Eye Opener: Ecological Footprint

For the ecological footprint assignment, the first test that I did was a Ecological Footprint Calculator. I found out that if everyone lived like me, we would need THREE planet earths to support each individual. That was somewhat surprising to me because I try to do my best recycling, turning lights off when possible, taking short showers and driving with others when possible. When exploring my answers, I found that if I were able to take the bus more often, use newer appliances and buy products with recycled products, the energy level I use would be greatly reduced!

The second test that I took was the Travel Calculator. This test calculates how much gas you use when going on with your daily routine, traveling to sporting events as well as long distance holiday trips. After putting in all my information, I found that my gas use and pollution emission is greater than most people's. I am assuming that this is because of the trips that I take. The closest family members that I have is two hours away, so when going up north to visit family, home or with my boyfriend to visit his family, we're driving at least two hours minimum, one way. Not only do I do a lot of traveling to visit family, but I play on the club Ultimate Frisbee team and all the traveling we do for tournament is by bus or car.

The last quiz that I did was another Ecological Footprint Quiz which was more comprehensive then the first. It was more specific in questions and took a little longer. On this quiz, my footprint was 151.72 which is much lower than our country's average. That surprised me a lot and I made me pretty happy! :)

Share and Voice: Steve's Photo Challenge

The photo that I am submitting into Steve's Photo Challenge was taken last summer atop a hill in Babbitt, Minnesota. The view from atop the hill is one of my favorite places I have been to in Minnesota. When visiting Babbitt, this is where I spend the majority of my time (in the woods). My dad has a hunting shack that is being built in this area and the reason I like it so much is because it's very secluded (we own 9 achres and don't have to worry about other people tresspassing onto our land). If you know the area well, you'd be able to tell where the city limits are, along with Birch Lake which is approximately 2 miles outside of town just by looking at this photo. If any of you have the chance, visiting the Babbitt/Ely area is a must! :)

Share and Voice: The Water in Minnesota

Hey Guys! After reading the first chapter, today's class period and reading through the reviews on Blogger, I found it really interesting that ONLY 2% of our water, is FRESH water!

I decided I wanted to learn more about the water we drink, swim in and take advantage of in our own state and I stumbled upon "Information about Water from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency" website... Check it out! :)

Hopefully you find something that interests you!