Category Archives: Personal Change

Feminist Jiu Jitsu!

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Back in the beginning of March, I participated in a Gender Equity Week event. On Thursday, March 7th from 6:30-7:30pm, I was in the Silcox Gym in TD Arena learning about self-dense and jiu jitsu! The event was officially titled “Feminist Jiu Jitsu for Self Defense Training.” However, it welcomed individuals of all genders and identities to come learn a few moves to feel safer and confident as we move about our daily lives.

I will admit, I was a little skeptical when deciding on if I should go or not, just because I had never tried any sort of jiu jitsu or martial arts before. Also, I couldn’t find a friend that was free to go with me. But, I had a friend that went to middle school with me that had done jiu jitsu for several years, and ever since then, i vowed that I would try it one day. So I told myself I was gonna go no matter what (even if I was going to make a fool of myself or be a bit awkward at first).

So I went to the gym and the first thing I saw was a large mat (like what you would expect to see for a wrestling match) on the floor. That made me nervous, but yet intrigued, because like I said, I really had no idea what I was getting myself into. There was a pretty large group of students there already. I started talking to a few people and quickly found out that the majority of them were all involved in one of the Women and Gender Studies courses and attending the event was mandatory for them. They all seemed excited though, and that made me feel more comfortable and excited too. Soon other students, outside of that class (like me), showed up too. Then a few minutes later, older students and a handful of adults came in, all dressed in the robe-looking things (typically referred to as a “gi” – I learned). One of them was the instructor of the Women and Gender Studies course, and then there was a husband and wife, who I found out actually teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes at their place on James Island, as well as through a course in the College! I had no idea that there was an actual class available for sign-up at CofC where you could learn jiu jitsu – seriously, it counts for a PE credit, crazy! The other older students (there were about five girls) had either been members of their class they teach at the College or had been going to their separate practice.

They started by showing us a few demonstrations. It was insane! There was one 13-year-old girl and she was going against the adult man (he said he was 250 lbs) and she would literally flip him over her shoulder like it was nothing!

After they blew our minds, they explained that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is all about leverage and angles, not about strength. So this made more sense about how she was able to defend herself so easily against him. They explained that learning these moves and getting into the habit of practicing jiu jitsu is not only good for the body but for the mind as well. It was honestly so inspiring and so cool! For the next half, they showed us four moves for us to practice on each other and have to take away with us for the night. Although they were simple (e.g. how to break away from a simple arm-hold), they made you feel so empowered and a little more confident when walking around campus. It was such a cool experience and I am so glad I ended up going! I hope I go to another session like this (maybe over the summer?) and hopefully even take the course at CofC in the future!

 

Personal Change

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In order to live more sustainably, I have already made many changes including recycling nearly everything, only buying absolute necessities, driving as little as possible, using as little chemicals as possible, preserving water, and reusing things. Before I made all of these changes, I needed four and a half worlds to survive; today I only need one and a half. The only other thing I can think to do is cut back or cut out my intake of animal products. I have considered doing this because I already don’t eat dairy products, so I don’t think it would be much of a jump to cut out some other things as well. I also have many vegan and vegetarian friends who could help and encourage me along the way, so that’s reassuring as well. I slowly starting to make a transition by cutting down my frequency of meat consumption. This change will help the world become a better place because it would decrease the demand for animal products, which would decrease the farming of livestock, which would decrease the amount of methane that is released into the environment, which would decrease the warming of the earth, which would save the planet from becoming uninhabitable. This would also decrease the amount of pesticides, fertilizers, animal waste that get into our water and air. This change might enrich my own life because it could better my health and introduce me to new vegan/vegetarian communities.

I work on all of these things actively and face challenges every day. I have the urge to buy new unnecessary things, drive instead of walk, and eat meat because I love it. Also, despite the fact that I have a very encouraging college community, people from my hometown, including my own family, live in the past, believe global warming is a hoax, and make me feel like my work is unimportant. I run into these problems every day, not just every week, but as for triumphs for this week, I only ate meat twice. That’s a big difference from seven days a week. An unanticipated challenge I faced was wrapping my mind around meatless recipes when I’ve been taught my whole life that, “a meal has meat.” Also, going home and being tempted by all my favorite meaty meals was difficult. An unanticipated benefit I faced was my food coming out cheaper than normal and losing a bit of unhealthy weight. I think I can stick with this change because it wasn’t severely taxing to cut some meat out of my diet, and I feel good about doing it. As for advice for others taking on a similar challenge, I’d say educate yourself about the impact you alone can have. The more you know, the more you care; this makes it easier and more rewarding to make the transition. Also, try not to focus on all the things you can’t eat; instead focus on the things you can eat. And go to Marty’s because their food is vegetarian/ vegan friendly and BANGIN’.

