Blog 2
Part 1: Listen
Slow Movement/Revolution Podcast listened to: European Vacation 2.0
There are various challenges as well as new opportunities that arise from the emerging Slow Revolution. The host, Carl Honore, interviewed Vincent Dupin, the founder of Into the Tribe, which organizes trips to secluded areas in Europe that aims to and facilitate in helping people undergo a digital detox. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the term "digital detox" refers to "a period of time during which a person refrains from using electronic devices such as smartphones or computers" (Oxford English Dictionary). A digital detox, especially for an individual on vacation, does have challenges attached to it as well as opportunities.
Reference:
Oxford English Dictionary. (n.d.). Digital detox | Definition of digital detox in English by Oxford Dictionaries. Retrieved March 31, 2018, from https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/digital_detox
For more information about Vincent Dupin's company, visit Into the Tribe's website.
The three main challenges associated with a digital detox are not being able to share your experiences or major life event with friends and family, feelings of isolation, and difficulties contacting people or getting contacted for work/urgent matters. For most millennials (myself included), we have developed an instinctive reflex to update our status or post a photo as evidence to justify that we did something and are living interesting lives, especially when we are on vacation, to the entire world. It is difficult to resist the urge to not post about you visiting iconic landmarks or a photo of your fancy, unique Italian gelato shaped in a rose on social media platforms such as Instagram. Sharing these special memories with other people increases social connectedness world-wide within a few minutes, despite the physical distance. As a result, feeling of isolation can arise due to the disconnectedness with others. When you are not able to access internet, others are unable to see what you are doing since you cannot post online and in contrast, you cannot see what other people are doing. Prior to entry to the social media world, I often missed major news about my friends and family, which led me to feel isolated from others and oblivious of my surroundings. Another challenging issue with a digital detox is work-related communication. For example, work-related matters through e-mails would be missed due to a lack an electronic device with an internet connection. My job involves a great use of e-mail communication for scheduling, planning, and file-sharing. Hence, my phone is always connected and I constantly check my e-mail several times daily. Also, I post on social media platforms such as Twitter to share with other people in similar work-related fields or with mutual interests what type of activities or events I am doing at work.
Besides having a few challenges linked with the Slow Revolution, there are also opportunities that emerge. The three main opportunities from adopting a "slow" lifestyle are decreased stress levels, increased social interactions in the physical world, and increased overall well-being. The need to always be connected online can often feel stressful, particularly when we are constantly bombarded with useless advertisements, demanding work e-mails, etc. Undergoing a digital detox reduces stress by prohibiting us from viewing these things mentioned prior (even if it is just during the vacation period). Also, there is an increase in social interactions because being unable to connect via internet encourages us to have face-to-face conversations. Humans have become conditioned to quickly answer a text-message or e-mail alert sound, so by removing electronic devices we become less distracted and more engaged during face-to-face conversations. In addition, a digital detox increases our overall well-being in terms of socio-emotional, mental, and physical health. We become less burdened with expectations from society's standard that is depicted in all social media platforms. These expectations includes unrealistic physical traits each sex should strive for, becoming married and having kids at certain ages, pressure to buy things to follow the current trend, etc. Removing these caustic agents improve socio-emotional and mental health. Also, there are possible physical benefits such as better posture and less neck/back aches instead of crouching down to view an electronic screen or more sleep attained without a phone at your bedside that has notifications alert set on.
There is one major aspect that I would like to "slow" down in my life, but before telling you what it is we need to have story time first like back in kindergarten. Once upon a time... Just joking! Seriously now, so the other week I was at the mall people-watching while I wait for my sister at a table and I saw a couple with two young children eating. The mother and father were both using their phones instead of engaging with their children and the children were blankly looking at their parents while they eat. I wondered if I looked that ridiculous when I go out with friends and family. What I witnessed left me stunned and I had an epiphany. This eye-opening experience inspired to me "slow" down my life by trying to remember to put my phone out of sight and silenced (to resist the temptation to constantly check for e-mails or messages) in order to be fully present and engaged with the person(s) I am with.
Part 2: Action
a) Jack Frost Challenge Reflection
For the Jack Frost Challenge, I participated in snowshoeing around the Quad on February 14th. While snowshoeing, it made me appreciate nature more in the unusually warm winter afternoon. I felt grateful, yet simultaneously alarmed. The oddly warmer weather in February, which is suppose to be the peak of Winnipeg's frigid freezing temperatures, alludes to the anthropogenic influences on climate change. Although I prefer the comfortable, higher temperatures, I also know it is unnatural due to green-house gas release. Hence, this motivated me to change some realistic aspects of my life in order to lower green-house gas emissions such as carpooling when possible or choosing to shop locally made products. Overall, I enjoyed snowshoeing around the Quad, but there are a few things that could have improved my experience. Firstly, there could have been a brief presentation about the history and current snowshoe uses in Canada to inform the participants about the activity they are about to do (in my case, it was my first time snowshoeing so did not know what to expect). Another thing that could have been improved was setting up an obstacle course or objective to complete while snowshoeing instead of aimlessly snowshoeing around the Quad. Lastly, more time-slots should be offered to students for the activities with a sign-up form instead of having set times and waiting for students to participate. So, if a time-slot has participants the activity would take place and if not, the event would be cancelled. Restricting students to set time-slots yields a lower attendance and in my case, I skipped my part of my organic chemistry and entire inorganic chemistry class to attend to this event. Snowshoeing was an interesting simulation that provided insight to what some ethnic groups use to travel in high snowfall regions. Other activities that I would have also be interested in getting involved in are hockey, ice-skating, and sledding.
