Author: Mariya Zelenskyy

Vitamin D: The “Sunshine” vitamin!

A new research study at the University of Chicago Medicine has found that when it comes to Flu or Covid, having vitamin D levels above those traditionally considered sufficient may lower the risk of infection.

Get out for lunch! 

We all need to spend more time exposed to sunlight but it’s the UVB rays that we’re really interested in as these make vitamin D. These rays are best absorbed between 11am and 2pm when the sun is at its highest. Just 10 to 20 minutes per days generates sufficient vitamin D. 

Vitamin D insufficiency affects almost 50% of the population worldwide. An estimated 1 billion people worldwide, across all ethnicities and age groups, have a vitamin D deficiency (VDD). This pandemic of hypovitaminosis D can mainly be attributed to lifestyle (for example, reduced outdoor activities) and environmental (for example, air pollution) factors that reduce exposure to sunlight, which is required for ultraviolet-B (UVB)-induced vitamin D production in the skin. High prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency is a particularly important public health issue because hypovitaminosis D is an independent risk factor for total mortality in the general population. Current studies suggest that we may need more vitamin D than presently recommended to prevent chronic disease. As the number of people with VDD continues to increase, the importance of this hormone in overall health and the prevention of chronic diseases are at the forefront of research. VDD is very common in all age groups.

Food on Campus

Buenos Diaz Coffee

Now open! The espresso stand in the Parks Student Union serves coffee, other beverages, grab-and-go salads and sandwiches. It is operated by Buenos Diaz Coffee Co.

Hours:

7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday
7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday (closed Fridays during the Summer)

Bookstore

The bookstore located on the Parks Student Union main floor sells snacks, beverages and grab-and-go items. See webpage for hours.

Parks Cafe

The cafe on the Parks Student Union main floor is closed for food service, but the airy cafeteria with large windows and seating for more than 300 is open. Microwaves are available for student use.

There are also a number of nearby places that offer food, including Starbucks, Taco-Book, Umami (poke, sushi burritos, and tea), Sunny Teriyaki, and 7-Eleven. 

Save the date! 

EvCC Sustainability Sponsored FREE Electronics Recycling Event 11/15/2023

3R Technology will be on campus providing FREE electronics recycling in Lot  F (next to the large recycle dumpster)  on Wednesday , November 15th 2023 from 10am to 2pm.  

 Accepted electronics list available here: https://3rtechnology.com/materials-accepted/

Students for Enviromental Action (SEA) invites you to be an environmental hero! Bring clean styrofoam, packing peanuts in bags or boxes, bubble wrap and plastic film to be recycled–for FREE! Parking Lot F 

November 15th 10am-2pm  

Here is a list of items accepted:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1d7sVx0BNARgqt_Tj0aOTvitlW7hiTihpoy4ecG_fMw4/edit?usp=sharing

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

Lack of sleep can affect our immune system. Studies show that people who don’t get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus, such as a common cold virus. Lack of sleep can also affect how fast we can recover if we do get sick.

During sleep, our immune system releases proteins called cytokines, some of which help promote sleep. Certain cytokines need to increase when we have an infection or inflammation, or when we’re under stress. Sleep deprivation may decrease production of these protective cytokines. In addition, infection-fighting antibodies and cells are reduced during periods when we don’t get enough sleep.

So, our body needs sleep to fight infectious diseases. Long-term lack of sleep also increases your risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease.

How much sleep do we need to bolster our immune system? The optimal amount of sleep for most adults is seven to eight hours of good sleep each night. Teenagers need nine to 10 hours of sleep. School-aged children may need 10 or more hours of sleep.

But more sleep isn’t always better. For adults, sleeping more than nine to 10 hours a night may result in a poor quality of sleep, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep.

Eco friendly sleep simply means sleeping in a greener bedroom. The apparent advantage of anything ecofriendly is environmental sustainability. However, when it comes to the bedroom, eco-friendliness achieves much more than saving earth’s resources. An ecofriendly bedroom is healthy.

Now the question is, how can we make your bedroom eco-friendlier?

Ecofriendly mattress

Organic mattresses are free from synthetic materials and harmful chemicals. Some of their advantages include:

Naturally, fire-resistant materials: Meaning they do not use fire-retardant chemicals which can trigger skin and respiratory allergies.

Breathable material: Cotton and wool are breathable and absorbent meaning they will keep you cool in the summer and warm during the cold seasons.

