The Sun Chips Bag

Maybe you've seen it, maybe not. But the newest Sun Chips bag claims to be 100% compostable. Not that I am suggesting that the Sun Chips people lie, but, being who I am...well, I want to test it for myself.



A look at the back of the bag suggests that, in about 13 weeks, there will be a complete "breakdown into compost." Now, it also mentions that this will occur in "a hot, active home or industrial compost pile."

Since I have neither readily accessible, I decided to just 'plant' the bag in my garden, vow to water it daily and added an additional 3 weeks onto the decomposition time (for a total of 16 weeks).

Will it work? Who knows. If it doesn't I will place no blame on the Sun Chips company, but rather on my lack of a proper compost area.

I'll update on or about August 15, when my 16 weeks are up. It certainly will be interesting to see what transpires!

Stay tuned!

Throwing Punches

Ahhh....the sweet smell of spring is in the air; the flowers are in bloom; the skies a radiant blue; and the days are growing longer and longer.

What's not to enjoy?

Tenasty.

With our contested case hearing growing nearer and said corporation still pushing to make their new home one mile from our home, well...

so much for the joys of spring.

Everything seems to be moving in fast-forward mode. The newspaper articles, both pro and con, are constant. The EDF, who I endorsed and represented in our preliminary trial, turned on me--well, us--and is now in support of the coal plant. The local television station was at the house on earth day and our non-profit group was denied representation at the local 'green' festival. The mayor was worried that we would make him look stupid.

Hmm. You do that just fine yourself, without our presence, sir.

Back and forth conversations between myself and EDF lawyers have been ongoing; they know I am extremely angry. Why shouldn't I be? They turned on me. Whether it is their 'strategy' or not, I feel betrayed.

And, in the midst of all my anger, I started a Facebook page. It's an attempt--hopefully successful--to make this fight statewide...maybe nationwide.

You never know. I could start a movement. :)

Fighting such a fight is very demanding; it's draining. I can easily see how these companies win out in the end. They wear their opponents down...to a point of exhaustion and fear.

In town yesterday I was constantly watching my back. Really. I feel as though I am being watched; that at any moment someone could hurt me...or at least threaten to.

But, for the moment, I am in it for the long haul. It's discouraging and it's scary. But reassuring words from one of our Austin proponents convinced me that it isn't the Sierra Clubs or the EDFs that win these fights. It is the regular, everyday citizen.

And perhaps, someday, the work I am putting into this cause will prevent another individual from going through the same heartache.

Hopefully I am making a difference for the future of America.

The Art of Being Rejected

When the envelope arrived in the mail today, I couldn't help but chuckle. The EPA--that's the Environmental Protection Agency--took it upon themselves (or itself) to not only mail me one letter of rejection, but SIX.

Environmental Protection?

Despite the...many...applications I filled out over the past six months for jobs and internships ranging in scope from oil, to protecting our environment, to acting as a park manager....

Well, they all seem to have turned me down.

I have to admit that I'm a bit taken aback. I'm 3 credit hours away from an advanced degree and have a great work ethic. I consider myself well-spoken and well-written.

So what gives?

In December of 2009 I turned down an offer to work in Albuquerque as a planning intern with the Fish and Wildlife Service, recognizing that the job wasn't quite suited to my tastes. Holding regret for a few weeks after, I soon brushed off the decision as mere fate.

But should I have just taken it? Not been so...picky?

A few months later I was offered my position in Alaska...again. That same position that I have been so dedicated to for the past three summers, working hard for basically free in an attempt to earn a paying position.

Finally putting my foot down, I just couldn't say yes. Hopefully the image of 'sucker' that was plastered on my forehead for so long is finally faded...

About a month ago I interviewed for a position in Florida working with The Nature Conservancy on threatened bird studies. Although I thought I nailed the interview, I never got a return call.

As expressed earlier, the six EPA Fellowship applications I slaved over and spent too much money on were rejected. Apparently the interest was overwhelming this year and only 7% of applicants were honored with positions.

Alyeska, the pipeline company in Alaska, received my application months before the deadline. Nope. Never even granted me an interview that they claimed ALL applicants received.

And the most recent potential, about which I was sent two e-mails regarding a phone interview, suddenly disappeared into thin air. (Really). I keep hoping that he--the interviewer--will re-emerge and grant me the opportunity to be the interviewee, but I find the whole situation bizarre, nevertheless.

And, well, here I am. Classes are out in roughly one week and my plate is empty.

But is that so bad?

Of course, new opportunities are emerging everyday...even if I don't see them clearly upon their arrival.

I'm already brainstorming...and even dreaming about the travels I will take in the next few months.

Maybe I need a summer for me; a summer to relax, take it all in and enjoy.

For, when we aren't searching is when opportunities become us. Right?

Okay, it's a bit saddening at times, discouraging, annoying, disappointing, depressing...but mastering the art of rejection hasn't been so bad. It's not really that hard. It doesn't take too much effort.

...so can I add it to my resume' under trainings/certifications? Perhaps under special skills?

---Whitney Root---

Master of Science, Environmental Management

Master of Fine Arts, Rejection

Certified, Inability to Interview

Trainings: Wiping 'sucker' from your image

Interview Avoidance

Filling out the perfectly ignored application

Talk Like an Egyptian

Disclaimer:

Okay, so in no way do I mean to make fun of the individual who has written these notes to me. In fact, I envy anyone who can speak a foreign language as well as most of the people I have met on my travels. When your native tongue is Arabic and you can successfully learn, and speak, English...well, you are one of my heroes.

Having said that, the notes that follow have provided me with some nice laughs. As you will see, I apparently have an Egyptian stalker, of sorts...who stalks me via e-mail from his store on the boat I cruised on down the Nile in January. Unfortunately, some of the earlier e-mail love notes were deleted forever...but I am sure there are more to come.

February 20: i lick to say happy valantin day i know it is to leat but sorry u know that iam work on the boot i hope every thing is ok

March 21: how are u i hope every thing is ok from long tiem i dont hear news are u ok i hope every thing is ok in work and at home

March 28: how is thev lief i hope every thing is ok in the work and at home i wich for u agood helth this is my phon nambr if u want to send sms or to cool me 0020103825201 have anes day alot of love

April 2: hi my love how are u i lick to say to u befor all happy estar