Author: Laura Sciarpelletti

Many people used to live on farms and in the country. Today, you probably live in a city like a lot of other people. Cities are great for many reasons, but they separate us from the world of farming. It is easy to not have to think about where food comes from, how it is prepared, and the hard work that is needed to make sure we can all have breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Taking time to work or volunteer on a farm is a great way to learn about plants, animals, and life in general.

We can find just about any fruit or vegetable we want when we head to the supermarket. It is easy to forget that these foods need to be harvested and are not always found all-year long. They come from living plants that play an important part in the system of life on our planet. By volunteering on a farm, you can discover the methods needed for planting, how to take care of plants, and how to gather fruits and vegetables when it is time to harvest them. You will better understand how much hard work goes into preparing these foods, as well as how changes to the environment can easily destroy trees and plants that are our source for these fruits and vegetables. They do not simply appear in the supermarket – they are a part of a complex system of living things that need to work together.

When you work on a farm, you get to escape the sights and noises of the city and replace them with the beauty of nature and company of animals. You get to see how chickens, cows, sheep, and more live and share the space needed for them to grow and survive. We know that the meat we buy from the store and order at restaurants comes from these animals, but working on a farm helps you to fully understand the importance of that. These creatures need to be cared for in the proper environment in order to prepare them for the meat we eat in our meals. When you help take care of these animals and feed them, you better appreciate the food chain and the need to treat animals with respect and prepare meat in a humane way. Meat is being produced for many people around the world, and it is resulting in poor conditions for the animals and damage to the environment. Your time on a farm will help you reconnect with nature, as well as learn how to raise animals and prepare meat in a way that respects Mother Nature and the delicate ecosystem of our planet.

The quieter world of the farm forces you to be patient, more physically active, and more aware of the way nature works. Life is a powerful force, from tiny bacteria to growing plants, from the many animals to the humans that have taken over Earth. All of these living things share the same space and can only continue living if we work together. The livestock on farms that become the meat we eat help us to raise more animals. Your parents gave birth to you and you may someday have kids of your own, continuing the cycle of human life. The planet has been filled with living things in many different forms for billions of years. This has only been possible because nature has been able to balance them. When you spend time on farms, you see that balance in action in a way that no book or video can teach you in the city.

As cities continue to grow and impact the environment, it is more important than ever for people to reconnect with farms. We need to make sure our food sources are sustainable. We have to better understand how our actions as humans affect all life. We must stop the effects of climate change from destroying nature’s balance. A balance that you can see in action when volunteering on a farm. When you spend time on a farm and get your friends and everyone you know to do the same, you are changing your life and the world for the better.

Sources:

Bova, Kara. “Why and How to Volunteer at a Local Farm.” Nourishing Pursuits. https://www.nourishingpursuits.com/garden-resources/volunteer-local-farm/

The only way humans can have a good future on this planet is if we start treating the environment better. There are more people than ever using a wide variety of products. This means there is more plastic, cardboard, and other materials being thrown away. It is our responsibility to put garbage in waste bins and recyclable materials in recycling bins, but it is re-use and recyclable material collectors who have the important job of collecting these bins and putting the materials away in the right place. It may not be easy or glamorous, but it is an essential job that helps keep communities clean and our future bright.

Recyclable material collectors are responsible for picking up the bins left outside of homes and buildings in different neighbourhoods. There are a lot of materials in large bins that can block sidewalks and roads, so it is extremely important that collectors take them away quickly and without disrupting people’s lives. They work in teams alongside co-workers and supervisors in a very physical job that requires a lot of heavy lifting. These workers must know how to separate different recyclable and waste materials in order for the recycling process to take place. This is a great career for those want to work outdoors and not feel stuck in the same location day in and day out. Most importantly, you get the satisfaction of knowing you are playing a key role in helping the environment.

Re-use and recyclable material collectors make an average hourly rate of $18. This can range from as low as minimum wage to over $29 per hour, with a total annual salary from $37,000 to nearly $60,000. There is a good job outlook for those looking to be recycling truck drivers; from 2017 to 2026, there were about 10,900 new job openings and 10,500 people to fill them. The outlook for sorters is a bit more limited due to changes in technology and employment that are affecting all processing and manufacturing jobs.