(Me snowshoeing in the Quad for the Jack Frost Challenge)
(My daily product use in the shower)
Reflection
I would to allocate more of my spending to the "good" or "bad" category rather than the "ugly" because it would have more positive (or less negative) environmental and social impacts as listed in the screening criteria. However, it is difficult because most products in the "bad" category are not made or offered locally due to the high costs or unavailability of resources within Manitoba. Also, most local vendors are concentrated in certain areas of the city (ex. Osborne & Corydon area or downtown), which requires more efforts to go to rather than the numerous corporate coffee or clothing chain stores spread around the city. Although it requires more effort to go to these local vendors, I want to buy more products that support Fair or Free Trade or shop in local, independent stores rather than large corporate stores. This way at least, I am purchasing products that fairly support developing nations or local employment. For example, instead of buying Tim Hortons products I could go to Winnipeg-based shops such as Thom Bargen Coffee Parlour or Bronuts for my occasional coffee and doughnut cravings, respectively. With the weather warming up, it will be easier and give me motivation to travel the extra distance in order to support local Winnipeg businesses.
Next time you purchase that Tim Horton's doughnut or Starbucks Frappucino, consider buying from local vendors. The taste of their products are absolutely more delicious than any large corporate restaurant and you can feel good supporting Winnipeg's local economy as well! Also, the ambiance and decor of these places have a calming effect rather than those long, cramped lines in any Tim Hortons or Starbucks. There are many more local coffee and doughnut places, but below are a few of Winnipeg's popular spots:
- Thom Bargen Coffee & Tea located on 64 Sherbrook Street and 250 Kennedy Street
- Fools and Horses Coffee located on 379 Broadway Avenue or within The Forks Market (1 Forks Market Road).
- Bronuts located on 3-100 King Street.
- Oh Doughnuts located on 326 Broadway Avenue.
a) I like how my food is easily accessible with a diverse range of choices. Within a 5 km radius from my house, I can readily drive or walk to several grocery stores that offers foods from various foreign countries. For instance, the Save on Foods International flagship store sells mainly ethnic foods. Since Save on Foods was built in my neighbourhood last year, this motivated their competing stores to also import more ethnic foods like SuperStore. Prior to Save on Foods entering the grocery store market, SuperStore had one small aisle consisting of a few ethnic foods, but now they have devoted at least 5 huge aisles to ethnic foods (particularly the Asian foods). With a high influx of immigration from Asia these past few years, grocery stores finally see the large, profitable Asian demographic as a major consumer group even though there was a market long before Save on Foods profited on it first. In regards to pricing, the foods offered at these major grocery store chains is reasonable since the price incorporates all the costs associated in making and shipping the product as well as paying all other fees such as employee wages, rent space, etc. Also, the reasonable price is due to the stiff grocery store market that are all competing for customers. As a result, the grocery stores attempt to lower the price to attract more customers. For example, a unique ice cream brand was sold at SuperStore for $15, while Save on Foods sold the exact same thing for $7 (less than half the price!). However, most grocery stores like Safeway, Wal-Mart, Save on Foods, and SuperStore all offer ad-match, so I know I can get the best bang for my buck. In addition, I feel reassured that my food is upheld in the highest safety and nutritional standards so that it will not cause health concerns after ingestion. The Canadian Government has implemented the "Food and Drugs Act and Regulations" that outlines a stringent criteria about nutritional quality and safety that must be abided by all grocery store (the food I choose to purchase also tastes delicious and free visible moulds or harmful bacteria). In addition, I like that my food system minimizes waste. My family and I only buy what is needed for the week to prevent spoilage and we always try to eat all the earlier expiry dated foods first. Also, my family composts any food waste we do produce in our garden during the summer or in winters, we have a composting bin that will added in the soil once the snow melts.
b) The main aspect that I dislike about my food system is the inequity among various neighbourhoods in Winnipeg. Although I can readily access a wide range of nutritional foods within a few minute drive, there is an inequity in accessibility to low-cost, healthy foods around different areas of Winnipeg. In particular, Winnipeg's lower-income neighbourhood areas in the North-End (ex. Point Douglas community) and Inner-City communities. There are few large chain grocery stores and many convenience stores that sell overpriced products with little nutritional value. Winnipeg's North-End and Inner-City has been dubbed the "urban food deserts" by media, social right activists, and researchers due to the food scarcity in these areas (CBC News Manitoba 2015). I have witnessed the food scarcity first hand within the North-End and Downtown Core communities I work in. It is a challenge for families to juggle and sacrifice various things for food such as buying clothes or paying bills. Most lower-income families do not own a car and hence, must also consider transportation costs (ex. taxi or bussing costs) when buying foods. Ultimately, this inequity in food can potentially lead to health problems like obesity and diabetes because high calorie foods are cheaper and fill you up more than the healthy alternative. These threats to food security can be mitigated by providing subsidies for low-income families when purchasing foods. There are programs like Winnipeg Harvest that provide low-income families with food at no cost. Another program is Food Matters Manitoba, which teaches communities proper food handling education and also advocates for improved access to more affordable, nutritious foods in lower-income communities.
Another thing I dislike about my food system is the highly negative environmental impact that stems from growing, processing, and shipping the food to my grocery store. From the start of its growth and manufacturing to the final product I choose from store shelves, there are high greenhouse gas emissions because of the long journey it must travel to reach Winnipeg. Also, there is high input needed to produce foods such as meats and grain products that require lots of water to grow and other chemical growth agents. In terms of purchasing locally, besides a few products (bread, some meats, and milk) the majority of my food has to be imported from out of province. I try to buy local, but there are not many locally made foods are not readily available for purchase in close proximity to where I live or has a higher cost compared if bought at a large chain grocery store.
