Kayla Bernard
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SiA Homework for Sept 4 - PRACTICE POST
On Sept 4, we will have 3 guests come talk to us about sustainability initiatives at Vanier. In preparation, please read over VANIER'S 5-YEAR SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN 2018-2023 and then write an EcoChallenge post that includes the following: - What do you think about the plan? Is it ambitious enough? Is there anything missing or superfluous? From your own observation and experience, how well is Vanier doing? List some questions that you would like to ask our speakers regarding Sustainability at Vanier? - Identify at least 3 initiatives that you are potentially interested in contributing to this semester and explain why. (Note there is a column labelled student involvement.) For more detailed information, you can also consult the 2020 VANIER ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT in the links.
Transportation
SiA Homework for Sept 4 - PRACTICE POST
Write an Ecochallenge POST to our team, briefly stating how you currently commute to Vanier. In Quebec, because we have a lot of hydro electric power, one of the main source of carbon emissions is from transportation. What commuting options do you have that would be healthier for you and the planet? Will you be considering any changes for this semester? If so, select or create an EcoChallenge action. If not, explain what your particular challenges are and what you could do to help other people in your situation (e.g. organise car sharing, propose a bus shuttle, etc.)
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Learn the Truth About Expiration Dates
Reduced Food Waste
I will spend at least 15 minutes learning how to differentiate between sell by, use by, and best by dates.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Learn About Cattle Farming
Improved Cattle Feed; Improved Manure Management
I will spend 45 minutes researching cattle feed and manure management, or visiting a dairy farm to learn about their farming practices.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Reduce Food Waste
Reduced Food Waste
I will keep a daily log of food I throw away during Drawdown Ecochallenge, either because it went bad before I ate it, I put too much on my plate, or it was scraps from food preparation, and commit to reducing my food waste throughout the challenge.
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Learn About Aquaculture
Improved Aquaculture
Each day, I will spend at least 25 minutes learning about sustainable aquaculture.
Land Sinks
Learn about Temperate Forests
Temperate Forest Restoration
I will spend at least 60 minutes learning more about the environmental services provided by and the environmental issues affecting temperate forests.
Land Sinks
Support a Community Garden
Multiple Solutions
I will support a community garden by volunteering, donating, or advocating for a new or existing one.
Land Sinks
Learn More about Silvopasture
Silvopasture
I will spend at least 45 minutes watching videos and/or reading about the environmental benefits of silvopasture.
Land Sinks
Research Peatlands
Peatland Protection and Rewetting
I will spend 45 minutes researching the environmental benefits of peatlands and what is being done around the world to conserve and restore them.
Land Sinks
Explore My Area
Sometimes protecting nature requires feeling connected to nature. I will invest 75 minutes in exploring and appreciating a natural area in my region, whether a forest, wetland, coastal area, or somewhere else.
Share Your Story
READ Quebec's principles for a just transition AND/OR PARTICIPATE in the Sept 27 Climate March
For the week of Sept 25 to Oct 2, please read the documents attached AND IF YOU CAN, please attend the Sept 27 Climate March. Many people and organisations feel that the government is dragging its feet on the important changes required to meet our climate commitments. For your post, reflect on the value of mass demonstrations. Include a photo of a protest banner or slogan that you find effective (if you can't attend the event then find a photo on the web from other climate marches).
Electricity
Learn more about Nuclear Power
I will spend 30 minutes learning about Nuclear Energy and Thorium salt reactors
Electricity
Learn more about Nuclear Power
I will spend 30 minutes learning about Nuclear Energy and Thorium salt reactors
Food, Agriculture, and Land Use
Smaller Portions
Reduced Food Waste
I will use smaller plates and/or serve smaller portions when dishing out food.
Electricity
Learn More about Micro Wind
Micro Wind Turbines
I will spend at least 30 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of micro wind.
Electricity
Learn More About Geothermal Energy
Geothermal Power
I will spend at least 40 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of geothermal energy and consider investing in this technology.
Industry
Learn About & Practice Sustainable Fashion
Multiple Industry Solutions
I will learn about sustainable fashion and begin practicing it in my own life.
Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks
Smart Seafood Choices
Ocean Farming
I will visit seafoodwatch.org and download the app to commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean.
Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks
Cook With Seaweed
Seaweed Farming
I will use seaweed in a new recipe.
