A Green Future West High | Iowa City, Iowa | Volume 1 | May 26, 2020
How can you live sustainably? Pages 8-9
Letters from the Co- Editors:
Soomin Koh
Jasmine Ortega
I‘ve always wanted to get involved with journalism of some sort but I never thought I’d like writing as much as I do now. FOJ allowed me to branch out into different areas of journalism and I got to see which ones I enjoyed doing the most.
I wanted to take FOJ because I have always loved English class, and writing. I am also very interested in photography and wanted to get out of my comfort zone with my photography style. I thought it would be an interesting class to take so I could explore Journalism.
At first I was really interested in design, but I quickly realized that art wasn’t my strongest suit. However, I found that being able to create work I was proud of was my favorite part of FOJ.
I love being creative and I know I have a lot to learn in the realm of design, but I find design very fun and interesting. I had a lot of fun working out issues that arose while working on this project, and during all the projectss in this class.
Contents: 04~ Foods of the Future 06~ The Vegan Experience 08~ Sustainability Fast Facts 10~ Environmental Puzzles
04
FEATURE
MAR. 26, 2020
Foods of the
Future Why alternative food sources could be essential in the future.
Written by Soomin Koh
W
hat do insects, algae, and 3D printed chicken nuggets have in common? This question may seem like a rather unusual joke at first, but as we become more conscious of the impacts our daily lives make on the planet, more environmentally sustainable alternatives such as these are being researched to modify our current eating habits. Although this fact may seem bizarre now, with rapid technological advancements, this new way of life might just become our future.
3D Printed Food
You are ten years into the future. You step into your kitchen and start preparing your favorite meal: a medium-rare T-bone steak with a side of roasted potatoes. Instead of the conventional oven, the steak prints out of a machine with one touch of a button. It may be hard to believe, but this scenario depicts what some predict will be reality in a couple of years. So, what exactly does 3D printed food have to offer for the future? 3D printing or additive manufacturing has been around for decades. In simple terms, it is the process of creating three-dimensional objects with a computer program. A 3D printer first extrudes heated plastic and moves around to create the basic shape. Then, another layer is stacked and continues repeatedly until the layers become thicker. As it follows a digital blueprint, the sheets of plastic are then fused together to make a larger object. However, new technology is allowing edible ingredients such as cookie dough and pizza sauce to be used in place of plastic filament. These ingredients would be able to be printed out in the same way that normal 3D printing works. In 2017, a company called BeeHex received a grant from NASA to invent a pizza printing robot. This device was able to create a 12-inch pepperoni pizza in just one minute, before baking it for only five additional minutes. According to NASA, 3D printed food may become necessary for astronauts on long term space missions. As stable food production systems are crucial for extended periods in space, this type of technology is being further developed to be refashioned specifically for this use. However, space may not be the only place that versatile machine would be in. Amusement parks, sporting events, and even home kitchens are some of the many places that 3D printers could be utilized. These machines are able to save
cooking time and offer flexibility in creating foods of different sizes and shapes. By converting the edible ingredients such as plant fibers and proteins into a variety of foods, this new technology will be both eco-friendly and practical.
