User:BrittanyW

=Analytical Writing=

Statement of Intent
Although this project is still confusing to me, I would like to make a booklet (possibly online) for people called "Living Green." I find this to be very interesting because I care about our earth and would like to find out more about what we can do to help in our everyday lives. For my project I will research ways to use more products that are better for the environment. Today people are trying to find ways to use more green products. Recycling and saving energy is becoming more important. I want to make this booklet for myself and others for an easy reference for green products and tips. I want to find the best cleaning products, water bottles, household items and clothing materials that would best suit the environment. I would also like to list the different stores that offer the greenest products and give discounts for using reusable grocery bags. In addition, I will also list the different things we can all already do at home to use less energy as well as writing a personal essay on what I decided to include in the booklet.

Overview
I want to accomplish a booklet of at least 5-10 pages, a 2-5 page personal essay and to use the research I find at home.

Rationale
I chose this for my project because I believe in using 'green' products and I hope to get a lot of helpful information that everyone will be able to use.

Publication
I have no idea how I would publish the booklet but I know I want it to be available online. I could post it on a blog so it’s accessible to everyone and FREE.

Schedule

 * 1) Write Statement of Intent
 * 2) Research at library, Statement DUE
 * 3) Research
 * 4) Research
 * 5) Start putting together booklet
 * 6) 1st meeting with Steve
 * 7) WORKSHOP/Design art for booklet
 * 8) Finish personal essay
 * 9) Finish Booklet
 * 10) Final meeting with Steve/Make final revisions to booklet
 * 11) Living Green Booklet and Personal Essay DUE

Anticipated Problems
I don't see how I would not be able to finish this project. However, I could get sick due to the weather or become overwhelmed by my workload in my other classes. I plan on sticking to my schedule to get the booklet done and balancing all my various projects.

Week 6 Project Review
Where I am now for my project is continuing to research. I’m finding different products to list and to describe for the booklet as well as listing other ways we can “live green.” For example, turning off the water when brushing your teeth and using kitchen scraps for compost. In addition, I’ve been listing products such as the stainless steel water bottles, recycled aluminum foil and household cleaning products that are friendly to the environment. I’ve been looking online for research mostly and I will be going to the school library more to look for some books that I can use in addition to online articles. After I finish my research I will start to write my personal essay on what I decided to include in the booklet and my thought process through the whole project. Some of the challenges I have faced while working on this project is scheduling around other class projects. I found myself juggling a lot of my time between this class and my speech communications class. I tend to focus my time more on my video classes and had to remind myself of my general education classes. Despite all that, I know I am on the right track with my project and that I will be ready for my workshop on week seven.

Before Or During Week 6

 * Research project from a former quarter in Analytical Writing.
 * Products/consumption paper: 1,000wds
 * Personal essay: 1,000wds.
 * NuBe Green store on Cap Hill.


 * Reducing consumption
 * Green products - affordability

Project
I found the process of what to include and exclude in my booklet to be very difficult. While doing research I found new products and issues that I could write entire papers on. So for my booklet I decided to keep it to some local stores in Seattle listing a handful of products. I listed the stores websites and addresses so students could explore further. In addition, I wrote a persuasive paper instead to convince others to follow the green movement with facts, statistics and easy tips.

