Reflection: Weeks 7 & 8

Week 7

• My SMART goal has been going wonderfully. I'm doing a great job actually taking into consideration using only 4 sheets of toilet paper. YAY ME :)
  
  
• We learned for one of our eye openers all about how daily items can cause us great harm. These items range from but are not limited to hair products, makeup products, and even bathroom products. Visit the Cosmetic Database website to find out more of your own deadly products.
  
  
• An assignment due was our read n seed--> my book has been extremely opening to my eating habits. I have actually consciously been aware of my eating habits and really evaluating where my food is coming from.
  
  
• The data Lappe gives out is so 'in your face' that you cannot help but make an effort to consciously change. I'm LOVING IT!
  
  
• Finally, we discussed the Smoking Ban Forum. The topic at hand was a hot button for a few of us however, Dr. V put us back in our places by saying everyone does have an opinion and maybe is just uninformed.
  
  
• I would have to agree, after talking in class it opened up my eyes. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion whether I agree with it or not isn't the matter.
  
  
• I just hope UMD doesn't go back on the smoking ban policy. There is a social change coming forth and it just needs time to blossom and grow.

Week 8

• We watched an extremely interesting document entitled "Thirst" by Alan Snitow and Deborah Kaufman. I think this documentary thus far has been by favorite!
  
  
• This documentary pressed the issue to illustrate if water was a human right or a commodity that we could buy and sell. I think that everyone should watch this if they're being faced with a moral issue. I almost started crying (yes crying) during the goodbye party for Michael McDonald who was the water plant supervisor for 25 years. 
  
  
• It really broke my heart when the Stockton, CA supervisor had all of his coworkers sniffling in tears. Coming from a small town I could relate to how they all must be feeling to know that the plant they all grew up working in and knowing was being taking over by a company from over seas.
  
  
  
  • We also talked about "junking" from our eyeopener project. I thought this was so inspirational! I love the Junk Market website that Dr. V is actually involved in too. I actually want to incorporate some of these projects into my own home and start 'junking'.
    
  
  

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 5: Weekly Update

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

Eye Opener: Junking on the Brain

Definitions:

Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary defines:

Thrift Shop: a shop that sells secondhand articles and especially clothes and is also run for charitable purposes.

Flea Market: a usually open airmarket for secondhand articles and antiques.
Junking: old iron, glass, paper, or other waste that may be used again in some form.
Antiquing: to finish or refinish in antique style : give an appearance of age to.
Resale Shop: the act of selling again usually to a new party.

I had to look at Wikipedia to find:
Upcycling: processing used materials into new products, or the re-use of a product with crippled functionality for alternative purposes, to prevent waste of potentially useful materials, reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, reduce energy usage, reduce air pollution (from incineration) and water pollution (from land filling) by reducing the need for "conventional" waste disposal, and lower greenhouse gas emissions as compared to virgin production, with the intent of creating a product of higher quality design and artistic value. 

DULUTH & ME 

The above terms have a big deal to do with environmental health. All of the definitions are about taking a used item and recycling it and using it again (secondhand). Not just disposing of the item after using it for yourself!

1. Resale:
   
   • Craigslist: 
   • MN -- Duluth/Superior area
   • Whomever you're obtaining the secondhand item from. 
   • http://duluth.craigslist.org/
2. Antique:
   
   • Canal Park Antique Center
   • Duluth --  310 S Lake Ave 
   • Phone: (218) 720-394
   •  No website for the business but driving directions
3. Junking:
   
   • I could only find junk yards and junk removal companies.
   • http://duluth-mn.yellowusa.com/Junk_Dealers.html
4. Flea Market:
   
   • Studebaker Drivers Club Swap Meet Flea Market
   • Duluth -- 2101 Trinity Rd, Miller Hill Mall
     
   • Email: stude.one@usfamily.net 
   •   http://collectors.org/fm/US_MN.asp
5. Thrift Shop:
   
   • Savers
   • Duluth -- 1740 Mall Drive
   • Phone: (218) 722-1894
     Hours: Mon - Sat 9-9, Sun 10-6
   • http://www.savers.com/
6. Upcycling:
   
   
   
   
   
   I couldn't find a site that specifically deals with upcycling in Duluth but I found some sweet sites.
   
   
   
   
   

Surprisingly, I actually use a lot of these different places! I love thrift stores... I've found so many different furniture pieces for my college house along with sweet clothing items that are CHEAP (hello Dolce and Gabbana clothing). I also love resale items --> I don't use craigslist too often but I do use EBAY and Half.com especially during the holidays or when I need to sell or buy my books for school.

Getting My Junk On! -JunkMarketStyle.com

• Project 1: A little "Vase" of an organizer
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  I secured a wire around the neck of the vases and then looped ribbon through to create a hanger.  I then covered the wire with a little more ribbon.
  

  
  

  I had every intention of spray painting the tool holder black or white when I first found it, but I ended up really liking the aged brass patina so have left it as is for now.
  

  This project is completely gorgeous! I love it because not only because I'm an organizing freak but the flowers just add such a beautiful touch. It seems so soft and carefree.
  
  
  
  
  

Project 2: Pick Another Daisy

I think this a great example of reusing something! The base of this beautiful item is a cone holder that was filled with glass vases and filled with lovely daisies. I think this is simple and easy.  The cone holder is a neutral color so it could be placed in any room!

Project 3: Happy Mother's Day

 This is truly what Mother's Day is about. Simplicity and love. My mom always spouts off about how she doesn't want anything and just wants to spend time with her family. This small act of taking a used watering can and placing her favorite flowers inside shows her that not only you care but you took time to think of such a creative item that can be displayed around the house. Gorgeous!