Here you will find everything you need to complete your lifestyle project and more. Everyone will start off by completing the lifestyle survey and calculating your carbon and ecological footprints. Use the results to help you choose the three categories in which you will make behavior modifications each day for four consecutive weeks. Everyone will retake the survey and calculators again at the end of the project. The final write-up must include a critique and analysis of your results. Carefully download and read the instructions for the project and ask any questions you might have BEFORE beginning this assignment. Also, be sure to READ the example journal entries so you understand the level of detail that is expected. Ask questions or feel free to talk about the project any time during the semester at office hours or by appointment. Assessment of your work is based on how well you adhered to the instructions for the assignment. Students helped with the development of this project and have always found it to be both informative and fun!
Download and Carefully Read and Follow the Detailed Instructions for the Lifestyle Project
Download and Carefully Read Example Daily Journal Entries - Follow this format!!!
Follow the instructions in this document for your journal and critical assessment if you have received approval from the instructor to volunteer as one or more of your categories.
All Projects are Due by the beginning of class on the Last Day of Class and Must Include:
Detailed journal entries for each day for four consecutive weeks or other instructor approved format if you have been given permission to create your own categories
Results of the lifestyle survey, ecological, and carbon footprint calculators (taken at the beginning and end of the project)
Include screenshots and/or pictures of the results
Critical evaluation of the results of the survey and calculators (at least 250 words) as well as a critique of the instruments themselves
Don't forget to analyze how your results may have changed from the beginning to the end of the project and address why or why not
Reflection and assessment for each category chosen (at least 250 words for EACH category)
Lifestyle Survey and the Lifestyle Survey Key
Cool Climate Calculator (also called the carbon footprint calculator)
Fueleconomy.gov link if needed
See instructions for write up below:
If you choose to take any of the optional calculators, complete them before and after the project. Include a 150 word critique and analysis of your results for EACH additional calculator completed. 2 points extra credit per optional calculator.
If you choose to take the Exploring Ecoprivilege Survey, discuss your access to more sustainable products, services and behaviors. How would your results change if you lived in a different neighborhood or in a different city, State or country? Choose one of the aforementioned locations, retake the survey and analyze your results. (150 word minimum)
Note that the calculator and lifestyle survey results have been deleted from most of these examples:
Example lifestyle project in Powerpoint and in Website format
Example lifestyle project where the student created a native plant garden (Habitats Arising) and blog (It Starts With Me)
Three examples of how to write your journal and critical assessments if you decide to volunteer for your project - habitat restoration and urban farming (Powerpoint) and urban farming (website)
Video excerpts of the summary and assessment portions of one student's project - Excerpt one and two
The Cloud and the Crowd - find a citizen science project and see the project calendar
BioBlitz with California Academy of Sciences and iNaturalist
Scistarter (see this website for even more citizen science projects)
(see more potential volunteer opportunities for your lifestyle project posted on the SUST 91 webpage)
Carbon Offsets - Cool Effect and Conservation International
Ecolabel Index (see ECOLOGO and Green Seal links below)
Fashion - see category below
Global Ecolabeling Network - Ecolabeling Program by Country (N. America - ECOLOGO and Green Seal)
Junk Mail - See "Junk Mail and Paper" category below
California Green Business Network (scroll down to the bottom of the page for Green Biz tracker)
Search engine that plants trees - Ecosia
Thred Up - (Used clothing)
Energy.gov Energy Saver and download the Energy Saver Guide
Energy Upgrade California - energy saving tips
Cornucopia Institute (click on the "Scorecard" tab in the upper right part of the screen)
Health Food, Vegetarian, and Vegan Restaurants in San Francisco
Local Harvest - find local farms, CSAs and farmer's markets
Start by reading this article on "How to Grow a Food Forest" and get "The Vegetable Gardener's Guide to Permaculture" by Christopher Stein and Golden Gate Gardening by Pam Pierce at the library.
Permaculture Basics for Gardeners (watch for extra credit)
Pollinator Partnership - Ecoregional Guides, 7 Things You Can Do For Pollinators, and Plant a Window Box For Pollinators
USEPA How to Create and Maintain an Indoor Worm Composting Bin
Worm Composting Made Easy (ideas for types of bins)
EWG Cleaning Supplies and Your Health and Top Green Cleaning Products
Food 52 17 All-Natural Spring Cleaning Tricks for the Kitchen
Good Guide: Find Green, Healthy, and Safe Products and Welcome to Good Guide video
Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families - Mind the Store and How Retailers Rank on Toxic Chemicals
Brief Introduction to Gardening With California Native Plants
CNPS Planting California Natives, When and How to Plant, Landscape Design Guides and Local Planting Guides
Las Pilitas Nursery: A Guide to Plant Communities of California
San Francisco Bay Area National Parks Science and Learning, Terrerestrial Ecosystems
San Francisco Open History (historical photographs some of which show native plant communities/ecosystems)
Sust 91: California Natives in the Landscape (even more resources on natives including why plant them, how to care for them and where to get them, etc...)
UC Berkeley, Department of Geography Plant Communities of California
My Recology and WhatBin including recycling soft plastic (this link has latest information on what goes where in SF pick ups)
SF Environment How to Recycle and Compost and Signage/Posters
SF Environment EcoFindeRRR - find out where to recycle just about everything
GoBox SF Bay -Doing Away With Throwaways
Green Citizen - recycle electronic waste
Junk Mail - See "Junk Mail and Paper" category above
Loop US - Shop for leading brands designed to be waste free in returnable/reusable packaging
Plastic Bag Recycling and Plastic Bag Drop Off (if you live out of San Francisco)
SF Grease Cycle - How to Collect and Recycle Your Kitchen Grease