Further Reading:
- CBC News Manitoba: "Buying groceries a long trek for family in Winnipeg food desert" (highly recommended read and watch! It is close to my heart as I work in North-End communities and Winnipeg's core area)
Oceans
a) My primary concern about the world's oceans is the anthropogenic negative impacts on species biodiversity. There are adverse effects from human neglect and exploitation of the world's oceans. Marine species such as fish, shrimp, or crab are renewable resources, but humans are greedily extracting these species at an unsustainable rates. Thus, these populations have been declining. Overfishing refers to the act of fishing more than the natural reproduction rate of the species that replaces what was caught (World Wildlife Fund 2018). Over 30% of the world's oceans has been overfished past the sustainable limit because of poor fisheries management and illegal fishing (World Wildlife Fund 2018). As a result, overfishing alters the species composition within oceans and the dynamic interactions with other species. Ultimately, overfishing of oceans can threaten food security since most regions rely on fish as a protein course or employment. This can be witnessed through the collapse of New Brunswick's cod fishing industry in 1992 (Green Peace 2009). The fall of this vital industry lead to over 40 000 people out of work and loss of a staple food source for local residents (Green Peace 2009). Another threat to species biodiversity is the tremendous amount of waste carelessly dumped into the world's oceans, specifically non-degradable plastic that lingers for long periods of time. Annually, over 220 million tonnes of plastic are being dumped into the world's oceans and there is an estimated 46 000 pieces of plastic per square mile of ocean surface area (United Nations 2011). This plastic is mistook as food for seabirds and marine animals that causes over one million and 100 000 deaths, respectively (United Nations 2011). In turn, this can cause adverse health effects to humans if we ingest this toxic plastic bits. It is estimated in Europe, that a regular consumer of shellfish would ingest over 11 000 pieces of micro-plastics per year (Johnston 2017). Therefore, there would be a accumulation of toxic metals or organic pollutants that will circulate in the human body causing illnesses (Johnston 2017).
References:
1. Green Peace. (2009, May 8). The collapse of the Canadian Newfoundland cod fishery. Retrieved April 1, 2018, from https://www.greenpeace.org/archive-international/en/campaigns/oceans/seafood/understanding-the-problem/overfishing-history/cod-fishery-canadian/
2. Johnston, I. (2017, July 26). Plastic microparticles found in flesh of fish eaten by humans. Retrieved April 1, 2018, from https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/plastic-microparticles-fish-flesh-eaten-humans-food-chain-mackerel-anchovy-mullet-a7860726.html
3. United Nations. (2011). Marine Pollution. Retrieved April 1, 2018, from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/ioc-oceans/focus-areas/rio-20-ocean/blueprint-for-the-future-we-want/marine-pollution/facts-and-figures-on-marine-pollution/
4. World Wildlife Fund. (2018). Overfishing. Retrieved April 1, 2018, from https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/overfishing
b) I strive to support more sustainable, viable fishing sources at my local grocery stores. Currently when I go grocery shopping with my parents I often remind them to buy fish/shrimp products with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) sticker or buy food that was caught within Canada so that it lowers greenhouse gas emissions from importing it in. The MSC's objective is to inform consumers if a product has been caught in a sustainable manner and the species population is not on the cusp or is threatened in any way due to overfishing (MSC 2018). Also, I avoid placing any plastic products in the garbage bin designated for landfill or ocean dumps if they are recyclable. Each plastic product recycled could potentially be one less plastic waste in oceans.
Further Reading:
- MSC Labelling
References:
Marine Stewardship Council (2018). What does the blue MSC label mean? Retrieved April 1, 2018, from https://20.msc.org/what-we-are-doing/our-approach/what-does-the-blue-msc-label-mean
Slow Movement/Revolution Podcast listened to: European Vacation 2.0
There are various challenges as well as new opportunities that arise from the emerging Slow Revolution. The host, Carl Honore, interviewed Vincent Dupin, the founder of Into the Tribe, which organizes trips to secluded areas in Europe that aims to and facilitate in helping people undergo a digital detox. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the term "digital detox" refers to "a period of time during which a person refrains from using electronic devices such as smartphones or computers" (Oxford English Dictionary). A digital detox, especially for an individual on vacation, does have challenges attached to it as well as opportunities.
Reference:
Oxford English Dictionary. (n.d.). Digital detox | Definition of digital detox in English by Oxford Dictionaries. Retrieved March 31, 2018, from https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/digital_detox
For more information about Vincent Dupin's company, visit Into the Tribe's website.
(Into the Tribe's promotional video)
The three main challenges associated with a digital detox are not being able to share your experiences or major life event with friends and family, feelings of isolation, and difficulties contacting people or getting contacted for work/urgent matters. For most millennials (myself included), we have developed an instinctive reflex to update our status or post a photo as evidence to justify that we did something and are living interesting lives, especially when we are on vacation, to the entire world. It is difficult to resist the urge to not post about you visiting iconic landmarks or a photo of your fancy, unique Italian gelato shaped in a rose on social media platforms such as Instagram. Sharing these special memories with other people increases social connectedness world-wide within a few minutes, despite the physical distance. As a result, feeling of isolation can arise due to the disconnectedness with others. When you are not able to access internet, others are unable to see what you are doing since you cannot post online and in contrast, you cannot see what other people are doing. Prior to entry to the social media world, I often missed major news about my friends and family, which led me to feel isolated from others and oblivious of my surroundings. Another challenging issue with a digital detox is work-related communication. For example, work-related matters through e-mails would be missed due to a lack an electronic device with an internet connection. My job involves a great use of e-mail communication for scheduling, planning, and file-sharing. Hence, my phone is always connected and I constantly check my e-mail several times daily. Also, I post on social media platforms such as Twitter to share with other people in similar work-related fields or with mutual interests what type of activities or events I am doing at work.
