Reflection: Weeks 7 & 8

I took this photo when I traveled to visit relatives in Austin, Texas in March of 2008.

Class Happenings
This week in class, we learned about a plethora of issues ranging from carcinogenic chemical exposure to water privatization. We watched two documentaries, completed an eye-opener activity, and discussed two readings.

Brilliant Blogging
Well, eight weeks into the course, I have really come to appreciate the blogging format. I hear my classmates talking about their struggles with having a major portion of the course online, but I really find it easy and flexible. I appreciate the fact that there are no tests, papers or written-assignments. I feel that we are able to gain a lot more from the course through blogging rather than being forced to memorize random facts for an examination. I heart blogging!

Environmental Exposure
Most of our environmental exposure this week was related to chemical exposure and water privitzaton. Both of these issues aren't always directly correlated with the environment until we take a deeper look at them. I feel that we have a long ways to go in protecting our environment from chemicals, but at least we are making a start! I have a feeling that water privitization is going to be an increasingly important topic in the media and it is something that we need to pay attention to.

Personal Paradigm
It is really hitting home how much everything around me affects my own environment. I can't help but stop and think about how every little action of mine affects the environment in one way or another. I feel that my paradigm related to conserving the environment has moved from a pessimistic to an optimistic stance. I would rather strive for change that might be effective than sit back and assume that there is nothing I can do that would significantly improve our environment.

Share & Voice: I Love Thrift Stores!

My Thoughts
Growing up, I had parents who exposed me to the world of second-hand shopping through garage sales, auctions, and thrift stores. To this day, I still try to buy used items before I purchase a newer item. In the current economy, shopping at thrift stores is both sensible AND environmentally-friendly. Why buy new clothes that probably took many hours of machine power (and thus pollution) to make, when you can reuse clothes and reduce your carbon footprint? You are also saving these items from going into landfills! Not only can you buy clothes at thrift stores, but you can also buy furniture, books, music, dishes, and appliances!

Additional Resources
1. Green Thrift Store Tips
2. Ultimate Guide to Thrift Store Shopping

Places to go in the Duluth Area
1. Plato’s Closet (My personal favorite!)
2. Goodwill Industries
3. Salvation Army
4. Earth Exchange Upscale Thrift Store (Superior)
5. And many more!!!

Eye Opener: Environmental Working Group

BURT'S BEES SOAP BARK AND CHAMOMILE DEEP CLEANSING CREAM

RESULTS
Overall Score = 2 (low hazard)

Ingredients in this product are linked to:
Cancer: YES
Developmental/reproductive toxicity: YES
Violations, restrictions & warnings: YES
Allergies/immunotoxicity: NO
Other concerns for ingredients used in this product:
Neurotoxicity, Endocrine disruption, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Multiple, additive exposure sources, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Contamination concerns

This manufacturer:
Signed Compact for Safe Cosmetics
Does not conduct animal testing

MY THOUGHTS
I always questioned the "natural" label on Burt's Bee's product because I new it didn't have the same meaning as "organic." I never washed my face with any cleansing product before this one, but I figured I would give it a try and that it would be safer than other "unnatural" products loaded with different chemicals. This cleansing product was rated as a low hazard, but it also contains carcinogens, developmental/reproductive toxins and other dangerous ingredients. I would like to look into using a more environmentally friendly product, or research weather or not my face actually needs to be cleansed with any type of product.