Search Results

In recent years, electric vehicles have exploded in popularity and production. As a result of increased education, many individuals now recognize the harmful impacts of gas-powered cars on climate change, human health, and natural ecosystems.   Electric vehicles, otherwise known as EVs, slash greenhouse gas emissions, while reducing the impacts of climate change. For these reasons, the shift from gas-powered cars to electric vehicles is growing in importance in today’s world. Elmir Jafarov from Pexels What are electric vehicles (EVs)? Electric vehicles are automobiles that rely on electricity to generate power and do not emit greenhouse gasses. This is possible because they emit no exhaust from a tailpipe and do not contain the typical liquid fuel components used in gas-powered cars. There are many designs including plug-in, hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles–all of which work similarly. According to the U.S. Department of Energy “​​All-electric vehicles… have an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. The vehicle uses a large traction battery pack to power the electric motor and must be plugged into a wall outlet or charging equipment.” The lack of CO2 production or other harmful pollutants during operation makes EVs extremely popular. It helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which is an important way to help reduce the effects of climate change and makes EVs the more sustainable solution. As we advance towards more efficient battery technologies for EVs, the adoption of its use will play an increasingly important role in efforts to create a sustainable future. Kindel Media from Pexels Greenhouse Gas Emissions With the adoption of electric vehicles, we have seen the physical impacts of reduced greenhouse gas emissions. A study conducted by the University of Southern California compared the data on total ZEV (zero emission vehicle) registration, air pollution levels, and asthma-related emergency room visits across the state of California between 2013 and 2019. The data they found revealed that, “As ZEV adoption increased within a given zip code, local air pollution levels and emergency room visits dropped.” This means that as more California residents bought and used electric vehicles, air pollution levels and emergency room visits (caused by greenhouse gas and VOC emissions) decreased significantly. Furthermore, there will be a reduction in the negative impacts of climate change, like increased global temperatures and rising sea levels. This can occur as more communities locally and internationally adopt electric vehicles as their form of transportation. Environmental Concerns While electric vehicles have their benefits, critics of electric-powered vehicles have concerns about the environmental impacts of EVs, such as battery production and disposal. The batteries themselves are made with rare, expensive, and sometimes even toxic materials. For example, the mining of materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel for EV batteries can contaminate groundwater supplies through groundwater leaching. Additionally, if an EV battery gets thrown in a landfill, EV battery cells can release toxins like heavy metals that can cause unwanted forms of combustion such as fires and explosions. This year, an incident with an electric vehicle highlights some critical safety concerns associated with EV batteries. According to apnews.com , “ California firefighters had to douse a flaming battery in a Tesla Semi with about 50,000 gallons (190,000 liters) of water to extinguish flames after a crash.” This incident is evidence that lithium-ion batteries can pose unique hazards (like in this accident) which can shape public perception about the risks and safety of electric vehicles as a whole. Daniel Andraski from Pexels The Better Option EV batteries are still better options than what we see in internal combustion engines, despite the emissions created during production. The Environmental Protection Agency says, “The greenhouse gas emissions associated with an electric vehicle over its lifetime are typically lower than those from an average gasoline-powered vehicle, even when accounting for manufacturing.” Even though the process and rate of EV battery recycling currently face some challenges, research is on the way to improve them. As these advancements in battery recycling are experiencing technological progress, the environmental impact of EVs will further diminish, and their role as a cleaner alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles will be seen with more clarity. Final Thoughts The shift in consumption of electric vehicles is crucial to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and to combat climate change. Despite concerns about battery production and disposal, the environmental benefits of EVs outweigh the drawbacks that are posed to us by the continued use of “traditional” gas-powered vehicles. As a collective, we need to make the switch to EVs in order to better the environment and support our future generations.

