Julianna Porter

I've been working on the support pollution reduction card in the health category and have been contributing towards this goal by filtering out different plastics from the recycling bin. I've also tried to be more conscious of buying products that are more easily recycled and broken down such as glass or metals. This relates to climate change since plastics often linger in landfills and are not easily recycled. Not to mention plastic can be very harmful when it enters the food web. Plastic in trash bins and landfills are often eaten by birds, and plastic pollution often harms marine organisms. Being more aware when recycling and mindful of plastic use can decrease the amount of pollution and animals being harmed.

I chose the happiness card from the health category as a daily exercise, and I've been doing good with keeping up with it. I haven't been using email but used other ways such as text or verbally tell my friends and important people in my life how thankful I am for them. I think it has strengthened some of the relationships I have and has reminded me that I have some incredible people in my life to show appreciation for. This exercise may not directly effect climate change, but has allowed me to focus on building stronger connections with people, and making the world a better place together.

I attended a public civic meeting and gave a public comment on groundwater basin concerns in Salinas Valley. I've also done lots of environmental research in my classes. This relates to climate change since many climate issues have direct or indirect effects on water quality issues. Learning about local issues and how the area plans on solving them is a good step in mitigating the effects of climate change long term. It also made me feel more informed and engaged in the community here since I was able to provide feedback and ask valuable questions.