JOURNAL
picture: mocoloco.com
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
Sustainable living is a lifestyle that attempts to reduce an individual's or society's use of the Earth's natural resources and his/her own resources.[1] Practitioners of sustainable living often attempt to reduce their carbon footprint by altering methods oftransportation, energy consumption and diet.[2] Proponents of sustainable living aim to conduct their lives in ways that are consistent with sustainability, in natural balance and respectful of humanity's symbiotic relationship with the Earth's naturalecology and cycles.[3] The practice and general philosophy of ecological living is highly interrelated with the overall principles of sustainable development.
picture: mocoloco.com
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
Sustainable living is a lifestyle that attempts to reduce an individual's or society's use of the Earth's natural resources and his/her own resources.[1] Practitioners of sustainable living often attempt to reduce their carbon footprint by altering methods oftransportation, energy consumption and diet.[2] Proponents of sustainable living aim to conduct their lives in ways that are consistent with sustainability, in natural balance and respectful of humanity's symbiotic relationship with the Earth's naturalecology and cycles.[3] The practice and general philosophy of ecological living is highly interrelated with the overall principles of sustainable development.
Thursday January 12th, 2012
Its hard to live in our world today and not feel guilty when you go to the store and spend money on clothes, electronics, food that has no nutritional value, and the way we spend so much money around the holidays especially Christmas. I know I often think, what am I doing? Do I really need this or is this just something else that I want? After spending four Christmas's away from my family when I finally spent one with them I found it almost sickening the amount of stress I felt to buy gifts, all the decorations, the chocolates, the list goes on... I remember spending Christmas in Australia where it seems so much more about spending time with family and not such a focus on gifts.
I often thought if I let the world get to me that I may as well live in a bubble, go off into the woods live in a shack and hunt for my food. During my travels I did spend many months in very remote areas, where I learned about self-sufficiently, farming and sustainable living. However, when I left I sometimes found myself back in reality, the material world. Although, during my travelling I did learn to understand the difference of wanting and needing. I lived out of a backpack for three years, never knowing what was next and living very frugally at times.
The question that comes to mind on this issue is "How and what can we do to continue living in this world through learning how live in a more sustainable way of life, without having to live in a bubble and spend our life in fear of whats going to happen next. How can we take advantage of this technical world and use it for good? The thought of going off and loving in the woods actually is very appealing to me. Not necessarily right now in this point in my life.. I mean is it really a realistic goal for the world? I think we need to focus on what we can do now to attain a realistic goal of sustainable living. In really feel in this particular topic its the small things that will really count and make a difference.
When I spent time abroad my passion for traveling grew as well as developing new passions for culture, global/ ethical issues, agriculture, languages and the strong desire to get more involved with world issues and make a difference. I plan to spend the next four years working towards my degree and gaining more work and volunteer experience relating to my passions. My hope is to work and live abroad focusing on agriculture and its relation to the issues of world hunger, educate people on where our food comes from and how it is grown. Eventually I would like to own and run my own hobby farm aiming towards self-sufficiency.
Nicole
Sunday January 22nd, 2012
Originally I was going to do my book reflection on a book titled: The Vanishing Face of Gaia - A Final Warning by James LoveLock however, there has been this book stuck in my mind since the day I found it in the Indigo bookstore in Charlottetown. After many weeks I finally decided to purchase the book on my Kobo ereader. The book is titled: Ethical Oil by: The Case for Canada's Oil Oilsands by Ezra Levant.
"Ezra Isaac Levant (born 1972) is a Canadian lawyer, conservative political activist and controversial media figure. He is the founder and former publisher of theWestern Standard, hosts The Source daily on Sun News Network, and has written several books on politics" (Wikipedia). The book
"Ethical Oil" was published in September 2010 which was "arguing a moral case for developing the Athabasca oil sands rather than importing oil from nations with bad records concerning human rights and the environment" (Wikipedia).
The book is very interesting and the word 'ethical' has a totally different meaning then I thought it would (I will write more about that in my book reflection). But what I have gather about the issue of the oil sands in Canada, is that people often seem to get a one point of view about an issue or topic forgetting that it goes much more deeper and far beyond what they realize is happening. If we only focus on the environmental affects oil sands are having on our earth we blind ourselves from the moral issues that are happening to the people. So question I find myself asking is where is this oil coming from? Is it ethical?
A last thought... I don't know if this is a question or a statement. "The earth can survive without us, but we cannot survive without the earth?"
Nicole
Originally I was going to do my book reflection on a book titled: The Vanishing Face of Gaia - A Final Warning by James LoveLock however, there has been this book stuck in my mind since the day I found it in the Indigo bookstore in Charlottetown. After many weeks I finally decided to purchase the book on my Kobo ereader. The book is titled: Ethical Oil by: The Case for Canada's Oil Oilsands by Ezra Levant.