A non-profit organization in New Haven aims to reduce food waste by collecting excess food from local businesses and donating them to those in need. Photo Credits: Haley Anzures With 1.5 million pounds of food saved and distributed in 2023, Haven’s Harvest continues to change the lives of residents in the Greater New Haven Area and take a small, but crucial step, in reducing the negative environmental consequences caused by food waste.   In 2015, Lori Martin and Emma MartinMooney founded the nonprofit organization, Haven's Harvest, as a food recovery program. They started as a family based project conducting a weekly pickup from a local Trader Joe’s, and slowly grew into a large scale volunteer-driven operation that focuses on rescuing edible food and redistributing it through direct deliveries to those in need.  The organization has established strong partnerships with local restaurants, markets, and university dining halls in the Greater New Haven area. Establishments such as Olive Garden, Starbucks, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and the Yale University Dining Halls continuously contribute to reducing food waste in the area.  Local food establishment, Whitney’s Donut and Sandwich Shop, is also a contributor to the organization.  Manager Julie Louivis reflects, “We’re able to donate any unsold items from the previous day. [Haven’s Harvest] has made a big impact on the community.” In its earliest stages, the company faced many hurdles in the quest for reducing food waste.  Businesses were hesitant to donate, mainly due to concerns about food safety and preservation during transportation. This is why same-day pickup and deliveries are an essential step in the food distribution process for Haven’s Harvest.  Volunteers can either sign up to “adopt” recurring food delivery runs, or “adopt” runs on an as needed basis. Both options require that donated items are delivered to recipients immediately after pick up.   On average, food waste comes from a surplus of produce or other food items that businesses can’t use or sell. This can be attributed to limited storage, misshapen items, or minor blemishes that make them unsellable. Haven’s Harvest allows for these items to be put to use instead of them ending up in the trash.  “Our organization is one of the ways that we can destigmatize leftover food. It’s perfectly good food, it just can’t be sold,” explains Co-Founder and Executive Director Lori Martin. One way the organization remains protected from potential health-related complications that occur through delivery is through The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act. This act provides federal protection from civil and criminal liability for those involved in the donation and distribution of food and grocery products to individuals in need, provided certain conditions are met. Haven’s Harvest falls under these guidelines, and qualifies for this protection because their donors give wholesome and fit grocery products in good faith to the nonprofit organization for distribution to individuals in need. As this company continues to aid food insecurity by distributing resources to those who need them, they also are actively contributing to reducing the environmental impact of food waste by redirecting excess food from landfills.  Martin, the co-founder, is a lifelong environmentalist who always felt a great responsibility and passion towards caring for the environment. By placing a focus on the environmental impact that excess food has when thrown into the waste stream, the organization has directly contributed to the prevention of around 800,000 lbs of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. AP Environmental Science teacher Kate Song emphasizes the importance of addressing food waste, stating, “[Communities] often think that food waste, since it's biodegradable, is not an important issue when it comes to waste management. They are not aware of the harmful greenhouse gasses, like methane, that are released when food waste ends up in our landfills.”  According to the World Wildlife foundation, approximately 7 percent of all anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced if we stop wasting food. In the U.S. alone, the production of lost or wasted food would be able to generate the equivalent of 32.6 million cars’ worth of greenhouse gas emissions. Without efforts shown through organizations like Haven's Harvest, edible food would otherwise end up in landfills, contributing to throw away culture and continuous environmental issues like climate change.  Currently, Martin is working on the organization's location expansion in order to donate more food to recipients, and impact more individuals in the community of New Haven. In addition, she continues to advocate and spread awareness about the impacts of food waste, and hopes the government  invests in the food recovery infrastructure as a nation.  She comments,“We are only beginning to educate food donors, and even the public in general, that this is important work. We need to invest in it on a local level, state level, and national level. Just like we did 40 years ago with recycling.”

I wrote an imitation poem based on "Never Shall I Forget" by Elie Wiesel. If you don't know, a imitation poem is a poem that is inspired by another poem or poet, but is not a rewriting of the original work. When I first read "Never Shall I Forget," I found the structure to be interesting, and wanted to recreate my own poem with a similar structure. Enjoy! Never Shall I Forget  (Imitation Poem) Haley Anzures Never shall I forget that day.  Never shall I forget the way I fell in love with a book. Never shall I forget that feeling.  Never shall I forget the feeling I got, as my fingers turned each page with growing anticipation for what was to come.  Never shall I forget those words.  Never shall I forget the words that left me broken for people who don't even exist.  Never shall I forget hours.  Never shall I forget the hours that flew by, while I was fully consumed in another world.  Never shall I forget the nights.  Never shall I forget the nights I stayed up late to read just one more chapter.  Never.

