Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Traveling Without Your Kids: Tips to Make it Easier for Everyone!

Posted in Healthy Relationships, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on March 28, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Whether you’re a working parent who has to take a business trip or just going on a vacation without your children, being away from them can be tough! Thankfully, there are things you can do to prepare for yourself and your children to help make it easier on everyone.

Last week, I had an opportunity to attend a retreat with my Family & Consumer Science colleagues that involved being away from my two children for two nights. As they get a little older, (5 and 3 years old) it is a little easier for me to leave them with dad for a few nights, but can be more difficult for them. When they were babies they didn’t quite understand if I was gone for a night or two, but now that they are getting older they are more aware of time and like to have our familiar routine that involves both mom and dad. Thanks to help from my husband and other family members, my kids did just fine without me (though I was missing them like crazy!)

Mom kissing child on forehead

Here are some things I did to prepare us all for this trip that you can try too:

  • Tell them the plan: Kids thrive on predictability in their routine, it helps them feel more secure. Start by telling them how their routine may look different while you’re gone. Visually show them on a calendar that you’ll be leaving on this day and returning on this day. Explain what the night time routine might look like. For us, I said, “Daddy will be putting you to bed for two nights.”
  • Special item: Pick a stuffed animal they already have, a t-shirt, photo, or something that reminds them of you and tell them when you’re gone, they can squeeze that item when they’re missing you.
  • Make a paper chain countdown: My kids loved this while I was gone! Make a paper chain by cutting strips of paper and taping or stapling them together for the amount of days you’ll be gone. Write a note on each strip of paper that they can read (or a caregiver can read to them) while you are away.
  • Make time to check-in: If your trip allows, make time to check in with your kids through pictures, phone calls, facetime, etc. For younger children, this could make them more upset as they may now be more aware that you’re gone. Use your best judgement on how your children will respond and if they would benefit from a video check in.
  • Reconnect when you get home: Make special time to reconnect when you return from traveling. Try to make 1 on 1 time with your kids if possible! Even if it is just ten minutes a day, there are numerous benefits to spending quality 1 on 1 time with your child.

Being away from our children can be a challenge for both parents and kids even when it’s something we want to do! As a parent, I am still learning every day about work-life balance and how to achieve my goals in my career while not missing time with my kids. Preparing ourselves can be just as important as preparing our kids for when we travel. The more prepared we all are, the easier it will be for everyone when the next trip comes up!

Written By: Erin Ruggiero, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension Medina County, ruggiero.46@osu.edu

Reviewed by: Shannon Carter, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension Fairfield County, carter.413@osu.edu

References:

Peaceful Parent Institute: https://www.peacefulparent.com/quality-one-on-one-time-with-your-child-fills-their-emotional-cup/

https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/11-tips-to-prepare-your-kids-for-when-youre-traveling-without-them

The Importance of Routines for Kids

Read Full Post »

Give the Gift of Life – Donate

Posted in Healthy People, Uncategorized, tagged , , , on February 20, 2024| Leave a Comment »

While February is most associated with Valentine’s Day and Heart Month, it is also a time to remember “Donor Day”, a time to draw attention to things we can all do to literally save another person’s life.  Every day, thousands of Americans are suffering in need of blood, organs, eyes or other tissues, and most of us have the opportunity to help.  According to Lifeline of Ohio, 20 people per day die while waiting for a needed organ. According to the Red Cross, someone needs blood or platelets every 2 seconds.

The Red Cross reports that blood donations are at a 20-year low, leaving America with an emergency blood shortage. Blood donations benefit cancer patients, trauma and burn patients, those with certain chronic diseases and people with blood disorders. Most Individuals in good health can donate blood as young as 16 years old and give up to 6 times per year. The blood donation process takes as little as 1 hour and is more streamlined than ever before, allowing donors to sign up to donate online and complete their required screening questions ahead of time with a RapidPass App on their phone.

