Advocacy Project: My Political Representatives

Political Representatives

http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html

President: 
Barack H. Obama is the 44th President of the United States.
Contact: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact
Website: http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/president-obama


Minnesota Representatives
Congressman: 
Amy Klobuchar
Contact: 

302 Hart Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510

(202) 224-3244

Website: www.klobuchar.senate.gov/emailamy.cfm


Al Franken
Contact: 

309 Hart Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510

(202) 224-5641 Website: www.franken.senate.gov/?p=contact Governor: Mark Dayton

Contact: http://mn.gov/governor/contact-us/form/
Website: http://mn.gov/governor/


Secretary of State: Mark Ritchie
Contact: mark@markritchie2010.net
Website: http://www.sos.state.mn.us/


Hennepin County Board President: Commisioner Mike Opat, Chair, 1st District
Contact: 612-348-7881
Website: http://hennepin.us/portal/site/HennepinUS/menuitem.b1ab75471750e40fa01dfb47ccf06498/?vgnextoid=03aa46c410534210VgnVCM10000049114689RCRD


Robbinsdale Mayor: Michael A. Holtz
Contact: mholtz@diversifiedadjustment.com
Website: http://www.ci.robbinsdale.mn.us/city.shtml

Reflections: Week 1-7

     

http://philosophyofscienceportal.blogspot.com/2008/07/corrupt-administration-and.html

     Over the past seven weeks we have covered a lot of information relating to the enviroment.  My knowledge and outlook on how we treat our planet and our own bodies has completely changed.  We started the semester off by going outside and taking time to enjoy life by laying in the grass and feeling 'connected' to the earth.  We talked about how the universe is part of us and how our thoughts naturally line up with it in a way.  When we go outside, our bodies naturally soak up vitamin D and that is a way of telling us that the earth is ours to enjoy and embrace.
     Then we started learning about SMART goals and how we could invididualy have an impact on the environment in any way we choose.  I loved this challenge because having to blog about my progress was awesome accountability and I leanred a lot about saving electricity.  
     As a class, we have gotten to watch multiple documentaries regarding different issues that have majorly impacted our world.  The documentaries include: 'Future of Food', which was about genetically modified foods and how they are negativiely impacting America.  A seed that is genetically modified is fake in a way because it is not grown naturally and therefore doesn't contain all the nutrients it should. 'Fresh' was a powerful documentary we watched about farmers who are trying to re-invent our food system and bring back more healthy, sustainable alternatives.  'Green' was about how petrochemicals are polliting our air and causing health problems for those that live in concentrated areas. It made me aware of the importance of clean air and want to fight for those who don't get access to it.  Lastly, we watched 'Tapped' which was about the multi-billion dollar bottled water industry.  Drinking bottled water exposes people to many health risks and chemicals that the majority of consumers do not know about.  Producers of bottled water are getting by without any questions so this documentary is to raise awareness about the possible dangers of drinking bottled water. 
     My favorite part of this class has been having my eyes opened to issues that I had no idea about.  Knowing that my body might contain toxic chemicals due to the food I eat is important information, but  food labels don't usually include those facts so I had to find out through other sources.  When we are more aware of ways in which to impact our health and planet for the better, it is possible to take action. Whereas if I had'nt been exposed to these films, I would still be in the dark.  It is exciting that we can take what we are learning and tell others as well.  
  

Eye Opener: Junk on the Brain

http://stores.affordablehomeoutlet.com/-strse-Wall-Decor-cln-Signs/searchpath/106250749/start/46/total/91/Categories.bok

Part 1

Dictionary.com defines the following terms: 
Antique - of or belonging to the past; not modern.
Junk - any old or discarded material, as metal, paper, or rags.
Flea Market - a market, often outdoors, consisting of a number of individual stalls selling old or used articles, curios and antiques, cut-ratemerchandise, etc.
Thrift Shop - a retail store that sells secondhand goods at reduced prices.
Upcycling - Upcycling is the practice of taking something that is disposable and transforming it into something of greater use and value
Resale Shop - a retail establishment operated by a charitable organization for the purpose of fundraising.


Part 2 
The terms above are directly related to environmental health because they encourage people to use and re-use items.  When we as consumers make use of old things it influences manufacturing companies because they are less supported and make less of a profit.  And our environment is less cluttered when we use old items for the same or different purposes.  