Citizen Kane is often called “the greatest American movie ever made.” But why? What is the historical significance of Citizen Kane, and why do so many consider it the best American film ever made? It was its stunning cinematography, integral sound production, non-linear screenplay, and a thought provoking ending that resulted in influences on modern day cinema. Cinematography How movies are shot today is heavily influenced by Citizen Kane's cinematography. Orson Wells, a first-time director, brought ideas to the set that traditional Hollywood filmmakers would never contemplate or be brave enough to try. He used cinematographer Gregg Toland, who considered Citizen Kane to be the height of his career. Citizen Kane did not look like most American movies of its era. One of the reasons the movie was so distinct was because they used lighting and editing to their advantage, something different from other films at the time. Lighting was used for scenes depicting Kane’s youth, stylistic virtuosity, as well as for symbolic effects. For example, in some instances Kane's face appears split in half, one side glowing brightly and the other obscured by darkness. The contrasting lights suggest Kane’s mixture of decency and corruption. Editing and special effects also helped in crafting the story. There was some type of special effects work in over 80% of the film, such as miniatures, matte shots, double exposures, and multiple exposures. This film's editing often works in conjunction with sound techniques, making it more difficult to isolate it.  Sound Sound was also an integral part of the production of Citizen Kane. Every sound had to evoke images. James G. Stewart (pictured on the left), Welles' sound operator, helped him discover that virtually every visual technique has its equivalent sound. Welles would often transition from one time period or location to the other with a shocking sound transition. In addition, the dialogue was frequently overlapped, especially in comical sequences where multiple characters are trying to communicate simultaneously. Welles also incorporated musical themes as well, assigned to numerous characters and events in the film. The Rosebud motif, for example, is introduced in the opening sequence, and when Rosebud is mentioned during the investigation, a variation of the motif often underlines the dialogue. The Rosebud in Citizen Kane is the brand name of a cheap wooden sled which Kane was riding the same day he was taken from his home and mother. It symbolized the simplicity, comfort, and lack of responsibility. Most importantly, it represented his mother's affection, which he never truly lost.  Screenplay The film 'Citizen Kane' is the biography of Charles Foster Kane, a powerful newspaper tycoon. It was based on the life of the newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. The screenplay was intriguing, as it lays out the plot in a non-linear manner. We have seen similar techniques that have been used in Shakespeare plays. In the opening scene of Citizen Kane, we start off with a newsreel that showcases the entire life of the antihero, deflating any traditional tension seen from other films. In the past, movies followed a straight timeline, starting with the opening scene and ending with the finale. By hopping between contradictory and overlapping versions of Kane's life, Citizen Kane had introduced the unreliable narrator into cinema. Later, a reporter pieces together Kane's personal life as Citizen Kane's story alternates between several narrators, with the subjective perspectives coming together to convey the story's message. Each perspective provides a cohesive picture of the man's life, and proves that no individual account is adequate enough to encapsulate a person’s life and its overall impact. Consequently, this leaves viewers with no full understanding of the character, and it is a technique that filmmakers even avoid today. But, the introduction of subjective viewpoints to cinema had proved transformative, as characters grew more complex and multidimensional. Ending The thought provoking ending in Citizen Kane needs to be discussed. The audience still does not have an understanding of the main character even by the end of Citizen Kane. However, the film makes it apparent that they couldn't have possibly done so, and the story somewhat ends without a satisfying resolution. It was unusual and unheard of at the time, but it has been used quite commonly since. Final Thoughts Even if Citizen Kane was groundbreaking at the time, why do so many still continue to call it one of the greatest movies ever made? It really is difficult to debate against the idea that Citizen Kane "is the best American film ever made," because any subsequent film striving for that title would have almost certainly have borrowed heavily from Welles' film techniques. Welles' use of cinematography, sound that's an intrinsic element of the production, a screenplay which sets out the story in a non-linear format, and then a thought-provoking finale, resulted in a tremendous influence on modern day film.

