26 minute read
A&E
A&E. ECO-
EATING
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BY AVA ALBRACHT WEB EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Eating plant-based is better for our growing population and can even be delicious.
Alot of the time when we hear a person is vegan or vegetarian, we automatically assume that they must just love animals so much or that they are on some sort of crazy diet like Freelee the banana girl. Up until a few years ago, I was mystified as to why anyone would ever want to sacrifice something so delectable as cheese, ice cream or steak, just for the sake of animals. However, there is a far larger argument for eating a plant-based diet besides the animals because, to be honest, there is no sum of money you could pay me to even get near a chicken, those birds are horrifying.
To best understand why eating plant based is beneficial, we first need to understand why conserving water is important. According to the Institute of Physics, one third of the world’s population suffers from fresh water scarcity, and agriculture accounts for the usage of 90% of global freshwater consumption. With a growing population, scientists have conjectured that by 2050 food production will have to double in order to meet the needs of the population. In the future it will be even more important to conserve our freshwater resources. Keeping this in mind, let’s compare tofu and beef, two calorie-dense, high-protein foods. It takes 302 gallons of water to produce one pound of tofu, whereas it requires anywhere between 2000 to 8000 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef, according to studies conducted by UC Davis. If everyone were to reduce consumption of animal products, we would reduce our water consumption by at least half, according to UCLA Sustainability. Not only would we be able to feed more mouths in doing so, we would be able to preserve countless irreplaceable, beautiful habitats. Read ahead to learn about some local places to eat and recipes so that you can help preserve our Earth’s resources, too.
CASHEW CREAM TOMATO SAUCE
From @faithsfresh on TikTok
This recipe is not only vegan, it is also delicious and foolproof. When compared to my mom’s tomato cream sauce, my family preferred this simple yet delicious recipe. I like to serve it with Banza chickpea pasta to give me some extra protein topped with lots of red pepper flakes. Trust me, if there is one vegan dinner recipe you need to incorporate into your weekly rotation, it is this one.
Makes 3-4 servings Ingredients: 1/2 cup soaked cashews* 1 16 oz. can of Tomato Sauce 1 Tbsp Olive Oil 1 Tbsp dried basil 1/2 Tbsp garlic powder 1 tsp salt Red pepper flakes to taste
Add all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth Serve over pasta of choice and top with red pepper flakes, if desired.
*This can be done by adding 1/2 cup of cashews to 1 cup of boiling water and letting it soak for 15 minutes. Don’t forget to remove excess water. From @faithsfresh on TikTok
Another TikTok discovery, these are the best baked oats I have ever tasted, and I am an oatmeal fanatic. Whenever I am having a bad morning I turn to this recipe to cheer me up and set the tone for the rest of my day.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup oats 1/2 banana 1 Tbsp maple syrup 1/2 tsp baking powder 1 Tbsp cocoa powder 1/2 cup almond milk 1 spoonful of peanut butter Dairy-free chocolate chips to taste
1. Combine oats, banana, almond milk, baking powder, maple syrup and cocoa powder in a blender. Blend until mainly smooth. 2. Pour blender mixture into an oven safe container such as a ramekin. Top with chocolate chips and peanut butter. 3. Bake in the oven at 400° F for 35-40 minutes or microwave for 2 minutes and 30 seconds on high.
Photo | Pexels
REESE’S BAKED OATS
Photo | Pexels
Ruby Jean’s serves up smoothies and juices that are tasty even in the coldest weather. top: Pirate’s Bones Burgers’ “Beet Burger” could be mistaken for the real deal based off looks. bottom: Mud Pie houses a cozy environment filled with delicious desserts and breakfast items.