"Ezra Isaac Levant (born 1972) is a Canadian lawyer, conservative political activist and controversial media figure. He is the founder and former publisher of theWestern Standard, hosts The Source daily on Sun News Network, and has written several books on politics" (Wikipedia). The book
"Ethical Oil" was published in September 2010 which was "arguing a moral case for developing the Athabasca oil sands rather than importing oil from nations with bad records concerning human rights and the environment" (Wikipedia).
The book is very interesting and the word 'ethical' has a totally different meaning then I thought it would (I will write more about that in my book reflection). But what I have gather about the issue of the oil sands in Canada, is that people often seem to get a one point of view about an issue or topic forgetting that it goes much more deeper and far beyond what they realize is happening. If we only focus on the environmental affects oil sands are having on our earth we blind ourselves from the moral issues that are happening to the people. So question I find myself asking is where is this oil coming from? Is it ethical?
A last thought... I don't know if this is a question or a statement. "The earth can survive without us, but we cannot survive without the earth?"
Nicole
Thursday January 26th, 2012
I am so happy that my mate Nathalie told me about this magazine named, "Verge" which I subscribed to for one year. Anyways, I got the first issue the other day which I have been reading and enjoying every page so far. There was one article that really stuck out to me titled: "Win-Win Trave.l." Jeff Minthorn the writer of the article writes about how tourism has the, "capacity to improve lives and communities when it occurs in a responsible and sustainable way."
I never really thought of it like this before. After travelling to Cancun, Mexico for an all exclusive trip for college in 2006 which after I told myself that I never wanted to subject myself to an experience like that again. I dunno, I just don't like that kind of travelling. Going to a place like Mexico only to consume food and alcohol spending the days lying in the sun. We did lots of activities, but I didn't feel like I got to experience the culture the way I would have liked to. Especially after backpacking for three years those kind of trips just don't do it for me anymore, there is no interest. Since I have been studying international studies these last few months my thoughts also began to change. That these trips were just horrible, especially after watching that video about the dairy industry in Jamaica. However, I have learned a valuable lesson here. You can't just base your opinion from watching one video or reading one article. I think this is what happens with these kind of issues... we end up focusing on one view point ( I think I wrote about this in my last journey entry) and we forget that there is a whole other side. So after I read this article I was able to see a different view point that I think is important. I think Minthorn is right when he says that tourism can improve the lives and communities, which makes me think of the people in Cuba. Cuban farmers for the first time in decades are being leased land to grow food which they can then sell to the resorts. I am not saying that I would change my mind because of this and go to one of these resorts but this is an example of using tourism in a responsible and sustainable way.
A few interesting highlights from this article:
- In 2008, "tourism accounted for 70 per cent of income in the world's poorest countries."
- "Responsible, sustainable tourism properly done, brings about a new benefit to the places we visit and the people who live there."
- "Tours and trips have, at their foundations, the ideas of preserving local culture, protecting the local environment, providing direct and indirect economic and social benefits for the local communities and, at the same time, fostering cross cultural understanding."
- "Now is not the time to stop travelling--it's simply the time to be more conscious of how we travel." - Jessica Lockhart, 'Verge' contributing editor
Nicole
February 4th, 2012
Brazil Promotes Study Abroad for its Students:
Article from: Verge Magazine, winter 2012
Over the last few weeks I've been reading lots of different articles that have been about encouraging young people to travel and study abroad. It makes me feel privileged to be able to be studying here at SSU where it is such a huge and important apart of the study program.
The president of Brazil is hoping to send 75,000 Brazilian students to different places around the world where they will be able to study at the top universities of the world, "The campaign is intended to develop to a more qualified Brazilian work force, particularly in the fields of science, technology and engineering" (Verge Magazine. Winter 2012. Page 11). They are hoping that this will benefit the Brazilian universities and make them more internationally recoginzed as well. However, "Critics question how the 75,000-student target was arrived at and weather there are actually that many qualified Brazilian students able (linguistically, logistically, and financially) to participate in these types of study abroad programmers. Others suggest that, rather than simply sending more Brazilian student abroad, it would be better to develop student exchange programmers with universities in other countries" (page 11).
Personally I think its a great idea. I think it is so important to travel and live amongst other cultures. Its amazing life experience that you just can't receive from regular education. When I traveled I felt like a finished with a degree in "Life." It gives you the opportunity if your willing to open your mind, to step outside your comfort zone and learn about people, different beliefs systems, values, lifestyle and everything related to culture. To combine travel and education together makes for a priceless education. The best thing about education is that it can never be taken from you, it is something that you will carry and have with you for the rest of your life.
These kinds of programs will benefit everyone, the students and the institutions creating international experiences, and academic partnerships.
I support the idea 100%!!!!!!
