M14.4

https://hsd.smcsheriff.com/smcalert

Surprisingly, my city that I grew up in has a disaster website ! I was really surprised!
The website provides  public education, events and training sessions by the Fire Department, that focuses on activities that will prepare the community to take care of itself in the period immediately following a local disaster.
there is a sign up e-mail that you can volunteer and learn ways how you can be a part of the community 

M12.9 Blog: Climate Change

1. What do you personally find most troubling about climate change?
    Although scientists and many ecological and environmental activists have proven climate change is real, many doubt and argue it is not happening. Climate change is happening also very drastically fast because for a long time, we as a civilization did not act appropriately, and when we did it was too late. Icecaps, heat waves and many other natural occurrences keep happening, and although many argue it is 'government' driven... they are real facts. For example, warmer climates are truly happening because of the effects around the world due to pollution, fires and smoke trapped in clouds and atmospheres, but there are many people that argue that the government is attempting to change the weather and atmosphere with 'chemical trails' and other conspiracies. 
2. As a public health professional, what do you think needs the greatest attention right now?
   Climate change needs the greatest attention because it affects our resources and future on this planet. Many countries are damaged due to climate changes and are predicted to be gone. Countries such as Micronesia - Maldives, Samoa, Marshall Islands etc. are all anticipated to disappear due to rising water levels, erosion and disappearing nature. Australia's own Great Barrier Reef is dying, and unable to thrive due to the surrounding climate change. What needs to happen is an increase in sustainability- using renewable energy such as solar and wind power. After sustainability, limiting the amount of waste and pollution would assist in slowing down the deterioration of the planet. 
3. If you were visiting with a long-lost relative who had never heard about climate change, how would you describe it and its attendant human health and ecological threats?
   I would describe climate change as something you cannot stop because the damage has already been done, so instead of continuing to contribute to the problem, try to find solutions to solve it. I would put an example as providing alternate ideas for energy, consumption, waste and environmentally analyzing what you can do less and gain more for. 

M11.5 Blog about a Zero Waste Life

Before this module, I actually began researching and watching similar videos about living a "Zero Waste Life."  I have attempted to make some simple easy changes to make my life less wasteful. Firstly, my family and I have started composting (a bit). We need to learn how to correctly compost where the cats and other wild animals cannot get through the rummage, but we are more aware of throwing that into the trash and utilizing it for fertilizer. 

We enjoy going to farmers markets not because we like the idea of carrying our own bags and jars to put our food in - it mentally starts to grow on you that you're shopping as if you did not have plastic options with bags. I  was watching another video that says if your food and presentation looks visually really appealing, you are more likely to enjoy eating and utilizing those choices. 

I am not sure if we are ready to transition out of plastics but we are more aware to utilizing less plastics and are attempting to downgrade our trash size in order to force us into this transition. It's a bit harder when you are the landlord and you rent out the downstairs and share our garbage... you end up with the same amount of trash.