Algae
As we continue to investigate sustainable ways that crops can be farmed, water conservation and limiting agricultural runoff are two of the most important factors that have to be considered. According to experts, algae might just be the key crop to solving both problems. Yes, you read that right. Algae, the slimy aquatic organisms such as seaweed may be the food of the future. Algae pack a highly nutritious punch as they contain a healthy dose of calcium and iron, as well as a variety of essential vitamins and lots of
“ALGAE, THE SLIMY AQUATIC ORGANISMS SUCH AS SE AWEED MAY BE THE FOOD OF THE FUTURE� protein. They also are a good source of antioxidants, which slow or prevent damage to the cells. By removing and filtering toxins out of the body, new research suggests that some algae work to lower cholesterol levels and improve organ function. One type of algae called spirulina is already becoming the next superfood sensation. Spirulina is another type of cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae. It is commonly found in the form of many vitamin supplements or protein powder, and an essential ingredient in many green smoothies. As this algae has anti-inflammatory properties, some studies suggest that it could in fact lower the size of cancer tumors and limit carcinogens. According to the US Department of Agriculture, up to 80% of all ground and surface water in the US is used for agriculture and farming. Soybeans, a popular meat alternative, require thousands of gallons of water for one bushel of beans to be produced. Intensive agriculture also leads to hazardous runoff, leaving rivers and
FEATURE MAR. 26, 2020
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streams polluted and lands suffering from soil erosion. Unlike most other crops, algae farming or algaculture requires little to no fresh water and an insubstantial amount of harsh pesticides. Also, algae grows substantially faster than normal crops, and can double in size within 24 hours. It also requires less land to harvest. In places where water is scarce and large quantities of food are needed to aid hunger, algae can be an important source of food to many places around the globe. Whether it be in the menu of a five-star restaurant or a protein shake, algae offers lots of potential to new food trends as well as becoming an essential crop in the future.
Insects
Plant based protein is becoming increasingly popularized by recent food trends and social media, in efforts to promote sustainable eating habits. Instead of plant based, how about eating insect based foods? As lands are being over cultivated due to expansive farmland and oceans are becoming overfished, experts are resowrting to other options for supporting the global population with food sources. There are almost one million identified insect species in the world, and over two thousand are considered edible to humans. With millions of people starving around the globe, insects are the only way to feed the population this large with minimal effort. Around 2 billion people consume insects worldwide, and in many cultures, insects have already been incorporated into daily cuisine. Insects offer the ample amount of vitamins and nutrients, and for some is the only available source of protein. Not only does insect farming require little land and no pesticides, it also does not produce major greenhouse gases. Common types of edible insects are crickets, ants, grasshoppers and even silkworm pupae. They are commonly eaten in parts of Asia, Africa and South American cultures. These bugs are seen as a delicacy and are often prepared fried and seasoned. These fried treats can be encountered in many street food markets throughout Asia. As many new food trends come and go, it is most certain that sustainability should be one of the main factors considered for our future habits. From printed pizza to fried mealworms, these interesting alternative food sources may just be the next.
06
PROFILE
MAR. 26, 2020
The Vegan Experience Written by Soomin Koh
V
eganism: a strict vegetarian diet that eliminates all types of animal-derived products. This shift to plant-based foods has become increasingly mainstream due to social media and environmental awareness. To many, it is considered the holy grail to athletic performance, weight loss, and brain performance. But how much of this actually holds to be true? With plant-based foodie Instagram accounts and #vegan posts more popular than ever, veganism and the rise of its popularity has skyrocketed. From celebrities and influencers to Olympic athletes, these food habits are being integrated into the lives of many around the globe. However, there are many more things that consist of a vegan lifestyle. When it comes to Raina Pfeifer ‘22, being vegan isn’t just a diet, but rather a way to save the planet, fuel your body, and