Nicole
Brazil Promotes Study Abroad for its Students:
Article from: Verge Magazine, winter 2012
Over the last few weeks I've been reading lots of different articles that have been about encouraging young people to travel and study abroad. It makes me feel privileged to be able to be studying here at SSU where it is such a huge and important apart of the study program.
The president of Brazil is hoping to send 75,000 Brazilian students to different places around the world where they will be able to study at the top universities of the world, "The campaign is intended to develop to a more qualified Brazilian work force, particularly in the fields of science, technology and engineering" (Verge Magazine. Winter 2012. Page 11). They are hoping that this will benefit the Brazilian universities and make them more internationally recoginzed as well. However, "Critics question how the 75,000-student target was arrived at and weather there are actually that many qualified Brazilian students able (linguistically, logistically, and financially) to participate in these types of study abroad programmers. Others suggest that, rather than simply sending more Brazilian student abroad, it would be better to develop student exchange programmers with universities in other countries" (page 11).
Personally I think its a great idea. I think it is so important to travel and live amongst other cultures. Its amazing life experience that you just can't receive from regular education. When I traveled I felt like a finished with a degree in "Life." It gives you the opportunity if your willing to open your mind, to step outside your comfort zone and learn about people, different beliefs systems, values, lifestyle and everything related to culture. To combine travel and education together makes for a priceless education. The best thing about education is that it can never be taken from you, it is something that you will carry and have with you for the rest of your life.
These kinds of programs will benefit everyone, the students and the institutions creating international experiences, and academic partnerships.
I support the idea 100%!!!!!!
Nicole
February 11th, 2012
As I was reading the book I'm reading for my book reflection, "Ethical Oil," I began to think about the truth in our society. With media, the news, internet, politics, corporations, organizations, and governments all wanting to become more known or richer how can we really know if what is being said or told to us is the truth??? I know I've said before that you can't just read one thing and base your whole opinion on an issue because of that, but when you read something that really has an affect on you its hard not to start asking questions and began to think about how things really are. I know there are good people out there... I've met them but, there is also a majority of people who don't care and would do anything to climb to the top of the ladder. People who would lie, steal, and hurt just for their own personal gain. Its a scary thought, and it makes me uncomfortable... especially from what I've been reading in this book!! I know you can't believe everything you hear... but it can sure have an effect on you. And sadly many people are not well enough educated or just don't know what the heck is actually going on! I dunno, its so hard to be studying all this and not get really involved. I guess that means I have lots to look forward to when I finish my studies!!
Nicole
As I was reading the book I'm reading for my book reflection, "Ethical Oil," I began to think about the truth in our society. With media, the news, internet, politics, corporations, organizations, and governments all wanting to become more known or richer how can we really know if what is being said or told to us is the truth??? I know I've said before that you can't just read one thing and base your whole opinion on an issue because of that, but when you read something that really has an affect on you its hard not to start asking questions and began to think about how things really are. I know there are good people out there... I've met them but, there is also a majority of people who don't care and would do anything to climb to the top of the ladder. People who would lie, steal, and hurt just for their own personal gain. Its a scary thought, and it makes me uncomfortable... especially from what I've been reading in this book!! I know you can't believe everything you hear... but it can sure have an effect on you. And sadly many people are not well enough educated or just don't know what the heck is actually going on! I dunno, its so hard to be studying all this and not get really involved. I guess that means I have lots to look forward to when I finish my studies!!
Nicole
February 16th, 2012
I was reading a section in my Verge magazine this morning on eco-friendly and community based vacations. Its really interesting and sounds like an amazing experience... why have I not hear about this before and why is this something that's not being more promoted and focused on? Well I don't know the answer exactly but, I can imagine it has to do with money... everything always does.
"The footprints left by tourists can have significant cultural and environmental impacts-but they don't need to be negative ones ("Tread Lightly." Jessica Lockhart, Jemma Young and Arden Jobling-Hey. Verge: 21).
This article talks about how the present day "backpacking mantra," tourists who take photos and leave their personal footprints .However, these footprints are not always good These backpackers, combined with tourists can be, "detrimental to a country's socio-economic, environmental and cultural preservation" (verge: 21).
Were talking about sustainability living in this course, but its not just how we live together as a community and individually but how we choose to live and act sustainability in other parts of our lives as well. For example, travelling which is the main topic in this article. There is so much opportunity in our present day world to travel around the world, meet new people, try new things and be apart of life changing culture experiences.
"Now is not the time to stop travelling-it's simply he time to change how we travel. By choosing adventures and activities that are good for the heart, the spirit, the environment and the mind, tourists can contribute to the development of communities-all while minimizing negative environmental impacts" (verge 21).
The first section of this article talks about "Eco-friendly Transportation." There are so many amazing opportunities!!!! Approximately between 5-16% of greenhouse gas emissions come from the tourism industry, the article highlights some amazing ways to help us cut back.
