Ruth Heath

I watched "Sustainable", the documentary and learned about the leaders in organic and sustainable agriculture and the challenges they face. There are more farmers leading in this direction, and I believe this will become a greater and greater trend in the next 20 years. 

I purchased some beard oil for my spouse at https://www.etsy.com/shop/WickedNaturals She is located in Centreville, VA. I highly recommend. I have been shopping here for over a year. 

In reference to transportation, I have biked to local stores a couple times, preventing more CO2 emissions. Also, my kids and I biked to their dental check up, and we lowered our carbon footprint, got exercise, and spent time together. 

I served at the Marine Museum promoting the water cleaning utility organization for PWC, and the use of tap water instead of bottled drinking water. 

For the past two weeks my family has targeted all of our needed food and groceries to only what we need, and have utilized a menu plan. We have repurposed meals to give variety. We have successfully kept our budget under $200 each week for a household of 6. 

This week I watched a documentary on sustainable farming. I believe we need to return to a system of small farmers owned completely by the farmer, and lose the grip of the government off of them so they can grow quality over quantity. 

I watched, "The Story of Bottled Water," and I believe that the message is not well understood in many circles. Just days ago, I read that China will not be receiving our plastic recycling. The truth is we will not be able to recycle our way out of this situation.  We must stop using single use plastics. 

I acquired moving boxes and materials from people I knew just moved, and from local businesses so that those materials will not be sent to a landfill, but after I do not need them I can then pass them off to someone else.  This also helps everyone save money, and reduce demand for production for more cardboard. 

From this class, I believe I will see the issues of sustainability in a whole new and vivid way. I will have many opportunities to meet others that are like minded, and learn from them how to live more mindful. I will be much better capable of networking in my own region with leaders that are improving our environment and or managing it.  Because of that, I can join forces with them. I will learn and understand the stg's better and be able to have direction, tactics, and power to work towards them

If I apply eco-principles to my life, I will see less debris in our waters (creeks, drainage ponds, lakes, oceans, etc.) I will continue to be an example to those around me of what the issues of our Earth are w/o the issues being distorted by politics or media. I can spread word and understanding of how it is easy to be mindful of caring for the globe and its resources.  I can gift others with eco- mindful and friendly products so that they are beyond excuse to reduce their impact.