Chapter 14 discussed many topics that are relevant to our world today. While reading this chapter, it was interesting to learn more about air pollution, which is the existence of suspended particles and vapors in the air. It was striking to read that not only living creatures and toxic by-products polluted the air, but natural events also are a factor. There are two types of air pollutants which include naturally occurring and anthropogenic. Naturally occurring pollutants include ash from volcanic eruptions, which are particulate matter and anthropogenics are caused by stationary and mobile sources. Stationary sources include factories and power plants, while mobile sources include vehicles. The brownish haze, known as smog, is produced by the photochemical reaction of sunlight with nitrogen compounds, hydrocarbons, and other gases in vehicle exhaust. Although I don’t remember the air quality in China, my parents recalled how bad the smog was that flights would often be delayed because there was low to no visibility. The effects of smog are harmful to people, which include difficulty breathing, burning eyes, and nausea. It’s crazy to wrap my head around how bad the air quality is in China, and seeing pictures is saddening because it’s affecting billions of people who live in China.
(Donatelle, 2019, p. 334)
A different type of pollution affecting the environment is land pollution, in forms of solid waste and hazardous waste. I was not aware of how much solid waste a person generates and reading that it’s 4.5 pounds is shocking. As a whole, 258 million tons of trash is generated each year, and 34.6 percent of all municipal solid waste is recycled or composted. There are many strategies to reduce solid waste, which include source reduction and recycling. Source reduction is a type of waste prevention in which it is altering the design, use, or manufacture of products and materials. Recently, communities have made it an effort to ban the use of plastic bags, which are harmful to the environment because they are made from nonbiodegradable petroleum. I went into the city yesterday and when I was in the self-checkout at CVS, the computer had asked me if I used any plastic bags, and was going to charge me for the bags I used. However, I was purchasing a water and did not need a bag. I think it’s important for the city and other communities to do this to prevent the use of plastic bags, and to emphasize the importance of utilizing reusable bags. Recycling is another way to reduce waste in which it’s the sorting, collecting, and processing of materials to be reused in a new product. Whenever I am finished using a product, such as a soda can, or paper, I always make it a conscious effort to recycle that item. I always use my hydroflask to prevent myself to drinking from plastic water bottles and it also saves me money in the process.
(Donatelle, 2019, p. 342)
Lastly, I liked reading about the mindfulness module, where I was able to find ways where I mindful when it came to the environment and sustainability. I was able to read up on what environmental mindfulness means and I learned that it’s about realizing that the earth is not just merely a “thing”, but more importantly, it’s our home, it’s a giver of life that we need to protect in order to be healthy and to give the opportunity to future generations to live and grow, much like we are able to do now. The text emphasized that we need to learn not to be selfish, and to connect with what’s happening around us. Learning to live in a sustainable way can be tricky, but with time and effort, our actions make a life time difference for yourself and those around us. During this semester, I was a part of the Sustainability LLC, where we learned what food waste entailed, prepped and cooked a Vegan Thanksgiving, and the members of the LLC joined together for a Campus Cleanup. During the clean up, we picked up msw waste and recycled products. After the event was over, I felt as though I had made a positive impact on the environment, making it a cleaner place to live. I was happy that I could do my part in the community and eliminate the trash that was surrounding not only the campus, but the environment.
(Donatelle, 2019, p. 335)
Health Aspect:
Last week, I was able to squeeze in one gym session. I went on the stair climber and lifted for a short time. I had many assignments I wanted to get done, and had checked off a lot before I went home for the night on Thursday into Friday. I celebrated my birthday on Friday, but had a stressful morning at the RMV. I drove back to school to go to my staff meeting, where we picked schedules for next semester. It’s crazy how time flies and this semester went by in a snap of a finger. I had a nice dinner out with my friends to celebrate my birthday. With only three days left in the semester class wise, I am very stressed, but I am trying not to psych myself out and just work through each assignment one at a time.
Health Aspect 