Hannah Coyle

Too much or too little of anything can be problematic. But when it comes to coexisting with the people whose ancestors were here long before mine, they deserve the freedom to live in perfect balance. When talking about sustainability, it's a matter of finding a balance between the society we live in now and the one we need to live in to create a cleaner world. A good example - sustainable energy with solar and wind power. We can continue living on with heat, AC, light, etc. but do it cleanly. 

Technically it's not a meal, but I was planning on making an apple pie (tis the season) and conveniently enough, Lincoln Square has a beautiful farmers market! A friend and I traveled over for their annual Apple Fest and taste-tested some of their fresh produce and baked goods. This is such an easy way to support local farmers and it makes any baking or cooking experience that much tastier when the ingredients were grown fresh nearby. One way I could make a choice that would cause more good and less harm is making trips to the farmers market a regular outing. The best part? We brought our own bag so the apples were completely waste-free... if only DePaul had composting... 

It's no secret that modern food is filled with GMOs and hormones, but what is shocking is that some populations are affected much more than others. I am from a town in Minnesota that borders the Prairie Island Indian Community. It was truly eye-opening to watch Regaining Food Sovereignty to further understand the struggles they face today. They had a beautiful and respectful way of life before the white man came and changed everything. Since then, they have been forced to eat foods that make their communities sick mentally, spiritually, and physically. All they ask is that they have the freedom to grow and produce their own food to keep their people safe and healthy. I was at a pow wow at the PI Indian Community and one of their staples is the Indian Taco, which is made with fry bread. They have adapted thourought the years, but not voluntarily. 

There is so much more to see in our world when we take things slower. I'm not going to say I don't love to drive - but in the city, it's grounding to see things on foot. You meet people from all walks of life, you encounter art, architecture, and landscapes, and it is easier to embrace the small aspects of nature (even though it's hard in the city). 

So often I find myself using single-use coffee items - straws, cups, lids, etc. There is such a simple solution to this problem - bring reusable items! I now always carry a reusable straw with me, in case I find myself wanting an iced beverage. It's not the perfect solution, but it's a start. If I'm ever planning on getting a coffee, I make it a priority to bring my reusable mug. What a waste to use so many disposable items. 

Cattle make up about 10% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. I think that about says it all. We know that richer countries eat more meat. BBC says "There are not just more people in the world - there are more people who can afford to eat meat." It comes down to larger populations and higher income. No wonder the US is one of the leading countries in meat consumption. 

In Chicago, it is no surprise that people of color, lower-incomes, and status are being affected the most by our mistreatment of the environmental. And it's not just like this in Chicago. Human beings all over the world are facing problems with environmental justice. They are taking the unfair beating of toxins, hazards, and chemicals in our environment. 

It is always hard to focus on the good in a world that is so fast-paced. By taking a few minutes every day to recap on all that I appreciate - the people in my life, the beauty around me, and everything in between, it reminds me that it's up to me to spread goodness and the gratitude. Everything I do should be with respect to myself, my community, and my world.