Many of the global warming stories are scary and we see them on the news and on educational channels almost every day about melting ice caps and climate changes. Some people may think there is nothing we can personally do about the issue, especially poor college students. Most of the people who can afford greener products are well off. Thankfully, there are others ways we can live green with cheap products and free tips. We all need to think globally and act locally. Some people say that consumption is the cause of global warming but we do not have to stop consuming products; we just have to consume the right kinds of products. When we were young most of us were taught the three R’s to reduce, reuse and recycle. We should reduce but consume the right products. We need to reuse and donate items which lead into recycling. Most of us have forgotten to use the three R’s which results in global warming. Global warming is the result of greenhouse gases, such as methane and carbon dioxide, being released into the O-Zone which causes the worlds climates to change. Humans seem to be the major factor in global warming. According to Andrew Revkin, New York Times, “since 1950, the world's climate has been warming, primarily as a result of emissions from unfettered burning of fossil fuels and the razing of tropical forests.” Methane from landfills, cattle and oil facilities comes second to carbon dioxide for causes of global warming (New York Times). Al Gore alerted the world to warming’s risks through a 2006 documentary and book called An Inconvenient Truth. Such as, some fluctuations in the Earth's temperature are inevitable because of decades-long ocean cycles (New York Times). The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with former Vice President Al Gore for alerting the world to warming's risks. Everyone needs to be reminded by the three R’s to start bringing our planet back to health. The first R is to reduce. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says, that “between 1960 and 2008 the amount of waste each person creates has almost doubled from 2.7 to 4.5 pounds per day.” In addition more than “7,000 communities have instituted ‘pay-as-you-throw’ programs where citizens pay for each can or bag of trash they set out for disposal rather than through the tax base or a flat fee (EPA).” Washington State has over 200 communities with this program but unfortunately King County is not one of them listed on the EPA’s website. What we can do about making a pay-as-you-throw program in Seattle is to go to City Hall and raise a citizens’ initiative. The EPA also states that, “containers and packaging represented approximately 28 percent of the materials source reduced in 2000, in addition to nondurable goods (newspapers, clothing) at 17 percent, durable goods like appliances, furniture and tires at 10 percent and other solid waste like yard trimmings and food scraps at 45 percent.” Instead of throwing out your banana peels and apple cores you should start your own compost if you have the yard to do so. If you do not have the room for a compost heap or cannot dispose of food scrapings in your yard waste bin I suggest investing in a garbage disposal for your kitchen sink.

The best thing to do is to reduce our consumption but that doesn’t mean we have to stop buying all together. We should buy “green” products. According to Conservation Value, what makes a product ‘green’ is they must be “energy efficient and saving, durable, and have low maintenance requirements.” In addition green products are readily recycled, biodegradable, made using natural and/or renewable resources, and that they are obtained from local resources and manufacturers (Conservation Value). There are many local stores that sell organic foods or products made out of entirely raw materials which tend to be pricey, such as NuBe Green located in Seattle on 921 East Pine Street, which sells bowls made out of lemons and Bok Choy leaves for $40, chipboard binders, and soy candles. Another important item to purchase that is sold in most stores is stainless steel water bottles that cost around $10. According to the Earth Policy Institute, “Americans used 50 billion plastic water bottles in 2006 and sent 38 billion water bottles to landfills, the equivalent of 912 million gallons of oil.” Those bottles could take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade in a landfill (Earth Policy Institute). Reducing doesn’t always mean stop shopping, just shop for better items. The second R is to reuse. Shopping at the Salvation Army or Goodwill is a great way to reuse items. If you have clothes, toys or any other things you don’t want; you should donate them to your nearest thrift store. Not only are you helping others you are also getting a deduction on your taxes. If you have old clothes that are torn instead of throwing them out you could repair them buy sewing. There are many other items throughout your house that can be turned into crafts or used for others purposes. Using old silverware and metals to make crafts for your yard or garden such as wind chimes. Old milk jugs can be used to water pumpkins by burying them in the ground with holes in the bottom, which I personally do. Giving away unwanted items and making new things out of the old can benefits others and reduce waste. The final R is to recycle. Recycling benefits everyone by preventing pollution caused by the manufacturing of  products from virgin materials. In addition, it reduces greenhouse gases and the need for landfills and incinerators as well as preserving natural resources. The city of Seattle offers free recycling service for Seattle residents. The first step of recycling is collection and processing. We can recycle either by the curb-side or drop-off centers. Recyclables are bought and sold and prices for the materials change with the market (EPA). Things like phone books, magazines, glass, plastic and aluminum products can be recycled. But batteries, ceramics and Styrofoam packaging cannot be recycled. The second step is manufacturing. The recycled goods are first sorted and cleaned. Then the goods are used for partially recycled and totally recycled products such as newspaper, pop cans, plastic containers and glass bottles. The final step to recycling is purchasing recycled products. If consumers start to demand products that are environmentally friendly then manufactures will produce high-quality recycled goods to meet their needs (EPA). Most companies are already using recycled products such as, Sun Chips has the first 100% biodegradable chip bag that is said to release on Earth Day of 2010. Recycling may seem like it takes a lot out of your day, but in the end it helps you and the rest of the world. Global warming is happening and we need to do whatever we can to bring our planet back to health. There are cheap ways that we can all do to live green and we need to remember to reduce, reuse and recycle. If we start to demand recycling and buy green products it will help our Earth and put more money in our wallets. The next time you go to the store start with buying a stainless steel water bottle to do your part. We may be the cause of global warming but we can also try to stop it.