Besides blood, people can also volunteer to donate other tissue, including skin after cosmetic surgery, bone after orthopedic replacements, cells form bone marrow, as well as umbilical cord blood or amnion after childbirth. Living donors can also donate organs, including 1 kidney (people are born with 2, but can live with 1), portions of their liver, pancreas, or intestine and a lobe of their lung. The US Health Resources and Services Administration has much information available about being a living donor including what to expect and how to register to become a living donor. Living donation has certain benefits, as the transplant can occur as a scheduled surgery under optimal circumstances, and often include an organ from a close relative, possibly reducing the risk of rejection. In addition, the donor can choose their recipient, shortening the wait time for a needed organ from a deceased person. Those who choose to be living donors do not incur medical expenses for organ or tissue removal surgery and hospitalization, as those are paid for by the recipient’s healthcare provider, but they will need to take time off work for recovery.

If you are uncomfortable with medical procedures in general, you can opt to be a designated organ/tissue donor upon death. The easiest first step, for those of us in Ohio, is to select the “yes” option to be a designated eye/organ/tissue donor at the Bureau of Moter Vehicles (BMV) when getting or renewing your driver’s license. One organ/tissue donor can save 8 lives and can contribute to the healing of 75 other individuals, which may bring a mourning family some solace amid a tragic loss, and Lifeline of Ohio is there to provide comfort to families during and after the donation process. Although you may have shared your final wishes to be an organ donor with your close family, it is also important to register, as there is a short window of time that an organ is viable after death. While organ donation is a standard question during the driver’s license renewal process, you may opt to register at any time online or by mail. 

As we consider how we may give a gift of love to those around us this Valentine season, let us also consider how we can give the gift of life to someone in need.

Written by:  Jennifer Little, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Hancock County

Reviewed by:  Megan Taylor, FCS/4-H Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Union County

References: 

Red Cross website. https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/how-blood-donations-help/blood-needs-blood-supply.html

Lifeline of Ohio statistic.: https://lifelineofohio.org/get-the-facts/impact-and-stats/

What to Know About Living Donor Organ Transplantation. https://www.organdonor.gov/sites/default/files/organ-donor/professional/materials/living-donation-recipient-fact-sheet-english.pdf

Red Cross News and Events. https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/press-release/2024/red-cross-declares-emergency-blood-shortage-calls-for-donations-during-national-blood-donor-month.html

Read Full Post »

Celebrate National FCS Day

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , on February 8, 2024| Leave a Comment »

February 14, 2024, is the day we celebrate National Family & Consumer Sciences Educator Day, a celebration that showcases the value and importance of family and consumer sciences education and its educators. The Live Healthy Live Well team at the Ohio State University Extension wants to enlist your help in spreading the word about the positive impact of Family and Consumer Sciences profession -The People-Centered Sciences.

What can you do –

Why Should We Celebrate NOW –

Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) is a diverse and vital field that plays a crucial role in preparing students for real-world challenges across a variety of workplace settings. FCS utilizes research, experiential education, and technology to teach students the essential knowledge and skills to:

  • lead better lives,
  • be work and career-ready,
  • build strong families,
  • make meaningful contributions to our communities.

Think about the saying “You can’t build a strong house on a weak foundation”

Let’s build a strong foundation for Family Living by Proclaiming, Exploring and Honoring FCS programming and educators.

Written by: Margaret Jenkins, Assistant Professor, Family and Consumer Sciences, OSU Extension Clermont County, jenkins.188@osu.edu

Reviewed by: Beth Stefura, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, OSU Extension Mahoning County, Stefura.2@osu.edu

References:

1. American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences https://www.aafcs.org/home

2. Advance CTE
https://careertech.org/what-we-do/career-clusters/

3.  Say Yes to FCS video
  https://youtu.be/Kya5u4KE72g?si=WhWXZzqxgG-sXUGV

Read Full Post »

Reclaim Your Rhythm!

Posted in Uncategorized on February 6, 2024| 1 Comment »

It is February!  Heart Health Month!  A time to focus on heart health, prevention, and treatment of heart disease-the leading cause of death in the United States.  