Nicole
I was reading a section in my Verge magazine this morning on eco-friendly and community based vacations. Its really interesting and sounds like an amazing experience... why have I not hear about this before and why is this something that's not being more promoted and focused on? Well I don't know the answer exactly but, I can imagine it has to do with money... everything always does.
"The footprints left by tourists can have significant cultural and environmental impacts-but they don't need to be negative ones ("Tread Lightly." Jessica Lockhart, Jemma Young and Arden Jobling-Hey. Verge: 21).
This article talks about how the present day "backpacking mantra," tourists who take photos and leave their personal footprints .However, these footprints are not always good These backpackers, combined with tourists can be, "detrimental to a country's socio-economic, environmental and cultural preservation" (verge: 21).
Were talking about sustainability living in this course, but its not just how we live together as a community and individually but how we choose to live and act sustainability in other parts of our lives as well. For example, travelling which is the main topic in this article. There is so much opportunity in our present day world to travel around the world, meet new people, try new things and be apart of life changing culture experiences.
"Now is not the time to stop travelling-it's simply he time to change how we travel. By choosing adventures and activities that are good for the heart, the spirit, the environment and the mind, tourists can contribute to the development of communities-all while minimizing negative environmental impacts" (verge 21).
The first section of this article talks about "Eco-friendly Transportation." There are so many amazing opportunities!!!! Approximately between 5-16% of greenhouse gas emissions come from the tourism industry, the article highlights some amazing ways to help us cut back.
- Drive a team of reindeer across Swedish LapLand - swedishlapland.com/en
- Snowshoe through the French Alps - chamonix/com/hikes-in-winter,30,en.html
- Saddle up to tour Mongolia - gertoger.org
- Swim to the next island in Croatia - swimtrek.com
- Bicycle through the Netherlands on a self-guided tour - vvvzuidlimburg.nl/index_en.aspx
- Go "Glamping" in Chile - ecocamp.travel
- Sleep in an earth-sheltered hostel in Ireland - gyreum.com
- Swing from the treetops in India - tourindiakerala.com
- Bunker down in a Japanese capsule hotel - capsuleinn.com
- Listen to the rainforest at night from a Caribbean ecological research station - iwokrama.org
- Be awed by Ecuador's natural splendour - santaluciaecuador.com
- Spread the love and the wealth throughout Belize - teabelize.org
- Experience Ethiopia through the eyes of a local guide - community-tourism - ethiopia.com
- Explore the Masai Mara and support guide training for local Kenyan youth - basecampexplorer.com
- Island hop your way around Thailand - andamandiscoveries.com
- Became a game ranger in Africa - janegoodall.co.za/index.asp
- Help save endangered wildlife in the Mediterranean - kateliosgroup.org, supovi.hr
- Install solar panels in developing regions - powertothepeople.org, gridalternatives.org, or self.org
- Contribute to marine conservation worldwide - reefcheck.org, seahorse.fisheries.ubc.ca.
- WWOOF Around the World - wwoof.org
Nicole
February 24th, 2012
I like the idea of land ethic's which is an idea/ term I learned about last night at the movie night here at SSU. The movie: Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and A Land Ethic For Our Time was a documentary about Leopold who is known as one of the greatest conservationists. He asks how do we live on planet earth without spoiling it?
We talked about what ethics are, a set of moral principles that govern how we live (moral code). They arise when we live in community with each other, they don’t happen on our own. Our relationship with others. Aldo says that we need to evolve from where we are in terms of our ethics not just around our social community but expand our ethics to the land as well. It needs to include the bio-region, not just the people. Relationship with the land, the air, water, animals etc. Until we evolve to that point we are not going to fix our problems. When we do our problems will be solved…If we think of ourselves living in community and we think of these people as biological people of the land then we change our attitude from conquers to people respect the land and look after it. Think of ourselves as members and a citizen of the land. If we have a relationship with this community then we have an ecological conscious.An ethic is not a law imposed on a government, it’s a change in our affections and loyalty to our relationships. In this case our bio-region. The whole idea of land ethics really gets deep with me, I had a strong connection with the term. Because of that work I have done in the past when travelling I got to experience this relationship with the land, with nature, the air, the water and the animals. I experienced what it felt like to be at one with what is around us. to feel apart of creation, and of the living earth. I don't think we necessarily have to go out into the bush like I have done to experience this, but I think if you choose to you can experience it now. But like we learned last night it takes an effort, you sometimes have to sacrifice and step outside what you know, your comfort zone. But when you step beyond you learn, you grow and you may even discover a passion or something you never knew before.
Nicole
I like the idea of land ethic's which is an idea/ term I learned about last night at the movie night here at SSU. The movie: Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and A Land Ethic For Our Time was a documentary about Leopold who is known as one of the greatest conservationists. He asks how do we live on planet earth without spoiling it?