LIVING GREEN

I wanted to create a “Living Green” booklet for students because I strongly believe in preserving our Earth for generations of people and wildlife to come as well as continuing the green movement that started in America during the 1970s’. Humans are the main cause of global warming and I wanted to see what college students could personally do to help with stopping the problem. After my parents went to a local hardware store to change all of our housing light bulbs to CFL’s for free I wanted to learn more about green products and free tips. My parents went to get their free CFL bulbs and there was no line because no one seemed to think CFL bulbs were important or worth their time.

According to the CLF bulbs’ website, “If every household in the U.S. replaced just ONE incandescent light bulb with an energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL), it would eliminate the equivalent of the emissions created by one million cars (CFL).”

So I want to let people know benefits of living green and that there are cheap and many free things we can be doing to live green.

-Brittany Weible

What We Can Do for FREE, REDUCE REUSE AND RECYCLE!

Heating and Energy We can reduce our energy bills by turning off lights and using natural light from outside. Bundle up during winter and use thick blankets for bed instead of turning up your heat. In the summer open your windows instead of using a cooling system.

Water Usage Turning off the water when soaping up in the shower and while brushing our teeth

Transportation Carpooling with co-workers, buses, trains, biking or skateboarding. Recycling Recycling services for the residents of Seattle is FREE. Use old silverware to make wind chimes or old milk jugs for watering pumpkins (which I personally do).

Clothing Sew old clothing and give clothes to relatives instead of throwing them out. Donate clothing to thrift store (Goodwill or Salvation Army) to help others and receive a deduction on taxes.

Yard Waste Use yard waste and food scraps for a compost heap if you have room. If you do not have room for a compost heap dispose of yard waste and food scraps in Yard Waste bin that is collected like garbage and recycling on the curb-side.

ORGANIC vs. NATURAL

In 1990, Congress passed the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA). “OFPA required the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop national standards for organically produced agricultural products to assure consumers that agricultural products marketed as organic meet consistent, uniform standards (Gold).”

Natural does not mean organic. Free-ranged, natural and hormone-free can be labeled on food but it does not mean it is organic.

The USDA organic seal means the product is at least 95% organic.

The USDA National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), in April 1995, defined organic to be:

“Organic food handlers, processors and retailers adhere to standards that maintain the integrity of organic agricultural products. The primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people (Gold).”