One of the slogans, the American Heart Association has chosen to increase awareness of heart health is, “Reclaim Your Rhythm” to encourage everyone to reclaim control of their mental and physical well-being after the past challenging years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The American Heart Association has identified steps to take reclaim your health:

  • Engage in moderate-intensity physical activity weekly (or get started)
  • Healthy eating (the AHA’s Heart-Check is a helpful guide you in the grocery store)
  • Stop smoking or vaping
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Controlling blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure
  • Regular checkups
  • Learn Hands-Only CPR
  • Follow handwashing protocols
  • Find ways to relax and create a peaceful environment, such as meditation

The pandemic took a toll on our health as many individuals stopped or limited their physical activity and delayed seeking medical care. Caring for yourself is a great way to take action and reclaim your rhythm!

Written by:  Beth Stefura, OSU Extension Educator, Mahoning County, stefura.2@osu.edu

Reviewed by:  Margaret Jenkins, OSU Extension Educator, Clermont County, jenkins.188@osu.edu

References:

American Heart Association | To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives

American Heart Month 2024 Toolkits | cdc.gov

Heart Health for Women (eatright.org)

Cardiovascular Health/Heart Disease/Hypertension (eatright.org)

Read Full Post »

Why Journal?

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , on January 9, 2024| 5 Comments »

Has anyone ever told you, start a journal? Journaling is an effective tool for many reasons! Let’s explore a few different reasons to journal and why it might help you on your road to health and wellness this year!

Let’s answer the question you might be asking, “why is journaling good for you?” When we journal we can write down our inner most thoughts and feelings without the fear of judgement. We give ourselves the opportunity to observe our own behaviors, thoughts, triggers, and interactions. Journaling comes in many forms. By learning about the different ways you can journal and the benefits you might just find yourself picking up the pen and paper.

Journaling for Emotional Wellness. This tends to be the “why” we most often associate with journaling. As a kid or teenager, maybe you had a diary, a place where you wrote down all your struggles, complaints, hopes and dreams. A diary was a safe space. Well, the concept of a diary is now referred to as journaling. When we focus on keeping a journal for emotional wellness we are creating that same safe space we did in adolescence. Journaling for this reason is helpful through the lifespan (kids and adults).

Some benefits of keeping a journal for emotional wellness include:

  • Managing anxiety
  • Reducing stress
  • Coping with depression

When using a journal for mental wellness it can allow you to track thoughts, feelings, and triggers. As time passes journaling can help you identify stressors and navigate how to manage triggers. It can increase feelings of mindfulness and provide a space of positive self-talk. In some studies, journaling for emotional wellness also provides immune benefits. An emotional wellness journal can include writing about gratitude. Here you can find a great prompt from Berkley on gratitude. UCLA health reports, that practicing gratitude helps to reduce stress, anxiety, support heart health, and improve sleep. This daily practice via journaling helps us to reflect on where we find meaning. You might even find yourself beginning to look for the good in each day.

Food and exercise Journal. Is a healthier lifestyle on your list of goals for 2024? Keeping a journal to track how much you move and what you eat can be a very useful tool in improving your health and wellness. Keeping a food journal can be about more than writing down what you ate in a day. Similarly to emotional wellness, keeping a food centered journal can help us recognize our relationship with food. Journals are a powerful tool to help understand our habits. Additionally, a food journal can help pinpoint food sensitives and trigger foods. What you write in your journal will depend on your purpose or goals. Writing for weight management will include writing down meals, snacks, and even movement. If practicing mindful eating, your journal might include what you ate and how you were feeling, what you were doing, or how much. This practice is useful for identifying habits and feelings around food. A final reason worth mentioning is identifying food sensitives. Individuals who encounter joint pain, digestive related illnesses, auto immune challenges, or food intolerances can utilize a journal to help understand medical conditions and the connection to food.

There are many other reasons to consider keeping a journal such as goal setting, strengthening memory, boosting creativity and writing skills, and improving resiliency. You may even decide to track dreams, daily events, spiritual or religious readings, or fitness accomplishments. The possibilities are endless and so are the benefits.

