Blogging

Is blogging an effective learning tool?

  Throughout my use of blogging in class, I feel that I have learned much more that I would have if this class were conducted in a conventional matter.  I believe that blogging is an effective learning tool.  In my experience, I was able to do my own research and use the information that I feel was important.  This way of learning steers away from taking notes in a class and then memorizing them for a test a few weeks later.  Blogging really gives the students the motivation to research and learn about what interests them in a particular topic.  

  In most of my classes now, it's difficult for me to learn the information because I have no way to relate to what I'm learning about.  I get bored in class and don't want to do the mindless homework or readings.  With blogging, I'm able to read about the topic on my own and draw connections between the topic and my life.  This allows me to retain the information better, and actually feel like I'm learning in class.  I look forward to researching the information because I know that I have the ability to choose what I want to focus on.  The blogs are in my own words, which also helps me better understand the material or topic.  For me, sometimes after I'm done with my blog, I keep researching the topic because it's interesting to me.  I feel that this happens for other students as well, which really benefits me knowledge on the topic even after the blog.

  Another reason that I feel blogging is an effective learning tool is the lack of stress involved.  I can write the blog on my own time and I have a little bit of freedom with what I write about the topic.  This allows for me to really enjoy the research and enjoy writing about what I have found.  Although the blogs take some time to write, I feel that the work is definitely worth it for the knowledge that I have gained.  It is also less stressful because it allows for the students to do the work throughout the school year, rather than trying to memorize everything for a final exam at the end of the year.  

  Blogging also allows for online record of your work and knowledge throughout the class.  I know that I don't have to hunt down any papers or worry about having thrown them away, because all my work and thoughts are online.  In the future, if I ever want to look back on what I've done in the class, I can always look it up online.  Overall, I love the idea of blogging as a tool for learning.  I think that it benefits the students more than a conventional class. 

Solid and Liquid Waste

What is waste? 

  Waste is anything that is unwanted or has been used up.  If the item has fulfilled its purpose and is no longer wanted, then it becomes waste.  Waste can come from a variety of different sources, such as packaging, furniture, clothing, food, bottles, paper, and much more.  This can become an issue when people are creating too much waste.  There are location limits as to where we can put all of these unwanted products.  The Earth isn't getting any larger, and the population is only increasing.  If we don't become more aware of what we are throwing away, waste management becomes the issue.  People in society today are not always conscious of what they are throwing away at the time.  We put in it the trashcans and once a week someone takes it away.  We never see it again, which is why society isn't aware of the amount of waste they produce.  It is our job to become more aware of our impact on the environment when it comes to waste disposal.  

How can I learn more?

  The best resource for finding more information is the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.  Once on this page, under the 'Divisions and Offices' tab, click on 'Materials and Waste Management.'  On this page, you can find out more information about different programs conducted.  There is a lot of information on this website, and many others that are helpful when learning about waste management. There are different tips for limiting and reducing the waste that is produced.  Overall, it's important for society to be aware of the influence that they have on their surroundings.  If society doesn't change its habits, the waste is only going to grow out of control

What can I do?

  Waste affects the whole population, whether they know it or not.  There are many different ways that society can change their habits to better the environment.  One of the main ways to limit waste is to recycle.  Recycling is a way to reuse products after they have had their initial use.  Not only does recycling reduce the amount of waste that you produce, but it also allows for more environmentally products to be made from the recycled material.  There are other various ways to reduce the amount of waste produced, recycling is just one.  Now it's your job to go learn more about the ways that you can limit your waste production. 

Sources:

   Full Cycle: Green by Nature

     http://www.fullcycle.co.za/index.php/what-is-waste-and-why-is-it-a-problem.html

  Ohio EPA 

     http://epa.ohio.gov

  Ohio EPA: Recycling 

     http://epa.ohio.gov/ocapp/recycling.aspx#164884406-basics

Air Quality in Ohio

   There are many countries around the world then tend to no have sufficient air quality.  Here in the United States, we are fortunate to have better air quality than those in places such as Linfen, China.  Our government sets standards and tests the air regularly to ensure safe breathing air for the citizens.  The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency deals with the air quality in Ohio. They have many difference locations for air quality testing, and keep undated data on their website for public information.

  Many individuals don't even know that the air quality data is something that they have easy access to.  With the new technology of the internet, this data can be sent around the nation instantaneously.  The best way to find this information about the air quality in Ohio is to go onto the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's website.  Once on this page, the 'Divisions and Offices' tab will then lead you to the link for 'Air Pollution Control.'  Then, about half way down the page, click on the 'Programs' tab, and the first program will be 'Air Monitoring.'  Then follow the links to Ohio Air's Website.  It may be confusing at first, but once you know how to get to the information, it's easy to go back and find it.  There are many different sources of information on this page, including air quality maps of Ohio, air monitoring sites, and how the air quality can affect your health.
   The constantly updated map shows the different levels of air pollution and air quality and how they affect the health of individuals.  The ratings range from having little to no harm on the health of the population to a health alert where everyone in the area is expected to contract damage from the air.  This is helpful to keep track of when traveling or even for the area that you live in.  This informational cite is a great way to stay up to date on the air that you are breathing in.  It's important that citizens are aware of their environment and how it's changing based on society and industrialization.

Sources:
  Ohio EPA
     http://epa.ohio.gov
  Air Ohio  
     http://www.epa.state.oh.us/dapc/airohio/index.aspx
  Air Quality Index
     http://www.epa.state.oh.us/portals/27/airohio/AirQualityandYourHealth.pdf