If you are interested in this career, you will need to finish high school at a minimum. You also have to complete safety training and obtain the proper licence for driving the trucks that are used. Many employers will expect you to have experience driving these vehicles, as well as knowledge on the different materials that require sorting. As you gain experience, you can look ahead at work in a supervisory or manager role in recycling and waste treatment; it is likely that you can do this after only a few years. At least 80% of people working as collectors have one to four years of experience, with only 10% working in the role for more than 10 years.

The environment is the biggest challenge people face in this century. With more waste and higher temperatures, we need to take action now to make sure our kids and grandchildren can grow up in a safe and healthy world. Re-use and recyclable material collectors play an important part in this by helping to collect the materials we throw out and making sure they do not end up as waste taking up space. If this career interests you, be prepared for a lot of physical work that will have you outside a lot. You will keep your neighbourhood clean and the Earth healthy. Your grandchildren will thank you.

Sources:

Job Bank. “Sorter – Recyclable Materials.”  https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/14005/ca

Job Bank. “Recycling Truck Driver.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/25881/ca

PayScale. “Average Refuse, Garbage, and Recyclable Material Collector.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Refuse%2c_Garbage%2c_and_Recyclable_Material_Collector/Hourly_Rate

With more and more streaming options available, it can be harder than ever to pick something to watch. On the other hand, this also means many opportunities to discover different shows and learn many different things about our world. One of the most important topics you can study is the environment. The damage humans are doing to our only home is the biggest problem we face in the present day. There are many series focused on the environment that are definitely worth your time.

Are you interested in environmental issues that affect your everyday life? Cooked is a popular four-part documentary that looks at the history of food, how humans have prepared meals throughout the years, and how this has played an important role in culture and community. It will help you realize how much of the modern diet is made up of processed foods and encourage you to get into the kitchen to cook healthy meals with your family. Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret is a 2014 documentary that looks at how the meat industry has harmed the environment. It will help you think about the choices you make when deciding where and what to eat.

Are you wondering about other parts of the world? Planet Earth and Planet Earth II are acclaimed documentaries from the BBC that look at different habitats all around the planet. They offer amazing high-definition glimpses into parts the world most of us never get to see, in order to give you a renewed appreciation for the ecosystem and the many forms of life that make up Earth. Life from 2009 is another British nature documentary that looks at how different forms of life have survived in the worst conditions. It will give you a better understanding of lifeforms and how organisms can adapt in conditions that we never have to worry about in a first-world country.

Do you want to know how you can make the world a better place? Blackfish from 2013 sheds light on the horrors that animals go through when kept in captivity. This documentary played an important role in stopping SeaWorld from keeping killer whales captive, and can encourage you to be more aware of the corporations that are part of the problem and the organizations that are fighting it. The Ivory Game from 2016 reveals the struggle to protect elephants in Africa and fight the black market for ivory in China. You will learn how big this problem is and what people can do to prevent elephants from going extinct. Planet Earth: The Future examines conservation issues that different species and environments face, which is something for you to keep in mind when you are deciding which companies to support and which politicians to vote for.

A lot of people might tell you that watching shows is just a way to relax and pass the time. But the many options available to you mean that you can make it a very educational experience. This does not mean giving up your favourite shows that you watch just for fun, but rather taking some time to watch series that teach you more about the world. Pick one that sounds interesting to you and give an episode a try. There is so much to learn about the importance of the environment in your day-to-day life and for the planet. Most importantly, you can learn how you can play your part in improving the world. Happy streaming!

Sources:

Loria, Kevin. “The 21 best science movies and shows streaming on Netflix that will make you smarter.” Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/best-science-documentaries-movies-shows-netflix-2017-5#the-blue-planet-2001-7

Ranker. “The Best Nature TV Shows.” https://www.ranker.com/list/nature-tv-shows-and-series/reference

Williams, Zoe. “The 50 best TV shows of 2016: No 1 Planet Earth II.” The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2016/dec/19/the-50-best-tv-shows-of-2016-no-1-planet-earth-ii

By Rabia Khan 

Climate change has been running at a fast pace and we can’t help but ponder to stop the devastating effects caused by it! Not many are aware that the place that you live in can make your health rip apart. The dirty air we breathe or the dirty street filled with potholes catch our attention, and it’s difficult to ignore that the earth is dying and that there’s no end to it. These health-related issues caused by eco-anxiety are a major concern.

Floods and Droughts

Floods and droughts not only cause havoc on roads and leave us with big potholes. Our attention levels are elevated with severe bouts of depression and anxiety, and many are bound to experience PTSD. Such major events can be life-changing for people leaving them with long-lasting memories.

