Organic? Or Not Organic?

I haven't posted a while on this blog since I have been pretty busy, but I was reading this article and felt I should definitely share it: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2014/02/26/283112526/chickens-laying-organic-eggs-eat-imported-food-and-its-pricey

What can we do to make this situation better in America? It seems like we are trying to pick a lesser of two evils. I know they offer some solutions in the article, but it is really a troubling dilemma that does not see any resolution anytime soon.

Thoughts?

New Technology

Technology can be a blessing and a curse. In this case, I would say it is a blessing. It will be interesting to see how this feature becomes popular in the upcoming years.

http://8bitfuture.net/post/36452933811/self-filling-water-bottle-draws-water-from-the

Thoughts, opinions? I would love to hear what you all think about this option.

The Reason Why Many Americans Aren't Sustainable

I was thinking about sustainability the other day, and a thought swept over me for why so many Americans aren't sustainable. Maybe it isn't a novel idea at all, but for me it was.

I think Americans have really good intentions. Honestly. They want to do the best they can to preserve the environment.

But so much of our culture is tied into individualism, and the fact that our personal satisfaction comes first.

Bottom line, the reason we don't see more efforts in this area is because we do things that are easiest and quickest. What is going to save me the most amount of time? What is the simplest way to get this done?

And when you think about it, living a sustainable lifestyle sometimes means going out of your way to do stuff you don't necessarily enjoy doing. Sometimes it means being looked at strangely by others. Sometimes it means taking an extra 5-10 minutes out of your day (maybe longer) to make a difference. It isn't easy. It's tough, it's hard work. And it definitely doesn't always produce quick results. It is a long-term process that many do not want to take the time to see develop.

Well, that's just my thoughts. I hope I can make a difference with my actions and continue to promote a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle.

Drive Less, Bike More

I couldn't help but share this! :) I really liked the photo:

http://bikecommutegal.tumblr.com/post/15484943291/try-driving-less-go-walking-biking

Organic

I was at the grocery store today getting some snacks and breakfast items. Lately I have been really trying to purchase healthier foods and be cognizant of the companies I invest in. As I went over to the refrigerated section grabbing some organic milk, I heard a girl say, "Look, Dad! There's the milk!" I heard him reply, "But it's organic. We don't want that." They proceeded to walk down the aisle and grab a "regular" gallon.

That made me think. I know organic is expensive, and maybe it tastes different to people (honestly, better in my opinion). But what is the aversion people have to organic products? I think that if individuals were more educated on why it is so beneficial to go for these goods, they might change their mind. It is not only healthier and sustainable, it is making a statement in our consumer-based society to support companies that have more of their priorities straight and aren't in completely just for profit or power.

Maybe I'm overreacting; I don't know. But I do know that family's conversation made me feel really sad.

Lessons

Mark Twain once said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness”. Recently participating in a study abroad trip, I can appreciate how true this statement is. Leaving my own country behind and embracing another culture in Scandinavia for two weeks required a lot of heart-work, preparation, and open-mindedness. Nevertheless, because of my willingness to learn and discover, I know I returned with life-impacting knowledge from my experiences there.

            Interacting with the host culture in Scandinavia opened my eyes to many issues and concerns, particularly sustainability. It made me step back and reflect on my own life and realize how much I take for granted sometimes. If I want to be a global citizen and make a positive impression on the world, it is significant to consider whether or not I am responsible with my possessions and resources. Visiting these Nordic countries encouraged me to be more considerate of the needs of others.

By being more attentive and thoughtful, I was reminded, as human beings, people all over have similarities. No matter where we live, we all are confronted with emotions of love, frustration, sadness, joy, and pain. During my 15 days abroad, I came in contact with numerous transparent individuals. They willingly shared their passions, concerns, dreams, and heartaches with me. People need someone in their lives that will listen to them, hear their heart, give encouragement, and impart empathy.

While compassion and connection are important, conflict and differences in communication can be positive. I had some interesting conversations with those of dissimilar views. Rather than being biased, I tried to make sense of what they had to say. Just like a kaleidoscope, looking at things from a new perspective allowed me to grasp information in a way I had not been able to before.

Often, in order to be mindful of concepts and obstacles from a certain viewpoint, it requires slowing down, being silent, and reflecting. On this trip I was afforded the opportunity to soak in my surroundings and value life itself. I noticed details in nature I would normally not think twice about. I believe it has fueled an inner sensitivity and energy to be myself and benefit others with my talents and gifts.

Exercising discernment and looking introspectively, I develop insight and an appetite to make a difference. I encountered this personally by helping a man from Columbia with his English. In return, he taught me words and phrases in Norwegian and Spanish. This occasion revitalized and excited my passion to teach and help others learn a foreign language.

            The greatest realization learned from traveling abroad was the fact that I can make a difference in my community, my country, and my world. I may only be one person, but I am unique and have something to offer others. I want to take advantage of what I was exposed to and learned on this trip. I desire to impart these manifestations at TCU and to individuals in the future. If more people are willing to share their problems and dilemmas, as well as their resources, I am confident the world could be a much better place. As my friend Michael put it best, “I am happy to know that there is at least one other person…destined to care about things outside of the U.S. Realizing we are not alone is a wonderful thing”.

Recycling Service

     My family and I have a lot of plastic in our home that we end up throwing away. Although we would like to use less plastic, sometimes there does not seem to be another option when purchasing things. Being impacted by my sustainability class, my mother and I wanted to find a way to recycle these items in our neighborhood. We looked online and found a website that discussed the options in our city. By visiting city hall, we can pick up another bin to use for recycling our waste! I was surprised living in such a small town they would have this availability. I do not know of any neighbors that use this service, so I am glad we were able to find out about it. I hope we will not only be able to use it in the future but encourage others in our area to do the same.