Some easy tips to get started include:

  • Create a routine (when do you want to write bedtime? morning coffee?)
  • Write for your eyes only (remember not to judge your thoughts)
  • Find your purpose for writing
  • Search for writing prompts online
  • Be creative
  • Pick a fun journal you love!

Journaling can be a great practice for the whole family. Encouraging loved ones to keep a journal will help them receive many of the above benefits and provide some nice quite family time away from the screen.

Written by: Holly Bandy, Extension Educator

Reviewed by: Katie Schlagheck, Extension Educator Family and Consumer Sciences, Ottawa and Sandusky Counties

Cleveland Clinic. (2023, December 21). Food journaling 101. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-keep-a-food-journal

Gratitude Journal (greater good in action). Greater Good In Action. (n.d.). https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/gratitude_journal#:~:text=People%20who%20wrote%20in%20a,hassles%20or%20their%20daily%20life.

UCLAhealth. (2023, March 22). Health benefits of Gratitude. UCLA Health. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/health-benefits-gratitude#:~:text=Several%20studies%20show%20that%20a,your%20heart%20exerts%20between%20beats.

Read Full Post »

Freeze-Drying: Consider This – Keep the Good Stuff, Lose the Water

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , on December 28, 2023| Leave a Comment »

Good reasons to freeze-dry 

Freeze-drying has long been used by outdoor enthusiasts for lightweight snacks and complete meals on the trail; but did you know freeze-dried foods are also great for quick and healthy snacks, traveling, easy meal preparation, emergency preparedness, and even homemade pet food.  

Freeze-drying is a terrific way to reduce food waste and preserve the harvest. You may be asking “What types of food can I freeze-dry?” Fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, desserts, and complete meals can all be effectively freeze-dried. 

Good Health 

Freeze-drying is a food preservation process, not a food safety process. It will not make unsafe foods safe. It is important to remember that freeze-drying does not destroy enzymes or microorganisms. Enzymes are less active but are still present and can lead to reduced food quality over time. If the goal is long-term storage, consider blanching vegetables and treating fruit that is prone to browning. Microorganisms will become inactive but are not killed.  

If raw, fresh produce is contaminated, those same contaminants will be on the food when it is eaten. Special considerations must be made when eating freeze-dried animal products that have not been cooked (eggs, meats, poultry). These foods should be labeled “raw” and must be heat treated prior to consuming. 

Good Nutrition 

Color, flavor, shape and approximately 90% of the nutritional value of the food are maintained. The freezing process occurs very quickly thus reducing nutrient loss and retaining food quality. The drying process allows the food to be lightweight and shelf stable. While food weight is reduced, the volume of food may not be reduced. Many items retain their shape when freeze-dried. An exception is high-water content liquid items like soup, milk, and eggs which become crumbly and powder-like. These foods are often rehydrated back to their original volume before being consumed.  

The calorie content by volume may be similar to the original food item for products that retain their shape, or it may be higher for foods that crumble or become powders. Additionally, salt and sugar become more concentrated, so salty foods will taste saltier and sweet foods will taste sweeter. The vitamin and mineral content will be unchanged. You may need to increase your fluid intake when consuming freeze-dried foods. 

Please note that freeze-dried foods are not allowed as cottage foods in Ohio. 

These are just a few things to consider as you explore freeze-drying. It is up to you to determine the benefits and drawbacks for you and your family. Please read each of the Freeze-drying: Consider This blog articles for more information! 

Freeze-Drying: Consider This 

Freeze-Drying: Consider This – Food Dehydration, Freezing, and Freeze-drying 

Stay tuned for the final article in the series! 

Resources: 

Bhatta S, Stevanovic Janezic T, Ratti C. Freeze-Drying of Plant-Based Foods. Foods. 2020 Jan 13;9(1):87. 

Geiger, M. Iowa State University Extension Preserving by Home Freeze Drying Blog. 2023 June 13. https://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/answerline/2023/06/13/preserving-by-home-freeze-drying/  

Kupletskaya, M.B., Netrusov, A.I. Viability of lyophilized microorganisms after 50-year storage. Microbiology. 2011; 80 (6): 850.  