(One Instagram post among many of my Europe trip this past summer. Me posing with the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, France)
(The rose-shaped gelato in Florence, Italy that I mentioned above)
Besides having a few challenges linked with the Slow Revolution, there are also opportunities that emerge. The three main opportunities from adopting a "slow" lifestyle are decreased stress levels, increased social interactions in the physical world, and increased overall well-being. The need to always be connected online can often feel stressful, particularly when we are constantly bombarded with useless advertisements, demanding work e-mails, etc. Undergoing a digital detox reduces stress by prohibiting us from viewing these things mentioned prior (even if it is just during the vacation period). Also, there is an increase in social interactions because being unable to connect via internet encourages us to have face-to-face conversations. Humans have become conditioned to quickly answer a text-message or e-mail alert sound, so by removing electronic devices we become less distracted and more engaged during face-to-face conversations. In addition, a digital detox increases our overall well-being in terms of socio-emotional, mental, and physical health. We become less burdened with expectations from society's standard that is depicted in all social media platforms. These expectations includes unrealistic physical traits each sex should strive for, becoming married and having kids at certain ages, pressure to buy things to follow the current trend, etc. Removing these caustic agents improve socio-emotional and mental health. Also, there are possible physical benefits such as better posture and less neck/back aches instead of crouching down to view an electronic screen or more sleep attained without a phone at your bedside that has notifications alert set on.
There is one major aspect that I would like to "slow" down in my life, but before telling you what it is we need to have story time first like back in kindergarten. Once upon a time... Just joking! Seriously now, so the other week I was at the mall people-watching while I wait for my sister at a table and I saw a couple with two young children eating. The mother and father were both using their phones instead of engaging with their children and the children were blankly looking at their parents while they eat. I wondered if I looked that ridiculous when I go out with friends and family. What I witnessed left me stunned and I had an epiphany. This eye-opening experience inspired to me "slow" down my life by trying to remember to put my phone out of sight and silenced (to resist the temptation to constantly check for e-mails or messages) in order to be fully present and engaged with the person(s) I am with.
Part 2: Action
a) Jack Frost Challenge Reflection
For the Jack Frost Challenge, I participated in snowshoeing around the Quad on February 14th. While snowshoeing, it made me appreciate nature more in the unusually warm winter afternoon. I felt grateful, yet simultaneously alarmed. The oddly warmer weather in February, which is suppose to be the peak of Winnipeg's frigid freezing temperatures, alludes to the anthropogenic influences on climate change. Although I prefer the comfortable, higher temperatures, I also know it is unnatural due to green-house gas release. Hence, this motivated me to change some realistic aspects of my life in order to lower green-house gas emissions such as carpooling when possible or choosing to shop locally made products. Overall, I enjoyed snowshoeing around the Quad, but there are a few things that could have improved my experience. Firstly, there could have been a brief presentation about the history and current snowshoe uses in Canada to inform the participants about the activity they are about to do (in my case, it was my first time snowshoeing so did not know what to expect). Another thing that could have been improved was setting up an obstacle course or objective to complete while snowshoeing instead of aimlessly snowshoeing around the Quad. Lastly, more time-slots should be offered to students for the activities with a sign-up form instead of having set times and waiting for students to participate. So, if a time-slot has participants the activity would take place and if not, the event would be cancelled. Restricting students to set time-slots yields a lower attendance and in my case, I skipped my part of my organic chemistry and entire inorganic chemistry class to attend to this event. Snowshoeing was an interesting simulation that provided insight to what some ethnic groups use to travel in high snowfall regions. Other activities that I would have also be interested in getting involved in are hockey, ice-skating, and sledding.
(Me snowshoeing in the Quad for the Jack Frost Challenge)
b) Personal Care Product Analysis
My daily regular routine consists of the following products (along with its corresponding product safety analysis):
*Note about safety score 1-10 scale: 1 = safe; no to little health concerns and 10 = hazardous to health; high health concerns*
- Dove Advanced Care: Caring Coconut antiperspirant
On the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Skin Deep website, there was no available data for the exact scent of antiperspirant. However, there was a similar product within the Dove Advanced Care line of antiperspirants in "Soothing Chamomille". The overall score of the product was a 4. It had high concerns (score: 8) of causing skin, eye, and lung irritations from its chemical fragrance; moderate concerns (score: 3-4) for cancer and organ system toxicity due to the presence of cyclopentasiloxane; and low concern (score: 1-2) for endocrine disruptions.
Reference:
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. (n.d.). Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant, Soothing Chamomile. Retrieved April 01, 2018, from http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/677139/Dove_Advanced_Care_Antiperspirant,_Soothing_Chamomile/#.WsEH_vkrK9J
- Nexxus Oil Infinite Nourishing Hair Oil
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetic Database rated Nexxus hair oil with an overall score of 5. It was labelled with high concerns of endocrine disruption and organ system toxicity with a score of 8 in this particular aspect because it contains octinoxate and unspecified chemicals in the fragrance. It has moderate concerns of cancer causing and skin irritation due to the presence of BHT(butylated hydroxytoluene) with a score of 5-6. Nexxus hair also has low health concern for neurotoxic chemicals with a score of 1-2
Reference:
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. (n.d.). Nexxus Oil Infinite Nourishing Hair Oil Treatment. Retrieved April 01, 2018, from http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/684598/Nexxus_Oil_Infinite_Nourishing_Hair_Oil_Treatment/#.WsEEX_krK9I
- Aveeno Active Naturals restorative night cream
This product scored an overall safety score of 5. It has a high health concern for skin irritation (score: 8) from the chemical fragrance; moderate concern (score: 3-4) for system toxicity due to sodium hydroxide and phenoxyehtanol content; and low concern for cancer and endocrine disruption (score: 1-2).
