Finals Week: Herbal Remedies for Stress

I live with some weird women.  They read crystal books and give my lavender oils when I'm not feeling well.  I understand there is something alluring to the idea behind herbal remedies, but in a world of antibiotics, do these medicinal alternatives really work?

I thought I'd test some out with an illness most of us are suffering from this week, STRESS.

1. Licorice Root
This root contains a natural hormone alternative to cortisone (according to Whole Foods worker) and this helps the body handle stressful situations, as well as, help normalize blood sugar levels.  In normal terms, it gives you energy to tackle projects while also calming the mind.

I got this in tea form because I am also suffering from a cold.  As much as I hate dark licorice, drinking it warm as a liquid was actually really soothing.  Like a bear hug.

2. St. John's Wort
Lolz.  But listen up, if you are wanting to herbally treat depression there is nothing better.  Some individuals prefer Kava, but this supplement is known to cause liver damange, so stick to St. John's Wort.  Since Renaissance time this was use to treat mental disorders and recently was proven to be more effective than Prozac.  You usually get it in a pill.


3. Lavender
Shout out to my roommate Hannah who swears by this stuff.  Seriously this little flower does it all:

• antibacterial agent
• balances hormones (that special time of the month ladies...)
• stimulates immune system

There are a couple ways to get your hands on this stuff. Like every herb, you can always just make it into a tea, but it's proven to be more effective as an oil or diffuser that you inhale.  I also came across some cool lavender eye pillows.

4. Yoga

This might seem very contradictory on my part because I never donate time to yoga, but there are mountains of research that show the benefit of this activity.  Meditation comes in at a close second as ways to intimately reduce your stress. 

Anyways, if interested in herbal remedies, I would go to your local grocery store or shops like Euphoria and ask around.  For example, at Whole Foods I only needed to say that I was stressed and had a cold and the workers were able to show me a lot of different ways to naturally take care of myself.

Good luck with finals my friends!

Environmental Advertising: A Paradox or Something Real?

Being an advertising major forces me to exist in this limbo world where neither advertisers or environmentalist take me very seriously.

Not looking for a pity party with that statement, those two groups generally just don't mix.  Advertising is usually unethical and used to push a society of materialism that destroys conservation efforts.  You can't be good at advertising if you can't influence buyers.

And yet, I've stuck to my major mainly because of the idea that social change needs advertising to rally individuals around a cause.  I sell the idea and the future that can be attain through these causes.  But is this an actual thing or do I just tell myself this to sleep at night?

Enter Conservation International and their new "Nature is Speaking" campaign.

I hope by now you have been exposed to at least one of these videos.  If not I'm going to force you to at least sit through a couple.  Observe below:

Just watch them all, I know you want to.

Anyways, though these videos have amazing talent and beautiful cinematography, does it actually incite behavior and consumers?

I personally like the relentless tone that "nature" has taken.  We see Mother Nature always as this kind and giving woman, but actually by killing nature, we are killing ourselves.  This is voiced in each video and if anything, is the voice that environmentalists have wanted environmental ads to adopt years ago.

Some issues that might arise from these videos.

1) They don't give any sort of idea on how to help, which might cause individuals to feel helpless (however once they go to the actual website they can see just how Conservation International is working to save the earth)

2) Historically, it is incredibly hard to reach climate-deniers.  This campaign is targeted to bridge that disconnect and prove to individuals how dependent we are on nature, however threatening them with extinction might not be seen as credible by these people.

And though these issues might have some weight, I'm just proud to see an agency go beyond the "polar bears are cute" tactic when it comes to environmental causes.  I also like that it's not necessarily saying, "take care of the earth because it is fragile." Instead, "take care of the earth because it gives you so much you ungrateful human!"

What are your thoughts on these videos humans?  Do you care? Want to visit the website?  And if you are really smart, how would you advertise environmental causes to deniers?