Air Pollution

Air pollution has been known to be a huge threat to mankind physically and mentally. The harmful materials emitted from vehicles, factories, etc. can damage our cardiovascular system and become a threat to our brain cells. It inhibits our mind to have clarity and causes brain fog, or in the worst-case scenario dementia, anxiety, and depression. There’s been proof that mental illness has been connected to air pollution.

Winter 

Mental health can get worst when it gets cold and there’s tons of scientific evidence. You can fall victim to feeling sluggish when cold winter hits. Because of low sunlight, depression can come easily. During this time, one’s oxygen levels are known to decrease by great intensity. Winter is linked with seasonal depression because of how tired people feel when the temperatures drop too low. Alongside that, anxiety comes with great ease.

Monsoons

Monsoons are one of the worst seasons when it comes to affecting our mental health. The rainy weather contributes to major sad feelings and depression. We’re most likely to feel this way because of the drop in serotonin. The lack of sun rays is to be blamed. That makes us dependent on food cravings, and binging on junk food is another story for another day!

Noise pollution

Many of us dwell in a place surrounded by noisy vehicles and traffic jams, and noise pollution hits the same for younger and older people alike. Humans have average decibel levels they can tolerate but falling victim to a noisy atmosphere can permanently damage our hearing. Intense levels of noise pollution can decrease our ability to hear properly. It can very well tamper with our mental health too, leaving us with a distorted state of mind and fuzzy thoughts. Other mental health concerns caused by noise pollution are related to schizophrenia and anxiety disorders.

Summer heatwaves

An increase in temperatures can have a devastating impact on health. When the sun gets too hot, it’s time to stay hydrated. But, staying hydrated isn’t enough. Extreme weather can impact mental health in bad ways. Feeling anxious, and experiencing other mental health conditions can be a result of very hot summers.

When many people look at a handful of earth, they might notice a few characteristics, such as the colour of the dirt, the number of worms, or how many roots of plants are in it. For soil scientists, however, a handful of dirt tells much more than that. Soil scientists study the ground to determine its health and to make recommendations that can help farmers, government officials, miners, and many other people to make good decisions about how to work at improving the health of the environment, as well as the people, animals, and plants in it.

Soil scientists spend a lot of time gathering and analyzing information about the soil. Usually, they work at a site to answer specific questions about it. For example, a soil scientist working for a conservation agency might study the soil to see whether fertilizers have changed the quality of soil over the years. A soil scientist working for an oil and gas company might analyze the soil to see if it is stable enough for an oil well. People in this field can work for governments, universities, industries, environmental firms, and other places. Sometimes, they work as consultants, completing soil surveys for many different organizations.

Some soil scientists spend their days indoors, analyzing samples that others have brought to them. Others go out to the sites and collect the samples themselves, often in bad weather. Once they have the information, they need to analyze it and come to some conclusions about it. This usually includes analysis of information that might seem contradictory at times. Often, soil scientists write reports for their employers and may also speak at conferences or other meetings. Generally, soil scientists earn between $52,000 and $92,000 per year.

Educational requirements for soil scientists vary, but a bachelor’s degree in a scientific area such as agrology, biology, or chemistry is usually the minimum. For many jobs, a master’s degree or PhD is required. This means that students will need at least three or four years of university education, and possibly eight or ten years. In some areas of the country, jobs are relatively easy to find, but it depends on the person’s specialty and willingness to move. For someone wanting to work in agriculture, for example, learning about the soil in the Prairie Provinces is a good choice.

Knowing how to use scientific instruments and methods is important. Much of the analysis involves using microscopes, test tubes, and other equipment. Students can already prepare for that part of the work by taking courses in biology, chemistry, and physics. Those courses will also help with learning the basics of how scientific analysis works.

Some aspects of soil science require physical fitness, but much of the work involves sitting and analyzing samples. As people age, they might find that they can no longer see or handle the samples properly. At that point, an option is to get into administration or teaching. For many people, soil science can be a lifelong career. If you enjoy the sciences and are interested in how the soil works, it could be the right job for you.

Bibliography:

AG Careers. “Soil Scientists.” https://www.agcareers.com/career-profiles/soil-scientist.cfm

Payscale Canada. “Soil Scientists Salary.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Soil_Scientist/Salary

Skilled Immigrant Info Centre. “Soil Scientists.” https://pwp.vpl.ca/siic/guides/soil-scientists/