PlantainsYum Holiday: What I did for Earth Day 2018 in Houston
Happy Thursday to You!!!!!!
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Tourism-wise, Houston is a city that doesn't have a lot of landmarks or big fun attractions, at least that I know of. I honestly feel that will change in more years to come, they have been some major changes along the way to the infrastructure thus far and some interesting plans for the future Houston Mayor unveils plan to convert 'Midtown Innovation District' . Due to the melange of people and cultures and interests, there is always a great event every week. Besides the obvious event days like Earth Day etc, they are little festivals and celebrations constantly happening. Maybe its just me I love events! It is a time for celebration and even a time to learn and discover something new and this Earth Day Event at Discovery Green was a time like that.I came to attend this event as a volunteer. I wanted to do something for Earth Day because of it is one of my favourite days. A celebration of all things nature you can count me there. In celebration of Earth day I wanted to see where I can help out. I found a volunteering event through Volunteer Houston to volunteer as a Recycle ambassador at the Earth Day Hosted by Discovery Green, Citizens Coalition, and Green Mountain Energy.
For non-Houstonians, Discovery Green is an amazing public park located in downtown Houston that is a host to various free events and activities. Click here for their Events Calendar . So, I was already semi-stressed about the parking in downtown before even getting there but I got lucky. As I arrived close to the park, someone was just leaving right next to the park. Besides being lucky to be alive and have all my fingers, I don't have much lucky moment like that. I was like yes I need to go play the lottery right now.
Heading to the event, I found myself a bit nervous. I love volunteering and I am usually going to volunteering events by myself. I am someone that although against my slightly timid nature if I really love or want to do something, I will push through. There was a time where I used to volunteer more frequently and you get used to going to random places and meeting new random people. It had been a while and my nervous energy kicked in, I had to remind myself I am a grown up, I can do this and I am super cool 😎😂
I eventually found my way to the sign in table (pictured above). After a short wait, I was taken to my assigned area and given a little recycling overview.
Here I am by the station with my sunglasses floating right above my eyes. My face and sunglasses don't work sometimes. I was supposed to have a partner but the assigned person was a no show.
So you are probably wondering what was I suppose to actually do as a Recycling Ambassador?
At the event, people will need to throw away their waste and that is why we were there. To help guide people how to dispose of their waste. We had a 3 waste bins: Trash, Recycling, and Compost. To prepare us we were given a list before hand and at the event as a guide and obviously, you can always ask questions if confused or as they say if you don't know its better to just throw in the trash.
I was later given a partner and we had a lovely time. It was nice to have someone else there because there are some items that you are not sure where it should go. I learned a lot that day and now I feel I am a slightly better recycler. There is still more that I can learn and I feel that working as a recycling ambassador made me want to do more research. Guys just because you throw it in the recycling bin doesn't mean it is going to get recycled. It has to fit the standard or else its just trash.
My biggest take away was Starbucks paper cup. I have been going to Starbucks a lot lately to study and I drinking a handful of hot drinks and I thought the cups were recyclable but they are not! The cardboard and the lid are but the cup isn't. It does actually indicate that it is not recyclable because it doesn't have the logo but see I didn't give it no attention.
Soon enough my shift was over and it was time for me to explore. I knew I was going to write a blog post about the day so I had to try to make a concious effort to take photos while feeling a bit awkward and trying to enjoy the event. Oh the life of a wanna be blogger.
I went to visit the Vegan booth because one of the ladies talked to me during my shift and I told her I will visit after my shift and you know vegans and vegetarians we are kinda family.
The vegan booth was housed by Vegan Society of Peace. There is the stereotype that vegans are aggressive but these vegans were actually peaceful and welcoming. I was happy about their demeanor and I am not saying it is bad to show passion for a cause you believe in but their demeanor was really peaceful as their name and I hope it helped attract some people to their cause. If you are a vegan in Houston or interested in the vegan lifestyle, wanting to eat more vegetable-based foods, or looking for a peaceful cool group of people check out Vegan Society of Peace. They have two upcoming events.
1. They have their repeat events which is their :
Held on the "2nd Saturdays" of each month, we will enjoy a delicious vegan potluck and meeting, along with a discussion, film screening, food demo or speaker presentation. Each month will be something new! Our new venue is at the HCC Conference Center.
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Another great thing I learned about on that day is about the The Woods Project
I didn't want to explain what the wood project is about in my 2nd rate English proficiency so here what it is all about from their own words:
The Woods Project’s mission is to create wilderness education and exploration experiences that develop critical behaviors needed for disadvantaged students to achieve success in school and life.
I mean how amazing is that. I didn't even know something like that exists in Houston. It is absolutely free for the high schoolers. America is great, isn't it? If you think this is pretty cool but you are too old like me to be a participant or lucky enough to be not "disadvantaged." You can become a volunteer! Don't worry even if you wilderness knowledge is lacking they will train you. The lovely lady in the photo Natalie Hausman-Weiss who happens to be the Executive Director. If interested or have any questions visit their website or contact Natalie at
Office: 2700 Southwest Freeway
Houston Texas 77098
Phone: 281. 371. 6696
Email: Natalie@thewoodsproject.org
I am actually excited and looking forward to finding out more about being a volunteer. Saving her business card in special place.
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As a medical student you know I had to go check this out.
I ate a sample of their protein bar and it was so good! and you know protein bar can taste like a chalky Sahara desert than a dessert. I definitely will check them out when I am looking for a protein bar.
Bringing good Islam tidings was the people from Islamic Da'wah Center. Although you don't think religion and earth day as much, but they were there to show support and put a friendly face to the Muslim community in Houston which was really nice.
Got my Henna done by a lovely young lady, we had a great little convo. I am shy but I sure can TALK!!!!!! I wish her all the best in High school and in the future.
Some of my fellow Recycle Ambassadors. They decided to dress up in Cosplay to bring more awareness. That was pretty smart.
After all the walking around decided to go sit down to chill and enjoy the live music
I also made a new friend at the event Mark. He works close by to the park and saw what was going on and decided to check it out. so he was there by himself and I was there by myself. He helped me take a few of some of the pictures you have seen. Plus he is vegan so we are kind of like in the same food family, except he is like that rich cousin. Cause we all know vegans are better than the rest of us 😁
It was now time to go.
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Any Questions or Concerns feel free to shoot me an email at mmelapintv@gmail.com
Any Questions or Concerns feel free to shoot me an email at mmelapintv@gmail.com
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