The Trail - Volume 17 Issue 1

The

TRAIL VOL 17 ISSUE 1

OCTOBER 2023

Welcome back!

THE SPOOKY SIDE OF HALLOWEEN

HOW DOES HALLOWEEN IMPACT OUR ENVIRONMENT?

CALIFORNIA SUES BIG OIL THE PEOPLE VS. THE 5 BIGGEST OIL COMPANIES

OUR FOOD, OUR IMPACT WHAT WE EAT, WHERE WE GET IT, AND HOW TO MAKE CHANGES

The TRAIL

Letter from the Editor Hi Trail readers, Welcome back! Thank you for joining us in our continued celebration of our 15th year on campus. This issue is our first of the 2023 -2024 academic year, and we are lucky to have so many new members. I would like to thank last year's Editor-in-Chief, Mia Weinburg, for all her teachings as I embark on my journey and take her place. I want to bring more voices and unique perspectives to the EPIB trail and allow students to create articles that align with their interests and increase their knowledge and familiarity with different environmental subjects. Please take some time to read. We hope you enjoy it!

Sincerely, Priyal Patel Editor-in-Chief

1

The TRAIL

Contents Meet our Staff

2

A 2023 El Niño Winter

7

Julisa Collado

9

Basic Food Waste Information People Should Think About

11

The Frightening Reality of Fast Fashion in Halloween

13

Judy Wu

Brianny AlvarengaMercedes

Responsible Foraging of Native and Invasive Plants

17

Evan DeAngelis

The Pathway to Net-Zero

20

Philip Kim

Our Food, Our Impact Sofia Little

Time is Ticking Climate Change and the Proliferation of Ticks Nicole Ficken

30

The Spooky Side of Halloween

32

Support Local Food Systems at Cook’s Market This Fall Semester

35

Reconsidering the Graveyard

37

Emily Yang

Eco-Anxiety Aleen Mirza

The American Climate Corps: Training American Youth to Tackle Climate Change

23 27

Cassy Gelston

Amillia Keagle

Joey Velke

A Fan’s Take On Bob Dylan And His New Album: Shadow Kingdom

41

California Sues Big Oil Grace Ingenito Art x Environment Multiple Artists

44

Miranda Ma

Works Cited Writers' Team

Interested in joining The Trail? Email us at epibtrail@gmail.com Table of Contents

48 52

The TRAIL

2

Meet Our Staff

Aleen Mirza

Amillia Keagle

Writer & Editor

Writer, Editor &, Photographer

Brianny AlvarengaMercedes

Cassy Gelston

Writer & Editor Table of Contents

Writer & Editor

3

The TRAIL

Meet Our Staff

Emily Yang

Evan DeAngelis

Writer & Editor

Writer & Editor

Grace Ingenito

Joey Velke

Writer & Editor

Writer & Editor Table of Contents

The TRAIL

4

Meet Our Staff

Judy Wu

Julisa Collardo

Writer & Editor

Writer & Editor

Kailey Purnell

Lea Cerini

Graphic Designer

Editor Table of Contents

5

The TRAIL

Meet Our Staff

Nicole Ficken

Miranda Ma Writer & Editor

Writer & Editor

Philip Kim

Priyal Patel

Writer, Editor, & Graphic Designer Table of Contents

Editor-in-Chief

The TRAIL

6

Meet Our Staff

Shan Chen

Sofia Little

Graphic Designer

Writer & Editor

Table of Contents

7

The TRAIL

A 2023 El Niño Winter

By Julisa Collado

It’s a relief to finally be greeted with cool and crisp air after living through the hottest Summer on record (yet). Although feeling the sun on your skin feels amazing, I must admit there were times I would not leave the safety of my air conditioner blasting sweet, cold air.

Even so, the looming Winter brings us an unknown future. This past Winter was one of the least snowy on record (Melisurgo, 2023a), but could that change? For the first time in four years (NOAA, 2023) El Niño has returned. El Niño was likely partly the reason this Summer was so intense, so what could this bring for Winter?

El Niño is the “periodic warming of the equatorial eastern and central Pacific Ocean,” (Erdman, 2023) and can affect weather patterns worldwide. El Niño tends to bring warmer Summers to the Southern Hemisphere.

