Monthly Archives: December 2024

The Earth is Not Disposable: Nicotine Vape Waste

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The Environmental Toll of Vapes

Vaping isnā€™t just harmful to healthā€”itā€™s a hidden threat to the environment. Disposable vapes and e-cigarettes contribute to deforestation as their production requires extracting raw materials like lithium for batteries. These batteries, often improperly discarded, leach toxic chemicals into the soil and water, creating hazardous waste that canā€™t be thrown in regular trash or recycling bins. Additionally, manufacturing and disposing of vapes release greenhouse gases, exacerbating climate change. The harmful contents of vapes, like lithium-ion batteries and plastic casings, persist in landfills for centuries. To reduce the environmental impact, consider alternatives, dispose of used vapes properly, and advocate for sustainable waste solutions. Protecting the planet starts with informed choices.

5 Key Facts

  1. Health Risks: Vaping can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, with some chemicals linked to lung injury and long-term health complications.
  2. Hazardous Waste: Vapes contain lithium-ion batteries and electronic components that canā€™t be discarded in regular trash or recycling bins, contributing to toxic waste.
  3. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Manufacturing and disposing of vapes release greenhouse gases, fueling climate change.
  4. Deforestation: Producing vapes requires mining raw materials like lithium and metals, contributing to deforestation and habitat destruction.
  5. Plastic Pollution: Disposable vapes and cartridges add to plastic waste, persisting in landfills and ecosystems for hundreds of years.

Prioritizing eco-friendly alternatives and proper disposal methods is crucial for reducing these harms.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=kdP_Jw_Q9EQ%3Fstart%3D227%26feature%3Doembed

What actions do you think we should take to reduce the environmental damage caused by commercial tobacco and vapes, and how can we hold the tobacco industry accountable for the harm their products have caused?

The impact of vaping goes beyond personal healthā€”itā€™s a growing threat to our environment. From hazardous waste and greenhouse gas emissions to deforestation and plastic pollution, the environmental toll is undeniable. By making conscious choices, advocating for stricter regulations, and holding the vaping industry accountable, we can work toward reducing these harms. Protecting our planet and well-being requires collective effort, responsible practices, and a commitment to sustainable alternatives. Together, we can create a healthier future for ourselves and the environment.

**By prioritizing the health and safety of its young residents, Minnesota is investing in a brighter, healthier future for all.**

Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdP_Jw_Q9EQ&t=227s

Living With Existential Depression

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Existential depression is a deeply challenging experience where individuals grapple with finding meaning in their lives and existence itself. This struggle can lead to a lack of motivation in daily life, fixation on thoughts of death and dying, indifference toward the seemingly “unfixable” state of the world, and avoidance of connections with others. While these feelings can be overwhelming, it’s important to remember that existential depression is not a formal diagnosis but rather a way to describe this specific emotional and philosophical struggle.

ā€œEveryone experiences [a level of] existential depression at some point in their lives and it is very common to find it as one moves through the challenges of the maturation process,ā€- Jed Turnbull, PhD, LCSW, CHT, a licensed social worker, and therapist.

Questions that often spark feelings of existential depression include:

  • What is the meaning of life? 
  • Why is there suffering?
  • Why do people have to die? 
  • Can I make an impact in the world? 
  • Why do bad people go unpunished?
  • Why do good people experience pain? 

Certain life experiences can also act as potential triggers for existential depression, such as:

  • Stressful life events: Situations that cause major upheaval can greatly impact your life. For example, one study notes that cancer patients may question the meaning of life when they realize that death is a very real possibility.
  • Having poor job satisfaction: Research has shown that there’s a relationship between job satisfaction and mental health. So, if you’re dissatisfied with your job you may have poorer mental health. You may also start to wonder what the purpose or point of your job is.
  • Lack of meaningful relationships: Science notes a strong link between healthy social relationships and aspects of our health and wellness.

ā€œIn more immediate circumstances, oneā€™s way of expression can be very helpful in alleviating their depressive symptoms,ā€ Turnbull notes. ā€œJournaling or writing, and other abstract ways of self-expression such as art and music, as well as learning something new, can all be ways to decrease depressive symptoms.ā€-Jed Turnbull, PhD

Experiencing existential depression can be triggered by deep reflections and life events. Itā€™s crucial to prioritize mental health and adopt a healthy lifestyle in response. Taking time to reflect on your well-being and engage in self-care practices can help manage feelings of existential dread and promote a more meaningful and fulfilling life.


ē…§é”¾å„½č‡Ŗå·±ę˜Æåƹēš„怂Taking care of yourself is the right thing to do.

Reference: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-existential-depression-5496376

Health Problems Caused by Secondhand Smoke

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There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, as even brief exposure can cause immediate harm. In adults who do not smoke, secondhand smoke increases the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and adverse reproductive health effects in women, such as low birth weight. For infants and children, secondhand smoke is linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), respiratory infections, ear infections, and asthma attacks.

The effects of secondhand smoke are immediate, causing over 2.5 million deaths among non-smokers since 1964.

  • In adults who do not smoke, secondhand smoke exposure can cause coronary heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and other diseases. It can also result in premature death.
  • Secondhand smoke can cause adverse reproductive health effects in women, including low birth weight.
  • In children, secondhand smoke exposure can cause respiratory infections, ear infections, and asthma attacks. In babies, secondhand smoke can cause sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
  • Secondhand smoke exposure can produce harmful inflammatory and respiratory effects within 60 minutes of exposure which can last for at least three hours after exposure.

Protect yourself and those around you by living smoke-free. Quitting smoking not only improves your health but also creates a safer, healthier environment for everyone. Take the first step todayā€”your body and loved ones will thank you.

**By prioritizing the health and safety of its young residents, Minnesota is investing in a brighter, healthier future for all.**

Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/secondhand-smoke/health.html

Strings, Stories, and Dumplings: A Cross-Cultural Artistic Journey

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Growing up as a Black artist deeply immersed in AAPI communities, Iā€™ve had the unique privilege of learning from traditions that have enriched my life and artistry. My Chinese godmother from Beijing played a profound role in shaping my understanding of culture through the art of cooking. I still remember standing by her side in the kitchen as she showed me how to wrap dumplings with care, explaining the significance of each ingredient. Her stories about the dishes she grew up with connected me to a heritage that wasnā€™t my own by birth, but one that became a part of me through shared meals and loving mentorship. The kitchen became a sacred space where culture, history, and love blended together, teaching me the value of preserving traditions.

Another important influence in my life was an elder from the AAPI community who introduced me to the art of guzheng, the Chinese zither. The first time I touched the strings, I felt an immediate connection to its hauntingly beautiful tones and the centuries of history it carried. My teacherā€™s patience and dedication were inspiring as he guided me through the techniques and the cultural stories behind the music. Through this practice, I not only learned to play an instrument but also became a custodian of an art form that deserves to be celebrated. These experiences instilled in me a deep respect for the ways in which traditional arts can bridge cultural gaps and preserve histories that might otherwise be lost.

As a Black artist based in Minnesota, Iā€™ve seen firsthand how traditional arts can build understanding and nurture creative expression. I encourage Minnesotans to engage more actively with BIPOC art forms, whether itā€™s attending a local Guzheng performance, joining a cooking workshop led by immigrant elders, or participating in collaborative art projects. By creating spaces where diverse traditions are honored and practiced, we not only preserve cultural legacies but also cultivate a thriving community of creativity and respect. Invest in these traditions, not just for their beauty but for the stories and connections they bring to our lives.

Jarrelle ļ¼ˆę°éØ ļ¼‰Barton