Lena Grover

People in wealthier countries eat more meat because they can. Meat production is an expensive and timely process. It provides protein, but a cheaper and faster protein is beans and rice. Meat production is also not a very sustainable process. This affects our planet by raising air pollutants and water pollutants. It affects other people because we need clean air and clean water to survive. It is unjust that Americans are 5% of the population but use 25% of the earths resources. This desire for meat protein is just that, a desire. Not a need for survival or a pivotal protein. During this challenge, I have felt this craving for meat at times, but I also realized that the taste of tofu or fake meat is about 95% as satisfying. I don;t think I can go vegan (at least yet) but I think I am going to try to be vegetarian. Not eating meat has felt decently natural and very very doable, so why not!?

I do agree that when you feel grateful for something or rely on something, it gives you more of an urgency to give back. At least that has been true in my experience. Whenever I spend time outdoors I try to take in and appreciate nature. All my time spent in nature has lead me to a better understanding of it as well as a personal devotion to do what I can to leave the earth cleaner and healthier than before. 

Balance is so important to sustainability and nature as a whole. Indigenous people used the land in ways that benefited their society, but also for survival. They understood the importance of taking in moderation to preserve the resources for future generations. I have always admired the way indigenous cultures respect their environment. It was really important that I did this research and dug deeper into the history behind the land I live on today.

This activity benefited me because I realized that the biggest person I need to forgive is myself. I can be really hard on myself and over analyze a lot. I just need to let that go. Or at least work on forgiving myself for just growing, and learning, and changing. I need to remind myself that change takes time, persistence, and kindness. And so does forgiveness. It really helped me to address these feelings and journal about it all. 

I watched Knock Down the House on Netflix which is about the 2018 primaries for congress. The film followed four women that were new to politics and running for the people on grassroots campaigns. This movie focuses on racism within the political system as well as sexism, classism, and power big corporations have over the government. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was the only person they followed who won to the incumbent. I learned about the daily battles that these women had to fight just to get their name on the ballot. And not just them, but the daily battles so many americans, especially people of color, face. They suffer the consequences of american politicians negligence. Cori Bush ran for house representative in St. Louis Missouri in 2018 and lost. Cori Bush and her community took to the streets after the murder of Michael Brown by the police. She is fighting to change the system that has dominated for far too long. She is running again in 2020 and I am hopeful for her to rock the vote. People like AOC and Cori Bush will help us build a more sustainable future. Getting the right people in those pivotal roles of government is the most important thing I think we can do right now. Policy would change so much and help the globe address the climate crisis. Getting local officials who will stand up for their communities, for sustainability, for justice. This is key right now. I'm really glad I watched this to deepen my understanding of how deep the system goes and the blockades created for working class people to have their voices heard. Not only that, but for proper and just action to be made by the person who is supposed to represent you.