Biodegradable materials: When you dispose of these mattresses, there is less impact on the environment due to the biodegradable nature of the materials.

Organic bedding

Enhance your sleep even more by spreading a pair of organic bedsheets on your organic mattress. Don’t stop there; go for organic comforters and pillows.

When it comes to organic bedding, we are talking 100% natural cotton. 

Polyester and other forms of synthetic cotton are soft. But, 100% natural cotton is even softer. More importantly, organic cotton is breathable. Therefore, it allows air circulation and absorbs moisture, which keeps the body from getting too warm.

Less exposure to toxins

During your sleep,  we toss and turn. These actions create friction between your skin and the bedding. With synthetic bedding, the tossing and turning expose you to toxic chemicals, dyes, and fragrances used in the manufacturing process. With organic cotton,  there is no risk of exposure to anything toxic.

Green furniture

There are greener options for the bed, and other furniture in our bedroom such as wardrobes, dressing table, and sofa. Green furniture does not necessarily mean not using wood (although that would be the best way to eliminate cutting trees). It means that if we have to use wood, ensure the creation process had the least impact on the environment. 

However, the greener way is to recycle furniture. For example, instead of buying a new piece of furniture, hit the used furniture stores. We are likely to get something vintage and unique.

Putting plants in our  bedroom

House plants purify the air. They absorb VOCs such as benzene and ammonia. Besides, they improve the quality of air through emitting oxygen during the day.

So, by putting a plant in the bedroom, we are literally going green and decontaminating the air. Good air quality promotes better health and improves quality of sleep.

Clearly, eco-friendliness in our bedroom is not all about environmental sustainability. We will sleep in a space with less air contamination from chemical toxins, odors and VOCs. Also, by choosing organic bedding, we will not come in physical contact with harmful chemicals in synthetic fibers. Ultimately, green sleep is of high quality. And, we all know quality sleep is a crucial factor in a happier, healthier life.

Making our bedroom eco-friendly can improve sleep quality. 

To Learn more https://earth911.com/business-policy/10-sustainable-mattress-companies/

https://emag.archiexpo.com/green-relaxation-birkenstock-expands-its-bedding-systems/

Save the date! 

EvCC Sustainability Sponsored FREE Electronics Recycling Event 11/15/2023

3R Technology will be on campus providing FREE electronics recycling in Lot  F (next to the large recycle dumpster)  on Wednesday , November 15th 2023 from 10am to 2pm.  

 Accepted electronics list available here: https://3rtechnology.com/materials-accepted/

Students for Enviromental Action (SEA) invites you to be an environmental hero! Bring clean styrofoam, packing peanuts in bags or boxes, bubble wrap and plastic film to be recycled–for FREE! Parking Lot F 

November 15th 10am-2pm  

Here is a list of items accepted:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1d7sVx0BNARgqt_Tj0aOTvitlW7hiTihpoy4ecG_fMw4/edit?usp=sharing

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

A healthy immune system can defeat invading disease-causing germs (or pathogens), such as bacteria, viruses, parasites—as well as cancer cells—while protecting healthy tissue.

When we are thinking about how to keep healthy where do we turn? Whether we are looking to keep a strong and healthy body through exercise, eating well, or practicing good hygiene, the question remains – how to keep our body stronger for longer? Hiking is the answer! Hiking improves our health by boosting the immune system, not just in the moment, but for an extended time afterward. Some of this effect is easily attributed to the generic influence of exercise, but there are multiple unknowns in the study of immunology that lead us to believe that hiking is uniquely helpful in boosting the immune system and leaving us happy and strong.

Multiple studies have supported the conclusion that exercise boosts your white blood cell count, leaving your body significantly better equipped to fight bacteria and viruses. This effect is an interesting one because intense short interval exercise often leaves your body exhausted and slightly weaker in the immediate term but builds your immune response after recovering from the exercise. Sustained moderate exercise, however, causes your body to produce anti-inflammatory cytokines which reduce stress and improve your immune response through the reduction of inflammation. Long term sustained exercise, like the kind you get from a relaxing hiking trek, boosts your immune defence in a more significant way, with benefits that are statistically visible not for days but months after you exercise!

Fall — the best hiking season! Larches glowing gold in the high country, maples and alder blazing orange and yellow, and crisp blue skies. 

The very nature of hiking makes it a very ecological-friendly activity already. You use your own legs to propel yourself, no gas or harmful emissions. Hiking teaches us to live on less, make do with whatever we packed, appreciate water and natural resources.

