Topic Selection Overview In Module 2 you completed an analysis of your personal ecological footprint. Now that you have a better understanding of your individual impact on the environment, you will be able to select a topic for your Portfolio Project due in Module 8. In this project, you will create a personal action plan focused on one environmental issue that can be addressed by personal change or focused attention. It does not need to be a huge task or one that requires significant monetary input, but it should be a substantial enough project that you will be able to accomplish it during the term and write about it at length. For example, if you were to get rid of all toxic cleaning supplies in your home, what steps would you need to take? What steps can be taken in the next few weeks? What steps will take longer? What resources would you need? What costs would there be? How would you go about accomplishing these steps and goals? Click on the tab that follows to explore possible topics: Possible Topics Convert self/family to a strict locavore diet or lifestyle (food, clothing & household goods, etc.). a strict organic or vegan diet or lifestyle (food, clothing & household goods, etc.). Switch household to strict environmentally friendly cleaning products in all areas of the household. Update portion of home to incorporate green technologies or renewable materials (e.g., flooring, roof, thermostat/furnace etc.). Install/update insulation. Install the best source of renewable energy for your home (e.g., solar, geothermal, etc.). Switch to alternative or cleaner locomotion for all travel. Incorporate alternative water sources (e.g., construct a gray water system for household, harvest rainwater, etc.). Install drought‐tolerant landscaping. Build and provide own food from a home garden. Raise a domesticated animal (chickens or cows or goats or bees, etc.). Build and start composting wastes. Reduce water usage by 50%. Reduce paper waste by 50%. Eliminate or reduce plastics from household. Eliminate chlorofluorocarbons (spray cans, refrigerator, air conditioner, etc.) Eliminate spending money for one year. Replace all appliances and light fixtures with Energy Star–rated alternatives. Deliverable –Select a topic to be the focus of your Portfolio Project. In a submission of half a page in length, explain your selection, and why this project is a good option for you. Begin brainstorming your next steps: What will you do first, and where can you find information to help you tackle this project?