We talked about what ethics are, a set of moral principles that govern how we live (moral code). They arise when we live in community with each other, they don’t happen on our own. Our relationship with others. Aldo says that we need to evolve from where we are in terms of our ethics not just around our social community but expand our ethics to the land as well. It needs to include the bio-region, not just the people. Relationship with the land, the air, water, animals etc. Until we evolve to that point we are not going to fix our problems. When we do our problems will be solved…If we think of ourselves living in community and we think of these people as biological people of the land then we change our attitude from conquers to people respect the land and look after it. Think of ourselves as members and a citizen of the land. If we have a relationship with this community then we have an ecological conscious.An ethic is not a law imposed on a government, it’s a change in our affections and loyalty to our relationships. In this case our bio-region. The whole idea of land ethics really gets deep with me, I had a strong connection with the term. Because of that work I have done in the past when travelling I got to experience this relationship with the land, with nature, the air, the water and the animals. I experienced what it felt like to be at one with what is around us. to feel apart of creation, and of the living earth. I don't think we necessarily have to go out into the bush like I have done to experience this, but I think if you choose to you can experience it now. But like we learned last night it takes an effort, you sometimes have to sacrifice and step outside what you know, your comfort zone. But when you step beyond you learn, you grow and you may even discover a passion or something you never knew before.
Nicole
March 4th, 2012
So I came home this weekend for March break. My mum just finished painting the kitchen, it looks great... I love it. But being home and away from school I can't seem to brush away the word consumerism from my mind. My mum is not over the top or anything, shes like anyone else...however, she doesn't spend heaps of money on technology, just what she needs but she loves decorating her home and buying clothes. Her wardrobe is nicer then mind but she is a sale shopper with everything so I give her that... she rarely pays full price for anything... lucky I learned that trick from her! But its hard, even though I am studying and learning about the world we live in its hard to ignore the world we live in. It is hard not to get caught up in that whole consumerism thing. I mean one day I want a home, I want it to look nice... I feel guilty sometimes about that, kind of like a hypocrite? Its really hard. I don't want to make people feel bad... and we have to live, but the question is what do we need, like really need to live? But the what do we need to be accepted in society... I mean we have to look nice to get a job, we have to keep our yards tidy so we can keep our neighbors happy... I think its goes far beyond simple... I dunno... its just a thought.
Nicole
So I came home this weekend for March break. My mum just finished painting the kitchen, it looks great... I love it. But being home and away from school I can't seem to brush away the word consumerism from my mind. My mum is not over the top or anything, shes like anyone else...however, she doesn't spend heaps of money on technology, just what she needs but she loves decorating her home and buying clothes. Her wardrobe is nicer then mind but she is a sale shopper with everything so I give her that... she rarely pays full price for anything... lucky I learned that trick from her! But its hard, even though I am studying and learning about the world we live in its hard to ignore the world we live in. It is hard not to get caught up in that whole consumerism thing. I mean one day I want a home, I want it to look nice... I feel guilty sometimes about that, kind of like a hypocrite? Its really hard. I don't want to make people feel bad... and we have to live, but the question is what do we need, like really need to live? But the what do we need to be accepted in society... I mean we have to look nice to get a job, we have to keep our yards tidy so we can keep our neighbors happy... I think its goes far beyond simple... I dunno... its just a thought.
Nicole
March 11th, 2012
I've been thinking a lot about human beings and what makes us... over the last few months I have realized that humans are by nature very selfish beings. This doesn't mean I don't think there is good people in the world, I traveled for 3 years and I met people who opened their home to me, gave me a bed to sleep, fed me and others who taught me more about my faith and who I was as a person. About a year and a half ago I read a book called "The 5 Love Languages," (Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Gifts, Acts of Service & Physical Touch), it describes what the languages mean. We all have a love tank within us and we each have a love language, when we don't receive that love language our love tanks remain empty and we don't feel loved. This book really helped in my self development and helped me with my relationships with others in understanding their love languages. So what I am getting at is, yes I am a selfish being... I don't mean that I intentionally mean to be selfish, and I don't do things purposefully to hurt people. I am a caring person and I would do anything for anyone but let me explain what I mean with an example. One of my love languages is "Words of Affirmation." In order for me to feel loved I need people to say things like, "good job, thank-you, you look nice today," etc. When I don't receive this or I feel like its not meaningful my love tank is empty, I feel alone, unwanted and not loved. Its really funny and it sounds cheesy but its true. When I receive words of affirmation I feel loved, and wanted and my love tank feels full. Therefore, I do things because I want to, I like to do things that brings people pleasure like baking and cooking, complimenting, giving gifts and such but also because in turn I hope I will receive affirmation for what I am doing... Its a way I express love, by words and its the way I need to be given love in return.. that's what I mean by selfish. I treat people that way I want to be treated. That's the interesting thing about the love languages. Usually when people do things that means that is their love language. People who always hug and touch others means that their love language is probably physical touch. People who always give gifts.. that's probably theirs and so on.... Its a really great book, and I have been thinking a lot about it lately, what my love languages are and what other peoples around me are.... I really want to focus on this more over the next 5 weeks, especially living in community.