Meatless Mondays: How to be a Nebraskan and Not Eat Meat

Life boils down to two things that humans care deeply about.  They are:

1. Honor
2. Family

and if you are from Nebraska 

3. Bo Pelini

Before now, I never NEVER thought of the idea of Meatless Mondays as anything controversial.  Maybe naive on my part, but I honestly never saw the horrors of choosing to not eat meat one day of the week.  For those who eat meat, can you honestly say you've never had a meal like mac and cheese or a PB&J?  Did you die?  Did the meat industry explode and your iron deplete?

Anyways before I get too sassy, I can only assume the issue behind Meatless Monday arises from the idea of "honor" and "family."  In Nebraska, raising cattle is a tradition that is seen as noble, but also a generational occupation.  Deep and rooted feelings are connected with the work these farmers put into raising their cattle to meet the pressing demands of society.  It is our economy.

Last night a student tried to pass a bill in ASUN (student government) to introduce education about Meatless Monday in dining halls.  The bill did not pass due to extreme opposition from students studying agricultural topics who saw it as a criticism of modern agriculture.

But here's the thing.  No industry is above criticism.  This is not a distopia like in 1984 where the beef industry acts as Big Brother and regulates what information can exist.  Especially information that is backed by *gasp* science!  Some senators openly would not support the bill because it targeted livestock and beef producers.  Once again, I'd like to welcome these students to the real world where there are contrary viewpoints.

Anyways below I have some of the education that you won't find in your dining halls anytime soon:

FACTS

Meatless Monday originated in World War I by the U.S Food Administration in order to reduce use of resources.  Meatless Monday was proclaimed by the government as a way for Americans to do their part.  Over 13 million families signed the pledge to go meatless for one day of the week.  Meatless Monday continued as an effort in World War II as well. Source: History of the United States Food Administration, 1917-1919 By William Clinton Mullendore, Ralph Haswell Lutz  (Stanford University Press, 1941) 

Meatless Monday was then revived in 2003 by former ad man, Sid Lerner, in association with the John Hopkin's Bloomberg School of Public Health's Center for a Livable Future.  It was now introduced as a public health awareness act to educate individuals on the health concerns that arise from consuming large amounts of meat.  Some health concerns include:

• atherosclerosis: hardening or clogging of arteries
• increase in nitrosamines (stomach cancer causing toxins)
• increases risk of type 2 diabetes
• increase risk of Alzheimers

Though most of the focus of Meatless Monday has been on health related issues, the environmental advantages are equally relevant.  If you already use re-usable shopping bags and drive a fuel efficient car, reducing meat consumption is another easy personal step.

Here's some numbers.

The popular red meat requires 28 times more land to produce than pork or chicken, 11 times more water and results in five times more climate-warming emissions. When compared to staples like potatoes, wheat, and rice, the impact of beef per calorie is even more extreme, requiring 160 times more land and producing 11 times more greenhouse gases. (The Guardian)

This is NOT AN ATTACK on the beef industry.  It is simple fact. 

Yes there is something called sustainable agricultural practices.  But these practices still result in a release of greenhouse gases.  In fact some sustainable practices erode even more land and release more emissions that factory farming.

And at no point am I trying to say that we can completely eliminate greenhouse gas production, I just want everyone to be on the same page that greenhouse gas is a result of the beef industry.

People get hyped up around food.  Whether you eat raw meat, vegetables, or tofu, let's just agree, for once, that to silence students' voices is wrong.  To eliminate the chance for education in a higher academic setting is ridiculous, and the opposition to a Meatless Monday education bill shows a lack of understanding on our campus.

We are better than that Nebraska.

Guest Blogger: Alyssa Cody on Giving Tuesday

When is the last time you gave back to the planet?

No seriously, think about it.

Every single day, the planet gives us:      

• Oxygen 
• Water 
• Food 
• Fuel to travel 
• Energy to use your phone/laptop/everything 
• Resources to produce your clothes, home, electronics, etc.
• The ability for our loved ones to live
• Cute animals

Obviously this list could go on forever because every single thing we need, want, and own somehow came from what the Earth has so generously given us. Now make a similar list of how you have returned the favor. Have you planted a tree? Voted in favor of sustainable policies? Bought an environmentally friendly product? Eaten a meatless meal?

If you answered yes, pat yourself on the back and keep giving because we always owe the Earth a little more. If you answered no, that’s okay, but I’m here to help you change that.

Today is Giving Tuesday, personally my favorite day of the year. As you’re thinking of all of the worthy organizations to give back to today, I urge you to strongly consider choosing our planet, your home.

Here are some environmentally focused organizations that can better serve the Earth with your donation: 

• Community CROPS: Helps people work together to grow healthy food and live sustainably. 
• Spring Creek Prairie AudubonCenter: Fosters the understanding, appreciation, and conservation of Nebraska’s tallgrass prairie ecosystem by engaging people in the site’s natural and cultural resources.
• Bold Nebraska: Protects Nebraska’s land, water, and climate, especially against the Keystone XL Pipeline. 
• Greenpeace: Largest independent direct-action environmental organization that confronts environmental abuses worldwide. 

Can’t find it in your wallet for a monetary donation? Try to find it in your heart to give back in your actions. Check out the graphic below from Upworthy to make daily lifestyle changes that benefit the Earth.

Giving Thanks in an Eco-Friendly Way

I am writing this blog post before I pack up and head home to Omaha, Nebraska.  Thanksgiving has secretly been my favorite holiday since I was little for multiple reasons.  I love eating mashed potatoes, rolls, and creamed corn in the company of the strange individuals that make up my family.  I love hearing everyone's stories and sitting next to my grandma who tells me to keep eating and that I have good "child-bearing hips."

Like clockwork, the food is always the same and the people are the same.

But in tradition of this blog, I thought I'd offer a couple ideas I had on how to keep Thanksgiving "green" and show your thankfulness for this lovely planet.

Two-years-ago Thanksgiving when I had bangs.

1. Re-Use
Starting off with something obvious.  Recycle any paper or plastic or aluminum as long as there is no meat/food residue on them.  Opt to use cloth napkins that can be cleaned and used again instead of paper ones.  When you go shopping for the big meal, bring cloth shopping bags instead of using plastic.

2. Be Aware of What You Eat
Best choice is to go local when buying your food.  If you don't want to do a ton of research, I usually rely on Whole Foods to provide the better options.  Also your local co-op, like Open Harvest, is a good place to find local and organic foods.  Also, you don't HAVE to have turkey.  Half of my family is either vegetarian or vegan or gluten-free, so we get kind of creative with our Thanksgiving.  Try out new recipes, might I suggest the wonder that is Creamed Corn?

3. Be a Green Traveler
First option, try not to travel so far this year.  Stay home and skip the stress that is traveling on a holiday.  However, if you want to make the trip home, be conscious of how you travel.  Make sure your car's tires are properly inflated and try your best to carpool and offer rides to anyone traveling to the same area.

As for flying, you could try a Carbon Offsetting Program.  These are more of a thing in the UK right now, but still interesting enough to look into.

4. Invite Neighbors
I don't know if this necessarily "green," but it is important to extend the invitation to others.  No one should be alone on Thanksgiving.

5. Keep Your Home Temperature Down
With the oven on, stove on, and a lot of people in your house, turn your heat low.  Everyone is wearing sweaters already and once they start eating they will be sure to increased their body fat.  If things get too warm, open some windows and let the autumn air in. (Self-explanatory, but if you do open windows make sure to shut off the heat in your house)

So most of this tips are self-explanatory, but once again I wanted to prove that no matter what holiday you are celebrating, there are always a few ways to make that event even better for our earth.

Cheers!  Happy Thanksgiving!

P.S A Haiku for you all:

A haiku for Thanksgiving:

Creamed Corn, I eat you

I do not breathe, I just eat

I lick the bowl clean

NYC High Line: What is Urban Re-Use?

I spent this past week in the city of unsettling smells and fairly nonexistent nature; New York City.  I went mainly to see if this city could ever be a good fit for me and though this blog focuses on Nebraska, I wanted to write a quick review of something that really excites me for the future of urban development.