Photos | Ava Albracht
RUBY JEAN’S JUICERY
Although not completely plant-based, the vast majority of Ruby Jean’s menu is plant-powered with its claim to fame being, well, juice. The citrus detox containing grapefruit, orange, lemon, and ginger packed a punch and cleared my sinuses in the best tasting way possible. The Gigi Splash with strawberries, orange, red apple, pear, lemon and pineapple had the perfect amount of sweetness to tang ratio and was far more delicious than any bottled orange or apple juice on the shelves of the supermarket. Unfortunately, the Berry Strong power shake fell flat and was the worst tasting item of my vegan food escapade. The beverage was completely overpowered by the protein powder which caused it to have an artificial vanilla flavor and unbearably gritty texture, not to mention it was $8.50, which is a steep price for a lackluster smoothie. I would advise anyone to stick to the fruit and vegetable forward items because no matter how important protein is for the gains, no one should have to experience that gritty texture and artificial flavor.
MUD PIE VEGAN BAKERY
Stepping into Mud Pie Bakery’s 39th street location, I automatically felt a sense of comfort wash over me. I’m not sure if it was because it is located in a darling yellow house or because of the smell of the baked goods wafting, but it was a welcome feeling on a cold winter’s day. The lemon blueberry muffin stole the show, with a sugary crust on top and dense yet freshtasting dough, it was the dark horse of the order. The orange cinnamon roll was also something that I would order again because the orange was not overpowering and the dough was the perfect texture. The kolache, which is a stuffed dough, left something to be desired. I wished that there was a little more flavor in the dough and perhaps more jalapeño to kick it up a notch. The funky aftertaste of the mini apple pie was also less than ideal, but it was still very cute and reminded me of those Tiny Kitchen videos on Snapchat subscription stories. I would highly recommend this spot to anyone looking for a cute place to catch up with a friend or do some work while enjoying some delectable desserts.
PIRATE’S BONES BURGERS
When I first heard of Pirate’s Bones Burgers, I thought of black, grey and skulls; however, walking up to the storefront I was greeted by a vibrant purple and glowing green that in no way matched my expectations. My self-professed meat-loving father and I decided on the Classic burger that consisted of an impossible meat patty, housemade aioli, pickles and lettuce, cajun fries and the beet burger. The cajun fries topped with green onions were crispy, flavorful and reminiscent of Five Guys cajun fries. The classic burger had the perfect balance of flavor with a meaty patty, tangy aioli, and crispy lettuce. Lastly, the beet burger was not so much a burger, but more of a mass of shredded beets accompanied with avocado, lettuce, and sauce. The beet flavor was not overwhelming, which was definitely appreciated, but I would consider this burger more of a veggie sandwich. The price of the burgers ranged from $11 to $14, which is more than double the cost of Town Topic hamburgers just down the street. In my opinion, it was worth it for both environmental and social reasons, and since it is also a minority owned business. Pirate’s Bones Burgers surpassed my preconceived notions of what a vegan burger tastes like and was a fun excuse to be downtown and appreciate the murals and stores that surround it.
CHECK IT OUT
35
I-435
69
MUD PIE (39th St)
1615 W 39th St Kansas City, MO 64111 MUD PIE (95th St)
7319 W 95th St Overland Park, KS 66212 RUBY JEAN’S (Troost)
3000 Troost Ave Kansas City, MO 64109 RUBY JEAN’S (51st St)
301 E 51st St Kansas City, MO 64112 PIRATE’S BONES
2000 Main St Kansas City, MO 64108
The Holy in Nature and Art class explores the Sionian themes of faith and art intertwined with the environment.
BY BRIANNA LEGETTE A&E EDITOR
The sun shines on the students’ faces, as they observe a plant or tree. After instructions, the students open their sketchbooks and draw the nature in front of them, feeling ever so connected to the environment and their faith.
In the school year of 2019-2020, a former course called “Discovering the Holy in Art, Literature, Film and Music” was split into two electives, one examining music, the other examining nature. Director of Campus Ministry Stephanie PinoDressman was invited to develop the Holy in Nature and Art class.
“I’m healthier if I am outside or have plants around me. I can grow closer to God by being close to nature,” Pino-Dressman said. “My mental health and spiritual health are connected to the environment.”
The Holy in Nature and Art class focuses on connecting nature with God, by making collages and sketching, and a number of other art projects. Pino-Dressman expressed that she wants her students to grow in appreciation for nature and want to protect it, saying that we are all co-creators with God. Pino-Dressman hopes students will recognize the importance of greenery in their lives. “I had to take more notice of (the greenery), because that was the class that made me appreciate it more because I had that space to kind of reflect on it a little more.” senior Elizabeth Nordhus said.