living a greener life. Prior to becoming vegan, Pfeifer had already been familiarized with a plant based diet as a vegetarian. Even so, after seeing gradual decline in the quality of her meals throughout the years, Pfeifer quickly became dissatisfied with her eating habits. “I was vegetarian for a few years but didn’t really do my research and ended up eating lots of less healthy meals that didn’t make me feel great, so I went back to eating everything,” Pfeifer said. However, when Pfeifer was exposed to the harsh reality of the impact that animal products had on both the animals and the environment, she became adamant on restructuring her diet once again. “Last summer, I watched a documentary called Earthlings, and I just felt really gross about my food choices,” Pfeifer said. “I began to look things up and gather all the information I could find on how to be more sustainable with food and ended up going from eating everything to fully vegan in about a month.” With this new lifestyle, Pfeifer says that her perspective on the impacts of her choices has changed substantially. “Previously, I didn’t really make an effort to connect how the decisions I made regarding what I buy and eat affect the world around me. After making the switch, it has forced me to really take a closer look at if I should use one product over another, which I think has been really influential on my entire outlook,” she said. “I try to take this perspective into the rest of my life as well. I am always trying to make the choices that will improve the quality of life of not only myself but those around me and those who I could end up impacting.” Although some may find the transition to a vegan diet incredibly difficult, Pfeifer says her experience has been relatively trouble-free. “I’ve found the switch to plant based food to be really easy actually,” she said. “The first month or so was a little difficult, purely because when you add more fiber into your diet in the form of fruits and vegetables, you are bound to notice it in your digestion.” Despite her effortless transition, Pfeifer says that she encounters an occasional bump in the road from time to time. “The only thing that is difficult around food is seeking out the foods on restaurant menus that don’t include any hidden animal products,” Pfeifer said. Menus that accommodated her diet were
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MAR. 26,2020
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tricky to find on an everyday basis. Influenced by this challenge and inspired by various “foodie” accounts on social media, Pfeifer was determined to create an account of her own in order to create and share some of her own original recipes. “I’ve always thought that foodie instagrams were neat and that they just looked really fun to engage with, which is what inspired me to start mine,” she said. “Last October, I decided to just go for it and create a little account where I could keep some recipes I liked and also put some creativity into making my pictures look good.” Her content was originally intended towards her volleyball team and a few close friends. Unexpectedly, her posts began to capture the attention of other social media users, and her account soon began to gain momentum. “I only expected my volleyball team and close friends to follow it. I pretty much thought of it as a joke for a while, but it started to grow far more than I had expected. It has grown ridiculously so far, and I’ve found some wonderful people through it who share a lot of the same interests with me.” From everyday meal prep to baking decadent desserts, her Instagram account, @ raisfuel, has gained the support of over 1,000 followers. Regardless, she feels that the decision to shift to a vegan diet has improved her health both physically and mentally. “I feel more secure in my food choices and how they relate to my morals and belief system. I love knowing that I’m having a positive impact on the environment and animals just by making a few easy switches.”
BY THE NUMBERS
17M 1.5M
Vegans in the world as of 2020
Vegans in the U.S. as of 2020
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Quick Tips for a More Sustainable Life Written by Soomin Koh Designed by Jasmine Ortega
T
#3
rying to live more sustainably can be daunting, but there are many small things you can do ev- Reduce food waste: Where do all your table scraps and leftovers eryday to help the environment go after they are thrown out? and to create habits that you can continue to do to do for the rest of your life. We have compiled some o the best and easiest ways to start on your journey to a greener future.
#1
Recycle:
We have been taught to do this since elementary school. It wont cost you anything. Recycling reduces the need for extracting for new raw materials and processing them. All you have to do is find out which materials you can recycle and put them in your recycling bin, they get picked up just like the garbage can. It’s that easy.
#2
Keep the car in the garage: Try biking, walking, running, or even unicycling to school or the store. Americans use nearly 400 million gallons of gasoline a day. By keeping your car at home, you can play a big part in lessening that number.
Disposed food waste creates a gas called methane that contributes largely to climate change. Instead learn to always eat your leftovers.
#4
Choose groceries with less packaging:
Think twice about putting all that plastic in your cart, most of the time it’s unneccesary Veggies and fruits have their own protective layer of skin and it is very pointless to buy it extra plastic around the fruits, and vegetables. To reduce plastic completely, buy all your produce at the local farmers market.
#5
Get a green thumb:
Instead of buying your groceries, try growing them. Having a garden is a fun thing to do with your family, and a great outdoor activity. Although acquiring a green thumb may require some patience, some fruits and vegetables that are good to plant include cucumbers, tomatos, and peppers. Gardening is a great way to save money while saving the environment. No matter what you grow it is bound to taste even better than something store bought since it was grown by you and your family.