Yukie Miyamoto-Shinohara, Takashi Imaizumi, Junji Sukenobe, Yukie Murakami, Sugio Kawamura, Yasuhiko Komatsu, Survival Rate of Microbes after Freeze-Drying and Long-Term Storage. Cryobiology. 2000 Nov; 41(3):251. 

Written by: 

Christine Kendle, Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Tuscarawas County and Kate Shumaker, Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Holmes County. 

Assisted by Tiffany Haney, Intern, Stark State University Dietetic Technician Program. 

Reviewed by: Ohio State University Extension, Food Preservation Team. 

Photo Credit: Laura Halladay, Ohio State University Extension, Greene County 

Read Full Post »

Fall For (Not Over) Your Pets!

Posted in Healthy People, Uncategorized, tagged , , on December 21, 2023| Leave a Comment »

Earlier this year, my husband and I added to our merry band of cats by adopting a little tabby kitten, who we named Iggy. Iggy fits in perfectly with our family and reminds us daily of the many benefits of having pets, such as the companionship they provide, the sense of purpose they give to those caring for them, and the increase of activity some pets need through daily walks or play time. These pet ownership benefits can translate into reduced stress and anxiety levels and the increase of oxytocin in our bodies (both animal and human!).

Iggy the Cat in the Tree

Due to some injuries that Iggy sustained prior to his adoption, he is partially blind and sometimes struggles with his depth perception. For the most part, this does not slow him down one bit, except that he tends to stick very close to his favorite humans, which in turn creates potential fall hazards for us and our guests. Pets can cause falls for any age, but one study shows that older adults are more likely to sustain a fracture due to a pet-related fall injury. Dogs are more likely than cats to cause falls – 88% of pet-related falls were attributed to a dog, which include tripping over the dog or its toys, falling during a walk, or being pushed or pulled by a dog. Because most cats do not require a walk outside, most cat-related falls are due to individuals tripping over a cat.

If you are looking to add a furry member to your family soon, here are a few suggestions to keep from (literally) falling head over heels with your pet:

  • Never step over your pets! If your pet in laying in your walkway, have them move rather than stepping over them.
  • Use a nightlight or flashlight if you will be moving around in the dark. This will help you locate your pets before you start walking and reduce the risk of falling over them.
  • Put a bell on your pet to alert you if they are near when you are moving. While I was growing up, we would hang our dog’s ID tag and license tag from their collar, which would jingle when they walked.
  • Consider obedience training, especially if you are adopting a young puppy or a large breed dog. This can help teach your dog not to pull on a leash when out for a walk and not to jump up on you or others when standing.
  • Keep pet supplies and toys out of walkways. If your pet causes any spills with their food or water dish, be sure to clean it up immediately.

Written By: Jessica Lowe, FCS Educator, Pickaway County, OSU Extension, lowe.495@osu.edu

Reviewed By: Dan Remley, Field Specialist, Food, Nutrition, and Wellness, Ohio State University Extension

References:

The health benefits and risks of PET ownership. Harvard Health. (2016, February 19). https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-health-benefits-and-risks-of-pet-ownership

Ohio Department of Aging. (n.d.). Pets and Falls. Health & Safety. https://aging.ohio.gov/care-and-living/health-and-safety/fall-prevention/pets-and-falls

Stevens, J. A., Teh, S. L., & Haileyesus, T. (2010). Dogs and cats as environmental fall hazards. Journal of Safety Research, 41(1), 69–73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsr.2010.01.001

Read Full Post »

A Winter Solstice Primer

Posted in Healthy People, Mindfulness, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , on December 15, 2023| Leave a Comment »

Sunrise in a snowy forest.

Crank up Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles, grab something warm to drink, and enjoy this quick primer on the Winter Solstice and how to celebrate this passage of time.