Participant Feed
Reflection, encouragement, and relationship building are all important aspects of getting a new habit to stick.
Share thoughts, encourage others, and reinforce positive new habits on the Feed.
To get started, share “your why.” Why did you join the challenge and choose the actions you did?
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Kayla Bernard 11/13/2024 4:56 AMFinal Eco Challenge postThe most challenging part of the Eco-challenge for me was keeping up with the weekly posts, and more importantly the fact that I was, and am still very confused about it. I was doing ‘daily actions’ that did not ask reflection questions, thinking that is what I needed to do. I then realized my mistake , but must have forgotten to actually amend them. I also had forgotten to submit a post multiple times due to the fact that when I checked the website, the actions section was not interactable because of what I assume to be a mistake on the ‘deadline’ for the team. I kept forgetting to check again to see if it had been fixed, which led to me doing many challenges in one night.Despite these issues, mostly with my own awful memory, I did learn a lot. I learnt a lot about different climate solutions and strategies, and obtained a couple cool resources, such as the seafoodwatch app. I also specifically recall learning about sustainable aquaculture, which I think is super interesting, especially with my love of seafood and a crippling guilt over eating seafood. The fact that there are some solutions or improvements makes me more hopeful and less guilty for not begging vegan. I also learnt in detail a lot of things that I knew vaguely about, like the impact of the cattle industry. I was glad to learn about some solutions and improvements to the industry, especially since I don't think it's realistic to assume that a large enough group of people will become vegan (large enough to make a reasonable impact, that is). Knowing about solutions makes me feel more hopeful about the future of our climate and foodways.To be honest, I don't think my efforts made a difference. This is primarily because most of my efforts were based on an individual learning level, and that alone won't solve anything. Auctions taken, laws passed, and research done will make a difference. However, I aspire to one day work in environmental sciences, and I am confident that this class, and eco challenge posts in general have helped me stay more positive about solutions that are currently being implemented. So maybe in that regard, it made a small difference in my life.I didn't include anyone in the challenge. I think that if I did, I might have done more of the ‘exploring’ or in person actions rather than the solidarity learning activities. I would have been more motivated to do something and less nervous / scared to try something new. I think it would have helped me with my motivation.In terms of continuing these habits in the future, I do think I will continue to try to learn about sustainability. I didn't gain any proper habits from this challenge, except maybe to use the seafoodwatch app or to be more mindful of the expiration dates.I personally find it almost impossible to envision a world without fossil fuels. Almost everything we use and have is affected by fossil fuels in some way, from the burning of fossil fuels as power, the creation of plastics, chemicals, glass, basically everything, to the transport of goods. In our globalized world, it's nearly impossible to live without fossil fuels affecting nearly everything in your day to day life, no matter how off the grid you may try to live. Not to mention the absolute economic catastrophe that would happen, where, of course lower class people would suffer immensely due to basic products being less affordable.Of course, this isn't to say it would be all bad. Reducing our use of fossil fuels will have a huge impact on the environment, making our carbon emissions goal attainable and, though very optimistic, might give us the opportunity to fix what we have damaged. The water cycle would hopefully slowly stabilize, the average temperature would stop rising (or maybe even drop) and natural disasters would hopefully return to their regular frequency.
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Kayla Bernard 11/12/2024 11:36 PMLearn More about Micro WindI spent about 20 minutes learning about micro wind turbines for the eco challenge one time action relating to it. Micro wind is really interesting because it’s small, affordable, and could be a great way for people to produce their own renewable energy at home. Micro wind turbines are essentially small-scale wind turbines designed to generate electricity for homes, small buildings or off-grid locations. They work by using the wind to spin blades, which in turn spins a rotor connected to a generator, producing electricity. It's similar to how large wind farms work, just on a much smaller scale.Of course, they’re not perfect. Micro wind turbines need a certain amount of wind to generate electricity efficiently, so they work best in areas that have regular wind patterns. Depending on where you live, there might be zoning laws or other regulations to work around. As technology improves and prices drop, micro wind turbines are starting to become a more realistic and sustainable option for people who want to lower their carbon footprint and generate their own clean energy.
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Kayla Bernard 11/12/2024 11:09 PM
Learn About & Practice Sustainable Fashion
I spent around 15 minutes learning about fast fashion for this eco challenge because I want to understand how I can be more intentional with my fashion choices, supporting practices that are better for both the planet and the people involved in the industry. The fashion industry is also one of the largest contributors to environmental pollution and unethical labor practices. The clothing we buy has a much larger impact than most of us realize.