Hiking trails are accessible for everyone who wants to explore them, but not all trails are created equal.

Some trails are suitable for people who want to take it slow and easy — whether they’re grandparents with kids, individuals who use wheelchairs, travelers just out for a stroll, or the visually impaired.  

Click on the link below to find out more about Top Hiking Trails Near me : https://www.traillink.com/activity/hiking-trails/

https://seattle.curbed.com/maps/fall-foliage-autumn-leaves-trails-seattle

For a wheelchair or stroller-friendly click here  https://www.wta.org/go-outside/seasonal-hikes/summer-destinations/ada-accessible-hikes

Students for Enviromental Action (SEA) invites you to be an environmental hero! Bring clean styrofoam, packing peanuts in bags or boxes, bubble wrap and plastic film to be recycled–for FREE! Parking Lot F 

November 15th 10am-2pm  

Here is a list of items accepted:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1d7sVx0BNARgqt_Tj0aOTvitlW7hiTihpoy4ecG_fMw4/edit?usp=sharing

Does an Immune-Boosting Diet Exist?

Eating enough nutrients as part of a varied diet is required for the health and function of all cells, including immune cells. Each stage of the body’s immune response relies on the presence of many micronutrients. Examples of nutrients that have been identified as critical for the growth and function of immune cells include vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, selenium and Vitamin E. You can get those nutrients from fruits and vegetables. 

What’s great about Fall is that it’s root and squash season, which means you can make lots of delicious sheet pan meals or hearty soups. Another wonderful thing are the Farmer Markets, making it one of the best times to get food right from your local area. When buying regional produce you help the farmers and economy around , as well as cut down on waste. Farmers tend to not wrap everything in plastic, and the food doesn’t have to travel as far, meaning you’ve aided in cutting down on carbon emission. If you’re trying to find your closest farmers market, check your city’s chamber of commerce or find an app that serves your area.

Buying your food seasonally is another way to be more sustainable. When you purchase food that is growing and ripe during its natural season, it is more nutritious, and doesn’t have to be flown in from a faraway land (which makes it more expensive too). Overall it cuts down on use of fossil fuels and is healthier for you.

Click on the link below to find your local farmer markets.

https://www.ams.usda.gov/local-food-directories/farmersmarkets

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

Environmental problems are at the top of the list of the most relevant issues. In response to this issue, more and more people are getting started with a sustainable lifestyle and taking care of the ecology. 

Can one student change the state of the environment? Well, every student who begins to change their lifestyle in order to protect the environment will be able to make real changes to the overall picture. Below are some simple tips to change not only the ecological situation, but also change the life for the better.

1. Reduce Plastic Use and Sort Your Trash

The first point to start is to try to reduce plastic consumption. Give preference to products that have eco-friendly packaging, avoid plastic tableware, and so on. 

2. Get A Coffee Mug and Refillable Bottle

According to statistics, students drink coffee for various reasons, but it does tend to be a daily ritual. To reduce it, consider buying a reusable coffee mug for these purposes. The same goes for the water bottle. Grab a refillable water bottle and take a big step in the fight against plastic.

3. Buy a Bamboo Toothbrush

A bamboo toothbrush is a must-have for every eco-conscious person. Firstly, such toothbrushes are eco-friendly. Secondly, they are really pleasant to use and more effective than plastic toothbrushes.

4.Eat Healthy 

Most of the food students choose involves various packaging and containers that take a long time to decompose. Therefore, switch to a healthy diet, choose fresh fruits and vegetables and prepare your own food, this can change the situation for the better.

5.Save Energy

Everyone talks about saving their time, but they sometimes forget about saving energy. Let’s say, for example, you left your laptop on charge for a whole day, even though it is already fully charged. During this time, your laptop continues to consume power. Therefore, make it a habit to turn off all devices and equipment. This can save between $100 and $200 per year. Turning off lights in room not in use can also help save energy.

6.Control Your Water Consumption

It is worth paying attention to water consumption too. For example, when you brush your teeth, you can turn off the water until you need it to rinse your brush. There is research that shows by 2030, demand for freshwater will exceed supply by 40%. So, it is worth considering using water rationally. 

7.Choose Used or Recycled Notebooks and Books

Did you know, the average US person uses 700 pounds of paper per year? For this reason, it is worth paying attention to what you buy. Today there are notebooks created from recycled materials, which can do a lot to help save the forests. In addition, the cost of such notebooks are typically in the same range as ordinary ones. And such notebooks and notepads also have excellent designs for every taste.

