Read 'n' Seed 6: Final Review of Environmental Epidemiology: Epidemiological Investigation of Community Environmental Health Problems

OVERVIEW

This book went through many aspects of environmental health from in the past. It talked about studies done about cholera outbreaks from water contamination, deaths from chemical leaks at plants, the quality of air, indoors and out, lead in drinking water, heat waves, drinking and driving, asthma due to living next to factories, and many other things. It was interesting to read about the findings of these studies. Some things they were able to figure out and cure or fix, other things took much longer to fix. It was very interesting and educational.

3 SIGNIFICANT THINGS

One of the things that I found the most significant was the "20 Minute Disaster". So much can happen in so little time, and we only have a limited time to think and act before we suffer the consequences. Many families died or were injured due to a chemical leak, and had almost no time to escape. It is something to learn from and hopefully avoid if it ever happens again.
Another thing that really stuck with me is the quality of water. So many things can be in our water causing disease and illness and we don't even know it. It would be nice to catch these things before they cause too much damage.
And finally, the study on drinking and driving in michigan was very significant. The changes they made reduced the number of accidents due to driving while drunk. If we could keep reducing the number of accidents, it could save many lives and save a ton of money.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

It is important to learn from the past so we can prepare for a more healthy future. By doing studies like the ones explained in the book, scientists can find ways to ensure that we are safe, and make the changes necessary for that to happen. Outbreaks like the ones in describedin the book can happen again, and if we can catch the signs early enough, it can be stopped before too many people are affected by it.

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

I would recommend this book. It's beneficial and educational. It is a little old, but it's important to know things about the history so things can be learned and changed in order to make for a better future. It was interesting to read, but at times it was confusing with all of the statistics and numbers. Overall, it was a good read and I learned a lot from it.

Share and Voice 8: Eco-Friendly and Organic Gift Ideas

http://www.findgift.com/Categories/Eco-Friendly/


With the holiday season coming up, some of us might be thinking about getting gifts for our friends and family. This website has many gift ideas that are eco-friendly and there are some great ideas on here! My roommate does a lot of creative cooking, and on this website I found organic vanilla. Definitely something she would be interested in! There is a coffee cup that looks like a plain paper cup that you would get at a coffee shop, but the title of the cup even says "I am not a paper cup". I thought that was really cute. There are some interesting things on this website and some great gift ideas! Check it out!

Eco-chic Lifestyle Change Week 10: Overall Project Reflection

MY SMART GOAL

My SMART Goal was to use a reusable water bottle instead of plastic water bottles. I was tired of having so many plastic bottles around my house and in my room. I bought a reusable bottle to carry around with me to class, work, driving, working out, and for just around the house. My goal was: "I will use a reusable water bottle everyday for the next ten weeks". I didn't make any changes to my goal, but I almost bought another bottle to have for at work so I would stop forgetting to bring it.

SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES

I did really well with my goal for the most part. I always remembered to bring it to class. When I started my walk to school, I always had my bottle in my hand. Not in my backpack, but in my hand where I knew I would use it. It was tough at times, because I would leave for work but forget my bottle at home. I only forgot maybe 2 or 3 times, but even so, I would have to use a plastic cup to drink out of, which I didn't like at all. I may possibly get another bottle to keep in my locker at work, that way I don't have to worry about forgetting it at home!

BENEFITS

Before beginning this project, I didn't really know much about plastic, and how bad it really is for the environment, and for my own health. Reusing a regular plastic bottle can have bad health effects. By using a reusable bottle, I save money, and reduce the amount of plastic being used and trashed on the planet. Although I do recycle, it is still possible for my plastic to get elsewhere.

CONTINUE BEHAVIOR?

I am most definitely continuing to use my bottle. It has become a habit and I'm proud of it. It is convenient, healthy, and simple. Something so small can change the environment so much. People see others making the trend of buying reusable bottles and it can influence them to do the same. I know it has influenced me!

RECOMMENDATIONS

My recommendations to someone making a lifestyle change would be to just keep with it. If you need to make changes, then make changes. Learn as you go. Educate and encourage others to change for the better. It really does make a difference!

Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 10 hosted by Amy@Eco-Chic with Amy.

Advocacy Project: Letter to Public Official

December 7, 2009
Senator Amy Klobuchar
United States Senate
302 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Honorable Senator Amy Klobuchar,

I am writing to you to encourage you to vote yes on H.R. 2093. This bill is working to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act). This amendment will require the EPA to use more specific criteria for monitoring recreational beaches, and the water connected with these beaches, for detecting pathogens that can alter human and animal health.

Waterborne pathogens that affect human health can include things such as E. Coli, salmonella, noroviruses, and “swimmer’s itch”. Noroviruses have the same symptoms as food poisoning. These kinds of illnesses can have a major impact on the health of individuals, especially the young and elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. A common way of waterborne illness occurring is from children with diapers, and fecal material getting into the waters. There can also be waters contaminated with mercury, which also infects the fish that humans eat. Most people don’t take the time to actually think about the kinds of bacteria that can be in water that they frequently fish from or swim in.

By voting yes on this bill, the number of outbreaks will be minimized and they can be caught early enough to take care of them before they infect large quantities of people and animals. The quicker the beach is closed, the quicker it can get cleaned up, and fewer infections will occur.

Feel free to contact me at any time, and thank you for your time and support.

Sincerely,
Danielle Scandinato