Nordhus feels that the class did a great job of getting the students to notice and appreciate nature, as well as tie in the spiritual and artistic side of nature. She felt that the class itself was reflective and meditative. “It was really fun when we got to go outside. Because a lot of classes don’t do that,” sophomore Kate Wren said.”So that was really refreshing.”
Wren, who took the class last semester, expressed that it was really fun, and that she liked getting to spend time outside and draw and be with nature. Wren learned that it’s really important to go outside and sit down with the world around you.
“We feel like as humans we need to escape from Earth and go to space, when we should actually not. Why are we not satisfied with what God made? You don’t need to escape from that.” Wren said.
In terms of the environment, Pino-Dressman references a book she read, that says that we should not be focused on saving the planet, but ourselves. Pino-Dressman explains that we can all do our small part to help the environment as well as fall in love with the environment. Pino-Dressman references a quote taught in class by director, producer, and cinematographer, Louie Schwartzberg, “Beauty and seduction, I believe, is nature’s tool for survival, because we will protect what we fall in love with.” Pino-Dressman says that in terms of the artwork in class, she wants the students to be proud of what they have created, and know that it is worthy of attention.
Pino-Dressman said, “They are beautiful, and their natural beauty can capture the attention of others. Young women will see themselves in nature. I am stardust and God is also stardust. I am beautiful and I deserve to be protected.”
Pino-Dressman teaches the Holy in Nature and Art class, reflecting on the concepts learned after the Auschwitz exhibit. left
JUST KEEP DRAWING
Students sketch in their sketchbooks, according to a drawing prompt Pino-Dressman had instructed them. below
A LITTLE MOTIVATION
Pino-Dressman’s desk displays this plaque next to a few plants reminding students to “share their light.” far below
Photos | Brianna Legette
opinion. Rethinking Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
The current state of our planet requires us to rethink what it means to live a sustainable lifestyle.
BY SOPHIE GROMOWSKY SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
The polar ice caps are melting, forests across the world are burning and a garbage patch roughly three times the size of France floats in the Pacific Ocean. Open up your news app on any given day and you will find yourself scrolling through a plethora of depressing headlines, all serving as evidence of one central truth: our planet is in a climate crisis. In today’s society it is virtually impossible not to possess some level of awareness as to the state of our environment’s rapid and devastating decay, and to be quite honest, it’s overwhelming.
Constant bombardment of news of our planet’s seemingly doomed fate has generated feelings of eco-anxiety through all age groups, but particularly in young people concerned about the state of their futures. In a 2018 survey conducted by the University of Bath, 51% of young adults between the ages of 16-25 reported feeling helpless, anxious and powerless in regards to climate change, and with good reason. Data continues to prove that the largest contributors to climate change are companies and corporations, not individual consumers. In fact, according to the Carbon Majors Report, just 100 companies have been responsible for 71% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions since 1988. Many young people also expressed sentiments of betrayal by their government and by previous generations who did little to combat climate change, feeling that the responsibility has been forced onto them to save the dying planet.
In response, recent years have seen a rise in the sustainability movement and an increase in the number of people choosing to adopt sustainable lifestyles. The goal of a sustainable lifestyle is to attempt to reduce an individual or society’s use of the Earth’s natural resources. Some of its practices include composting and recycling, shopping fair trade and eliminating single-use plastics. Eco-friendly products, such as bamboo drinking straws, reusable produce bags and biodegradable coffee cups, have also shown a dramatic increase in demand. Research conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit in 2021 showed a 71% rise in the popularity of searches for sustainable goods over the past five years.
It’s not only individual consumers who have been making more Earth conscious choices. Many companies have also implemented changes, like Disney’s pledge to eliminate direct greenhouse gas emissions within all of its facilities by 2030 by switching to zero carbon electricity and Target’s use of recycling programs, which reduced the amount of waste sent from their stores to landfills by 75% in 2018, according to Forbes.
