The cost of producing meat is significantly higher compared to most other food products, which is why people in affluent countries can afford and eat more meat. Unfortunately, meat production harms the environment; some major negative effects include the unnatural amount of animal-produced methane polluting the atmosphere, as well as the excessive consumption of land. 

As a landscape architect, I love being outdoors. I especially love identifying plants while hiking with my girlfriend. Unfortunately, as much as I love being outside, I find myself confined indoors for so many hours of the day due to work and other necessary activities. I think it's important for me and everyone in our society to find more ways to spend time outside every day. I've tried to achieve this by having meetings outside or going for short walks during lunch and/or after work. If we don't make time to enjoy the outdoors at least once a day, I fear that we may lose our appreciation and connection with nature, and, with that, our love for the environment. How can we thrive and protect our environment if no one appreciates it anymore?

Most of the seafood being consumed comes from countries that lack management laws. It is recommended to eat local and buy American seafood. There are several online resources to help people purchase seafood sustainably and safely. My diet choices don't necessarily fall within these guidelines but after reading these online resources and researching on my own, I will make an effort to change them for the better. A good general rule to know is that, smaller fish contain less mercury than larger varieties. 

This is very true for me, especially now that we are spending more time indoors. I hope people will realize, during times like these, that spending time outdoors is great for relieving anxiety, stress, and depression. My mood is quickly improved after spending time hiking outside with people I love. 

Connecting with others during this time of social distancing is so important for keeping our humanity (and sanity). While reflecting on this, I can't help but think about the movie Cast Away with Tom Hanks. Hanks' character is stranded alone on an uninhabited island after his FedEx cargo plane crashes into the ocean. One day, he recovers one of the plane's packages--a Wilson-brand volleyball. Eventually, he begins talking to the ball like it's another person. This relationship, albeit odd, prevents Hanks from losing his humanity and his hope. Researchers have said that loneliness can increase the risk of depression and mortality. We must continually remind each other that we are not alone in this pandemic--we are in this together, and there will always be hope.

 

The ocean provides habitat for thousands of species that play a key role in our planet's ecosystems. These species of plants and animals also serve as a food source for millions of people around the world. One easy way I can help take care of our ocean is by avoiding single-use plastic products and, instead, using reusable bags, Tupperware, refillable water bottles, etc.  

We have entered the era of "smart water." This new era should be one of
water equality and we need to address water illiteracy and make water visible again. We need to reimagine our idea of "clean water,” and stop using drinking water for things like flushing toilets and watering lawns. In the words of Charles Fishman, "even if we can't instantly and affordably change the world we live in, we can change the new world, the world we're building every day."

I try my best every day to avoid wasting food. I hate the idea of throwing food away that could still be good to eat. I do my best to eat any leftovers before opening or purchasing new food; however, I used to be unsure about when exactly the foods I had would be considered truly expired. Now that I understand the difference between use by, sell by, and best by dates, I am more confident knowing when the food I buy at the store and keep in my home is safe to eat, and I no longer have to discard food that I may have considered expired before understanding that difference. 

Pollinators are essential in agriculture and responsible for the survival of the human race. Almost all of the foods produced from our agricultural system are created by crops pollinated by insects such as honey bees and butterflies. In fact, at least 75% of the world's food crops are dependent on pollinators. Fruits, chocolate, and coffee are just a few examples of the foods that wouldn't exist without pollinators. Currently, around 40% of the world's pollinators are facing extinction, which puts humans and as well as the environment in serious jeopardy. I believe it is critical that we protect the existence and well-being of pollinators no matter the cost.