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

picture sources:https://www.thepinnaclelist.com/articles/beginners-guide-to-sustainable-living/

Welcome to a new school year! 

Everett CC has many ways to support staff and students in getting to and from campus in sustainable ways.

Due to the rate of emissions that are produced by each and every vehicle on the road, students and staff are encouraged to carpool when possible. 

Cut costs, avoid parking hassles and help preserve our environment by sharing a ride to campus.

Cost: $10.00 + $4.50 processing fee (non-refundable) + tax (9.9%) = $15.94 per quarter

To learn more how to apply click here: https://www.everettcc.edu/administration/cwt-security/security/transit/carpool/

There are also alternative means of transportation outside of driving a vehicle. EVCC offers ORCA passes (prepaid bus passes) for staff and students at a discounted rate.

To get started on a student ORCA bus pass, the Cashiers Office will need a completed Student Orca Bus Pass Agreement

To learn more about about bus pass click here :

https://www.everettcc.edu/administration/cwt-security/security/transit

Another option is riding a bicycle. Everett CC provides bike fixing stations and there are 2 bike lockers on campus to keep equipment safe and secure while working or in class.

For more information on sustainable transportation options, check out our webpage: everettcc.edu

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

June 24th 10am-1pm
Union Slough Park

EarthCorps enables community members of all ages to give back to their community by helping keep city parks and forests healthy.  You bring a positive attitude, your mask, snacks, water bottle, and clothes that can get dirty, and EarthCorps will provide the rest.

ABSOLUTELY NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED!

EarthCorps staff and volunteer leaders will teach you everything you need to know about the work including tool safety, forest health, and the importance of the specific tasks you will be doing.

WHAT WILL WE BE DOING?

While the exact tasks at hand vary, our projects focus on improving the forests and parks in our local cities. Healthy forests are vital to our community because they filter rainwater, purify the air, provide living spaces for wildlife, and give people a place to connect with the outdoors.

Tasks include:

Removing aggressive weeds like English Ivy and Himalayan Blackberry

Planting native trees and shrubs

Spreading mulch

Pre-register online. No walk-up volunteering at this time. We need to know what to be prepared for, thank you for understanding. If you are registering for an event in Tacoma, please visit our Tacoma volunteer page for further guidelines and protocols. 

Digital QR Code sign-in. Once you arrive scan the event QR code with your phone to sign yourself in. Waivers should be completed after you register online. For youth volunteers, there is an additional step of verifying your parent/ guardian. 

Face masks are required. If needed, North Puget Sound events will have disposable masks on hand.

Smaller events. Each of our events will host a max of 5 volunteers at a time.  

Clothing that can (and will) get dirty and closed-toed shoes. (work boots, hiking boots, rubber boots, or tennis shoes). Rain gear and warm layers (check the weather!)

Bring your own water and snacks.

Maintain social distancing. During the event please be sure to maintain a 6-10 feet physical distance from fellow volunteers and our event leads.

Bring your work gloves. If you need work gloves, all North Puget Sound events will have extra on hand.

At any point our public agency or public health guidelines change, processes will be updated to reflect current restrictions and practices.

YOUTH AND KIDS: 

Volunteers of all ages are welcome! The work is typically geared towards adults and kids 10 and up, but younger kids are welcome to participate. Parents of younger kids should expect to supervise their children.  Youth under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult. If you are under 18 years old, make sure your parent/guardian completes your waiver which is required in order for you to participate. Waivers should be completed after you register online. For youth volunteers, there is an additional step of verifying your parent/ guardian.

Service Hours and Credit for Volunteering

In many cases, volunteering with EarthCorps counts for service hours! Check with your school, class, or program to verify that volunteering with EarthCorps (a 501c3 nonprofit) will count. When you sign up for an event on our volunteer calendar, please indicate if you are volunteering for credit. This helps us know that our volunteer team needs to sign your forms and approve your hours.

Registration is required: https://www.earthcorps.org/volunteer/event/a0EHn00000QVU8nMAH/

Individuals under 18 must fill out a youth waiver prior to arrival.