Despite the progress of the past few years, the state of Earth’s climate has further deteriorated and will likely continue to worsen for the foreseeable future. The World Health Organization’s most recent findings showed air pollution levels in the United States rising by 6.7% in 2020, in spite of decreased levels of human activity due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 8 million metric tons of plastic are still dumped into the ocean each year and by 2050 ocean plastic will outweigh all of the ocean’s fish, according to Conservation International. And the United Nations’ Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 ºC concluded that global temperatures will reach 1.5 ºC above pre-industrial levels between 2030 and 2052 if carbon dioxide emissions continue to rise at their current rate, which will result in extreme heat, rising sea levels and the melting of Arctic sea ice. Considering this information raises the question: Is it even worth it to live sustainably?
The answer is yes, absolutely. It is easy to look at these negative benchmarks in climate change that our world is fast approaching and be discouraged by the seemingly limited capacity that you as an individual possess to stop it. However, as an individual, living a sustainable lifestyle does make a difference, even if that difference is so small it may seem negligible on a global scale. One person’s example has the potential to inspire others to take part in the movement as well, and when people come together they have the ability to create larger change.
Individuals living sustainably have a vital role to play in the fight to save the Earth. However, as our planet hurtles at a rapid pace towards irreversible damage from climate change, it has also become vitally important to reevaluate what it means to live sustainably and further the cause of the environmental movement. Evaluating our world’s current position, it is time to revise and expand upon the old slogan of ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ in order to adapt it to fit the various needs of the environmental movement of today.
In addition to ‘reducing’ one’s personal waste output and consumption of products that harm the Earth, it is important to hold corporations accountable and ensure that they do the same. Do your research into the environmental policies of businesses you buy from and don’t support companies that put profit above the planet. Additionally, citizens must also hold the government responsible for creating policies that enforce greener practices in industry and investing in green energy solutions.
Instead of people being told to ‘reuse’ products that would harm the environment if thrown away, they should be encouraged to refuse them to begin with. It is not enough to use plastics and other potential waste materials for other purposes, we must stop the initial production of these products in the first place.
Furthermore, instead of simply instructing people to ‘recycle,’ it is also necessary to improve education surrounding the realities of the recycling system’s capabilities in order to ensure that it is able to function as effectively as possible. Recycling contamination due to incorrectly recycled objects is a huge problem facing the system today. Items such as glass bottles or anything containing food or liquid residue like a greasy pizza box or unwashed peanut butter jar can ruin an entire load of recycling and cause it to be redirected to a landfill. According to a survey conducted by OnePoll, 62% of Americans believe that their lack of knowledge on the recyclability of everyday waste products is causing them to recycle incorrectly. This number must be drastically reduced in order to ensure that our recycling system is maximally beneficial.
Considerable strides are required in policy, education and economy in order to reorient our world to prioritize sustainability above all at this pivotal point in environmental history. Though the steps that must be taken are many and great, they can be achieved when individuals make the decision to put sustainability first in their own lives and take on the responsibility of confronting the systems in place which serve to harm our planet. It’s time for all of us to reflect on the areas in our own lives where we have space to improve and make those changes as quickly as possible. Our world and our future depend on it.
Recycling Guide
Checking recycling symbols on product packaging will let you know how an item should be recycled.
POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTALATE
Found in water bottles, salad dressing bottles, peanut butter jars and microwaveable food trays.
Can be recycled curbside.
HIGH-DENSITY POLYTHYLENE
Found in milk jugs, toys and playground equipment, shampoo bottles and juice bottles.
Can be recycled curbside.
POLYVINYL CHLORIDE
Found in shower curtains, clear food wrap, cosmetics and shrink wrap.
Cannot be recycled curbside.
LOW-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE
Found in grocery bags, squeezeable bottles, frozen food bags and packaging foam.
Cannot be recycled curbside.
POLYPROPYLENE
Found in yogurt containers, disposable cutlery, plastic bottle tops and kitcheware.
Cannot be recycled curbside.
POLYSTYRENE
Found in egg cartons, disposable cups, CD and DVD cases and to-go containers.
Cannot be recycled curbside.
OTHER
Found in sports equipment, car parts, baby bottles and electrical wiring.