#6
Be more energy efficient:
Being energy efficient isn’t rocket science. It’s turning off the bathroom light when you’re done, turning off the water when brushing your teeth, and unplugging unused electronic devices. It doesn’t seem like a lot, but it adds up fast.
#7
#9
Veganism has devoured social media and reshaped modern day trends. Although restricting processed meat helps lower your carbon footprint, resorting to 100% meat free can also be very costly. There are smaller was you can use less meat. First off, when you buy processed meat make sure to use as much of it as possible for as many meals as possible. Also a very easy way to buy less meat is once a week or every two weeks, try a day without meat. It’s easy to find meals that don’t include the use of meat and who knows? You might enjoy it.
Buying things used is one of the easiest ways to save materials. You can buy things cheaper, and they will still be good quality. The most comon example we’ve all heard of is thrift shopping for clothes, but did you know that you can thrift almost anything? Buying previously owned textbooks, furniture, video game consoles can save the earth and your wallet. Buying these used means less production of new products and less waste of used products being thrown away. Some good stores where you can buy used clothes in Iowa City are Plato’s Closet and Revival.
Meatless Mondays
TIPS
MAY 26, 2020
Buy used
9
#10
Use everything you can
#8
When printing paper, always use both sides of the page when possible. After you are done with papers use them as scratch paper for other activities so you are not wasting any more than you need to. Do the same thing with everything you have and you can minimize the amount of waste your household is using.
Ditch the plastic bottle
70 million plastic bottles a day in just the US alone. 35 billion every year. Single use plastic bottles have become part of our everyday lives. However, it adds up to several hundred dollars a year for just water bottles alone. Using a reusable one can last several months or years, at the fraction of the price. They sell reuseable water bottles online, and in many stores including walmart and target. These bottles only cost around 25 dollars, 40 for some of the more expensive ones, but they last years, and can refilled almost anywhere.
#12
Learning a new skill
Pick up on skills that will help you to reuse items such as sewing to patch up clothes they may tear or wear down, or cooking from scratch to use less processed foods. This is a great way to save money, you can fix up anything that is slightly broken and you won’t have to buy another to replace it. Sewing is somthing fairly easy to pick up on and there are countless tutorials on Youtube and other platforms that can help you on your sewing journey. Cooking is just as easy to pick up, with the many videos and recipes the internet offers.
#11
Shorter showers
The average person takes about 10 minutes in the shower, and uses as much as two gallons of water per minute. That adds up to over 140 gallons if you choose to shower everyday. Now we aren’t saying that you shouldn’t shower because hygiene is important and people greatly appriciate when you take the time to shower, but shortening showers is a great way to save water. We all can sacrifice at least one to two minutes of our in-the-shower-concert from time to time.
As you can see being environmentaly sustainable does not have to be a huge commitment. By doing a some of the things on this list everyday and developing a habit living sustainable can be much more attainable. Imagine how much energy and resources we would save if everyone took small steps like this . It would make an astronomical change on our earth. There are many more small things that can keep your life sustainable, so just look out for times you can save energy and materail in your life.
A Green Crossword: Name:
Use the articles in the magazine to fill out this crossword 1 2
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10 Created using the Crossword Maker on TheTeachersCorner.net
Across 2. It is important to ______________ plastics after you've used them. 3. To conserve water you have to take shorter __________. 4. Always make sure to turn of the ___________ when you leave the room. 5. Buy used _____________ from thrift stores. 6. Disposed food causes a gas called ____________ to be released. 9. Get rid of plastic water bottles by replacing them with a ________________ one. 10. Replace driving to work or school by running, walking, or ____________.
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A Green Wordserch:
1. At the grocery store produce has an unnecessary layer of ________________. 3. We all have to learn how to live a more _____________ life. 7. Having a meat free _____________ can help you lessen how much processed meat. 8. Americans use about 400 ___________ gallons of gas a day.