Nicole :)
March 12th, 2012
I am writing a Literature essay on the:
"The Human Grief Experience of Immigrants In Another Country:
The Culture Demands & Expectations"
It has been very interesting to research and learn about. I am focusing on a writer, Bharati Mukherjee who was born in India but immigrated to Canada and then finally the United States. In many of her fictional stories she reflects on personal experiences as an immigrant: finding her identity as an immigrant among other immigrants, the racism in societies towards immigrants and finally finding contentment as an immigrant.
I don't think we sometimes realize the importance of one's culture. In my essay I write that:
Culture is like a method. A method we share, that we use together to live among one another in our communities. It is a method of sharing one another’s worldviews, beliefs, values, customs, behaviours so we can get along in our world and with each other. Human beings learn their culture from the moment they breathe life from their parents, their family, friends, governments, peers, their environment until the moment they die. Culture is an important part of ones life because it contributes to our feelings of purpose, to our identity, our acceptance within our community and how we live our lives. However, it not only affects us personally but between our relationships as well both within our communities and internationally. If you look at our present day world you can see how different cultures affect our relationships with one another, how they play a huge role in politics, governments, world issues, wars, the economy, religion, and how people respond emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually to these.
Grief is something people experience when there is a drastic change to their life, or maybe a way to deal with loss of loosing someone. Therefore, when one experiences a culture change there can be a time period of grieving. This is often common among immigrants, leaving their homeland to move to another country. Through my own personal experiences and research on this topic, I think people need to start being more educated on different cultures so we don't just judge someone right away because they think, or believe in something different then we do. If we are going to live among each other we need to learn about one another, we need to learn to accept people for who they are and where they come from, and eventually learn to love the.m.
Nicole
March 23rd, 2012
I came across an interesting read in "The Globe and Mail" the other day. The article was titled, "Why tips on healthy eating often leave a bitter taste-- Ethnic communities with higher rates of heart disease and diabetes can't fight their genes, but they can improve their diets. So how do you change the menu when it's fried in oil and steeped in culture?" (Dakshana Bascaramurty reports).
So I read this article and thought about it for a few minutes.... man not only would it be hard to immigrate to another country leaving behind family, friends, everything you know, and then on top of that have to completely change your eating habits!!! I love food and I have traveled having to leave behind some of my favorite things but I always enjoy the new food I try and eat however, to immigrate to a totally different culture finding out that what you eat is considered unhealthy, and a risk for you health would almost be devastating!!! It was the other way around for ma considering I come from "Western Culture" where we eat processed "Western Food" so anything I eat in another country is probably much better for me and less processed anyways... lol.
Anyways, the thought that came to mind was how these people have lived for generations eating this type of food and then they come here and get heart disease and diabetes... to me something doesn't quite fit. Maybe its because when us westerners sit down to eat a meal we put massive amounts of food on our plates, and we spend most of our days sitting on our ass on our computers or in front of the tv. My dream world would be a world where we can enjoy good, healthy food that we've grown (from the ground) and not have to worry about going to the gym because we all live healthy, active living lifestyles working on our gardens, growing food, walking everywhere instead of having to use our vehicles all the time... I dunno I would think this has some affect to why these immigrants often come to our country healthier but end up with healthy issues..... I remember when I was studying at Holland College in Prince Edward Island we learned of a study they did up in Northern Canada among the native peoples. They gave two groups of people the same diet but one group was given vehicles for transport, guns for hunting, etc where the other group was stuck with using older methods.... the results were interesting... The people who used the hunter/ gather methods had a lower body fat percentage then those who used cars and such. Yet, they both ate the same diet.... Interesting. I worked with a man from Japan once who said most of what they eat now over there is Western food, sure they still all look fit and thin but if you were to take a majority of the peoples body fat percentage it would be high.
The point I am trying to get at here is I don't think its the food necessarily. Sure our food is probably way more processed and has more preservatives in it then many other countries such as South East Asia or Africa, but surely these people wouldn't have to change their diet if they continues living the lifestyle they lived back in their home country... but they can they? Why walk 2km when you can just hop on public transit or drive your car. Maybe what we need to be doing is changing our lifestyles and adopting some of these peoples culture instead of trying to change their culture to ours. You think we would have got the hint already....................... Maybe I'm just blabbering on here but I hope I am making some sense... I am passionate about culture, food and being healthy. But surely there is more to it. I think we need to look at our "Western" lifestyle here before we go around trying to change everyone else's.
Nicole
I came across an interesting read in "The Globe and Mail" the other day. The article was titled, "Why tips on healthy eating often leave a bitter taste-- Ethnic communities with higher rates of heart disease and diabetes can't fight their genes, but they can improve their diets. So how do you change the menu when it's fried in oil and steeped in culture?" (Dakshana Bascaramurty reports).
So I read this article and thought about it for a few minutes.... man not only would it be hard to immigrate to another country leaving behind family, friends, everything you know, and then on top of that have to completely change your eating habits!!! I love food and I have traveled having to leave behind some of my favorite things but I always enjoy the new food I try and eat however, to immigrate to a totally different culture finding out that what you eat is considered unhealthy, and a risk for you health would almost be devastating!!! It was the other way around for ma considering I come from "Western Culture" where we eat processed "Western Food" so anything I eat in another country is probably much better for me and less processed anyways... lol.
Anyways, the thought that came to mind was how these people have lived for generations eating this type of food and then they come here and get heart disease and diabetes... to me something doesn't quite fit. Maybe its because when us westerners sit down to eat a meal we put massive amounts of food on our plates, and we spend most of our days sitting on our ass on our computers or in front of the tv. My dream world would be a world where we can enjoy good, healthy food that we've grown (from the ground) and not have to worry about going to the gym because we all live healthy, active living lifestyles working on our gardens, growing food, walking everywhere instead of having to use our vehicles all the time... I dunno I would think this has some affect to why these immigrants often come to our country healthier but end up with healthy issues..... I remember when I was studying at Holland College in Prince Edward Island we learned of a study they did up in Northern Canada among the native peoples. They gave two groups of people the same diet but one group was given vehicles for transport, guns for hunting, etc where the other group was stuck with using older methods.... the results were interesting... The people who used the hunter/ gather methods had a lower body fat percentage then those who used cars and such. Yet, they both ate the same diet.... Interesting. I worked with a man from Japan once who said most of what they eat now over there is Western food, sure they still all look fit and thin but if you were to take a majority of the peoples body fat percentage it would be high.
The point I am trying to get at here is I don't think its the food necessarily. Sure our food is probably way more processed and has more preservatives in it then many other countries such as South East Asia or Africa, but surely these people wouldn't have to change their diet if they continues living the lifestyle they lived back in their home country... but they can they? Why walk 2km when you can just hop on public transit or drive your car. Maybe what we need to be doing is changing our lifestyles and adopting some of these peoples culture instead of trying to change their culture to ours. You think we would have got the hint already....................... Maybe I'm just blabbering on here but I hope I am making some sense... I am passionate about culture, food and being healthy. But surely there is more to it. I think we need to look at our "Western" lifestyle here before we go around trying to change everyone else's.
Nicole
March 26th, 2012
On Childhood Obesity.... "Dieting - because Mommy said so" (The Globe and Mail, Tralee Pearce).
When I read articles like this I get really pissed off. At the age of seven a little girl is put on a diet from her mother after the doctor said her daughter was, "clinically obese." First off why is a seven year old child obese in the first place? Has this child been taught about their eating habits? What kind of lifestyle does she live?
I remember my childhood well, I don't think I was ever deprived of treats but my mom didn't buy a lot of processed junk... she cooked hearty meals and baked lots. Of course she brought treats into the house the odd time. We were aloud to watch tv and play Nintendo for a certain amount of time but we were always playing outside and lived active lives. I guess this probably has a lot to do with my parents habits and hobbies, they are pretty outdoors people... camping, hiking, yard work and such. I don't know why at the age of 15 that food became such an obsession and that I suffered from both anorexia and bulimia and an over obsession with exercising for many years. My mom never understood, yet I haven't really understood it all either. But I grew up in a family that loves food, we love to eat. My mom always said, "Nicole eat what you want and don't worry about it." When I look back on what she said I understand... she wasn't implying that I just go ahead and gorge myself in loads of food and junk... but just to be able to enjoy what I am eating and not worry weather its going to cause me to put on 15lbs or whatever. I've learned its all about balancing what you eat, and of course balancing out my life. So I wonder why a seven year old little girl is being diagnosed as "Clinically Obese?" We already live in a society where image is a HUGE deal... it consumes many of our lives through dieting, exercising, what we read in magazines, watch on tv and movies, see and hear about in the media... I can't imagine grabbing a drink out of a child's hand and throwing it into the garbage can because the man behind the counter at the cafe couldn't answer the question to how many calories were in the drink!!! I mean come on! But then I wonder how much knowledge this mother has? Sooooo many people have no idea about healthy eating, or any idea about food!!! I know for a fact hot chocolate is loaded with sugar which usually means it is high in calories, I know there is no nutritional value to it... so if I am going to take my child to the cafe for one (for a treat) I'm gonna know... otherwise I don't take her to the cafe to buy a hot chocolate.
