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After listening to everyone's podcasts (well, if they're even really considered podcasts yet (?)), I realized what a cool medium podcasting is. It's so versatile! One aspect that I found really cool was how everyone's posted Audacity recording was so different. I mean, even though most of us recorded something that we probably wouldn't create an entire 'real' podcast out of, it allowed aspects of people's personalities to come out..what they like, what they're doing in their lives, etc..
Overall, I'd have to say it was a pretty cool assignment. Of course, once we are told to start adding to it, I'll probably freak out again and not be as interested. But hey, new things are scary..especially new things involving technology. Um, I guess I'll just see how it goes from here...
And, to look forward to next time..probably an entry on Earth Hour..so exciting, I know.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Interactive learning..?
In response to the 'cyber classroom' held last Wednesday, I really just felt like it was impersonal..and well, kinda weird. I mean, it's definitely a concept with potential..I just felt the way the particular program that we used was not set up in the simplest way. I found it really hard to follow what everyone was trying to say. There were numerous conversations going on all at the same time, and I found it difficult to respond due to all the obscurity. Perhaps if it was set up in way that people could form their own chatrooms(?) it would be more beneficial as an interactive learning tool.
I guess I'm just used to discussion based classes where ideas are contributed and discussed in a much slower and more personalized manner; however, I'm not completely turned off of the concept (under the circumstances that it is revised).
I guess I'm just used to discussion based classes where ideas are contributed and discussed in a much slower and more personalized manner; however, I'm not completely turned off of the concept (under the circumstances that it is revised).
How big is YOUR carbon footprint?
As I am interested in finding out whether eco-living is merely a trend, or rather a lifestyle, I decided to calculate my carbon footprint. I wanted to see how I sized up to the 'average greenhouse gas emitting American', and was surprised to find that I am actually below..substantially below. Which initially made me happy; however, just how correct are carbon footprint calculators? (Probably not the most accurate, but they're just giving you a generalization--which is still better than not having a clue.
It turns out that my carbon footprint is 16 tons of CO2/year, which is better than the United States' national average of 27 tons of CO2/year, but still much worse than the global average of just 5.5 tons of CO2/year. So, if you think about it..it's a little sickening. US citizens are each consuming, on average, 27 tons of CO2/year, and yet the global average is still so low--which means that a substantial amount of people in various countries have about no carbon footprint. And, despite the fact that our nation is so developed, and we rely on tons of energy every day, it's still disturbing..haven't we yet 'developed' a way to clean up our act even a little bit--especially when our Canadian counterparts (who are just as developed) are using only 9.8 tons of CO2/year (per individual).
Zerofootprint is a company based in Canada, dedicated to helping people reduce their carbon footprints. This website is where I calculated my 'general' carbon footprint. Check it out..how do you size up?
It turns out that my carbon footprint is 16 tons of CO2/year, which is better than the United States' national average of 27 tons of CO2/year, but still much worse than the global average of just 5.5 tons of CO2/year. So, if you think about it..it's a little sickening. US citizens are each consuming, on average, 27 tons of CO2/year, and yet the global average is still so low--which means that a substantial amount of people in various countries have about no carbon footprint. And, despite the fact that our nation is so developed, and we rely on tons of energy every day, it's still disturbing..haven't we yet 'developed' a way to clean up our act even a little bit--especially when our Canadian counterparts (who are just as developed) are using only 9.8 tons of CO2/year (per individual).
Zerofootprint is a company based in Canada, dedicated to helping people reduce their carbon footprints. This website is where I calculated my 'general' carbon footprint. Check it out..how do you size up?
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
GREEN: Trend or Lifestyle?
So, it's become inevitable that 'going green' and eco-friendly purchasing have become what's called a trend. However, I'm curious. How knowledgeable are people when it comes to eco-purchasing/eco-living? I mean, I know (just from the little research that I've been doing) that 'green' is all over the internet, and that there's a green alternative for just about everything--from eating to shopping to exercising and sleeping. And, it's great! But I'm interested in finding out whether it's a trend that is still generating interest and purchasing power from documentaries like An Inconvinient Truth, or if it's subcontiously becoming the preferred way to live. (I'm hoping it's the latter; however, I'll be keeping ya posted.)
Personally, as of right now, I feel that green living is still at the interest stage. I think people are looking to bigger corporations to see if and how they are adapting. Furthermore, I've started some inital browsing on this topic and I came across a book titled Thepurplebook (green edition). Thepurplebook is dedicated to highlighting the best websites for online shopping--meaning the best products for your dollar..etc, but in the case of the fourth edition (the green edition), the best 'green' products for your buck.
To read an interview with co-author, Ian Anderson, click here.
Although this book doesn't quite begin to answer my questions on whether 'green' is more of a trend that exists more on the internet than an actual lifestyle..it actually kind of does. First of all, the fact that it is discussed on the internet AND, at the same time, is in print. And, second..the interview that I've linked discusses how this book is not only targeted toward people who already buy green, but anyone interested. Anyways, these are just my current thoughts.
..Completely ridiculous topic? Good? Any suggestions?
