Reflection: weeks 9 & 10

Weeks 9 and 10 were a little different than past weeks in the way that instead of doing eye-openers we have been working on our advocacy projects. 

In week 9 we started out by learning about advocacy.  We did this by getting into groups and teaching the class different topics related to advocacy.  This was an interesting way to learn and an interesting way to teach as well.  Most groups did some kind of skit to illustrate their point.  I learned that advocacy is not a service and that it doesn't always have to be really confrontational.  It was interesting learning about the barriers to advocacy because they all made sense.  I think I'm most guilty of not knowing enough about an issue, but that is something I could totally change if I just took the time! 

We also found our political leaders online and all of their contact information.  Something that surprised me about this was they that they did their email.  Most representatives didn't have an actually email address, but more like this blank form you would go to their site and fill out.  I guess it makes sense considering how many emails they must get, but I was kind of just expecting to find an email address like any other individual would have. 

In week 10 we watched the first section of a documentary called "Unnatural Causes".  The section was called "In Sickness and In Wealth" and was about health and how it seems to be directly correlated to wealth.  It's pretty upsetting to see how life expectancy goes down with level of income.  It was also a really big eye-opener to see how much stress is put on people who earn less, or people who are in less control at their jobs.  I never expected that.  When I think about stress, I definitely was thinking that the hospital CEO must be under a lot of stress, way more than a janitor.  It was crazy to find out that that's not the case.  My book kind of ties into this as it's talking about how we are constantly stressed because we are constantly working for security.  I guess I can see that a CEO with more security than a janitor would have less stress.

 
We also discussed the upcoming photo essay.  This is a pretty cool idea!  I can't wait to see everyone's ideas.  Photo essays should be used for more projects in more classes.  It's way more interesting to not only the person completing the project, but also for those viewing it!  I plan on making naturally cleaning solutions out of things like baking soda and vinegar and testing how well they clean! Pretty exciting stuff! 

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 7: Weekly Update

My SMART Goal: To use reusable bags 100% of the time I shop.

Success Rate: 100% success rate this week!

The Week: This week I did not use any plastic bags!  I went shopping a few different times, but I was always prepared because I bought one of those fold up Superone bags that I now keep in my purse, and I also carry two reusable bags in my car.  Me and a friend went shopping at the thrift store and the grocery store and we were sure to use our reusable bags each time.  We also went to Caribou where I noticed they have those bags that fold up into themselves and look like hacky sacks!  They were like $9 so I think I can find one cheaper if I keep my eyes peeled.

Lessons Learned: I learned that it's easy to succeed at your goal when you come prepared and it feels good too!

Next Week's Plans:  I think I'd like to keep my goal the same.  I'm also still looking for cute bags for my mom and sister so if anyone sees any around town let me know!

Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 7 hosted by Amy@Eco-Chic with Amy

Advocacy Project: Healthy People/THOMAS

I looked under the goal "Reduce illness, disability and death related to tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke" and used the Healthy People 2010 objective 27-2: To reduce tobacco use by adolescents (grades 9 -12).

As of the midcourse review use of all different kinds of tobacco (cigars, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco) has moved toward the target goal of change by 68%.  Black non-Hispanics have the best rate.  White non-Hispanics have the worst out of the group (with a 50-99% disparity from the best group).  Hispanics are in the middle (with a 10-49% disparity from the best group).  There is no data on other races.  Females were listed as the group with the best rate and males were listed as having a 10-49% disparity from the best group. 

 Although progress has been made towards the goal there are still some emerging issues.  Smokeless tobacco was listed as an issue.  This may be because sometimes these products can be seen as less harmful then other tobacco products.  However this is untrue because these products are known human carcinogens and they are still addictive and harmful to your health.  Another emerging issue is the use of the internet to market tobacco products.  It is very hard to police the internet and many sites use weak or non existent age verification methods.  This has set back the goal of reducing the proportion of adolescents and young adults who are exposed to tobacco advertising.  If that goal has setbacks it adversely affects the success of my goal. 


H.R.1432: To reduce youth usage of tobacco products, to enhance State efforts to eliminate retail sales of tobacco products to minors, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Blackburn, Marsha [TN-7] (introduced 3/11/2009)      Cosponsors (4)
Committees: House Energy and Commerce
Latest Major Action: 3/11/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Recommendation: Vote YES for H.R. 1432
My Political Representative(s):