If we look at Australia and Africa, scientists predict, “less rain, higher temperatures and increased fire risk,” (Trascasa-Castro, 2023). This would be especially devastating to Australia, which has already been scorched by wildfires year after year. In South America, there will be droughts and rises in temperature that will likely lead to crop failures and outbreaks of diseases such as malaria and dengue fever (Trascasa, 2023). These types of issues can quickly spiral out of control in South America because of the various and complex political situations in the area. El Niño won’t only affect those in the Southern Hemisphere, however.

Table of Contents

The TRAIL

Historically El Niño Winters tend to be milder and less snowy (Melisurgo, 2023a), but there are differing opinions about what it will bring this Winter. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has an “outlook for warmer-than-average temperatures for the northern tier of the continental United States,” (NOAA 2023).

According to this outlook, we will probably have a warmer and wetter (but not necessarily snowier) Winter.

8

to anticipate a snowier Winter.

Regardless, it shouldn’t be too hard to top the previous year’s record for snow. It will be harder, however, for it to reach the 2030 inches of average snow for New Jersey (Melisurgo, 2023b). Nonetheless, this Winter does seem to be gearing up to be one for the books.

On the other hand, forecasters from “AccuWeather and NY NJ PA Weather, say that doesn’t mean every El Niño winter will follow the same script,” (Melisurgo, 2023). According to their outlooks, this Winter will produce a sizable amount of snow in the northeast area regardless of El Niño’s effects. They argue that every El Niño Winter is different and that there’s fair reason Table of Contents

9

The TRAIL

ECO-ANXIETY By: Aleen Mirza

Climate anxiety, also referred to as “ecoanxiety,” is a rising phenomenon affecting plenty of individuals as sea levels rise, the Earth gets hotter, and our resources diminish. Mental health professionals and clinicians are defining climate anxiety as an intense feeling of distress that stems from the impacts climate change has on the future of humanity and the planet as a whole (Yale Experts Explain Climate Anxiety, 2023).

According to a 2020 survey by The American Psychiatric Association (APA), “more than half (55%) [Americans] are somewhat or extremely anxious about the impact of climate change on their own mental health” (American Psychiatric Association, 2020). Several symptoms of eco-anxiety include existential dread, feelings of guilt or shame, depressive thoughts, anger or frustration from the perceived lack of progress, obsessive thinking, and hopelessness. These emotions can lead to additional challenges, such as sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, and difficulties concentrating (Raypole, 2020).

For many college students, including myself, eco-anxiety is a very real feeling, especially for those of us who are majoring in environmental science or related fields.

However, eco-anxiety does not just impact environmental majors; it can affect anyone who is actively engaged or simply passionate about the climate. Moreover, college students already have enough to deal with, and ecoanxiety is just an addition to their pile of things to tackle. As many of us constantly witness how oil industries continue to make billions of dollars by depleting natural resources and cutting corners, or how critical ecosystems like the Amazon Rainforest, are on the brink of collapsing, it is quite easy to start feeling overwhelmed and anxious about the future. Yet, despite eco-anxiety and mental health being a sensitive topic, I find that there is a sense of community in knowing that my concern and dedication to helping the environment as best as I can is shared by so many of my peers. Worrying about climate change and the fate of the world is perfectly normal and is widely needed, considering that it gives people an incentive to be proactive about making a difference (Yale Experts Explain Climate Anxiety, 2023). However, feeling extremely overwhelmed or living in constant fear of what will happen to humanity, wildlife, and the environment is detrimental to one’s well-being and prevents

Table of Contents

The TRAIL

us from believing that we can actually make an impactful difference. It is important to recognize the signs and to ask for help if you or someone you know is struggling with ecoanxiety. You can confide in either friends or family, or you can even talk to a licensed professional for extra support. For ways to help destress and cope with eco-anxiety on your own, a mental health blog called Calm suggests five useful tips that I have added examples to, which include:

1. Acknowledge, allow, and investigate your emotions Try journaling, meditation, or mindful breathing 2. Channel your emotions into empowerment Think about volunteering and joining climate action groups, or use creative outlets to express your emotions 3. The climate crisis is big, so start small Make small changes at home, like reducing plastic usage or reducing your carbon footprint by walking more and using less energy 4. Take a media break (and get outside instead) Engage in activities like hiking, biking, gardening, or outdoor photography

10

5. Ground yourself (in nature and the present moment) Go on a long nature walk or meditate outdoors

Although these tips are easier said than done, we must remember that dealing with ecoanxiety is not an instantaneous process, and taking small steps to manage it is the best way to start. By following these tips and seeking support if needed, not only will it help you work towards improving your mental health, but it also reminds you to remain passionate about achieving goals that go beyond oneself.

Every person’s actions, no matter how small, can collectively make a difference on the environment and inspire others to do the same.

Table of Contents

11

The TRAIL

Basic Food waste information People should think about B y:

Judy W u

Greenhouse gases are one of the leading causes of climate change. From transportation to electricity, pollution produced by fossil fuels due to human activities is a major contributor to climate change. Food waste has also been a huge burden on the environment. Accelerating climate change through greenhouse gasses generated from food rotting in landfills containing ⅓ of total food production that has been thrown away uneaten (EPA 2023).

According to the EPA, food is the single largest category in municipal landfills and is the third largest source of human activityrelated methane emissions in the United States. Imagine throwing a banana peel on the ground while hiking. This would be fine because a banana is biodegradable. However, the banana would take up to 2 years to decompose (Barrett 2020). Organic matter needs an aerobic environment to begin the composting process. By leaving food in a landfill, where it is compacted to maximize space and to contain the toxic runoff, limits oxygen to break down, and, unfortunately, ends up producing more methane.

Uneaten food usually ends up in the landfills rotting.

Instead, we should be reforming the food distribution system so it can be on a hungry child’s plate. Food waste is not only incredibly careless, but it is also extremely wasteful of money, resources, and energy.

The average family of four spends $1,500 each year on food that ends up in the landfill.

Food production is also resource and energyintensive. By breaking down the food supply chain into segments before and after retail, the input of land, water, energy, etc., that goes into the food supply chain ends up sitting in landfills. This produces methane gas, which can then add to more greenhouse gas emissions.

As climate change intensifies, the UN has proposed 12 sustainable development goals, with food security being 2 of the 12 goals.

Table of Contents

The TRAIL

In addition, the U.S. government has pledged to decrease food waste by half by 2030. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the EPA released guidelines to inform policymakers, researchers, and the public about the ecological footprint of food waste in the U.S. to prevent food loss, improve overall food security, and conserve limited natural resources. Innovative policies supported by measurable and standardized data reports, well-funded research that supports the solution of reducing food waste across the supply chain, and effective consumer education can all lead to behavioral changes, such as spending less money, reducing ecological footprint by reducing waste, composting to support healthier soil and plants, and eating more health instead of processed food.

12

So what can you do?

Knowing that food waste is a problem is only the first step; it is necessary for many to make some Lifestyle changes, and food recovery could be a useful tool.

Understandably, being college students, there are limited chances for individuals to cook for themselves, meaning they are unable to control the amount of food waste produced. However, informing oneself is the beginning of behavioral change, and being more mindful of food waste produced daily is a great start. In addition, urging sustainable changes within the school dining system can be beneficial, not only to the students and facilities but also to local communities and the overall environment.

Table of Contents

13

The TRAIL

BRIANNY ALVARENGA-MERCEDES

Introduction: Halloween, traditionally a time for spooky fun and creativity, has inadvertently become a source of environmental concern due to the rise of fast fashion. As people embrace the culture of wearing costumes only once, the environmental impact of Halloween costumes has become a haunting reality. This article explores the intersection of fast fashion and Halloween, shedding light on the alarming consequences and proposing sustainable alternatives.

The Rise of Disposable Costumes: Halloween, once a time for homemade and enduring costumes, has succumbed to the allure of disposable fashion.

Table of Contents

The TRAIL

The National Retail Federation estimates that $10.14 billion was spent on Halloween-related items, contributing significantly to the fast fashion industry (Halloween Spending Soars as Celebrations near Pre-Pandemic Levels, 2021).

