The semester is coming to a close, which means it will be my last time posting on my blog. This experience of writing on this blog weekly has been a memorable one. Not only have I attempted to inform readers about issues of sustainability and public health that I was aware about beforehand, but I have also learned a great deal about other relevant issues as well through blogging. From blogging on diesel pollution in the Lehigh Valley to the obesity problem that plagues the entire nation, I feel as though I have touched on a wide range of issues that are affecting the community today. Overall, the goals of sustainability in general, and more specifically in terms of public health have become of high interest to me.
I have learned to step outside of my comfort zone, and to in a sense, take a leap of faith when I find something of interest to me. Public health was not necessarily something that I wanted to focus on at the beginning of my time with the Alliance, but I can honestly say that I am happy that I did. Each of the issues that I posted on in the blog was something that I was interested in learning more about, and also interested in making the general public aware of as well.
There are so many little things that each and every individual can do to promote a sustainable future: buy a few organic locally grown products at the grocery store each trip, switch over to a BPA-free reusable bottle, or use other forms of transportation besides vehicles when traveling short distances. These are just a few possibilities that I have taken from posts on my blog that I have written over the fall as there are many ways that we can continue to create a sustainable environment.
As the title of my blog states, “Sustain the Earth, Sustain You.” Without having the mentality of the necessity of sustainability, our future will not be promising. I believe that the goals of the Alliance really do summarize what we must do as members of the community to achieve these positive outcomes. We must take these necessary steps to continue to promote sustainability in the world around us.
Julia Ward