1. Antique Boutique
357 Canal Park Drive, Duluth
(218) 529-7667
2. St Michael's Used A Bit
 16 N 1st Avenue West, Duluth 

(218) 722-2171

3. Studebaker Drivers Club Swap Meet Flea Market and Classic Car Show

Lake Superior College,  2101 Trinity Road, Duluthhttp://fleaportal.com/Flea_markets/Index/MINNESOTA/Duluth 4. Savers 1740 Mall Drive, Duluth

(218) 722-1894
www.savers.com 
5. http://www.greenpeople.org/Eco-Fashion-Upcycled-Clothing.html
I could not find any upscaling locations in Duluth other than local websites, so here is one that looked cool.
6. 

Goodwill

 700 Garfield Ave # 1, Duluth
 (218) 722-305
www.goodwillduluth.org 


One of my favorite past times is thrift shopping.  They have so much variety and I almost always find a cheap treasure.  I would say that 80% of my clothing has been found at thriftstores. My favorite thrift store in Duluth is the Savers by the mall because they have discounts for college students on Thursdays.  Now that I have been shopping at thrift stores for awhile, I get bored in normal department stores because everything looks the same and is so expensive.


Part 3
- Piano Bar
http://junkmarketstyle.com/item/36751/piano-bar
A man was moving and had this really cool piano that he could not take with him. So he made it into a bar in his basement that needed some remodling anyway, and it looks awesome.  It is the perfect height for a bar and really fits the personality of the room well. 
- Window Sear
http://junkmarketstyle.com/item/36749/window-seat
This was made from a headboard and footboard that someone bought at a scratch and dent sale.  I have always LOVED window seats and thought they felt so homey. So one of these days I might try this. It is so classy and yet vintage looking!
- Wall of Doors
http://junkmarketstyle.com/item/36757/wall-of-doors
This is so creative, a woman took a bunch of little wooden doors that she purchased at an auction and fit them all together to make a wall in her basement.  It looks so appealing to the eye and makes a really great wall.  I would never have thought of doing this but it is awesome! 

 

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 5: Weekly Update

     

http://www.greenworld365.com/topic/appliances/

     
     My SMART goal is to cut down on how much electricity I use.  This week I followed the same routine as last and tried to cut down on my use of lights, use the dishwasher less, and only wash laundry every two weeks.  I was diligent in turning off lights and handwashing my dishes, but cutting down on laundry was challenging.   
     Making sure lights are off in every room but the one I am in has become a habit, and I actually get annoyed when I see one left on, so that is good.  Handwashing dishes is becoming more of a habit because I am turning into a neat freak.  It bothers me to see dirty dishes in the sink that might build up, so I just go ahead and wash them rather than waiting to have enough for the dishwasher.  It is great to get dishes done every morning and have a clean house for the rest of the day, so that has become my breakfast routine.  
     Laundry is a subject to avoid :)  It just seems to build up in a matter of days and take over my closet. This is partly because I work out every day, so more than one outfit gets dirtied per day.  This week I will have done one load in five days, and I am hoping to get down to one load every fourteen days.  Wearing the same pair of pants every day has been nice and easy because I don't have to spend time planning my outfit (yes I do that), and it saves room in my laundry load.  
     I felt really proud this week that two of these things are almost second nature and that they are probably saving me money.  I am learning that the art of forming a good habit comes from repetition and accountability, both of which I have had over the last five weeks.  This week I will keep the same game plan because I want to conquer these goals before I move on. 


Review:
     Overall, I learned a lot about myself through this SMART goal.  My plan on how to go about saving electricity was not set in stone at the beginning of this, but eventually my aim became clearer. I tried to turn off lights that were not being used, not run the dishwasher, and do laundry less.  So once I figured out my goal, it stayed the same throughout.  
     My strategy on being successful was to be mindful of my actions. So many bad habits become second nature throughout our lives, so to re-learn something takes thought and effort.  Every day I tried to remember my goals and actually do them.   
     I benefited from this goal in that I now know I am capable of changing the environment for the better. I went into this being like, yeah right, I can't make a difference, but my thought process has completely changed. Now it is exciting to see that we can all make changes in our daily lives and it does make a difference, no matter if we can see it or not. 
     My roommates definately noticed that I turned off my lights more because they got on my case before when I didn't. Positive reinforcement makes a big difference and is very helpful in motivating me to change. So I thank my roommates for being a good influence.  
     I will most definately continue this lifestyle change because it is not only good for the environment, but also my bank account and me personally.  The discipline I learned will be helpful in many areas of life. And now I am more aware of how I use electricity in general, not just with lights and laundry.
     The advice I would pass on to anyone who wants to try a SMART goal would be keep going even when you mess up. I way 'when' instead of 'if' because we are not perfect and will forget. But the more you keep at your goal, the easier it will get. So don't give up, it is worth it :)