I didn’t have a super relatable photo, so here’s a picture of me being one with nature in Ireland last summer. This is where I met my vegan/vegetarian friends and started making the transition. Look how it makes you glow!

Personal Change

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Since transferring to the College two years ago, I was never aware of my carbon footprint or how much a single person could help the environment.  I always recycled and sometimes picked up trash off the ground but, that was about it for me being environmentally friendly. After coming to Charleston, it really changed my perspective on the environment. This change was because of my fellow peers being so passionate about sustainability and caring so much about the environment and the fact that this beautiful city was just far too pretty to be covered in trash! My first year I tried to walk everywhere I could and that was a little step, but it wasn’t until this year that I realized so many more little things I could do to help this world be a more sustainable place. I decided I would not bring my car with me to school because my roommate already had hers here and why bring two cars and pollute the air when we can carpool or walk everywhere. I thought I was really helping until I did an Ecological footprint test. I then decided I was never going to go to the store unless it was very necessary. A couple blocks from my apartment is Marion Square, every Saturday they hold a local farmers market. I knew if I could plan my weekly meals, I could get fresh produce which helps out local economy, reduces carbon pollutions because it does not have to be shipped from different places, and reduced packaging pollution like plastic. My roommate and I now write out what we need for our week, use a reusable wooden basket and go shopping for the week every Saturday morning! This not only enriched my life because I am able to put quality nutritional foods into my body, but I am also able to help the environment! I am still working on not also going to grocery stories and reduce trash, but I am not quite there yet (although I have reduced it significantly). I find that to be my biggest challenge because I do still need items that can not be found at farmers markets for recipes, household items, cleaning supplies, etc. Although, I do support food stores like Whole Foods where they encourage brining your own bags and allow you to bring your own containers for things such as flours, beans, rice, etc. This is a plan I am going to stick with, it has helped me in more ways than one. I am planning ahead for what I will be eating for the week which also helps with budgeting, I am eating quality foods, I am meeting and seeing local people weekly, and I am reducing my amount of waste. If you are scared about getting fresh fruits and vegetables… plan ahead! That was my biggest concern was buying and not having enough or having too much till the point it goes bad but, if you make a plan and write out the recipes it is so easy and fun.  I do not have a picture of me at the farmers market, but I have one of my roommates holding our reusable basket!

Food’s Carbon Footprint – An easy lifestyle change with big potential

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Food’s Carbon Footprint

I have recently found myself absorbed in climate change theory and news. Consequently, I have been assessing all aspects of my life in terms of their carbon cost. For example, what dietary choices could I make to lower my carbon impact? What lifestyle choices could I alter to do my part? Prior to taking this class, I had a sense of learned helplessness relative to climate change and how my individual choices could make a difference on something that had global impacts. However, with more education came empowerment.

In my internet venture, I was led to article after article on the connection between the food we eat and the footprint we leave behind. One of the articles I stumbled across (link here) outlined the importance of a climate based diet and placed some of the most commonly consumed foods in terms of a carbon footprint equal to that of a number of miles driven by car. The top three were Lamb (39.2 kilos of CO2 = 91 miles driven by car), Beef (27.0 kilos of CO2 = 63 miles driven by car), and cheese (13.5 kilos of CO2 = 31 miles driven by car). Through creating this comparison, it is apparent why reforming our ‘American’ diet could play a massive role in reducing the expenditure on our nations carbon budget. Especially considering how much our nation idolizes large portions, beef products (burgers, steak, etc.), and cheese. By replacing these foods with greener alternatives— fruits, veggies, or even chicken/fish— we could see a massive shift in carbon dioxide production. This seems completely manageable right? From a system-thinking and public health standpoint, it also has massive health benefits as well.

 

Here is a chart demonstrating the significance of such a minor lifestyle adjustment.

**Note how similar “No Beef” and “Vegetarian” diets are relative to their carbon footprint. **

Inspired by my newly acquired knowledge, I decided to make this a resolution for a two-week trial period and, hopefully, permanently. So out with the cows and in with the new (Who knew Chick-Fila was so environmentally conscious?).

