Saturday, April 21, 2007

Looking back...

With respect to the “BagFest” project and the service learning component, I initially learned about it from Dr. Verges prior to the spring semester. Even though it sounded like it was going to be a “heavy-duty” course, I was interested because I like the concept of applying course material to “real-world” concerns. In addition, reading Elizabeth Royte’s book,Garbage Land: on the Secret Trail of Trash, proved to be a learning experience in-and-of-itself.

The more I read, however, the more disappointed I became on how our nation deals with garbage, recycling and the environment. However, I also recognized that exposing an ugly truth lends opportunity for change—which is the beauty of it. We all have the opportunity to change our behavior, the way we think about our world and how we interact with our environment.

Personally, I have become much more conscientious about what I buy or throw away and also what I recycle. I have a long way to go and still have some bad habits (e.g. buying bottled water and using plastic bags) but I am working on these and am committed to changing my behavior one step-at-a-time. My biggest problem will be in remembering to bring reusable bags with me when I go shopping! :)

2 comments:

Molly said...

I totally agree, Nancy. I too have become much more careful about what I throw away. To be honest, the condo complex I live in does not offer recycling services, mostly because there are 32 units, and only about a quarter of them are lived in full-time. Furthermore, we've had some problems with the property managers, and are going through some transition in that area. It was really weighing on me throughout the semester, so back in March I started recycling on my own, and driving it down the road to a recycling center. It was amaaazing how little trash I actually had once I started recycling! I go through one garbage bag about every 2 weeks! And now the boys that live below me (ND college students) also recycle! I think by this summer we will have the whole place recycling...and we'll all be driving it where it needs to go (lots of dedication!) I have some pics, but I'm not sure how to upload them. In retrospect, I can't believe how much I have learned from Royte's book. It's a topic and a perspective I never would have learned about and gained without this class.

Unknown said...

Molly, I think it's really cool that you have taken recycling into your own hands where you live. I give you a lot of credit considering all the extra effort it takes on your part to make it happen. It's especially cool that you're having a positive influence on your neighbors as well! You go girl! :)