Okay, first thing first. Recycling is not the way to go. We need to reduce the amount of waste we generate first. Strategies like carrying a reusable mug, metal water bottle, and cloth grocery bags are simple places to start on the reduce front. Other strategies like buying clothes that last longer (both fashion wise … Continue reading
There are certain things that I really care about a possible placebo effect versus actual benefits on (for an awesome review of the placebo effect check out this video by It’s Okay to be Smart). Anything that involves putting a foreign substance (medication, needles, etc) into my body, I don’t care if I might perceive … Continue reading
I’m a fan of the Harry Potter series. One of the remarkable things about the character of Harry is his ability to identify with individuals who are oppressed. He rises in defence of muggle-born individuals and house elves. He bristles at talk of pure blood, even before he really knows what that means. The question … Continue reading
I went to the gym today. I didn’t want to. I’m tired and my arm that has been a saga of five surgeries and three and a half years was giving me some definite grief, not to mention the pain of some of my other injuries, both recent and chronic. But I went with the … Continue reading
I wrote a post last fall on the impact of seeing nature on our ability to pass on small rewards now in order to receive bigger rewards in the future. To be honest, I had since forgotten about this but having been in a pretty good deep freeze off and on (but mostly on) for … Continue reading
In my Masters research I looked into the influence of local greenspaces on why people chose to move out to the suburbs. That apparent connection to nature featured in the top three of most of my participants decisions. This isn’t really surprising as local nature has been previously found to be connected to greater sense … Continue reading
I started coaching figure skating when I was about 11. Since then I’ve picked up a number of coaching certifications and worked for several years leading outdoor sports. I always knew that in these roles I had responsibility for others. I had control over the environment that was created, opting for positive and supportive, but … Continue reading
I do my best to read things on a computer screen. I started this for a few reasons: 1) financial savings – I’m not paying for ink or paper, although I am potentially paying for more electricity; 2) less paper use, although the question of whether paper or electricity is the better choice environmentally does … Continue reading
I’m someone who is in it for the long haul. I can put in the time and effort now even if I know there will be no reward for awhile. This, I would assume makes it easier for me to do things like workout or even to have worked on and completed my degrees. On … Continue reading
Every couple years my hair is long enough that I cut enough off to donate to programs that provide wigs to cancer patients. This past weekend was my most recent of these fairly significant hair cuts (ended up being 13 inches), and while I may be struggling a bit with hair that no longer fits … Continue reading