Fast fashion relies on cheap materials, mass production, and quick turnaround times, which leads to enormous amounts of waste. Clothing is often designed to be worn only a few times, resulting in a lot of waste. This contributes to landfills overflowing with discarded clothing, which takes decades to decompose. Furthermore, the production process of fast fashion typically involves harmful chemicals, excessive water use, and high carbon emissions.
Sustainable fashion focuses on reducing the environmental impact of clothing, using eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, hemp, or recycled fabrics, and prioritizing fair wages and working conditions for garment workers (which don't tend to be the case in many clothing factories). It also encourages buying fewer, higher-quality items that will last longer. Second-hand shopping and clothing swaps as a way to recycle and get new clothes without contributing to overconsumption
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Kayla Bernard 11/12/2024 10:39 PMLearn About Cattle FarmingFor the eco challenge Learn About Cattle Farming, I spent around 30 minutes learning the problems with how we currently manage our cattle feed and how we manage manure (since visiting a dairy farm was not a viable option for me). I knew a lot of the information already about the cattle feed, I did not know much about the manure management or improvements to it.For cattle feed, many large farms use monoculture crops like corn and soybeans. These crops can wear out the soil because they don’t allow other plants to grow, and they need a lot of water, fertilizers, and pesticides. These chemicals can end up in rivers and lakes, which harms aquatic life. Also, growing and transporting feed produces carbon emissions, which contribute to climate change. Due to the size of our cattle industry, we need to produce and transport ridiculous amounts of feed.Additionally, Manure can be just as harmful if not handled well. It’s full of nitrogen and phosphorus, which are good for fertilizing crops, but if there’s too much or it’s stored wrong, it can pollute water. This can cause algal blooms, which block sunlight and deplete oxygen, creating "dead zones" where fish and other aquatic life can’t survive. Manure also releases methane as it breaks down, which is a powerful greenhouse gas. If not managed properly, manure can also contaminate soil with bacteria or too many nutrients, hurting the local environment. This can also cause problems with contaminated waterways for local and indigenous communities which poses a serious health risk.There are several solutions being put into place to tackle the environmental problems caused by cattle feed and manure management. For cattle feed, one solution is rotating crops rather than relying on monocultures. Crop rotation helps maintain soil health, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and can even improve water retention in the soil. Another solution is growing more sustainable feed crops like alfalfa or other grasses, which require less water and fewer chemicals. Some farms are also using precision agriculture, which uses technology like sensors and GPS to apply fertilizers and water more efficiently, reducing waste and runoff into waterways. In smaller quantities, practices like silvopasture or using cattle to eat invasive plants like Kudzu can also be used (which provide other benefits).As for manure management, there are practices being used to reduce its environmental impact. One common solution is composting manure, which helps it break down more evenly and reduces methane emissions. Some farms are also using anaerobic digesters, which turn manure into biogas that can be used as renewable energy. This not only helps manage the manure but also provides an alternative energy source, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, applying manure at the right times and in the right amounts helps avoid nutrient runoff into water sources and prevents soil contamination.Of course, reducing the size of our meat industry and eating less cattle would solve these and many more problems concerning the environment and our overconsumption of meat on this planet.
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Kayla Bernard 11/12/2024 10:11 PMLearn the Truth About Expiration DatesFor the one time action called Learn the Truth About Expiration Dates, I attempted to better understand expiration dates. I’ve often thrown away food just because it was past the use by or best by date. But after researching, I realized these dates don’t always mean the food is unsafe to eat. In fact, the labels sell by, use by, and best by are there for different reasons, and understanding the difference can help prevent unnecessary waste. I spent around 10 minutes researching this information.A sell by date is mainly for retailers. It’s a guideline for how long stores should display a product for sale. This date is about inventory, and doesn’t necessarily mean the food is bad. Many products are still good to eat after this date, as long as they’ve been stored correctly. A use by date is more about safety. It’s the last date the manufacturer suggests the product should be consumed for the best quality or safety. While it’s usually safe to eat food past this date, you should still check to see if the food still smells edible, it was recommended that produce like milk, eggs, yogurt, and meat should not be eaten past this day. Things like peanut butter or chips, however, were safe. Lastly, a best by date refers to when the food is at its ‘best’. It doesn’t mean the food is unsafe after that date, but it might not taste as fresh.By learning the difference between these dates, we can make smarter choices about when to use or keep food. Not only will this help reduce food waste, but it will also save me money and reduce my environmental impact.