Reference:
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. (n.d.). Aveeno Active Naturals Absolutely Ageless Restorative Night Cream, Blackberry. Retrieved April 01, 2018, from http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/672716/Aveeno_Active_Naturals_Absolutely_Ageless_Restorative_Night_Cream,_Blackberry/#.WsEIu_krK9I
- Loreal Hydra Genius face cream
No data for exact or similar product on EWG's Cosmetic Database.
- Vaseline Intensive Care Repairing Serum
No data for exact or similar product within Vaseline's Intensive Care line on EWG's Cosmetic Database.
- Organix Argan of Morocco body wash, shampoo, and conditioner
No data for exact or similar product to Organix Argan of Morroco Oil body wash, but shampoo and conditioner specifications were found.
The Organix shampoo had an overall score of 5. There were high concerns of skin irritation and bioaccumulation (score: 8) due to chemical composition of fragrance. There were moderate concern for organ system (non-reproductive) toxicity and allergies (score: 4-6) due to the presence of iodopropynl butlcarbamate, formaldehyde, and dimethicone. There were low concern enhanced skin absorption and cancer (score: 1-2).
The Organix conditioner scored slightly worse with a score of 6. There were high concern of skin irritation and bioaccumulation (score: 8) due to chemicals, methylisothiazolinone and hydantoin. There is moderate concern for organ system (non-reproductive) toxicity and allergies (score: 4-6) due to the presence of a colouring agent, Yellow 5. There is low concern enhanced skin absorption, cancer, and neurotoxicity.
Reference for Organix Argan of Morocco shampoo data:
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. (n.d.). OGX Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo. Retrieved April 01, 2018, from http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/685505/OGX_Renewing_Argan_Oil_of_Morocco_Shampoo/#.WsEbZ_krK9I
Reference for Organix Argan of Morocco conditioner data:
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. (n.d.). OGX Conditioner, Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco. Retrieved April 01, 2018, from http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/592745/OGX_Conditioner,_Renewing_Argan_Oil_of_Morocco/#.WsEbgPkrK9I
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost exfoliating cleanser
No data for exact or similar product found within Neutrogena's Hydro Boost line on EWG's Cosmetic Database.
(My daily product use)
c) Analysis of Goods and Services Purchased within One Week
List of goods and services purchased within week of March 25-31, 2018:
- Pure Leaf green tea with honey beverage
- Bliss Gourmet Baked Goods: butter cookies with chocolate pecan center
- strawberry cheesecake from Save on Foods Bakery
- Nigerian Jollof with chicken, rice, and plantains from AFV Kitchen
- Foca coconut juice
- Ritter Sport milk chocolate with honey salt almonds
- Starbucks vanilla Frappucino
- Tim Horton's 20 pack Tim-Bits
- Tim Horton's medium size vanilla latte
- Ivy Park sweater
- Aroy-D durian ice cream
- Haagen-Dazs coffee ice cream
- Thor Ragnorok blu-ray and DVD combo pack
- Justice League blu-ray and DVD combo pack
Screening Criteria for Products Purchased:
GOOD
- Environmental Impact
- Low greenhouse gas emissions (from manufacturing, processing, and transportation aspects)
- Product made from sustainable & renewable sources and methods
- Does not disrupt species biodiversity and ecosystems from manufacturing process
- Product's company regularly supports and advocates for environmental conservation causes/non-profit organizations
- Product locally made in Manitoba
- Product can be easily recycled or composted after use within province
- Social Impact
- Supports Fair (fair working wages and conditions for workers) or Free Trade
- Supports local communities/businesses
- Creates new employment opportunities
- Increases net revenue for local/national economy
BAD
- Environmental Impact
- Moderate greenhouse gas emissions (from manufacturing, processing, and transportation aspects)
- Product made from semi-sustainable/non-renewable sources and methods
- Causes minor disruption of species biodiversity and ecosystems from manufacturing process
- Product's company occasionally supports and advocates for environmental conservation causes/non-profit organizations
- Product made in Canada (still had to travel a long distance before arriving on store shelves in Winnipeg)
- Product can be recycled or composted, but requires to be shipped out of province (but still within Canada) to be processed
- Social Impact
- Provides marginal working conditions and wages (at least minimum wage) to workers
- Revenue divided among foreign and national large-scale corporations
- Low to moderate import cost into Winnipeg
UGLY
- Environmental Impact
- High greenhouse gas emissions (from manufacturing, processing, and transportation aspects)
- Product made from unsustainable, non-renewable, and hazardous sources and methods
- Threatens or endangers species biodiversity and ecosystems from manufacturing process
- Product's company rarely/does not/opposes environmental conservation causes/non-profit organizations
- Product from foreign, international country that had to be imported into Winnipeg
- Product cannot be recycled or composted or requires to be shipped into another country to be processed
- Social Impact
- Provides dangerous, sub-par working conditions and below legal minimum wages to workers
- Total revenue goes directly into foreign large-scale corporations
- Increases net revenue for exporting, foreign economies
- High import cost into Winnipeg
Based on the above screening criteria for products, each goods and services purchased within the specified week was classified as good, bad, or ugly in table format below. Approximate amount of money (CDN) spent rounded to nearest dollar also listed next to each product. Some products had an overlap of characteristics, but the product was classified based on its overall environmental/social impact and which category it adhered to most.
