Week 5
This week we started watching another documentary called "Diet for a New America." This documentary was about John Robbins, and his proposal of the standard American diet being highly correlated to health problems and environmental problems. I was required to do a review of this document, and I really learned a lot because of it! We also did an Eye Opener by engaging in one of three activities offered by the Center of Science in the Public Interest. I chose to do the "eating green calculator" which calculates how much harm you contribute to the environment based on the number of servings you eat of certain foods. This was truly "eye-opening" because I didn't know my (once thought) healthy diet was actually contributing a lot to the various problems with our environment! This week I learned a lot about food in general, and also about my own diet and what I need to work on.
Week 6
This week we were each required to do a reading review on an article that we randomly chose. I did a review on article 34 which talked about free trade and how certain corporations are taking advantage of certain agreements to make the most profit for themselves. Though it was a difficult read, I'm glad I got to do a review on it because I don't know much at all about free trade in general. We also watched another documentary this week. This one was called "Future of Food" and was, in my opinion, the most interesting thus far. The main focus of the video was the debate over whether or not man has the right to patent or own nature. It also emphasized the problem of genetically modified foods and how America is becoming too dependent on these "artificial" products. If we don't act now, pretty soon farms all around the world will lose their biodiversity in their crops.
What I Learned
Overall, I learned a lot over the last two weeks. I'm really glad we get to watch these documentaries because I feel they are very powerful and informational. Because of the videos we've watched in class, I actually pay attention to what I eat now, and more importantly the serving sizes. I also pay attention to how certain products are worded. Does organic truly mean organic? Seeing that we are about halfway through the semester, I feel the class as a whole is really becoming more aware of our surroundings and our own actions. I also feel we are all becoming much more fluent at blogging. So good job everyone! I look forward to what the next two weeks have in store for us. Hope you all have a good weekend, and make sure to stay warm!
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Ben- Those videos were very eye-opening for me as well. I pay a lot more attention to what I eat now too. I thought my diet was good, but I learned that it can be harmful to the environment and the animals. It does seem that you are becoming more fluent at blogging, so good job!
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ReplyDeleteI agree with you, a lot of us are more aware of our surroundings the last couple weeks. I think a lot of it is due to the videos we've been watching. You're right, they sure are powerful!
Ben, I liked the idea you brought up about paying attention to serving size! You got it right ...everything is okay in moderation.. but with everything we consume these days being supersized, jumbo, and just plain BIG its difficult. I really respect the idea that you are taking this into consideration because it is def. not easy! :) keep up the great work! Bring on break only two weeks!
ReplyDeleteHey Ben! I agree with you on the serving size thing....people over do it and then wonder why they are the way they are? It is unecessary the portion sizes that some people eat. This class has definately made me rethink my diet and what I can do to be healthier. Great post Ben!
ReplyDeleteBen- I agree with you. I thought the documentaries in class have been REALLY beneficial to watch. Sometimes, I have an easier time taking in information from someone else than from the day-to-day instructor and class periods. I like the way Dr. V. always stops the videos and has us talk about what we think. It is a very effective way for most of us to learn and as a result I think we are all not only learning more about the enviornment, but about what can can do to make it better. Anytime something prompts you to evaluate your own life and behaviors it is a WONDERFUL learning experience.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work Ben! Stay warm yourself! --S
Ben~ The movies really did remind me of super size me...which kinda had the same message on how much junk we are eating!! Your blogging is awesome!! Keep up the great work!!
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