As a teenager, it can feel like decisions are constantly made for me. I am told what to do, what to think, and what to believe. Many teenagers can relate to this feeling. This battle for the right to our own autonomy also extends into book banning. After doing some research, I found it surprising that influential novels taught in school are being banned nationwide. To Kill a Mockingbird, is one of those novels. In this story, we follow the childhood of Scout and Jem Finch, as their father Atticus, defends a Black man falsely accused of rape. The lessons this novel teaches us are still applicable today. To Kill a Mockingbird should be allowed to be taught at the high school level because it teaches life lessons about racial prejudice, promotes treating others with respect and kindness, and encourages readers to see the world from different perspectives.  Racial Prejudice To Kill a Mockingbird teaches valuable life lessons about racial prejudice. Atticus Finch, represents a strong liberal perspective in the small-town he lives in. In Chapter 20, Atticus speaks to the jury, and argues that the case of Tom Robinson requires no complicated sifting of facts, but does require them to be absolutely sure of his guilt. He states, “To begin with, this case should never have come to trial. This case is as simple as black and white." This quote tasks the jury to confront their own biases, and Atticus's argument emphasizes the injustice of the trial and racism in the community. In addition, the statement "black and white" serves as a metaphor to the racial prejudices that lead to Tom Robinson's unjust prosecution. In this way, students are taught how the justice system can be manipulated by biases, which can rein true in the real world.  Respect and Kindness To Kill a Mockingbird promotes treating others with respect and kindness. In MitziAnn Stiltner’s dissertation “ Don't Put Your Shoes on the Bed: A Moral Analysis of To Kill a Mockingbird,” she writes that, “Atticus verbally chastises his children for nosing into other people’s lives, he genuinely shows kindness and respect to Mrs. Dubose even after her condemnation of his work, and [works to] set right the wrong being placed upon Tom Robinson.” Atticus teaches the boundaries of privacy and the importance of respecting others' personal space to his children. Moreover, in the instances where Atticus shows kindness and respect to Mrs. Dubose, despite her condemnation of his work, shows student to respect others even when they don’t show the same respect back. These concrete examples provided by Stiltner are available to teachers in the novel, which makes it a valuable resource in classroom. Different Perspectives T o Kill a Mockingbird  also encourages readers to see the world from different perspectives. In Chapter 3, Atticus gives Scout a piece of moral advice and says, "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." This quote reflects Atticus's values on being empathetic and understanding of others, which encourages Scout to see the world from others' perspectives. In addition, this ises the question of “How do I get along with people who are different from me?” This question is important for students to ask, because in the long run, they will learn to understand the importance of coexisting in a diverse society, while also teaching tolerance and acceptance.  Final Thoughts To Kill a Mockingbird should be allowed to be taught at the high school level because it teaches us about racial prejudice, treating others with respect and kindness, and looking at multiple perspectives. The novel transcends time, still resonating with the challenges and complexities of our world today.

By: Haley Anzures As I looked up from writing my book, I realized that the coffee shop was going to close soon. I packed my things and drove home. As soon as I stepped inside my apartment, I jumped on the couch and cuddled up, exhausted from writing all day. Ever since I was a child, I had dreamed of becoming a writer. “Ellie Kaplin” would be a world famous author, loved and adored by millions of readers around the world. That dream was fading slowly, as my writing deteriorated and my passion lost. How am I supposed to make a living when no one is buying my books? I thought long and hard about it that night. I was going to have to make a change if things were to get better. I need to refind my love for literature and my passion for writing. Reading will surely get me back into my groove, but I have no time in between writing and working my desk job at the inn. I wish that I could live inside my books to see the worlds I created inside my head. What a wonderful thing that would be. __ I woke up to the crisp morning breeze against my cheeks. The first breath I took was of the fresh morning air, which filled my lungs and gave them life. I felt the cold wet grass underneath me, soaking my clothes. My head was pounding, and as I opened my eyes everything seems blurry. Where was I? I sat up slowly, only to find myself surrounded by massive pine trees that seemed to pierce the cloudy sky above. I sat there for a moment, taking in my surroundings. As I looked into the distance, I realized that the trees kept going for miles, in every direction.   ​ I took a deep breath and tried to focus. I rubbed my eyes and thought for a second. I really took in my surroundings, the sights, the smells. The way the grass felt underneath me and the sounds of the birds chirping above. It was familiar. Too familiar. An overwhelming, haunting thought came over me. I rubbed my eyes once again, and then pinched myself. Looking around once more, I came to an utterly impossible conclusion. I was in my book.