I would to allocate more of my spending to the "good" or "bad" category rather than the "ugly" because it would have more positive (or less negative) environmental and social impacts as listed in the screening criteria. However, it is difficult because most products in the "bad" category are not made or offered locally due to the high costs or unavailability of resources within Manitoba. Also, most local vendors are concentrated in certain areas of the city (ex. Osborne & Corydon area or downtown), which requires more efforts to go to rather than the numerous corporate coffee or clothing chain stores spread around the city. Although it requires more effort to go to these local vendors, I want to buy more products that support Fair or Free Trade or shop in local, independent stores rather than large corporate stores. This way at least, I am purchasing products that fairly support developing nations or local employment. For example, instead of buying Tim Hortons products I could go to Winnipeg-based shops such as Thom Bargen Coffee Parlour or Bronuts for my occasional coffee and doughnut cravings, respectively. With the weather warming up, it will be easier and give me motivation to travel the extra distance in order to support local Winnipeg businesses.
Next time you purchase that Tim Horton's doughnut or Starbucks Frappucino, consider buying from local vendors. The taste of their products are absolutely more delicious than any large corporate restaurant and you can feel good supporting Winnipeg's local economy as well! Also, the ambiance and decor of these places have a calming effect rather than those long, cramped lines in any Tim Hortons or Starbucks. There are many more local coffee and doughnut places, but below are a few of Winnipeg's popular spots:
- Thom Bargen Coffee & Tea located on 64 Sherbrook Street and 250 Kennedy Street
- Fools and Horses Coffee located on 379 Broadway Avenue or within The Forks Market (1 Forks Market Road).
- Bronuts located on 3-100 King Street.
- Oh Doughnuts located on 326 Broadway Avenue.
(Me with my magnificent, milky cappuccino from Thom Bargen Coffee, while also enjoying the vertical plant wall)
d) Fate of E-Waste: Household Investigation
When electronic devices and accessories become obsolete, it can go into landfills, recycling programs, or donation centers. In 2010, Canada sent over 224 000 metric tonnes into landfills that leaks out toxic chemicals into the environment such as mercury and lead (Environment Canada 2014). However, with the help of recycling programs these toxic E-wastes can be diverted from landfills and be properly disposed of. A national recycling initiative is called the Electronic Product Recycling Association (EPRA), which was established in 2007 involving only Saskatchewan that gradually grew to include all provinces; Manitoba joined in 2012 (EPRA 2016 Report). From its start in 2007, the EPRA has properly kept 110 000 metric tonnes of E-waste out of landfills and continues to recycle over 17 million electronic devices per year all across Canada (EPRA 2016 Report). Among the 110 000 metric tonnes recycled, 3430 metric tonnes originated from Manitoba (EPRA 2016 Report). The E-waste received is separated based on material and refined to be reused in another product (Environment Canada 2014). The EPRA collaborates with numerous retailers such as Staples, Best Buy, and Telus and strives to keep electronic devices out of landfills and to properly dispose of its hazardous components.
References:
Electronic Products Recycling Assoication. (2017). EPRA 2016 Report. Retrieved April 01, 2018, from http://epra.ca/wp-content/uploads/ar/english/2016/
VanderPol, M. (2014, July 14). Overview E-Waste Management in Canada. Retrieved April 1, 2018, from https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-08/documents/canada_country_presentation.pdf
For past and future electronic devices (ex. desktop computers, laptops, phones, etc.) my family and I own were or will be given to Staples or Telus to be recycled for parts if it no longer usable. These two retailers are part of the EPRA, so I can have a peace of mind that I have done my small part and properly disposed of my E-waste. If these electronic devices are still in good, working condition, I can also trade-in for another new product at a discounted price (I have successfully done this at Telus, Staples, BestBuy, and Apple before). Another option for me is that if an electronic device is usable and I no longer want these electronics, I would give them to Value Village so that someone else can buy it at a discounted price. In addition, I can choose is to give it a family member or friend, who wants it such as my 10-year old younger sister. She gets my old phone when my contract is done and her old mobile device gets recycled.
To learn more about the recycling programs offered by various retailers visit their website or a retail location! Most retailers offer incentives when you recycle your electronic devices such as a in-store discount or gift card when you recycle and electronic device or trade-in for another one. These retailers such as Telus properly dispose of hazardous materials in order to prevent environmental contamination and out of landfills according to their mission statement (Telus).
- Staples
- Telus (also accepts electronic accessories such as charging cables and headphones to be recycled)
- Best Buy
- Apple
Reference:
Telus. (n.d.). TELUS Recycling Information. Retrieved April 01, 2018, from https://business.telus.com/en/business/support/global/how-to/telus-recycling-information
For more information about Value Village's policy on accepting certain electronic devices, visit their website or a retail location!
Further E-Waste Resources:
- Interactive Deconstruction of a Mobile Device (learn about the materials and where they end up after being recycled)
- Impact Calculator (determine how much natural resources you can save by recycling based on the numbers of phones and laptops you had to present date)
- What do you know about electronic recycling? (quiz that tests your E-waste knowledge)
(Video: China Streamlining Electronic Waste made by the United Nations)
Part 3: In-Class Blog Questions
Zoos
a) Zoos Role in Education and Conservation Efforts
Zoos play a critical role in educating the public about conservation. Zoos serve a dual function of education and entertainment. Zoos inform visitors about the importance of species biodiversity as well as human impact and is also an amusing, live entertainment source to engage them. The revenue generated from entrance ticket sales can be invested in conservation efforts done ex situ (ie. inside the zoo). For example, Winnipeg-based Assiniboine Park Zoo uses their revenue to research about resource management and ecosystem protection while observing the animals held captive (Assiniboine Park Zoo 2018). The Assiniboine Park Zoo also does in-field conservation research; ie. ex situ (Assiniboine Park Zoo 2018).