To Learn more about Event Please click here: https://www.earthcorps.org/volunteer/what-to-expect-at-a-volunteer-event

For any additional information please contact GABI ESPARZA 
Senior Partnerships & Volunteer Manager 
she/her/hers pronouns 
email gabi@earthcorps.org 

ReplyForward

JOIN EARTHCORPS AND THE PORT OF EVERETT

June 24 and October 7 · 10 AM to 1 PM · Everett’s Union Slough

Everett’s Union Slough restores tidal flows to farming fields and creates 8 acres of marsh

and mudflat filled with wildlife and native vegetation. Volunteers will support sustainable

environmental restoration through tasks that may include removing non-native invasive

species, planting native trees and shrubs, or maintaining urban green spaces.

No experience is necessary to join.

June 24th 10am-1pm
Union Slough Park
Registration is required: https://www.earthcorps.org/volunteer/event/a0EHn00000QVU8nMAH/

Individuals under 18 must fill out a youth waiver prior to arrival.

To Learn more about Event Please click here: https://www.earthcorps.org/volunteer/what-to-expect-at-a-volunteer-event

For any additional information please contact GABI ESPARZA 
Senior Partnerships & Volunteer Manager 
she/her/hers pronouns 
email gabi@earthcorps.org 

While people often think of sustainability as minimizing our environmental footprint, it is in fact much broader and all-encompassing than this. Sustainable tourism is all about achieving a balance between economic growth, human well-being, and environmental health. It focuses on reducing tourism’s negative impacts and on maximizing its positive benefits for communities, cultures, ecosystems, and the planet. Sustainable tourism accounts for both the immediate impacts felt today as well as those longer-term impacts that will be experienced by future generations.

Having a sustainable summer vacation starts with eco-friendly transportation to your destination. The transport sector accounts for 29% of world carbon emissions – it has the largest GHG share.

This summer, when going to the lake, the beach, or a picnic to relax with your family, use eco-friendly transport options. These eco-friendly options include taking a walk, riding a bike, or taking public transportation instead of a personal car.

If it’s an accessible area, biking is an eco-friendly way to travel. It also promotes exercise and builds up muscle strength. It is also good for your heart, lungs, and overall circulation. Plus, it’s a low-impact exercise if your body needs a rest.

Using a bike also conserves non-renewable resources and reduces air pollution. Take a bike ride to explore a new town or even hidden spots in your neighborhood. Instead of driving, take a bicycle to your local ice cream shop.

To make your traveling even more sustainable, use eco-friendly travel essentials, like a hemp backpack, bamboo toothbrushes, and ethical clothes. To further minimize the environmental impact of your trips, you can purchase carbon offsets. 

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

An eco-friendly summer is not less fun; it is just better for the planet. And when we all take steps to make summer eco-friendly, we also help by doing our bit to protect nature for future generations to enjoy.

Picnics and cookouts are regular occurrences in summer. However, eating outdoors or ordering meals can generate a lot of avoidable waste if you allow it. Don’t use disposable paper or plastic plates, cutleries, napkins, or cups. Instead, take reusable alternatives when you go out to eat. 

Related: Can you recycle paper plates?

Disposables consume resources like trees and fossil fuels, but you can only use them once. Single usage does not quite do justice to the environmental costs. Using reusable eating utensils can make a massive dent in your carbon footprint. In addition, it helps cut down on waste and natural resource consumption.

And when it comes to washing up those plates when you get them home, opt for zero-waste dish soap or zero-waste dishwasher detergents for perfectly sparkly clean dishes without the plastic bottles and environmental harm.

 Shop food locally

Want to eat healthily, save on emissions and help to boost the local economy? These are some of the many reasons to eat locally-produced food. You will probably eat more meals in the summer as part of the eco-friendly activities you have planned.

A sustainable holiday meal plan starts with shopping for vegetables and other food ingredients at the local farmers’ market. Because of the short food supply chain, it has a lesser carbon footprint compared to imported processed foods. Buying locally grown food also helps your local community save food from going to waste.

Additionally, eating less meat has positive impacts on the health of you and the environment. Research has linked meat production with deforestation1, water shortages, and dangerous levels of CO2 emissions. 

Outdoor cooking is one great thing about the holidays; it brings friends together. However, outdoor cooking can pollute fresh air if you don’t use environmentally friendly methods. Instead of charcoal or wood grills, use an electric or propane grill. You can also use pellet grills that use compressed wood scrap and emit less carbon.

Eco-friendly activities will generate

some waste. Don’t just throw everything you no longer need into the trash. Look for opportunities to recycle them instead. You can use food waste as compost for your garden, and check out our recycling tips to maximize what actually does, in fact, get recycled.

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu