Choosing the Right Presidential Candidate for Environmental Action

I'm furious. It goes without saying that Donald Trump is essentially the most incompetent and inhumane presidential candidate. Despite his lack of knowledge in regards to holding a position in the government, his disgusting and heinous comments against ethnic groups, and overall immaturity, Trump has recently stated that if he were to be given the position of President, he would cut regulation on environmental issues. He even claimed he would “cancel” the Paris Agreement, an agreement between various nations that has a promising start to combating environmental issues in a political manner, and would do his best to conserve coal, one of the many current energy sources that is largely responsible for destroying our environment. How could anyone support this monstrosity? He prioritizes tax reform, an unnecessary wall, and second amendment rights as opposed to the environmental issues and social issues that are tearing our world apart. I can not even begin to fathom how ego-consumed and materialistic you can be to believe that our earth is not in desperate need of saving. Oh, i'm sorry, does money sustain 8.7 million species? Our Earth has made EVERYTHING possible. Screw your concerns about taxes and the economy, the earth is the main concern here. Almost every single thing that makes up our lives has merely been the manifestation of ego and greed. Please tell me how things with such an ill source of creation are more important than our Earth. If you have been willing to read through all this, please vote for Bernie Sanders, a candidate who genuinely cares about REAL issues, such as the environment and corporate corruption.

Recycling/Sustainable Practices and Programs at Businesses

Hello, once again! I've decided to start yet again another series. This post will concern all varieties of recycling/sustainable practices and programs you can expect to find at businesses. I will update this post as often as I find more programs and such.

1. Target: To begin with, Target offers reusable bags that are available for purchase at cash registers. If customers decides to choose the reusable plastic bag option, Target offers a program that allows the plastic bags to be returned at a participating Target store (after being washed and cleaned of course). All of Target's personal brands, including Market Pantry and Up & Up include logos on their packaging to assist consumers in understanding whether or not their products are capable of being recycled. Here are some examples:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   These are simple, yet effective ways for consumers to be environmentally-smart about recycling. Here is the very helpful website mentioned on the logos: http://www.how2recycle.info
   
   
   
   
   This isn't necessarily Target-exclusive, but Target sells recycled aluminum foil!
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   2. H&M: H&M recently started this recycling program in which you could bring in old fabrics and clothing for them to recycle and reuse! 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   3. Chipotle: After eating at Chipotle, customers are offered assistance about how they can discard of materials at the trash/recycling bins! The trash/recycling bins are separated into two sections: landfill materials (not pictured in picture) and recycling materials.
   
   The recycling materials listed are: receipts, tin foil, plastic cups and lids, drink cup lids, cutlery, straws and wrappers, plastic bottles, glass bottles, and bowl lids.
   
   
   4. Trader Joe's: Flowers are essentially the go-to gift for a wide range of occasions, ranging from birthdays, graduations, and to anniversaries. However, it is imperative that flowers are both sustainably grown and sourced. Luckily enough, Trader Joes offers flowers that are certified as being sustainably grown and are also certified for being involved in Rainforest Alliance, which is " is a non-governmental organization working to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior". (Wikipedia)
   
   
   
   
   
   

Local Park Cleanup

           Happy Sunday everyone! Let me first start off by saying that since AP Exams and the SAT are extremely close, and considering the end of the school year is very near, I will not be able to post as much as I would like to. The next few weeks will be busy and full of studying. Nonetheless, I will attempt to post as often as I could. I do have a new post I would like to post after this one, I am just awaiting for some materials in order to do it. Lastly, I would like to say that I do have a lot of new goals of this blog, and you can expect to see this blog go in full blast during summer when I have a bunch of free time on my hands!
          Yesterday, on April 30, 2016, a wonderful environmental and social event took place at a local park. Three clubs from my high school hosted a park cleanup at a park in close proximity to our school. The day started with group building activities, as organized and led by one of my high school's very spirited clubs. Participants had to race to finish a relay race, guess words/phrases during a game of charades, and had to steal the opposing teams' flags while entangled in a human knot. After finishing games, participants gathered materials (which were wondrously donated by the park itself) to begin cleaning up the park. We managed to clean an ample amount of trash in addition to gathering  recyclable materials to recycle afterwards. It was an extraordinary and successful event that allowed my high school's clubs to give back to our community, help the environment, and have fun. This event just goes to show that with a dedicated group of people, action can indeed occur. I'd like to thank all of the students who came out to participate and all of the cabinet members of the different clubs for being open up to collaboration. Here are some photos:

I would like to finish off this post by encouraging everyone to give back to their communities. Use your passion, whatever it may be (art, sports, music, academics, etc), and implement it into a community event. Remember, CHANGE starts with US.