The mentality surrounding Halloween costumes, often designed for a single-use purpose, exacerbates the environmental toll of the fashion industry.

A report by Fairyland Trust reveals that 4 in 10 costumes are worn only once, perpetuating the cycle of cheap, mass-produced garments that end up in landfills (Fairyland Trust, 2019). This trend is especially concerning as it contradicts the sustainable fashion movement, which emphasizes buying higher-quality, longerlasting clothing.

Adding to this issue are the popular clothing haul videos and brand-new costume showcases on social media. Influencers and individuals excitedly displaying their latest finds perpetuate the allure of novelty and single-use items, inadvertently fueling the fast fashion cycle.

The Environmental Cost: The environmental impact of Halloween costumes extends beyond the initial purchase. The manufacturing process of these costumes involves considerable energy consumption and the use of environmentally harmful materials, such as plastic. A study

by Hubbub found that 2,000 tons of plastic waste are generated from mass-market Halloween costumes in the UK alone, highlighting the global scale of the issue (Fairyland Trust, 2019).

Less than 13% of costume materials are recycled globally, with only 1% repurposed into new clothing (Everything You Need to Know about Waste in the Fashion Industry, 2022).

Table of Contents

14

15

The TRAIL

This lack of recycling success emphasizes the urgency of finding sustainable alternatives for Halloween costumes.

Sustainable Solutions: Addressing the environmental concerns surrounding Halloween costumes requires a shift in consumer behavior. Instead of contributing to the disposable culture, individuals can embrace sustainable alternatives. Thrift stores offer a treasure trove of options, allowing people to find unique pieces while combating the negative impacts of fast fashion.

Encouragingly, campaigns such as Sew Spooky are emerging worldwide, promoting creativity and community engagement.

These initiatives host costume workshops and swaps, encouraging people to repurpose and recycle costumes, and fostering a sense of environmental responsibility during festive times (Marsh, 2017). Sew Spooky specifically focuses on inspiring individuals to create their own costumes from old or secondhand clothes, reducing the need for new purchases and minimizing waste.

Individuals can make a significant difference by considering sustainable options.

This includes using items from their existing wardrobe, borrowing from friends or family, or donating costumes after use.

The emphasis should be on reusability, reducing the demand for new, one-time-use garments.

Table of Contents

The TRAIL

Influencers and Sustainable Fashion: The influence of social media, particularly platforms like TikTok, plays a role in shaping consumer behavior.

Sustainable fashion influencers leverage their platforms to educate and inspire their followers to make environmentally conscious choices. By promoting thrift shopping, DIY costumes, and reusing existing items, influencers contribute to the shift towards sustainable Halloween practices.

choices and ensure that Halloween remains a celebration that doesn't haunt the environment.

Sustainable Solutions: Halloween, a celebration of creativity and self-expression, should not come at the expense of our planet. The growing awareness of the environmental impact of fast fashion during Halloween is a crucial step towards change. By embracing sustainable alternatives and redefining our approach to costumes, individuals can enjoy Halloween without leaving behind a frighteningly large carbon footprint. As campaigns and influencers advocate for ecofriendly practices, it's time for consumers to make conscious

Table of Contents

16

17

The TRAIL

Responsible Foraging of Native and Invasive Plants EVAN WARREN DEANGELIS

As harvest time enters full swing, college students see nuts falling in droves, fruit growing heavy, and pods grown full with seed. But how many of us honestly know what it all is, or what it’s worth? College campuses are full of plantings and even weeds with unappreciated potential, in the past these resources would have been highly valued. In the early years of colonization, foraged foods were a necessity when supplementing hunted, raised, and cultivated food sources. Acorns, for example, are not commonly thought of as ‘people food’; but American colonists and First Nations/Indigenous people alike would shell them, leech them with water, and grind them into “Indian Flour”. In the American Northeast, there are many overlooked foods that once filled the stomachs of thousands. In our current time, there are environmentally conscious and impoverished students who can benefit from returning to these historic practices.