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Kayla Bernard 11/12/2024 9:52 PMResearch PeatlandsI selected the one time action for Researching Peatlands because I was interested in it, since it invoked images of the famous bog-bodies of ireland. I always found the history and anthropology of the bog-bodies to be interesting, but seeing this as a potential action sparked my interest in it in terms of sustainability.I spent around 30 minutes learning, and found that peatland and bogs are similar, but still different. In short, all bogs are peatlands, but not all peatlands are bogs. Peatlands include a wider variety of wetland types, and bogs are a specific kind of peatland with very acidic, nutrient-poor conditions.In terms of what peatlands are in general, they are a type of wetland where dead plants slowly build up over time to form peat, a spongy material. They're usually found in cool, damp places. They are great carbon sinks since the thick layers of peat trap carbon that would normally escape into the atmosphere, helping to reduce the effects of climate change. They can also affect the local temperature since they absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night. This keeps temperatures in the area more stable, preventing it from getting too hot during the day or too cold at night. Also, since peatlands are wet, they release moisture into the air, making the air more humid. This helps keep the surrounding area damp, which is good for plants and animals that thrive in moisture-rich environments.Another interesting thing is that peatlands act like sponges, soaking up and storing large amounts of water. When it rains, they absorb the excess water, which prevents it from flowing quickly into rivers and streams. So, instead of water rushing off the land, peatlands slowly release the water they’ve stored back into the environment. This slower release helps to maintain steady water levels in nearby rivers and lakes, preventing them from overflowing and causing floods. By acting as natural buffers, peatlands reduce the chances of fast flooding, especially during heavy rain. Natural disasters like flash flooding will only become more common due to climate change and disruption of the water cycle, so peatlands being able to help can be very important. Protecting them can help us protect our cities most at risk for flooding.One of the reasons they are at risk is that people often drain peatlands to convert them into farmland or to harvest peat for fuel or gardening. Draining peatlands lowers the water level, which causes the peat to dry out and decay. This not only releases stored carbon into the atmosphere but also damages the habitat for plants and animals. I had always heard of peat being used for gardening, but never really thought about where it came from, nor made any connection to peatlands. Knowing this makes me a lot more conscious about how so many of our activities can negatively affect the world around us if done in large operations.
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Kayla Bernard 11/12/2024 9:07 PMLearn more about nuclear powerIn line with my custom eco challenge action, I spent around 30 minutes learning about nuclear power and thorium salt reactions.I did this because I had always heard differing opinions on nuclear power, with some people swearing by it and saying it's the future, while others seem to treat using nuclear power as a fate worse than death. What I learnt was that nuclear power produces electricity by splitting atoms in a process called fission. Traditional nuclear reactors usually use uranium as fuel, and when uranium atoms split, they release a huge amount of heat, which turns water into steam and powers turbines to generate electricity. It’s actually very low in carbon emissions, which is great for fighting climate change. But it also produces long-lasting radioactive waste, and there’s always the risk of accidents.Thorium salt reactors are a newer alternative. They use thorium instead of uranium, and the fuel is dissolved in a liquid salt, which makes it safer. If something goes wrong, the salt can solidify, potentially stopping a meltdown. Plus, thorium is more common than uranium, and these reactors produce less long-lived waste. They aren’t perfect, but they could be a big step forward in safer, cleaner nuclear energy, certainly better than burning coal.I had already known a bit about nuclear reactors and thorium, primarily that one of the reasons that uranium is used is not only due to its availability, but its military uses( especially during the cold war) and that huge investments were made specially for the manhattan project, and by the soviet union. My interest in history has led me to being curious about environmental sustainability in this case, and I think that that goes to show how multi-disciplinary sustainability can be,
