Emma Umbrello
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Emma's actions
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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).
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SiA Homework for Sept 11 - Intro Post
Please write a short post to introduce yourself to the class. Mention some of your interests and what program you are in. If you have some ideas for your sustainability project this semester, please share - you might find a collaborator! Inspire others with the EcoChallenge actions that you are interested in trying out. Include a photo of yourself if you like.
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.)
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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.
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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Emma Umbrello 10/21/2024 6:13 AMThanksgiving: For Thanksgiving this year I am grateful that my family has always prioritized sustainability. We’ve been reusing the same silverware and plates for over 20 years, never turning to plastic or paper. It’s become a family tradition, and I appreciate how it reduces waste. We also make sure to buy just the right amount of food for the four of us, avoiding any excess. This way, we rarely throw anything away, and if we don’t finish dinner, we save it as leftovers. My father engraved this concept in my brother and I ever since we were children and knowing the importance of not wasting food because others are less fortunate and do not have the ability to have edible food across the world. This value has stuck with me till this day and I plan on passing it down to my children as well. Also, degrowth does improve my life by helping me focus on what truly matters. By consuming less and avoiding waste, I would feel less pressure to constantly buy or have more when it reality it’s a tactic for people to buy more since now everything is made to last short periods of time that’s why it’s good that my parents had been very sustainable by reusing the same silverware for two decades. Another example, I now understand the true meaning of dedicating my time this Thanksgiving with my family. By simply spending time with them and not constantly feeling caught up with buying new things (shopping and thinking about the upcoming sales that are arriving soon for the holidays) I can find joy in the traditions I already take part in, like our reusable plates or carefully planned meals. For me, degrowth encourages people to life a simpler, more conscious way of living, which leads to less stress, anxiety and a better sense of not wanting more and appreciating what people already have, which doesn’t cost much, it’s free!!!! -
Emma Umbrello 10/08/2024 1:18 PMWEEK 7: Here are some student banners across the world and slogans created by high school, college and university students during climate changes protests that I found very interesting and effective. This source comes from GREENPEACE;
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Emma Umbrello 9/25/2024 1:39 PMMy reflection for week 6 is about the issue of overconsumption, specifically with foods that are bad for the environment. I didn’t fully acknowledged or understand the impact of my food choices until I started reading more about things like the carbon footprint of meat production or the strain on resources from certain crops like almonds or avocados. I’ve always loved consuming in foods without really thinking about where they come from or the environmental cost, but now I can’t help but feel more responsible when deciding what to eat, I am more aware of where the food comes from and how were they produced. In a place like Canada, where we have access to such a wide range of foods all year round, it's easy to forget the environmental impact of shipping things across the world just so I can have fresh strawberries in December (which btw isnt very good nor does it taste the same like the strawberries from summer). It makes me wonder how I can be more mindful about what I consume, reducing waste and making choices that are better for the planet and ultimately myself. Small changes like paying attention to what I really need, understanding expiration dates better, and choosing locally produced foods (farmers market or marché 440, or les 3 saisons near my house) when possible or even if it isnt I should go the extra mile to put effort in what I should and should not consume, will feel like I am taking steps in the right direction. -
Emma Umbrello 9/17/2024 7:28 PMWeek 5: Around Vanier and even at Jake’s cafeteria, I’ve noticed that garbage disposals are often overflowing because nobody picks up after themselves. Even though many of us use reusable forks and spoons, the packaging is still plastic, and people continue to ignore the recycling bins. It's disheartening to see this behaviour, especially since we’re young adults who should know better. I believe there should be more awareness or signs around the school, like a plastic-printed paper that says "throw away trash" or even a warning about fines from the college to promote more sustainable practices. A way to encourage people to be more sustainable is to start implementing a reward system, VCSA could take on this idea to encourage better behaviour; for example, offering discounts at the cafeteria or points towards school events for those who consistently clean up after themselves. This situation has made me realize the importance of being considerate of my space and how I need to be extra cautious when eating in public places. -
Emma Umbrello 9/09/2024 12:31 PMHi, I'm Emma Umbrello, and I'm currently in the general social science program. I've been doing competitive swimming, synchronized swimming, for as long as I can remember. I also love spending time with my family since family is something I really value.For my sustainability project this semester, I've come up with two ideas. The first one is the "Plastic-Free Challenge," which could be an engaging way to raise awareness about plastic pollution at Vanier College. We could set a specific timeframe, like a week or a month, where students or teachers commit to avoiding single-use plastics. My second idea is to organize a "Sustainable Fashion Show" that would showcase ethical fashion ways. This could include things like upcycled fashion or thrifted pieces that are not only stylish but also prove that used and old clothing items have much more value than people think.-
Richard Klopp 9/10/2024 10:27 AM2 great project ideas worth pursuing. I bet you could probably find other ideas related to your swimming career.
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Emma Umbrello 9/04/2024 11:15 AMI use the bus and metro to get to Vanier College since I live pretty far away. Sometimes my friends and I carpool and take turns driving, which is nice. I really wish Vanier had a shuttle bus, though. It would make things so much easier for students who commute for 45 minutes or more, and it would be better for the environment since it could transport a lot of students at once. I hope Vanier looks into this idea.