All around us, there are historic

staple foods, herbs, and medicinals, both native and not. All of these deserve to be revisited with proper recognition: Pawpaw, Acorn, Chestnut, Beechnut, Juniper, Honeysuckle, Violet, Dandelion, Garlic Mustard, Sorrel, Plantain, Black Walnut, onion grass, Jewelweed, Sphagnum Moss, Birch, Spicebush, and Cattail. The tenants of responsible foraging are fairly straightforward: if you know you are the only forager, it is safe to harvest ⅔ of what you see, if it is shared with a few people, only take a small portion.

There should always be at least ⅓ remaining for wildlife consumption and biological regeneration. If you can, when harvesting native species, take care to sprinkle some seeds around the area.

We will begin with the world of Medicinal Herbs. These are a slippery slope, some of these are safer than others. Please exercise caution when harvesting and using these plants. To begin, a common medicinal plant to utilize is Broadleaf Plantain.

Broadleaf Plantain is a ground-

Table of Contents

The TRAIL

height, broad-leaved, and waxy light green plant, it is used to treat wounds in much the same way as Neosporin (though not as effective on larger wounds). It is ground with clean water into a paste and applied to a cleaned minor to moderate cut, held on by a bandage. Many have heard about Sphagnum Moss, a thick, cushiony moss that forms vast carpets in the freshwater bogs and swamps of the Northeast. Sphagnum Moss is a natural antiseptic and can serve as a clean and safe wound compress, simply binding the fresh oss over a wound and applying pressure is a good alternative when sterile gauze is not on hand.

Jewelweed is much alike to Aloe Vera, the crushed stems make a poultice that soothes bites, stings, rashes, and sunburns. It can be identified by the orange trumpet-like flowers and soft green leaves that shine when dipped in water. Edible Foodstuffs foraged from nature are numerous. To begin, the humble Oak/acorn is brown and broad with little scaled cups atop the hard shell that comes to a blunt point. If they are shelled and soaked in water, it leeches the tannins, do so twice and dry the halves before crushing them to a powder. They make a nutrientrich gluten-free flour. Chestnut is a

18

large, dark brown fruit. It formswithin a spiky, light green, or brown-shelled casing on trees with long, waxy, leaves. An unsung hero is the Pawpaw, With mango-like fruits and custard-like flesh on small, broad-leaved trees. A popular sweet treat for rural children and a favored garnish among some high-class chefs is the Honeysuckle, a yellow and white trumpet-like perfect flower with a honey-like scent that grows on long, climbing vines with small, delicate leaves. Beechnut is a less convenient foodstuff, growing inside curl-ended pods, high in the branches of mature beech trees with their ribbed, bright green leaves and silver, smooth trunks. The small almondlike nuts have a pyramidal shape and a mild oily consistency. Dandelion is a remarkably common and recognizable invasive plant. White tufts and yellow blossoms crowning a spread of green pointed leaves. The leaves can be part of salads and fried like spinach. In addition, the yellow/male flowers make a beneficial tea or can be battered and fried. Garlic Mustard is a fascinating forage; this plant is invasive but was brought by colonists in order to serve

Table of Contents

19

The TRAIL

various purposes. The seeds taste of mustard and black pepper, the roots are like horseradish, and the greens can be fried as a bitter and spicy green akin to broccoli rabe. Wood Sorrel is much like clover, only more vertical and robust. Its leaves can be used as a tart and attractive salad green.

Black Walnut, a fruit of the black walnut tree has thick, fragrant, rounded, and green seamless casings with a smaller nut and secondary shell within.

Onion Grass, looking for all the world like chives, can be identified by the long tubular leaves and their strong onion-like smell. Cattail, a reed with seed cones that protrude and resemble a skewered sausage, can have the “forbidden hotdog” part steamed and eaten with butter when young and green.

Birch bark tastes of wintergreen, and the sap, when cooked down, can infuse with scent and flavor both candies and syrups alike.

Wild Violet, appearing in spring, has small white or purple pansy-like floral heads that can be had for garnish

Juniper is often recognized by its small powder-blue berries; these scattered small needled evergreens are sap-laden and have very fine branches. These berries can be used when boiled in various beverages.