Eye Opener: Environmental Working Group

http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/7085/Dermasil_Lotion_Dry_Skin_Treatment_%282006_formulation%29/

     Dermasil has been my favorite moisturizer for a long time, and I have always thought of it as quality lotion.  To my surprise, it is not so great and actually scores very high on the health concern chart.  EWG would not sign it as a safe cosmetic because of its high toxicity ratings.  First of all, I was surprised that it scored moderately high for being cancerous, that is very alarming.  It was off the charts for development and reproductive toxicity and was nearly off the charts for allergies and immunotoxicity. 

    The website said that their ratings are based on specific ingredients in the product, not the product as a whole.  However, if any of the ingredients in the lotion I use are toxic and are entering my bloodstream, you bet I am going to abstain.  Since I have been using this lotion for many years and have not felt any different, I will be doing more personal research to see what actually can happen from being in contact with these ingredients.

    It is amazing to me that companies do not have to label any warnings on their products if this much harm could be done.  How is the public supposed to find out about the toxins they are exposed to unless told? Very scary to think about and I am glad we were directed to this website.  

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 4: Weekly Update

http://thegogreenblog.com/tip-of-the-week-only-wash-full-loads-of-laundry/

     Welcome to another week of my SMART goal challenge to save electricity.  This week went well, partly because I was camping for three days and had no access to electricity.  When at home, I continued to turn off lights that were not being used, wash dishes by hand instead of in the dishwasher, and I added one more thing to the list: doing less laundry.  I learned that running the washer and dryer uses quite a bit of electricity so my goal is to only wash one load of clothes every other week instead of once a week.  
     Turning off lights is getting to be more second nature, but I still find myself forgetting; especially with 'little' lights that seem like they wouldn't matter.  When I come home to a light that was left on, I am sure to make a mental note to remember next time.  Washing dishes by hand has been kind of fun.  It is a way to just relax and think or listen to music while letting the warm water soak your hands.  Never thought I would hear myself say that about dishes.
     The most challenging part of this week has been my effort to wash less laundry.  One thing that makes me feel organzied and clean is having clean clothes once a week and not let them pile up. So it has taken some effort and flexibility on my part.  I am trying to use less clothes, and re-wear things as much as possible.  One way I am going about this is by using the same jeans for four or more days in a row (if not repulsive).  That way less clothes pile up in a dirty heap.
     As I tried to do these three things this week, I felt great.  I can't think of many things better to me than a good challenge. When I messed up (leaving lights on), I did not feel guilty but more like 'oh, I can do better!' So it has been fun! 
     For next week I am going to stick with the same goals: less lights, less water (no dishwasher), and less laundry.  It will be great when they become second nature, then I will add more.  Stay tuned and please feel free to join me in this challenge :)
     

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 3: Weekly Update

http://www.allconnect.com/blog/how-to-save-money-on-your-next-water-bill/     

     This week my SMART goal was to save water.  The way I measured it was by taking five minute showers, and washing dishes with less water by filling up a sink with warm water and using that.  

     It was a success for the most part except for a few showers.  Our house is really cold, like fifty five degrees, so I caught myself staying in the shower longer to warm up a few times.  But when I set my mind to it, a five minute shower is very generous, plenty of time to do what needs to be done.  We don't realize how much time goes by sometimes unless we are conciously thinking about it.  

    Washing dishes was a success.  Instead of running water the whole time and rinsing every dish individually, I would run a batch of clean, hot water with soap and then rinse all of my dishes in that.  It worked even better when I let them soak for awhile.  I loved the feeling of knowing I was saving water by doing something that worked better than it would if I had used more water.  Funny! 

    This week I learned that being eco-friendly is more about creativity than it is about convenience.  It is a lot of fun to take on a challenge when you are willing to explore options and try them out.  And my roommates were pretty impressed by my taking a five minute shower, it was kind of made into a game, who can take the quickest showers?! 
     You might be wondering how my goal this week pertains to my lifestyle change which is to use less electricity.  In our house we have a dishwasher.  Not only does it use a lot of water, but also a lot of energy to run.  By handwashing dishes, we are saving energy and money.

    There are no limits on ways in which we can help the environment. I know I have barely touched the surface and am excited to try more things in order to save energy and money.