Are you struggling with finding a good book to read? Every reader has bee n there (including me). It can be tough searching for books that you are actually interested in, so here are some tips to help you find one! Head to Bookstores The obvious first choice is to go to a bookstore. You can go to bookstores like Barnes & Noble or local bookstores in your area and look for books that you might find interesting. Browse around, ask employees questions, and look for similar novels to the ones you've read before. Ask Friends and Family Ask your friends and family for suggestions. Chances are that they will recommend a book you'll find intriguing. Your friends or family may even have a copy of it laying around for you to borrow. Go To The Library The library is a lso a great place to find new books to read. They are very similar to bookstores, but libraries are free. The benefit of libraries is the ability to sit down and read a large portion of the book in the building. There is no pressure to buy then and there. If you end up enjoying what you are reading, you can rent the book and take it home till the due date. Read Classics If you are stuck on what to read, read a classic. They are a classic for a reason right? You are almost guaranteed to love them. Your local library or bookstore is most likely to have many classics in stock for you to rent or purchase. Join A Book Club Book clubs also are a very beneficial tool in finding new books. You gather in groups and every week or so, have discussions on the novel chosen. It's a great way to discover and read books you wou ldn't have read otherwise, and it keeps you motivated to keep reading. You can find a book club to join by checking your local community for posters or social media posts about meetings. Browse The Internet Browsing the internet is a great way to discover good books to read. You can use websites like Book Seer   to find similar books to ones you've already read. Look at book reviews and read blogs on different books you might be interested in. You are even able to order books online instead of going in person on websites like Amazon.

I wanted to share an infographic I made about the benefits of reading. I have been working on different ways to be creative in order to get information out. This was extremely fun to make; hope you enjoy!

Welcome to my first blog post. This post will go over tips to help you stay motivated to keep reading books. What Your Purpose? The first step to stay motivated when you read is to find your purpose. Why do you want to read? Are you reading for pleasure or to gain knowledge? Answering these questions helps you eliminate books you don't need to read, and gives you a sense of why reading is important to you. Find A Book You Enjoy   The second step in staying motivated is to find a book that you enjoy. If you read books that do not appeal to you, don't be afraid search for another one that you would actually read. For a long time, I would start a book that I did not enjoy, and then feel obligated to keep reading. DO NOT DO THIS! If you are not comfortable with a book you chose, put the book down and find one you enjoy. Make Reading A Part Of Your Routine Consistency is key! If you want to read, you will find the times in the day to do so. If you build the habit, reading will seem like less of a chore. Don't have enough time to read? Take your book with you everywhere you go. That way, if you find a moment in your day to read, you have your book with you. Find The Right Environment Everyone has a different preference on places they like to read. Some like quiet and mellow environments, like a library. Others may prefer louder environments, like a coffee shop. Finding the environment that is right for you will help you stay focused on your book. How Do You Like To Read? How do you like to read your books? Do you prefer a physical copy? Ebooks? Audiobooks? Finding out how you like to read may help you stay motivated. I prefer a physical copy of my books, and having it helps me stay focused and on task. Everyone is different, so find what type of books work for you. Give Yourself A Deadline When you give yourself a deadline to finish a book, it allows you to stay consistent and motivated to finish. I find that I am less likely to procrastinate if I give myself a deadline. If you check out books from a library, you already have a return date, so you can make sure to finish your book before then. Joining a book club can also help. You need to read a certain number of pages each week, which will keep you motivated to finish. Final Thoughts Learning to read more can seem like a difficult habit to achieve, get started now by picking up a book that interests you. If you need help finding a book to read, check out my blog post, "How to find good books to read." Good luck!