What is the Winter Solstice? The Winter Solstice occurs the moment the sun reaches the Tropic of Capricorn, which is the maximum tilt away from the sun. The significance of this event is that, in terms of sunlight, everyone living in the Northern Hemisphere experiences the shortest day and longest night of the year.

In meteorological terms, the Winter Solstice marks the official start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Here in Ohio, this will occur on Thursday, December 21st at 10:27 PM.

Here are four ways you and your family can observe and celebrate the Winter Solstice, indoors and outdoors:

Winter shadows in the snow.

1. Look At Your Shadow
If it is a sunny day, go outside around noon and check your shadow on the Winter Solstice. Even better, measure your shadow and remember how long it is. You can measure your shadow on other days of the year, but it will never be as long as it is on the Winter Solstice. This is because the sun is at its lowest point in the sky and therefore, casts the longest shadows of the year. Visit this NASA link to see a beautiful image that shows how the sun moves across the sky throughout the year and creates a fascinating pattern called an analemma.

2. Attend a Winter Solstice Celebration
Many parks, nature centers, and other outdoor venues hold Winter Solstice events. For example, in southwest Ohio, Fort Ancient Earthworks and Nature Preserve holds an annual sunrise celebration. On the morning of the Winter Solstice, the sun strategically rises through a gap in the Fort Ancient earthworks. In central Ohio, OSU Chadwick Arboretum hosts an annual candle-lit labyrinth walk in the evening. For events close to you, try a quick internet search to find a Winter Solstice celebration near you.

3. Read About the Winter Solstice
Make a trip to your local library to find children’s books about the Winter Solstice. Snuggle up, light a fire or a candle, drink hot cocoa, and read a book together. Some book suggestions are:

  • The Longest Night by Marion Dane Bauer
  • The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice by Wendy Pfeffer
  • The Solstice Badger by Robin McFadden

4. Rest and Reflect
Paying attention to nature and the four seasons is a healthy way to be mindful. It allows you to be fully present in the moment and recognize that life is about change. We change and the seasons change. Pausing to recognize the Winter Solstice connects us to the people, traditions, and memories that have come before us. The cold days and the long nights are perfect for rest, reflection, and setting your intentions for the new year and the next season of life.

Wishing you a wonderful and cheerful Winter Solstice! May the coming days bring warmth, light, and peace.

Winter Solstice Greetings image

Written by: Laura Stanton, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Warren County, stanton.60@osu.edu.

Reviewed by: Patrice Powers-Barker, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Lucas County, and Jenny Lobb, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Franklin County.

Sources:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (2007, June 17). Astronomy Picture of the Day. https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap070617.html

Stanton, L. (n.d.) Mindfulness. Ohio State University Extension, Warren County. go.osu.edu/mindful-warren-co

Stanton. L. (n.d.). Nature matters. Ohio State University Extension, Warren County. go.osu.edu/nature-matters

Van Gordon, W., Shonin, E. & Richardson, M. (2018). Mindfulness and nature. Mindfulness (9), 1655–1658 . https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-018-0883-6

Photo Credits:
© Sunrise in a snowy forest. Adobe Stock.

© Lizzy Komen. Winter shadows in the snow. Adobe Stock.

© Teddy and Mia. Winter Solstice greeting. Adobe Stock.

Read Full Post »

Go Green This Holiday Season

Posted in Healthy People, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , on December 12, 2023| Leave a Comment »

A "Happy Holidays" gift tag on a naturally wrapped gift

The holidays bring many opportunities to “go green” and think about the impact our traditions and activities can have on our environment. Being green doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive, but it often means taking a little extra time to be intentional. Here are four ways to go green over the holidays:

1. Gift Giving
During the holiday season, there is often increased pressure to purchase items that you might normally skip at other times of the year. The social pressure to buy gifts, cards, and miscellaneous “stuff” fuels consumerism and waste. Try to avoid any gifts you purchase from ending up in the landfill. Consider gifting an experience, a homemade consumable product (like bath products or food), a second-hand item, or an eco-friendly product like Swedish dishcloths, reusable water bottles, or glass soap dispensers.