Last but not least, the Spicebush.

This plant has fragrant leaves that are large, green, and almost leathery.

The berries are fragrant and intense in flavor. When green, they can be used to make perfumed extracts; when fully reddened, they can be dried and used to replace allspice seasoning.

In closing, I encourage the reader to take advantage of this knowledge.

We live in hard times, and the skills of the past, again, are relevant. We are sorely in need of low-impact food access. These skills were lost to the sands of time, but it is not too late to return to the old ways, feed ourselves, and become more involved in our environment.

Table of Contents

The TRAIL

20

The Pathway To Net-Zero Philip Kim

R utgers is a large university with

about 60,000 s. Education systems today are dominated by a network of digital environments that use enormous quantities of energy. One light bulb alone requires extensive fuel to keep it running for one year.

Energy through transmission and heating uses more coal to power the lightbulb, contributing even more to carbon emissions (Alex Lasky, 2013). The use of energy itself releases high amounts of greenhouses into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change.

Consuming energy 24/7 contributes to the damage, and as a ‘city’, we are doing more damage to the environment. Rutgers needs to actively show an effort to move toward sustainable energy use and

become greener. If our school can make the move and lead the way, we could influence other large universities to follow in Rutgers’ footsteps.

Rutgers University uses a lot of energy as we have 700+ buildings totaling 28 million square feet and a diverse portfolio. The campuses in New Brunswick have the most total occupied square footage, followed

by RBHS, Newark, and Camden.

(Most of the building stock was built between 1970 and 1987, although some buildings are much newer and others date back more than 200 years. Rutgers University, 2021). Despite some buildings being hundreds of years old, the energy output and use are large. “The Busch

Table of Contents

21

The TRAIL

and Livingston campuses, which include RBHS Piscataway, have the highest energy utilization index at 161 kBtu/sqft-year, followed by Rutgers Newark (which includes RBHS Newark) at 155 kBtu/sqftyear (kilowatt, British thermal unit per square foot per year) (Rutgers University, 2021).

Rutgers' baseline building sector greenhouse gas emissions are 359,541 tonnes of CO2.

200 KW demand or less. The NJ Clean Energy Direct Install Program is aiding in this effort. Facility energy assessments will be conducted by contractors, who will then develop specialized solutions for each facility.

“NJ Clean Energy will pay 70% of the construction costs and free audits. (Rutgers University, 2021)”.

The university will then create a strategy to audit the more prominent buildings. Furthermore, Rutgers

“If our school can make the move and lead the way, we could influence other large universities to follow in Rutgers’ footsteps” A large portion is generated from power purchases. The cogeneration of heat and power from natural gas at the Busch/Livingston complex and the Newark RBHS campus is also significant. Almost every campus has some level of natural gaspowered central heating and cooling generation that supplies networks of many buildings.

The institution, as we know, is currently concentrating on lowering energy usage in buildings with Table of Contents

The TRAIL

University is installing about 16 solar carports along the campuses in Rutgers. ‘The 32-acre solar-covered parking lot produces 8.8 MW of clean electricity – enough to power 60% of Rutgers’ Livingston Campus.

Lewis, 2021). The solar panels also provide cleaner energy, reduce urban heat, and cover students from the rain, heat, and snow.

With buildings on its campuses certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, Rutgers University has made a major effort to promote sustainability. The LEED rating system for green building design and construction is widely accepted worldwide. The use of sustainable materials, interior air quality, water conservation, and energy efficiency are all priorities in the design and construction of these structures.

The Academic Building, Sojourner Truth Apartments, Richard Weeks Hall of Engineering, Rutgers Business School on Livingston Campus, Honors

22

College, the New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health, are a few of Rutgers' noteworthy LEED-certified structures. These buildings have all undergone thorough assessments to satisfy particular LEED requirements, which has improved sustainability practices and decreased their environmental effect.

These initiatives support the university community's future sustainability and are consistent with Rutgers' dedication to environmental care.

Should we continue to advance towards this goal it is possible to reach net-zero by around 2043.

Conclusively, Rutgers has made notable advancements, and is expecting for progress to ensue.

