coal), solid waste, trees and wood products, and also as a result of other chemical reactions, such as manufacture of cement.

·      Methane (CH₄)- Methane enters during the production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil. Methane is also emitted through the waste of livestock and decay of organic waste in municipal waste landfills.

·      Nitrous Oxide (N₂O)- Nitrous Oxide enters the atmosphere during agricultural and industrial activities and during combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste.

·      Fluorinated Gases- Fluorinated Gases are synthetic, powerful greenhouse gases that enter from a variety of industrial processes. Fluorinated Gases include, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride. These gases are usually emitted into the atmosphere in smaller quantities, but they are considered High Global Warming Potential gases because they are so potent.

What are the effects of Greenhouse Gases?

Greenhouse Gases are causing Climate Change. Some of the effects of Climate Change is temperatures are rising, ice sheets are melting, oceans are rising, flowers are blooming earlier, snow is melting sooner, and birds aren’t flying as far south as before. These effects cause other effects such as, more powerful storms, more flooding and more droughts. All of these change habitats and lives causing animals to have a harder time finding food and maybe even threaten their species.