Maggie Godsil

The need for family planning should not be a political battle, but rather a social, economic, and enviromental issue that demands more resources. Increasing family planning resouces would actually save dollars spent on medical procedures, on top of the obvious cost of having and raising a human. In the developed world, the need for family planning is often stigmatized due to religious reasons; often education programs are banned from schools in favor of promoting abstinence. In less developed nations, there aren't resources or tools to provide education, let alone resources such as doctors, medications, and personal barriers. The perspective on family planning needs to become positive - we can talk about how family planning prevents abortions and unwanted pregancies, we can raise money to send FP resources to countries that need them. We have the power to make these changes, which will ultimately save the planet! 

Smaller portions will help me keep my weight in check. Even though I am healthy and active, I only need a certain amount of nuterients to sustain life. It is more than easy in American society to induldge in more nutrients (and sometimes ice cream) than necessary. Using smaller plates, opting for smaller portions, and restricting the amount of food first consumed will let the brain and stomach feel that 'fullness', therefore even if you thought you could eat three helpings of grandma's mac'n'cheese, you may only eat one and feel the same level of satisfaction. 

I think accessibility and popular culture influence the amount of meat eaten in North America the most. Meat is abundantly available; it is often one of the least expensive options available at stores and restaurants. This is liekly due to the dark side of fast farming - growth hormones, poor diet, inhumane living quarters, etc. It's a shame that animals aren't treated with more respect and dignity than they are. That is why it is important for consumers to choose higher quality meats, which unfortunately come at a higher price tag. Pop culture influences the amount of meat eaten in NA through media. Influence comes from sources such as celebrities, advertisements, and movies/television. The internet also contributes - there is a linguistic phenomenon 'beacause x' that has been incorprorated by bacon lovers (because bacon) that is widespread and highly utilized by service industry to drive bacon sales. These kinds of influences reflect the American capitalistic idealology. Bigger is better, faster is better, cheap production equals high profit margins, etc. etc. I would like to see America evaluate how these 'easy' choices impact the global community and how we can improve quality of life here at home as well as abroad. 

Flint, Michigan is the perfect example of how enviromental issues are also human health and social justice issues. Flint is a lower-income neighborhood whose drinking water is contaminated and not usable. There isn't funding going to fix these issues, which is argued because of the lower-income nature of the neighborhood. These kinds of injustices matter to me because it does not represent the American idealogy of equality. There is clearly unequalities when it comes to social and economic class and access to health. For example, if a lower-income family has x amount of dollars for food, it is more easily accessable for them to purchase fast food, or low-quality processed food versus fresh fruits and vegtables and grains that provide nutrients. This is an injustice that should be fought against. 

Trash islands in the ocean are disgusting - and I am buying into them, literally. If we all purchased products that had eco-sensitive packaging, then our water would be less contaminated. 

Documenting my food waste has heightened my awareness to what all I buy, cook, and eat. I have a better understanding of 'less is more' and also cook less, eat what's there, then make more if necessary. If I saved $1,500 from not wasting food, you know I would buy some red bottoms. Or a vacation!