The Story of Cosmetics and Story of Bottled Water

So earlier this year, January 31st to be exact, I did a blogpost on the STORY OF STUFF... It was through this great website that I stumbled upon. Well since then The Story of Stuff has become a Project and more informative videos have been released.

With over 12 million on-line views, The Story of Stuff is one of the most widely viewed environmental-themed short films of all time. Since its release in December 2007, The Story of Stuff has been shown in thousands of schools, houses of worship, community events and businesses around the world.
The Story of Stuff Project was created by Annie Leonard to leverage and extend the film’s impact. We amplify public discourse on a series of environmental, social and economic concerns and facilitate the growing Story of Stuff community’s involvement in strategic efforts to build a more sustainable and just world.

 I recently watched two more videos which were the Story of Cosmetics and the Story of Bottled Water.
The Story of Cosmetics was only 8 mins long, but in those very short minutes I was enlightened
so much. She discusses how a lot of the the beauty products that both men and women use such as shampoos, conditioners, shaving cream, lotions, lip sticks, etc are actually really hazardous to our health. Also she talks about how the FDA really has no direct policing policies on these industries.. Prolonged use of these products are actually detrimental to our health. She even talked about how perms (relaxers) are so very bad for you and how the harsh chemicals can be absorbed into your body and mentioned that it can also be detrimental to beauty standards...she really "hit the nail on the head."

The other video was on the Story of Bottled Water...amazing! Very concise and she really unearthed the "Conspiracy" that these companies have used to brainwash soo many American consumers. For example, both Dasani and Aquafina have admitted to bottling filtered tap water. I must say since last year I have gotten a lot better with reducing my consumption of bottle water and just using my Filter and a reusable water bottle (check out this blogpost that I did on "Doing YOUR Part")...sidenote: but it seems as though since I've been home for the summer, I havent been doing so well on that because the fridge in my house is full of bottle water....Anyways.. Annie does a remarkable job of coming up with effective solutions and just informing you on how using and buying bottled water can be detrimental to the environment and each other.

Below are the videos..ENJOY!





Oh and I decided to use the above picture because I think it really made a statement...we shop and then we take out so much trash...If we had less things, we would have less trash...oh Consumerism.
Until Next Time...

Making Glasses for Haiti

So last week was just one of those weeks... it wasn't necessarily bad, but I wouldn't want to do it over again. Anyways yesterday turned out to be a good day after I volunteered with NOSA. So NOSA (National Optometric Students Association) is one of the organizations that I am a part of; actually I'll be President next year, which is kind of exciting.. (I'll make another blogpost sometime about NOSA, in the meantime check out the link) Anyways we volunteered with a local black optometrist in St. Louis and made glasses to send to Haiti.

So hmm...how do you make glasses? I didn't know until yesterday. Here is a rough outline, hope it isn't too confusing.

1. The lens were marked with the optical center (which was done with a lensometer) We had a lot of prescriptions lenses ranging from (-.50 to -6.00 D) that were all one large circular shape.

2. So we got trial lens frames, frames with lens without any prescription (that were donated from various optometrists)  and popped the lens out. This took some force, it took me a while at first with some coaching from the optometrists cause I was scared I was going to break the frames...lol.

2. Anyways once you pop the lens out. You put the frames in a machine that traces the shape of the glasses frame.

3. Set the interpupillary distance and mount the lens using the optical center marking that was done earlier. Then that machine sends the information it to the lens grinder. It literally cuts the lens with water and sand and this other stuff.

4.You pull the lens out, heat up the frame and then pop each prescription lens back into the original frame.

It was so crazy!! It was like man I just made some glasses. I know this might sound confusing, because at first it was, but once you got the hang of it, it was pretty easy. Between the five of us, we ended up having an pseudo-assembly line going... and ended up making about 20 glasses. we didn't finish all, but we had been there for a while.

Oh and the Doctor who had his own practice was pretty cool. He was an UMSL graduate and his practice was pretty afrocentric. I He had lots of black figurines, african print, an african drum, portraits of Malcom X, MLK, this Choices portrait that really stood out to me, it was a tiny bit cluttered but really different. like seeing people's practices so I can get more ideas for my own. I loved it!

After that we headed to the loop to get some "Mexican food" was pretty cool. It is nice volunteering and feeling like I am making a difference instead of studying for tests/exams all the time. Needless to say, this is one of those times that I am so happy that I am in optometry school. It helps me stay motivated and exciting about my career choice. In 2 weeks I will be 25% of an optometrist...lol. Just 3 more years..

Until Next Time...

One for One- BareFoot

So I recently discovered the company TOM's shoes.. About two weeks ago, one of my classmates came to class without shoes. This seemed a bit odd, especially when he went to the restroom without shoes (yuck!). So instead of completely judging him, I decided to ask him why he didn't have on any shoes and he told me all about TOM's shoes and what a great company it is and how for every shoe you buy, the company donates a pair of shoes to a child in a country that is unable to afford them. Then he told about the "Day without Shoes" which occurs on April 8th. It is exactly what it says it is...the day is supposed to bring awareness to the millions of children/people around the world that are unable to afford proper shoes. I thank my classmate for having the courage to participate in this movement, in spite of the judgment that people in professional school may pass on him.


I know that in the morning when I am getting ready to go to class, I don't stress out about NOT having shoes to wear, I am usually more concerned with what shoe will look better with my outfit...Honestly I want to purchase a pair a Tom's shoes, but maybe later on in the summer, when I start making some money. Below is some facts that I got from their website. Enjoy!


One Day Without Shoes is the day we spread awareness about the impact a simple pair of shoes can have on a child’s life. On April 8th, we ask people to go the day, part of the day or even just a few minutes, barefoot, to experience a life without shoes first-hand, and inspire others at the same time.

It’s Hard Without Shoes

Through everyday encounters with domestic poverty, we are reminded to appreciate having food and shelter, but most of us all but forget about our feet. Food, shelter, AND shoes facilitate life’s fundamentals. Imagine a life without shoes; constantly aware of the ground in front of you, suffering regular cuts and scrapes, tending to infection after each walk, and enduring not only terrain, but heat and cold.

The problem is large, but the solution is simple. Wearing shoes and practicing basic hygiene can prevent both infection and disease due to unsafe roads and contaminated soil. By imagining a life barefoot, we can all contribute to the awareness of these conditions. On April 8th, communities, campuses, organizations, and individuals are banding together to walk barefoot for One Day Without Shoes.

Take a walk with us on April 8th, 2010.

Facts:

• In some developing nations, children must walk for miles to school, clean water and to seek medical help.
• Cuts and sores on feet can lead to serious infection.
• Often, children cannot attend school barefoot.
• In Ethiopia, approximately one million people are suffering from Podoconiosis, a debilitating and disfiguring disease caused by walking barefoot in volcanic soil.
• Podoconiosis is 100% preventable with proper foot hygiene.

Until Next Time...

Sustainability on my Alma Mater's campus Pt.1 of flashback series

So since I got my new computer there are lots of files that I thought I had saved on my USB drive, but I guess I had actually saved them on my old computer...sadness.. Anyways, I say all of that to say, that I have been sifting through the past 4 years of my life (by the means of my USB drive), I have found lots of interesting stuff. I figured, I'll just make a couple posts about them. Mostly they are papers and assignments that I had to do for class, that I realized have really impacted me.

First I came across this advocacy letter that I wrote to the administration. I honestly don't remember if it was an actual assignment or if it was me being overzealous. Well it has to do with sustainability, which I have been discussing a bit... So just for kicks and giggles (as my Optics prof says)..

12/14/06

Dear Emory Campus Administrator,

As part of an Anthropology 202: Concepts and Methods course that I am currently enrolled in, I had the privilege of conducting an ethnography project on Sustainability on Emory’s campus. As you are probably well informed, President Wagner formed a Sustainability Committee in the spring of 2005, in order to address the issues of environmental and economic issues on Emory’s campus.

Sustainability is an attempt to provide the best outcomes for the human and natural environments both now and into the indefinite future. A few examples of the current goals are to restore forested lands, establish a university farmers market, and to mark the campus with inviting spaces and programs that encourage walking, biking, and other transportation alternatives to automobiles. There are many more goals that the Sustainability Committee has outlined to improve conditions on Emory’s campus.

The reason it is very important for administration to market these changes to students is that many students on campus find these issues to be very important as well. There are currently many student groups such as Student Environmental Action Coaltion, that work towards alleviating many of the environmental and sustainability problems.

It is pertinent that more students become involved with all of the sustainability issues on campus. We as students feel that it is the administration’s responsibility to inform the college of these issues. It is important that students not only are aware of what is occurring, but given the chance to include some of their input. There are two ways that this can be achieved. The first is to add students to the Sustainability Committee. Currently, there are nine members, which are comprised of faculty and staff. If there were students on the Committee it will add a diversity of opinion. Finally, the addition of a Learnlink conference on sustainability will help the Emory community become informed of the updated initiatives quickly.

The Sustainability Ethnography group was divided into three specific groups of food, recycling, and transportation. After many observations, interviews, and surveys all of three groups concluded that students are unaware of the initiatives and resources on campus. For example, the current Emory Recycles program is very thorough, and the Cliff system has made many fuel-efficient changes. If more students were informed, these programs will be adequately utilized. Overall, I must commend the Emory administration on the many initiatives and programs that you have developed. With a few changes, students at Emory can help the Sustainability Vision of Emory become a reality.

Sincerely,

VanB (Well I didn't sign it this, I signed it my full name...lol.)

Until Next Time...

Doing Your Part...

So I wrote a post earlier this month, discussing about Sustainability;  I feel like people think that the 3 R's (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) is not obtainable for them in their individual lives. However I want to share how I am working on these things in my everyday life and so can you...

• Buy in bulk
•  Not only does it help reduce all the packaging that you throw away per product, but it usually ends up being cheaper
• Use a Water filter
• I love my Brita filter...I used to be a slave to water bottles in undergrad because I could afford it then, but now I realize how much plastic I used to go through. I made myself feel better that I recycled all of my plastic bottles, but don't even get to that step and just drink filtered water.
• Use a reusable water bottle (Stainless Steel) and coffee mug
• helps to reduce the use of plastic bottles and cups
• Reusable Shopping Bags
• This is one of my favorite trends right now and I hope it continues. Almost every store, grocery stores and even clothing stores have these bags for sale. Usually $1-2 and you can use them over and over again to carry your groceries/purchases. This helps to cut down on plastic bag usage. The key is to remember to take them whenever you go to the store. Also if you have a small purchase, just ask for them to NOT put it in a bag. Sometimes people will look at you crazy, but just tell them you don't want to use an unnecessary bag.
• RECYCLE
• Most areas have a recycling program, just look it up on the internet.. it is usually a small one time fee. They will send you a bin and pick up the recycling for you. It might not seem like a lot but it definitely is. And if you are on a college campus or in any sort of metropolitan area than you have no excuse.
• Be AWARE of your personal waste
• The trashcan in my room/bathroom is really small and it helps me be cognizant of how much I throw away, based on the frequency I have to take out the trash. 
• Turn OFF water
• When washing hands, brushing teeth (especially), doing dishes, etc try not to run the water. I am guilty of running the water when I brush my teeth, but it is something that I am working on. There is an ongoing debate between whether handwashing dishes or dishwashers uses less water...whichever one you use, try not to do it as frequently.
•  Carpool
• Even though most people know carpooling helps to reduce your carbon footprint and saves everyone involved money...people don't usually do it because it isn't always the "quickest" or "easiest" method
• Turn OFF the light
• My mom has always been a "stickler" for turning off lights or any sort of electricity when you leave a room and I have stuck with me. It is as simple as opening the curtains/blinds during the day to get natural sunlight it looks and feels better anyway. So just turn off the light.

It may seem that some of those things are common sense and I didn't really say anything life changing, well that is the point. Most if not all of these things just take a few modifications to your daily routine and they can make a big difference. The slogan for the EcoBags website is "Simple Ideas, Big Impact" and that is exactly what it is...Below are some other ideas...

• Reduce the pressure on your faucet/shower
• Turn down the thermostat a couple of degrees
• Energy saving lightbulbs

To check out even more ideas, get more information, and just become more educated overall, check out this great website...Eartheasy-Sustainable Living

Until Next Time...

Being A Community Servant

So I am in the middle of downtown at a healthfair doing blood pressures screenings. When I tell people that growing up I used to volunteer ate least twice a week they don't believe me. Now that I have moved home for the summer by mom has resumed her usual shenanigans and has lent out my services.Please remember that I am not a certified healthcare worker in any way. Lol. But that doesn't seem to matter.

I am thankful that those beliefs have been instilled in me. I dont feel as though nearly enough people genuinely volunteer. Even some organizations that consider themselves community service oriented may lose sight of that. Well i am glad that it is an important component in my life and I plan to continue. People need to remember that they have been helped and blessed and should try and make the same thing happen for others. Well enough writing and back to volunteering. Until next time...