Reference:
Assiniboine Park Zoo. (2018). What We Do. Retrieved April 1, 2018, from https://assiniboinepark.ca/zoo/home/conserve/what-we-do
(Peacock at Assiniboine Park Zoo; photo taken Summer 2016)
(Pandas at the Toronto Zoo; photo taken summer 2016)
b) Zoos Ethics
It is ethical to keep animals in zoo only if the animal's well-being is at risk or for conservation efforts. Only if an animal's original, natural habitat is no longer viable and the animal cannot readily adapt to its new environment given its conditions (ex. food sources, predators, etc.) then should be brought back and cared for in zoos. Zoos should not intentionally hold animals captive for money-generating entertainment or research purposes because this alters their natural behaviour due to its change in physical space such as hunting habits or other drastic, negative effects. Instead of searching for food, they are feed by zoo staff resulting which in turn changes their feeding patterns and decrease in hunting instincts (becomes out of practice). There should be more balanced, holistic approaches to keeping animals in zoos in a sustainable manner. This includes imitating natural conditions seen in their original habitats such as expanding their living space size, so that they can roam around more freely or structures seen in their natural habitat such as specific type of plants. By accommodating the animals, it improves their overall welfare and does not risk altering its natural behaviours.
c) Yes, I enjoy visiting zoos and do so each year with the schools I work at (fun fact: last summer I visited the Assiniboine Park Zoo four different times in the span of one week). The Assiniboine Park Zoo fascinates me, especially after the Journey to Churchill exhibit opened up. It felt exciting each time I was able to spot a polar bear or seal pass above my head in the glass enclosure. Plus, the Journey to Churchill area was air conditioned, which provide temporary refuge from the blazing hot sun. Also, I like the modern architecture build of the Assiniboine Park Zoo with improved information about each animal. The information attracted my attention because of the colourful display and it was concisely organized, which made me more inclined to stop and read it. Also, the way the Assiniboine Park Zoo is mapped out, it allows you to easily walk past all exhibits by following accessible pathways instead of having a more convoluted pathway like the Toronto Zoo set-up. From my personal experience, the only downside of visiting zoos is having empty exhibits because an animal would be moved or just hiding away from spectators. For example, when I went to the Toronto Zoo last summer, the tiger exhibit was empty because it was being relocated to another zoo. Also, we walked past numerous empty cages until we finally saw some giraffes, which was mesmerizing being able to witness these majestic animals graze on tree leaves.
It is ethical to keep animals in zoo only if the animal's well-being is at risk or for conservation efforts. Only if an animal's original, natural habitat is no longer viable and the animal cannot readily adapt to its new environment given its conditions (ex. food sources, predators, etc.) then should be brought back and cared for in zoos. Zoos should not intentionally hold animals captive for money-generating entertainment or research purposes because this alters their natural behaviour due to its change in physical space such as hunting habits or other drastic, negative effects. Instead of searching for food, they are feed by zoo staff resulting which in turn changes their feeding patterns and decrease in hunting instincts (becomes out of practice). There should be more balanced, holistic approaches to keeping animals in zoos in a sustainable manner. This includes imitating natural conditions seen in their original habitats such as expanding their living space size, so that they can roam around more freely or structures seen in their natural habitat such as specific type of plants. By accommodating the animals, it improves their overall welfare and does not risk altering its natural behaviours.
(large living and roaming space for the wolves exhibit at Assiniboine Park Zoo; picture taken in summer 2017)
(My sister and I at the giraffe exhibit in Toronto Zoo; photo taken summer 2016)
(Polar bear at Assiniboine Park Zoo; photo taken in summer 2017)
c) Yes, I enjoy visiting zoos and do so each year with the schools I work at (fun fact: last summer I visited the Assiniboine Park Zoo four different times in the span of one week). The Assiniboine Park Zoo fascinates me, especially after the Journey to Churchill exhibit opened up. It felt exciting each time I was able to spot a polar bear or seal pass above my head in the glass enclosure. Plus, the Journey to Churchill area was air conditioned, which provide temporary refuge from the blazing hot sun. Also, I like the modern architecture build of the Assiniboine Park Zoo with improved information about each animal. The information attracted my attention because of the colourful display and it was concisely organized, which made me more inclined to stop and read it. Also, the way the Assiniboine Park Zoo is mapped out, it allows you to easily walk past all exhibits by following accessible pathways instead of having a more convoluted pathway like the Toronto Zoo set-up. From my personal experience, the only downside of visiting zoos is having empty exhibits because an animal would be moved or just hiding away from spectators. For example, when I went to the Toronto Zoo last summer, the tiger exhibit was empty because it was being relocated to another zoo. Also, we walked past numerous empty cages until we finally saw some giraffes, which was mesmerizing being able to witness these majestic animals graze on tree leaves.