2. Product Packaging
When you purchase an item this holiday season, consider the packaging and challenge yourself to eliminate waste. It turns out, plastic packaging accounts for nearly half of all plastic waste globally, and much of it is thrown away within just a few minutes of its first use. For example, gift cards are popular, but the plastic cards themselves are difficult to reuse or recycle. Go old-school and give cash or checks as a sustainable alternative.

Pink bath salts in a glass mason jar.

3. Gift Wrap
Did you know that in the United States, an additional five million tons of waste is generated over Christmas, four million of which is wrapping paper and shopping bags? Newspaper, butcher paper, reusable boxes, metal tins, and paper gift bags are creative and sustainable ideas for gift wrap. Choosing these materials helps to keep traditional gift wrap, bows, and ribbons from ending up in the landfill.

4. Holiday Traditions
Holiday cards, party invitations, decorations, hosting, and food can take a serious toll on our environment. Large gatherings can mean single-use plates, utensils, cups, and napkins. Avoid or reduce this waste by choosing reusable products. Uneaten food becomes food waste, so use the interactive guest-imator to plan how much food you really need at your gathering. Finally, if you decorate with a live tree, look for opportunities to reuse or recycle your tree and keep it out of the garbage. Your tree can be used for mulch, to protect fish in lakes, or to provide shelter for birds.

Looking for more green ideas? Visit the OSU Extension Sustainability website to find tip sheets, videos, and a 3-D Sustainable Home Tour.

Written by Laura Stanton, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, OSU Extension, Warren County. Email: stanton.60@osu.edu.

Reviewed by Jenny Lobb, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, OSU Extension, Franklin County.

References:

Garber, M. (2012, December 22). Wrappers’ delight: A brief history of wrapping paper. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2012/12/wrappers-delight-a-brief-history-of-wrapping-paper/266599

Mansfield, S. (2022, December 22). Green your holiday this season. United States Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/perspectives/green-your-holiday-season

The National Christmas Tree Association (n.d). How to recycle and give real Christmas trees a second life. https://realchristmastrees.org/all-about-trees/how-to-recycle

Stanton, L. M. (2022, July 19). It’s time to rethink packaging and recycling. Ohio State University Extension. https://livehealthyosu.com/2022/07/19/its-time-to-rethink-packaging-and-recycling

Zee, G. (2022, December 7). Plastic gift cards on climate advocates’ “naughty list” this Christmas. ABC News. https://abc13.com/plastic-gift-cards-christmas-gifts-pvc-toxic/12534016

Photo Credits:
Natural wrapping image by rawpixel.com.
Mason jar with bath salts image by Victoria Emerson, pexels.com

Read Full Post »

Sound Off for Inclusion of Families NOW

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , on November 16, 2023| 1 Comment »

A new era of The National Career Clusters® Framework is lifting off, and your voice is needed to shape its future!  The National Career Clusters Framework serves as an organizing tool for Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, curriculum design and instruction. Designed to help learners discover their interests, passions, and empowers them to choose the educational pathway that can lead to success in high school, college and career. You have the opportunity to share your thoughts on the National Career Cluster® Framework now!

Click here to read the article that explains the image below titled, Rationale for Establishing a Family and Consumer Sciences Career Cluster

Now make time to sound off by completing The National Career Clusters® Framework National Implementation Survey by December 1, 2023. It is a 10-question multiple choice survey with 3 opportunities to enter your support statements for inclusion of Family and Consumer Sciences as a CTE Career Cluster in the future.

Including the study of families = increases work-life balance

Written by: Margaret Jenkins, Assistant Professor, Family and Consumer Sciences, OSU Extension Clermont County, jenkins.188@osu.edu

Reviewed by: Beth Stefura, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, OSU Extension Mahoning County, Stefura.2@osu.edu

References:

1. American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences https://www.aafcs.org/home

2. Advance CTE
https://careertech.org/what-we-do/career-clusters/

3.  Say Yes to FCS video
https://youtu.be/Kya5u4KE72g?si=WhWXZzqxgG-sXUGV

Read Full Post »

Older Posts »