It is the introduction of sustainable design to portions of urban cities that have since reached the end of their useful life.  First, let's start in Lincoln, Nebraska.  Remember where the old train station used to be?  In order to pay homage, the train tracks were left at the back and developed into a grassy area, lit with lamps placed under the old platform.  Instead of tearing up the track, city planners decided to invest in aesthetic appeal and add some nature to downtown Lincoln.

So now let's head back to New York City and the High Line in Chelsea.  Here, an abandoned elevated freight train track has been developed into a public park.

The High Line now allows never-before-seen views of New York City, all while being surrounded by elevated grassy patches, trees, and various plants, all drought resistant and native to New York.  It quickly is becoming a desired location for residents of NYC to get away from the noise of the city and experience a sense of calmness.

It also is a "living roof" with a porous  drainage layer, gravel, filter fabric, subsoil, and topsoil.  The High Line recirculates water and all materials chosen to build the High Line were selected based on life-cycle costs.

From my visit there were a couple moments that really stuck out to me.

First, the entire experience was visually romantic and nostalgic for me.  I have always loved trains and the sense of wonder that arises from traveling on them.  I was appreciative how the tracks were mixed in with the greenery and walking path as a nod to the history of the cities old methods of transport.

Second, I loved the hidden gems of the path itself.  Urban art was strategically placed to only be viewed from the High Line.  Different benches and chairs were tucked around corners, along with photo opportunities with framed lights and bridges that oversaw the traffic of the streets below.

And finally, I think the most important thing from walking the High Line was the discovery that humans have the capabilities to create beauty by focusing on sustainable landscapes.

In fact, NYC is currently working to expand the High Line even longer, due to the demand residents have for a space like this and NYC is also asking residents if they have ideas for other places that could be turned into pedestrian walkways.

Will and I walking the High Line

Obama in China and Why We Should Care

I may harp on the United States for our climate change denying senators or the fact that pipelines continue to sprout up in multiple states, but you know who really is a mess?

China.

I'd like to think back circa 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing where multiple articles detailed the ridiculous amount of smog and air pollution that almost kept the olympics from happening.  There was an official decree to stop all manufacturing plants, construction sites, and chemical plants in order to keep spectators and athletes from experiencing the horror that is Beijing's air pollution.  

In total, for the olympics, Beijing spent $17 billion in efforts to clean up their act from making apartments energy-efficient to installing better subway systems etc.  The photo to the left shows tourists at Beijing having to get their photos taken in front of a poster instead of the actual skyline because of how thick the air is.

Anyway, so Obama goes to China this past week and suddenly there is a huge media storm about China and American and climate stuff.

So here's exactly what went down.

There's a treaty currently in the works through the UN that sort of "makes-it or breaks-it" for our planet's future.  Basically it says that all countries need to start giving a crap about this earth because if anything can unify every continent, it's our need for this planet to survive.  So Obama heads off to meet with President Xi Jinping in order to make some negotiations ahead of this treaty's approval.

On our end, the US announced that we would reduce pollution emissions from 26 percent to 28 percent by 2025. (Earlier in his presidency he promised cutting emissions by 17 percent)

On China's end, President Jinping didn't commit to cutting any emissions, especially as China is in the works to build multiple coal plants.  However, he set the emission peak for China in 2030.

Together China and the US create one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions.  It is a promising commitment to have both leaders of their countries discuss environmental concerns, but I personally wish they had developed more plans from this discussion. But it is something, which as an environmentalist, is ALWAYS better than nothing.

But don't forget we have Congress's leading climate change denier in charge of the environment committee. WHICH MAKES NO SENSE!  Seriously there is no sense in Congress.  Look up Senator James Inhofe and try not to cry, especially since he is planned to take over as the next chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.  Hopefully he decides to not stand in the way of the president's goals for the future of the United States.

Anyway, I basically wanted to remind everyone that though everyone is really excited about this agreement between China and the United States, they aren't perfect and I'm not ready to celebrate just yet.