by Julia Ward High fructose corn syrup, or HFCS, is something that I keep coming back to, time and time again. What is so fascinating yet horrifying to me is the fact that many consumers, if not the majority, know how bad high fructose corn syrup is for their body's and their health but continue to consume it. But why? Because it makes that soda taste that much better? In the … [Read more...] about A Sweet Problem: High Fructose Corn Syrup
Julia Ward
What is PM2.5?
by Julia Ward PM2.5 is all around us, whether you know it or not. In general particulate matter, or PM, is the term for particles found in the air including dust, dirt, soot, and smoke. These particles can be suspended in the air for long periods of time. PM2.5 more specifically, is considered to be a small particle that is released into the air due to diesel and vehicle … [Read more...] about What is PM2.5?
One for One
by Julia Ward Looking down at your feet, you may not notice anything out of the ordinary. You are most likely wearing a pair of shoes, and this pair of shoes may be one of five pairs of shoes that you have, or even ten. A pair of shoes is something that most do not really think about as out of the ordinary. It is actually something that we take for granted. Over the … [Read more...] about One for One
Sustainable Living
by Julia Ward After attending a "Brown Bag" luncheon given by Professor Ben Cohen of the Engineering Studies Department, I learned about the numerous efforts to build a sustainable local food system. It is no surprise to me that there are many ways that someone can become apart of creating a sustainable food and agriculture system. When it all comes down to it, it depends on … [Read more...] about Sustainable Living
The Benefits of Natural Cosmetics
by Julia Ward The cosmetics business makes about $20 billion dollars a year. But it is one of the least regulated products on the market, which causes numerous toxins to be included in the products that many people use daily. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act does not authorize the FDA to approve cosmetic ingredients which only allows the companies to put everything and … [Read more...] about The Benefits of Natural Cosmetics
Your Habits & The Environment
by Julia Ward After going home this weekend for Fall Break, I realized just how many of my habits are due to what was taught to me by parents. I really believe that this plays a huge role on the environment because some parents are definitely more environmentally conscious then others. This only helps to develop a child's habits which will last throughout their lifetime. For … [Read more...] about Your Habits & The Environment
Circle Sentencing
by Julia Ward After watching the documentary film by Shanti Thakur entitled "Circles", my eyes were open to a whole new social justice system which was very different from our own. The way that people are punished for the crimes that they commit in other countries around the world such as Canada, is nothing like the system that we have in the United States. While our system is … [Read more...] about Circle Sentencing
Not a Market, But a Movement
by Julia Ward In my opinion, fair trade is just that. The fair trade market itself has been progressing and becoming more popular but because of its popularity, it has attracted not just individuals, but communities and organizations to make it become more of a movement. By buying products that have a label saying "Fair Trade Certified", you are guaranteed that the money from … [Read more...] about Not a Market, But a Movement
The Eating Disease
by Julia Ward The United States is filled with endless opportunities and choices. But with these numerous choices come consequences. Today in our country we are experiencing a significant problem with the growing obesity rate due to the limitless food selection. One would think with all of the food options available that people would attempt to choose the healthy alternative … [Read more...] about The Eating Disease
Julia: Diesel Pollution in the Lehigh Valley
by Julia Ward Many believe that school buses are the safest method of transportation for children to get to school, but is it the healthiest? Diesel pollution is becoming a more significant problem across the United States today and specifically, the Lehigh Valley is experiencing more and more Diesel pollution as time progresses. This ongoing issue is partly due to school … [Read more...] about Julia: Diesel Pollution in the Lehigh Valley