Control And Its Effects On The Choices People And...

There are many variables that directly and indirectly impact the choices people and individuals make. These complex connections make tracing patterns of behavior and decision-making complicated. The information I’ve learned, digested and applied is relevant, important and I would argue, earth-shattering. Sharing this information with others is complex; with many attitudes and priorities already made before discussions happen. I think this is one of the complicated things about teaching issues regarding the environment--some students don’t form their own opinions after learning and discussions. Instead, they walk in with their parents’ opinions and remain closed to thinking differently or reevaluating their thoughts. Scare tactics can†¦show more content†¦For example, Rachel Carson faced financial challenges her entire career as she cared for family members and worked to pay for college. Despite these challenges, she raised alarms on multiple environmental issues creating change that has permeated world-wide. Students connect with these environmental leaders and the lives they have led in positive ways. Another key part regarding role-models is that there are so many from multiple cultures and genders. I feel that there is strong cultural representation in these environmental leaders; therefore, students can connect with someone their age, someone from their culture or someone completely different. Personally, I have grown from the content of this class. With the holiday season coming up, I’ve thought a great detail about the commercialization of everything. I am focusing on consuming less, purchasing less and being more creative about â€Å"what I think I need.† Americans spend $882 on average for holiday shopping (2015, 2015). Even though $882 is beyond our holiday budget, it brings to light consumerism as an epidemic for many Americans. In a survey from the Center of the New American Dream, 70% Americans would welcome a smaller focus on gift-giving (Simplify, n.d.). My concerns grow beyond just purchasing things. â€Å"From Thanksgiving to New Year s Day, household waste increases by more than 25%. Added food waste, shopping bags, packaging, wrapping paper, bows and ribbons all add up to an additional 1 million