Cannot be recycled curbside.
ENVIRONMENTAL
From farm to classroom, the environmental science teachers inspire students and faculty to go green.
BY ELLA ROGGE MANAGING EDITOR
Raised in the curiosity of nature and befriended by the organisms and habitats within it, environmental science teachers Amy Vandenbrul and Kaci Flippo credit their initial love for the Earth to growing up on farms, and spending a majority of their time outside. Vandenbrul recalls a pond which she described as her “never ending source of entertainment” when she was little, fascinated by how everything was connected.
“The environment has always been important to me. I grew up on a farm, always outside.” Flippo said. “I have always loved animals and hated to hear anything that killed wild animals or ruined their habitat.”
Although Flippo has always cared about the environment, she never expected to teach the course. As she majored in biology at UMKC and received her Master of Education degree from Avila, Flippo expected to teach biology and chemistry. During her first year at Sion, she was asked to teach an environmental science class, and has loved it ever since.
“I enjoy teaching environmental science because so many problems go unnoticed,” Flippo said. “And because I have gotten to learn a lot over the years, especially from Ms. Amy.”
In her time teaching environmental science, Flippo has noticed a phenomenal amount of misinformation being spread both online and in the news. Her students have taught her that there is always more to learn about the Earth.
“I am educating the next generations who will have to deal with most of these environmental issues as they are only getting worse.” Flippo said. “I want my students to have the guidance they need to make informed decisions.”
EVANGELISTS
Similarly to Flippo, Vandenbrul was more interested in molecular biology in college. With the influence of her advisor and her passion for the environment, Vandenbrul simultaneously became an adjunct teacher for two homeschool classes at Rockhurst University and a doorto-door salesman profiting the Clean Water Act. Through her participation in both, she realized that she could be teaching a whole new generation how to save the Earth.
“I have always been an avid outdoors-woman. In college, my professor and advisor led me to teaching without me even realizing it,” Vandenbrul said. “But I chose teaching as a way to reach more people and spread the message.”
According to Vandenbrul, the reason she teaches can be summarized by her hero and environmentalist Jane Goodall’s words “Fortunately, nature is amazingly resilient: places we have destroyed, given time and help, can once again support life, and endangered species can be given a second chance. And there is a growing number of people, especially young people, who are aware of these problems and are fighting for the survival of our only home, Planet Earth. We must all join in that fight before it is too late”. Furthermore, Vandenbrul centers her life around the Earth, its environment and the creatures inhabiting it, planning her trips to enjoy nature and cherishing the Earth to the highest extent in her religious beliefs.
“The environment should be important to everyone. I cherish life and all of the molecular intricacies that are involved with life.” Vandenbrul said. “And all life is dependent on a healthy habitat.”
Although she credits nature to bringing her joy, Vandenbrul also recognizes that the vast majority of environmental issues can be depressing. She believes that teaching is her purpose and has found fulfillment in life and in her students’ optimistic outlook.
“My students have allowed me to have more of a focus on the good things happening environmentally. My students give me hope.” Vandenbrul said. “I can sleep well at night knowing that I have done what I can to try to make the world a better place, one student at a time.”
BY KATE MCCARTHY PRINT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Check out some everyday sustainable products you can buy to replace old waste-producing products.
1.5 BILLION
PHONE CASES THROWN AWAY EACH YEAR
According to Pela 360
1.6 BILLION
DISPOSABLE PENS THROWN AWAY EACH YEAR
According to Green America
PHONE CASES
With new technology in the 21st century, electronics are more widespread and widely used than ever before. According to Bankmycell, 83.89% of people have smartphones today resulting in a total of approximately 6.64 billion phone users. Teens and adults alike buy cute phone cases to match their style, but there is a better, plasticfree option. As teens who contribute to a large number of phone users, replacing the plastic with this eco healthy option, you can make a difference. 26 // LeJournal
PENS
Writing is a daily need for school, work, and life, but how is our writing affecting the environment? Pens are small items, but they can have a huge impact on the amount of waste produced around the world. Great options include refillable fountain pens or ballpoint pens with refill cartridges. If these options sound too complicated, various recycled pens are available to purchase off of Amazon to help make a contribution to saving our planet.