Local Stores

NuBe Green at 912 East Pine Street, Seattle, WA 98122 http://www.nubegreen.com/

Goods for the Planet at 525 Dexter Ave North, Seattle, WA 98109 http://www.goodsfortheplanet.com/

PCC Natural Markets located in Fremont and Seward Park http://www.pccnaturalmarkets.com/

Fred Meyer stores http://www.fredmeyer.com/healthy_living/Pages/default.aspx

Safeway stores http://www.safeway.com/IFL/Grocery/Shop

Fred Meyer and Safeway Lifetime Guarantee - If your reusable bag ever wears out, just return it and Fred Meyer will replace it free of charge. Fred Meyer: Reg. Size (89 cents) Large size (99 cents) each

Fred Meyer gives you a 5 cent discount for each reusable bag you use at the checkout. These reusable bags can be used for everyday use like a purse. If you have plastic shopping bags they can be recycled at most stores, such as Fred Meyer which uses recycled plastic for their indoor benches. Furthermore, Fred Meyer has a “Green Living” link that give tips for conserving energy.

Safeway sells reusable bags like many stores and has been a major recycler for almost 50 years. Both Fred Meyer and Safeway carry many similar products such as Stainless steel water bottles, Sun Chips in 100% compostable bags and Clorox ‘Green Works’ goods that are made out of 99.9% natural ingredients.

NUBE GREEN PRODUCTS Cedar Herb Planters - Size: 3 Long ($25) Big Dipper Beeswax Pillar Candle ($17) Lemon and Bok Choy Bowls ($40) Fruit/Veggie Wash - Spray 16oz. ($7.50) Recycled Cardboard Coasters ($17) 100% Organic Cotton “Circle Trees” shirts ($41)

GOODS FOR THE PLANET

Bags, Clothing and Bedding Backpacks made from recycled pop bottles Backpacks, purses, wallets & belts made from hemp & recycled tires Organic Cotton/Hemp t-shirts, robes, baby diapers and socks 100% organic cotton sheets, pillowcases, blankets & mattress pads

Bath Organic cotton towels and bathrobes Local handmade and organic soaps Stainless steel & recycled glass soap dishes

Toys for Baby Lush toys made from organic cotton Wood toys made from sustainably harvested organic rubber tree wood & certified non-toxic stains.

Home Décor Bowls and vases made from recycled wood Recycled glass bowls and vases

Energy Conserving Products Fire logs made from recycled coffee grounds energy efficient light bulbs (full-spectrum, dimmable, 3-way, candelabra base) Wind to charge rechargeable LED flashlights

Kitchen Hemp placemats, napkins, aprons & potholders Long-lasting cast iron pots and pans Bamboo cutting boards

Cleaning supplies Reusable viscose cleaning towels & sponges Unscented, natural, flushable wipes Biodegradable sandwich bags

Garden Worm bins Hemp garden gloves Natural and organic fertilizers Watering cans made from recycled plastic

Office Supplies Recycled cardboard binders and folders Recycled paper and file folders

Solar Solar attic fans; address lights; security lights; battery chargers Lighted stepping stones Backpacks with built-in solar panels

Yard Outdoor furniture made from recycled plastic lumber Garden sculptures made from recycled and reclaimed metal Cast iron wind bells and birdbaths

PCC Natural Markets The PCC Natural Markets have a wide range of foods for Seattle residents from natural sweeteners, soy foods, tofu, and seafood to fresh local produce. According to the PCC Natural Markets website, they support local farmers such as “Farmer Nash Huber of Nash’s Organic Produce (Sequim, Wash.); farmers JoanE McIntyre and Mike Shriver of Rent’s Due Ranch (Stanwood, Wash.); and Farmers Andrew Stout and Wendy Munroe of Full Circle Farm in Carnation, Wash” as well as local ranchers “including Draper Valley Farms (Mount Vernon, Wash.), Thundering Hooves (Walla Walla, Wash.), and Umpqua Valley Lamb(Oregon).”

Some of the products listed on the PCC Natural Markets website are:

Date Sugar Brown Rice Syrup Sugar Cane Juice Brand name ZERO, a certified organic calorie free erythritol Edamame Soybeans, soy nuts and soy butter Soy flour Soy milk and cheese Firm, soft and silken tofu Kale Chard Collards and collard greens Root vegetable tops (beets, turnips and carrots) Organic Beef, poultry, lamb, pork and bison