Personally, as of right now, I feel that green living is still at the interest stage. I think people are looking to bigger corporations to see if and how they are adapting. Furthermore, I've started some inital browsing on this topic and I came across a book titled Thepurplebook (green edition). Thepurplebook is dedicated to highlighting the best websites for online shopping--meaning the best products for your dollar..etc, but in the case of the fourth edition (the green edition), the best 'green' products for your buck.
To read an interview with co-author, Ian Anderson, click here.
Although this book doesn't quite begin to answer my questions on whether 'green' is more of a trend that exists more on the internet than an actual lifestyle..it actually kind of does. First of all, the fact that it is discussed on the internet AND, at the same time, is in print. And, second..the interview that I've linked discusses how this book is not only targeted toward people who already buy green, but anyone interested. Anyways, these are just my current thoughts.
..Completely ridiculous topic? Good? Any suggestions?
Monday, October 19, 2009
You don't have to wear green to be green
Today I got a manicure (which is the inspiration behind this posting). I've always hated the toxic smell, and it made me think, "There must be newer, more eco-friendly nailpolishes in existance." So, I checked it out, and it just so happens that there are. The top-rated eco-friendly nail polishes are:
1. OPI (which has, just recently, removed all toxic and harmful chemicals from its polish)
2. Suncoat
3. Acquarella
4. Honeybee Garden
5. Piggy Paint
Furthermore, all these polishes are, at least, partially water-based.
Moreover, it turns out that nail polish is actually the most toxic cosmetic. So, switching to one of these brands would really be beneficial--especially because these brands don't contain dibutyl phthalates (DBP), formaldehyde, and toulene.
1. OPI (which has, just recently, removed all toxic and harmful chemicals from its polish)
2. Suncoat
3. Acquarella
4. Honeybee Garden
5. Piggy Paint
Furthermore, all these polishes are, at least, partially water-based.
Moreover, it turns out that nail polish is actually the most toxic cosmetic. So, switching to one of these brands would really be beneficial--especially because these brands don't contain dibutyl phthalates (DBP), formaldehyde, and toulene.
- DBP: This is what gives polish its sheen; however, it also causes adverse reproductive and developmental progress. (Basically, you shouldn't wear nail polish when you're pregnant.)
- Formaldehyde: This is what cause polish to harden; however, it is known to be a human carcinogen, and can also cause: eye/nose/throat/skin irritation.
- Toulene: This is what gives polish its smooth look; however, it negatively affects the nervous system, causing headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
For further reading on this subject..check out this website.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
CauseWired: Spare the Paperwork
I really liked this chapter, but then again, I kind of like every chapter. CauseWired incorporates a medium that we are all know of/participate in--that being Facebook. Also, it discusses events that we've lived through, which makes it much more relatable and interesting. I find the concept of being 'causewired' really fascinating because, like this book says, although we may not accomplish much by means of raising money or evoking great change, we spur interest and knowledge--which is so much more powerful than what people initially realize.
Another aspect that I really like about this book, and, more specifically, this chapter, is that I've learned how biased the news is. They'll report the 'popular' and 'interesting' spin of an event just for a good story; however, that is awful. I like reading about average people who are advocating for change, and, at the same time, I like learning things that I didn't previously even realize correlated with such events from watching the news. And, concerning this chapter, I like when Watson states that, "The CauseWired phenomenon is intrinsically democratic. It puts the tools of attention, and fundraising, and action into the hands of any citizen who cares enough to use them." I like that because it's true..if you're truely dedicated to informing people on an event, you will because there is always someone else who shares your passion for justice.
Another aspect that I really like about this book, and, more specifically, this chapter, is that I've learned how biased the news is. They'll report the 'popular' and 'interesting' spin of an event just for a good story; however, that is awful. I like reading about average people who are advocating for change, and, at the same time, I like learning things that I didn't previously even realize correlated with such events from watching the news. And, concerning this chapter, I like when Watson states that, "The CauseWired phenomenon is intrinsically democratic. It puts the tools of attention, and fundraising, and action into the hands of any citizen who cares enough to use them." I like that because it's true..if you're truely dedicated to informing people on an event, you will because there is always someone else who shares your passion for justice.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Plants..going 'green'?
Today I bought a new plant (a peace lilly), and on the tag it read, "Helps purify the air naturally." And, I was curious about the topic, so I decided to further research the topic. This website provided information on the idea, and listed the top ten indoor cleaning plants; those being:
- lady palm
- spider plant
- bamboo palm
- sword fern
- areca palm
- blue daisy
- american rubber plant
- boston fern
- blue-eyed daisy
These types of plants have the ability to, when placed strategically around your home, actually detoxify air of its natural outgassed chemicals--and, as you already probably know, they also produce oxygen. However, it is not only beneficial for you to have plants, but it equally benefical for the environment. As aforementioned, having indoor plants elminates toxins in the air, which means that your home is holding less greenhouse gases that will eventually leak outside.
Still, the most tempting aspect of these 'natural air purifiers' is that many of them are used to growing the in shadows of tropical rainforests, so they don't require much location thought. Who knew 'going green' could be so easy and aesthetically pleasing?
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