It’s been two weeks on my new “diet” and I’ve realized that I pretty much eat this way anyway. I meal prep my food on Sunday so that I have meals planned out for the week. With the exception of a few of my go to meals, I felt that it was fairly easy to be consciously green. For example, I love to make quinoa noodles with homemade tomato sauce and seasoned ground beef. By replacing the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms and/or ground chicken or turkey, I have both reduced my carbon footprint and created a healthier meal at the same time.

The following is a list of the nine top tips that the aforementioned website provided for those who want to reduce their dietary carbon footprint the most:

1). Eat vegetarian (Meat is climate murder)

2). Bring back home cooking (Control waste and what you eat)

3). Cook smarter (Assess the efficiency of what you use to cook)

4). Eat organic (To be organic-certified, farmers must follow much more eco-friendly farming practices)

5).Save water (Reconsider your water efficiency. When you cut out meat, you save a lot of water)

6). Shop wiser (Consider if there is a greener alternative to what you are about to buy)

7). Shop local (Cut out the middleman. Support local farmers

8). Reduce, reuse, recycle (What could you repurpose the container for?)

9). Grow your own food (Why not test your green thumb? Save money and have some fun!)

I definitely think that this is something that I can manage and promote for years to come. I was a little hesitant given that I am already on a fairly strict diet (I am Celiac). However, it really was not a burden. The most challenging part has been promoting this behavior in others. People a very reluctant in advice concerning their dietary liberties or their liberties in general. It’s an uphill battle but I’m confident.

-Jackson Hartley

Personal Change!

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I discovered recently that I have a sensitivity to the chemicals that are commonly used in hair and beauty products. However, the most prominent sensitivity I have is to sodium laureth sulfate (SLS). Because of these sensitivities, I had to change every product I had been using for years. This includes face wash, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, face lotion, body lotion, cosmetics, and any other product that would come in contact with my skin. As I looked into finding these new products, I realized that the search would be more difficult than I had previously hoped. I was looking for products that were SLS, paraben, and silicone free. Although I could find a product or a brand with the correct requirements, it would not work as well as the products I had used in the past, which was frustrating. I spent hours on the internet researching and eventually found a plethora of brands that met the requirements I needed. As I researched I also found out that all of these brands also had the intention of being Eco-friendly. At the time, this was just a bonus of finding a product I could use, but after looking into it more I realized the importance of organic and eco-friendly beauty products. I began to think about the amount of shampoos, cosmetics, etc. that I had used in the past and that altering my routine to only include eco-friendly products would help me to live more sustainably, and also help the environment.

Although I did have to go through a lengthy trial and error process, I ended up finding the Eco-friendly products that work best for me. For my shampoo and conditioner I use Maui moisture. The brand prides itself for being paraben, silicone, SLS, and synthetic dye free. The packaging is post consumer recycled and is also cruelty free. There are multiple kinds that work with every hair type and all of the products smell amazing. I use a body wash from the brand Love Beauty and Planet and most of their bottles are made with 100% recycled content. This brand has the ultimate goal of reducing their carbon footprint, while also creating amazing products. This company is Eco-conscious and give 40$ per carbon ton to a carbon tax fund that works to reduce carbon emissions and land waste. I think this is incredible, especially considering the results from the carbon footprint quiz. My face wash and lotion come from Osmia Organics and the brand does not use parabens, phthalates, sulfates, petrochemicals, or synthetic colors in their products. As for cosmetics, most of my products are from Juice Beauty, W3ll People, or RMS beauty. Not only is Juice Beauty organic, vegan, and cruelty-free, but the company also utilizes solar and wind power, while also using recycled ingredients for packaging their products. W3ll People and RMS beauty both do not use harmful ingredients and aim to include mostly organic ingredients.

Yes, these brands do tend to be more expensive and do not work in the same manner as my products did in the past; however, they do the job and help the planet. I strongly encourage putting some time into researching these brands, and others like them, and switching to more sustainable beauty products. It feels great knowing the ingredients in the products I use are well thought out, safe for my skin, and better for the planet, especially with the knowledge I now have from this course.

Going Vegan!

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            Ever since we did the Ecological Footprint activity, I have been considering going vegan. Personally, the activity calculated that I would need 1.4 earths to sustain how I was living when I did it. By simply going vegan, that would reduce to 1.2 earths. I don’t eat much meat to begin with, but I thought dairy products would be harder to give up. Except for yogurt though, dairy isn’t a staple in my groceries for the week. 