(Assiniboine Park Zoo front entrance; photo taken summer 2016)
(Me posing with the inukshuk and Journey to Churchill
sign at Assiniboine Park; photo taken summer 2017)
(Toronto Zoo entrance; photo taken summer 2017)
Food: Personal Food System Analysis
b) The main aspect that I dislike about my food system is the inequity among various neighbourhoods in Winnipeg. Although I can readily access a wide range of nutritional foods within a few minute drive, there is an inequity in accessibility to low-cost, healthy foods around different areas of Winnipeg. In particular, Winnipeg's lower-income neighbourhood areas in the North-End (ex. Point Douglas community) and Inner-City communities. There are few large chain grocery stores and many convenience stores that sell overpriced products with little nutritional value. Winnipeg's North-End and Inner-City has been dubbed the "urban food deserts" by media, social right activists, and researchers due to the food scarcity in these areas (CBC News Manitoba 2015). I have witnessed the food scarcity first hand within the North-End and Downtown Core communities I work in. It is a challenge for families to juggle and sacrifice various things for food such as buying clothes or paying bills. Most lower-income families do not own a car and hence, must also consider transportation costs (ex. taxi or bussing costs) when buying foods. Ultimately, this inequity in food can potentially lead to health problems like obesity and diabetes because high calorie foods are cheaper and fill you up more than the healthy alternative. These threats to food security can be mitigated by providing subsidies for low-income families when purchasing foods. There are programs like Winnipeg Harvest that provide low-income families with food at no cost. Another program is Food Matters Manitoba, which teaches communities proper food handling education and also advocates for improved access to more affordable, nutritious foods in lower-income communities.
Another thing I dislike about my food system is the highly negative environmental impact that stems from growing, processing, and shipping the food to my grocery store. From the start of its growth and manufacturing to the final product I choose from store shelves, there are high greenhouse gas emissions because of the long journey it must travel to reach Winnipeg. Also, there is high input needed to produce foods such as meats and grain products that require lots of water to grow and other chemical growth agents. In terms of purchasing locally, besides a few products (bread, some meats, and milk) the majority of my food has to be imported from out of province. I try to buy local, but there are not many locally made foods are not readily available for purchase in close proximity to where I live or has a higher cost compared if bought at a large chain grocery store.
References:
CBC New Manitoba. (2015, December 3). Buying groceries a long trek for family in Winnipeg food desert | CBC News. Retrieved April 01, 2018, from http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/buying-groceries-a-long-trek-for-family-in-winnipeg-food-desert-1.3345126
- CBC News Manitoba: "Buying groceries a long trek for family in Winnipeg food desert" (highly recommended read and watch! It is close to my heart as I work in North-End communities and Winnipeg's core area)
Oceans
a) My primary concern about the world's oceans is the anthropogenic negative impacts on species biodiversity. There are adverse effects from human neglect and exploitation of the world's oceans. Marine species such as fish, shrimp, or crab are renewable resources, but humans are greedily extracting these species at an unsustainable rates. Thus, these populations have been declining. Overfishing refers to the act of fishing more than the natural reproduction rate of the species that replaces what was caught (World Wildlife Fund 2018). Over 30% of the world's oceans has been overfished past the sustainable limit because of poor fisheries management and illegal fishing (World Wildlife Fund 2018). As a result, overfishing alters the species composition within oceans and the dynamic interactions with other species. Ultimately, overfishing of oceans can threaten food security since most regions rely on fish as a protein course or employment. This can be witnessed through the collapse of New Brunswick's cod fishing industry in 1992 (Green Peace 2009). The fall of this vital industry lead to over 40 000 people out of work and loss of a staple food source for local residents (Green Peace 2009). Another threat to species biodiversity is the tremendous amount of waste carelessly dumped into the world's oceans, specifically non-degradable plastic that lingers for long periods of time. Annually, over 220 million tonnes of plastic are being dumped into the world's oceans and there is an estimated 46 000 pieces of plastic per square mile of ocean surface area (United Nations 2011). This plastic is mistook as food for seabirds and marine animals that causes over one million and 100 000 deaths, respectively (United Nations 2011). In turn, this can cause adverse health effects to humans if we ingest this toxic plastic bits. It is estimated in Europe, that a regular consumer of shellfish would ingest over 11 000 pieces of micro-plastics per year (Johnston 2017). Therefore, there would be a accumulation of toxic metals or organic pollutants that will circulate in the human body causing illnesses (Johnston 2017).
(United Nation's video: Plastic Ocean)
(National Geographic video: How We Can Keep Plastics Out of Our Oceans)
(National Geographic video: Are You Eating Plastic for Dinner?)
1. Green Peace. (2009, May 8). The collapse of the Canadian Newfoundland cod fishery. Retrieved April 1, 2018, from https://www.greenpeace.org/archive-international/en/campaigns/oceans/seafood/understanding-the-problem/overfishing-history/cod-fishery-canadian/
2. Johnston, I. (2017, July 26). Plastic microparticles found in flesh of fish eaten by humans. Retrieved April 1, 2018, from https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/plastic-microparticles-fish-flesh-eaten-humans-food-chain-mackerel-anchovy-mullet-a7860726.html
3. United Nations. (2011). Marine Pollution. Retrieved April 1, 2018, from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/ioc-oceans/focus-areas/rio-20-ocean/blueprint-for-the-future-we-want/marine-pollution/facts-and-figures-on-marine-pollution/
4. World Wildlife Fund. (2018). Overfishing. Retrieved April 1, 2018, from https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/overfishing
b) I strive to support more sustainable, viable fishing sources at my local grocery stores. Currently when I go grocery shopping with my parents I often remind them to buy fish/shrimp products with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) sticker or buy food that was caught within Canada so that it lowers greenhouse gas emissions from importing it in. The MSC's objective is to inform consumers if a product has been caught in a sustainable manner and the species population is not on the cusp or is threatened in any way due to overfishing (MSC 2018). Also, I avoid placing any plastic products in the garbage bin designated for landfill or ocean dumps if they are recyclable. Each plastic product recycled could potentially be one less plastic waste in oceans.
Further Reading:
- MSC Labelling
References:
Marine Stewardship Council (2018). What does the blue MSC label mean? Retrieved April 1, 2018, from https://20.msc.org/what-we-are-doing/our-approach/what-does-the-blue-msc-label-mean
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