1 BILLION
UMBRELLAS THROWN AWAY EACH YEAR
According to Senz
85 MILLION TONS
OF PAPER THROWN AWAY EACH YEAR
According to Pela 360
UMBRELLAS
Everyone needs a little bit of protection from the rain in their life, but there are better ways to do it than the current plastic umbrellas we rest on our shoulders now. According to Statistica, the UK sold 1,557,395 umbrellas in 2020. A staple to the daily lives of many, umbrellas are easily replaced by a recycled option. The umbrellas are made from 100% from recycled water bottles with each umbrella containing 5.2 bottles.
NOTEBOOKS
Everyone uses notebooks and paper each day, but is all this paper consumed amounting to far too much waste? According to The World Counts, from 2001-2019 approximately 386 million hectares of forest were lost. The World Counts estimates that by 2060, the consumption of pulp and paper is expected to double. A simple way for students to help fix this problem is purchasing this reusable notebook. Easily erasable and lightweight to carry, this is a simple way to help save our forests. February 2022 // 27
How Does Your Garden Grow?
Take this quiz to find out which type of garden you should plant this spring!
1. What does your typical Saturday look like?
A. Grabbing a coffee and taking a long drive blasting music B. Catching up on sleep and knocking out homework C. Sports practice, a shift at work and dinner with friends
2. Which of these fun colors would you pick to dye your hair?
A. Blue B. Purple C. Pink Mostly A’s: Flower garden - You’re a girl who’s blossoming with creativity and you find joy in the simple things. Your camera roll has a million photos because you want to remember all of the little moments of beauty that you find everyday. You care deeply about the people you love and will enjoy putting together colorful flower arrangements to give to your family and friends!
Mostly B’s: Veggie garden - You’re a nononsense type of girl and always strive to present your authentic self to the world. You give great advice and are an amazing listener, making you your friend group’s designated therapist. You don’t shy away from putting in the hard work to earn the reward, and you’ll have fun trying out new recipes to cook up the veggies you grew yourself!
Mostly C’s: Zen garden - Let’s face it, you’re a girl on the go! Between your jam-packed extracurricular schedule and brimming social calendar, you just don’t have the time to give these plants all the love and care they deserve. A zen garden will be just the thing to help you destress. Plus, it’s the only garden that comes in a mini-size to fit on your desk!
3. Pick a Disney Channel Original Movie.
A. Camp Rock B. High School Musical C. Lemonade Mouth
4. What is your go-to Chick-fil-A order?
A. Chicken nuggets B. Chicken sandwich C. Chicken strips
5. What would your dream vacation destination look like?
A. A vibrant city with unique shops and restaurants B. A mountain cabin with skiing and fireside reading C. A week-long cruise with lots of fun excursions
6. All three of these movies are playing on TV. Which one do you pick to watch?
A. 10 Things I Hate Ahout You B. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone C. Legally Blonde
7. Which throwback karaoke song would you choose to sing?
A. The Climb by Miley Cyrus B. Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen C. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together by Taylor Swift
8. Pick a Crumbl Cookie flavor to try out.
A. Cinnamon Toast B. Berries N Cream C. Snickerdoodle Cupcake
9. Which TV channel would you be most likely to tune in to?
A. HGTV - I love a good home makeover! B. The Cooking Channel - I’m always looking for a good recipe! C. E! - I live for the drama!
Quick Gardening Tips
1. Get to Know Your Garden
Before you plant your garden make sure you check out the space. Does it get a lot of sunlight? What’s the soil type? How deep does it go? Picking plants that will be a good fit for your space will be important to help your garden thrive.
2. Stay Close to Water
Make sure you can run a hose to your garden site. Your plants will need to be watered regularly, especially as the weather gets warmer so save yourself the trouble of lugging a watering can around whenever your plants get thirsty.
3. Utilize Compost
Not only is composting great for the environment and wildlife, but it will also enrich your garden’s soil and help it to retain moisture, which will help your plants to develop healthier roots and ward off plant disease and pests.