            I began about two weeks ago by swapping my whole milk skyr for coconut milk yogurt. I never bought milk before, but I bought soymilk for my coffee so I could “add” something to my diet while “removing” dairy. The first week wasn’t bad at all, but I realized I consume a lot of dairy without realizing it. Chocolate, cookies, and even some frozen meals I had contained it. It was a bit harder to read labels and look for dairy, but I’ve been getting my junk food fix from Oreos!

            After the first week, I noticed that my skin was clearing up (I’ve been having problems with hormonal acne recently). That was definitely an unintended benefit. At the end of the second week, I realized I had lost weight; my mother noticed as well. This was also unintentional, but could also have resulted from exercising more. This was unintentional as well, though I would consider it a benefit. It did, however, make me realize I need to ensure I’m getting enough protein.

            Overall, I think this is a dietary change I will stick with. Eventually, it will probably become like meat for me and I won’t even want dairy products. The challenge will come before that, though, in situations where I’m eating out with friends. A lot of restaurants don’t have vegetarian friendly options, let alone vegan options. It will be hard, but definitely not impossible, as “healthy” eating is becoming more trendy. Even if I do slip up or choose to eat dairy occasionally, I don’t think it will negatively impact me. It is a change that I’m willing to work towards.

             Even a small change can impact our consumption and overuse of the earth. If people who consume more meat and dairy than I did to begin with, veganism could be an even more impactful change. The Ecological Footprint activity clearly showed how much of an effect decreasing our consumption of animals and animal products can have. However, it could also yield benefits like clear skin and weight loss for others as well. Plant-based diets are innately more sustainable than animal-based diets. 

            To anyone considering making this change, I highly recommend it! I welcome any questions or concerns. My best advice would be to start by incorporating vegan protein sources before dropping meat. The same goes for dairy products, if cheese, milk, or eggs is something you will miss. There are tons and tons of delicious and affordable options out there, and just as many resources for recipe or lifestyle inspiration!

            I don’t really have any pictures to share, but picture lots and lots of produce! Eat the rainbow!

Personal Change

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For my first blog of the semester, I decided to focus on my personal lifestyle choices. I have always consider myself to fit in with the group of people who never really took the time to consider how their actions would affect the things around them. I was never one to have a second thought about how I was disposing of things or even how I was using different things. After spending some time in the Intro to Environmental and Sustainability Studies, I realized that my actions play a big part in keeping the Earth healthy and alive.

I believe on of the biggest issues I have is recycling. I knew that it was important, but I didn’t know just how important it was. I believe if I could recycle more, I would contribute more towards protecting the Earth and less towards damaging it. Recycling greatly affects nature, including things we never really think about on the daily basis. There is a great amount of plastic and debris in the oceans, which is harming and killing marine life and because I don’t recycle, I am apart of that. I have recently been recycling more and more. I do want to change because I know how much it can benefit the Earth and it makes me feel better about the decisions I make.

I also think another one of my biggest problems is reusing material. I have a bad habit of just throwing things away once I am done with it. This isn’t intentionally, it’s almost like second nature to just toss my empty cans in the trash instead of turning them into a pencil holder or maybe even a vase for fake flowers. Who knows, the ideas are endless with some objects. I am not that creative, so it’s hard to figure out new inventions for my used objects. It’s easier for me to just throw them away. The more I reuse things, the less trash there will be, which will then lead to a much cleaner Earth! I have not yet tried to reuse anything, the most I’ve done is keep my plastic shopping bags from stores like Walmart and I use them as trash bags but then I eventually end up throwing them away which isn’t helping the problem.

The only challenges I face when it comes to trying to improve these things are forgetting because I am so used to doing the wrong thing and also finding ways to reuse certain items. When I recycle, I do feel good about myself because I’m making improvement. I went from not caring about recycling because I wasn’t educated that much about it, to recycling every time I am out and about. It’s not the best, but I’m working on it and you have to start somewhere. As far as reusing material, I have not started yet but I will eventually. I definitely believe I will stick to recycling but reusing, I’m not entirely sure. To others I would say, be the change. It will be a little difficult at first but once you get used to it, you will feel pretty good. At the end of the day just think of how many tiny lives you could save by properly disposing of your trash. It’s definitely worth it!