As someone who has a background and college education in health and fitness as well as a love and passion for it all I feel the most important thing is looking at the whole picture. Enough of this diet shit, I mean come on how long does that last for? This isn't just for dieting but for exercising as well. What we need to do is look at the our over all lifestyles. I enjoy eating healthy, but I enjoy what I eat. If I like salad dressing on my salad then I look for a healthier option... if I want chocolate I go for dark instead of milk.. but I still treat myself sometimes. I have a huge sweet tooth! I enjoy exercising and do things I really enjoy so it doesn't seem like I have to do it, or its work. I enjoy it. I think that's what people have to do, not just have a month goal of losing 5lbs, but having a life goal. A goal to live a better, healthier life. If we learn to do that then hopefully the younger generation will see it and do it as well. Children observe, they watch our every move... so for a child to be obese at the age of seven, something is going on. People need to be more educated, parents, guardians, the schools, CHILDREN need to be more educated.
I hate the thought of anyone having to go through what I went through with hating my body and battling eating disorders. And by putting your child on some sort of diet, ripping drinks out of her hand and yelling at people and not letting her eat a salad because there is to much dressing on it can't be doing much for that child's self esteem. She is only seven, this is her time to be a child, enjoy life and be able to indulge in treats and not have a care in the world!!! They are going to have enough to deal with as they get older, why put it on them now? I dunno, maybe I'm just rambling on here... but when I read this article I felt many different things... I know for on thing though, I wouldn't just go by what the doctor said... I would probably seek other professional advice or help such as a dietitian and Councillor so as not to damage my child emotionally and physically. I could write about this for hours.... Hummm thoughts?
Nicole
April 2nd, 2012
The Vanishing Face of Gaia:
A Final Warning
James
LOVELOCK
Foreword
By Martin Rees
Rees introduces the book by defining "Gaia - the idea that the Earth's biosphere behaves as though it were a single organism" (xi) The term Gaia comes from one of the most known "original and influential living scientists: James LoveLock" (xi).
LoveLock believes that the earth's species are causing a lot of unnecessary stress, which could further cause the earth to become inhabitable to humans. He also claims that we may have already passed the "point of no return" (xi).
I: The Journey in Space and Time
To begin LoveLock begins by telling us how important the word "Icons" is to us. The reason I felt that he tells us this is because so many of us need to see in order to believe, to be able to grasp the idea that something exists. He uses the "blue-white vision of the Earth first seen from space by astronauts," which is one of the greatest icons.
The earth from the ground tells our eyes that it is flat. However, from space it is round (spherical). When I was living and traveling in New Zealand in 2009 I took the risk and experienced sky-diving. It was here that I, for the first got to see that the earth is in fact round. An incredible moment and realization.
The first few pages of this chapter really stuck out to me. LoveLock shares a very strong yet honest opinion of how we take for granted Gaia. "Perhaps we no longer need to see the Earth in reality when we can see is so well on Google" (2). This statement speaks volumes of truth I think because with the use of Google we have access to pictures that allow us to ignore what might be actually happening, what we see may be out dated or skewed.
LoveLock continues on by saying how important it is that we actually see the earth, "because our lives wholly dependent upon the living earth," (2) not Google.
Nicole
The Vanishing Face of Gaia:
A Final Warning
James
LOVELOCK
Foreword
By Martin Rees
Rees introduces the book by defining "Gaia - the idea that the Earth's biosphere behaves as though it were a single organism" (xi) The term Gaia comes from one of the most known "original and influential living scientists: James LoveLock" (xi).
LoveLock believes that the earth's species are causing a lot of unnecessary stress, which could further cause the earth to become inhabitable to humans. He also claims that we may have already passed the "point of no return" (xi).
I: The Journey in Space and Time
To begin LoveLock begins by telling us how important the word "Icons" is to us. The reason I felt that he tells us this is because so many of us need to see in order to believe, to be able to grasp the idea that something exists. He uses the "blue-white vision of the Earth first seen from space by astronauts," which is one of the greatest icons.
The earth from the ground tells our eyes that it is flat. However, from space it is round (spherical). When I was living and traveling in New Zealand in 2009 I took the risk and experienced sky-diving. It was here that I, for the first got to see that the earth is in fact round. An incredible moment and realization.
The first few pages of this chapter really stuck out to me. LoveLock shares a very strong yet honest opinion of how we take for granted Gaia. "Perhaps we no longer need to see the Earth in reality when we can see is so well on Google" (2). This statement speaks volumes of truth I think because with the use of Google we have access to pictures that allow us to ignore what might be actually happening, what we see may be out dated or skewed.
LoveLock continues on by saying how important it is that we actually see the earth, "because our lives wholly dependent upon the living earth," (2) not Google.
Nicole