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Kayla Bernard 11/12/2024 8:37 PMExplore my areaIn line with the Explore my Area eco challenge one time action, yesterday on November 2nd I had visited a nearby walking trail Bois de L'equerre. It was quite cold and windy, and somewhat regretted choosing such a gray day but I persisted. The walking trail is a quiet and spacious forest, with very naturalistic paths and very little trash. My dog greatly enjoyed the walk, and I felt more mentally clear after visiting.A lot of the leaves had started turning color due to the season, and many of the smaller plants had died. Though there weren't many flowers, I did have a chance to see more mushrooms (thanks to my dog sniffing them out for me) and notice the mosses and rocks more. Though visiting these woods is enjoyable in the summer and on a nice day, I greatly enjoyed the fact that I had choses a less ideal day, since it meant there were less people and I could take my time on the path to stand and observe the forest more.I also attempted to ‘birdwatch’ but that was not successful due to a lack of binoculars and a very excited pitbull. Overall, I felt very happy that I got the opportunity to connect to nature for that part of the day. We had stayed for a total of around 2 hours, which was when the sun had started to set.*edit* I was unable to post this eco challenge post since when I checked the actions weren’t able to be interacted with (it said something about the challenge being complete, and I think the teams 'date had expired). I had written this post in my notes app and completely forgot to post it until now
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Kayla Bernard 11/12/2024 8:22 PMSmart Seafood Choices
In line with the one time action about Smart Seafood choices, I visited seafoodwatch.org and downloaded the app. I found that the website was very interesting and useful, and I particularly enjoyed that they included different names for the species. It makes it easier for people to use, especially people who aren't very familiar with scientific names or learnt it from regional dialects.As someone who enjoys cooking and eating seafood, I recognize that the overconsumption of seafood can have unwanted environmental consequences.The fact that they offer quick and easy to access information about the harvest, dangers and effects of each food is very useful and mindful, and I enjoy how simple the app is to use with its filters, especially the ‘best alternative’ option.
Knowing more about where your food comes from can help you gain a greater appreciation for it, which I feel like I did after using this app. I feel like I will find myself using this app more often when at seafood markets or ordering seafood in general.
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Kayla Bernard 10/22/2024 9:44 PMThanksgiving:
The overall message I understood from the 4 videos was the importance of degrowth, and the dangers of our overconsumption. Embracing degrowth is about advocating for a planned economic recession to achieve environmental sustainability. It challenges the notion that constant economic growth is essential, highlighting how our overconsumption as a species leads to resource depletion and ecological harm. It emphasizes the need to live within ecological limits. It encourages simpler lifestyles, community connections, and "equitable" resource distribution, in order to have a more sustainable and fulfilling way of living that values health, happiness, and environmental sustainability over consumerism. the ideas of carbon footprints and exactly how much land we need to sustain ourselves (depending on the country) was brought up, which emphasized how the richest countries use up more more resources than developing ones.
Another important point that was mentioned in the videos was pertaining to our overconsumption. It create serious ecological problems by depleting resources, destroying habitats, and increasing greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change and loss of biodiversity. In one of the videos it mentioned the earth "overshoot", saying we need 1.5 earths to sustain ourselves. Cutting down on resources used can help balance it out. It also worsens inequality, as wealthier individuals and countries consume far more than their fair share, leaving poorer communities with less access to essentials like clean water, food, and healthcare. Basically, overconsumption harms the environment and increases social challenges. Our reliance on fossil fuels, excessive waste, and an overall unsustainable lifestyle has led to climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequality. A change is needed.
Here are a few things I’m grateful for that don’t negatively impact the environment:- Time spent in nature: Enjoying walks in parks or hiking in forests allows me to appreciate the beauty of the natural world while promoting mental well-being, and it allows me to see native (and unfortunately non-native) flora and fauna. I enjoy being able to identify the wildlife and nature around me, it helps me feel more connected to my region and allows me to be more mindful about the world around us.
- Community gatherings: Participating in local events, such as the Vanier sustainability and Vanier Garden events makes connections and a sense of belonging without relying on consumerism and can be a great source of knowledge.
- Cooking at home: Preparing meals using local, and preferably from my garden or foraged ingredients not only supports local farmers but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with food transport, and makes me feel proud about my food choices. Additionally, cooking yourself allows you to be more mindful and grateful about your food and how it got on your late.
Embracing simplicity and minimalism leads to a more fulfilling life, allowing for appreciation of what truly matters.
By adopting a degrowth mindset, we can shift our focus from material wealth to well-being, both for us and the environment. This leads to more meaningful social interactions, a slower pace of life, and a deeper connection to our planet and less material distractions. Essentially, it’s about building healthier, more mindful communities and enhancing our overall happiness and health.