Table of Contents

23

The TRAIL

Our Food, Our Impact Sofia Little As consumers, everything we do has an impact. One of the

most significant ways we make that impact on the world around us is through what we eat. From its origin to its accessibility, the nature of the food we consume and how we prepare it matters.

About 53 million Americans are impacted by a lack of access to healthy and affordable food. In New Jersey, about 800,000 residents, roughly 200,000 of them being children, deal with food insecurity (Dennis & Ferrer, 2022). This lack of access to healthy and affordable food is referred to as a food desert. ABC News classifies living in food deserts as needing to travel “more than a mile to a supermarket, supercenter or large grocery store with affordable and healthy food options in an urban area, and more than 20 miles in a rural area” (Dennis & Ferrer, 2022). The Executive Vice President of economic security for New Jersey’s Economic Development Authority says that "[y]ou can live next door to the most amazing market or farmer's market but if you can't afford to buy the food that's in there, or they don't accept federal nutrition programs like SNAP, then its inaccessible to you” (Dennis & Ferrer, 2022). How can we expect people to make healthy and sustainable food choices they can’t afford to make?

Table of Contents

The TRAIL

24

This issue is particularly relevant to Rutgers students, and many argue that New Brunswick is a food desert. As of 2020, the food desert population was 49,408 people (Proposed Food Desert, n.d.). For many college students, especially those without a car, Bravo is the only supermarket where you can get groceries. Students with meal plans have constant access to more food, but less variety, as they are limited to what the dining hall provides day to day. This is especially difficult for students who have dietary restrictions with meat or dairy products.

So knowing these limitations, what can we do as college students to eat more sustainably while on a budget? Despite them being more expensive, it is good to know about the farmers markets near Rutgers, particularly the Cook Farmer’s Market, which is located at 130 Log Cabin Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, Fridays from 11 a.m. –3 p.m. through December 15th (Cook’s Market, n.d.).

With local vendors and locally grown produce, supporting the Cook Farmer’s market is a great way to support the New Brunswick community.

Table of Contents

25

The TRAIL

Choosing locally grown and in-season foods in supermarkets and dining halls is another significant way to become conscious consumers.

A useful website is Jersey Fresh, and the Jersey Fresh logo is used to “inform consumers which fruits and vegetables were grown in the Garden State” (Jersey Fresh, n.d.-a). The Jersey Fresh website provides a seasonality chart, as well as weekly reports of what foods are in season (Jersey Fresh n.d.-b).

Local foods are better for you and the environment for many reasons. Fresh produce quickly loses nutritional value, and when foods travel less to get to you, it creates less pollution (Jersey Fresh n.d.-a). Other tips for a more sustainable diet include consuming less dairy and red meat. One “glass of dairy milk every day for a year requires… the equivalent of two tennis courts [of land] and more than 10 times as much as the

Table of Contents

The TRAIL

same amount of oat milk” (Bailey, 2020). It takes “2,400 gallons of water to produce 1 pound of beef”, and other alternatives such as turkey, chicken, or tofu have a considerably smaller environmental impact (Bailey, 2020).

In addition to eating more sustainably, students can begin storing food more consciously. By making small shifts, using glass containers instead of plastic, composting – commercially or in your own garden, and beeswax wrap instead of saran, more resources can be conserved and reused. Beeswax wrap is especially good for students living in apartments or houses, and if apartment mates/housemates use over 6-8 rolls of saran wrap, it makes financial sense to get beeswax wraps instead, which are $18.00, versus saran wrap, which is $26.52 annually.

Additionally, when beeswax wraps are no longer usable, they are compostable (Lee, 2020).

By being aware of the foods we eat, how and where they are accessible, and how we store them, even as college students we can make a small but meaningful impact on our ecological footprint.

Table of Contents

26

27

The TRAIL

Time is Ticking: Climate Change and the Proliferation of Ticks NICOLE FICKEN

Over the past decade, climate

change has created a reasonable number of concerns regarding the environment. Besides the dangerous rise in global temperature, the Earth is also experiencing a rise in ocean levels, drought, unpredictable weather, and species loss. These are all classic examples of the effects of climate change on a large scale. The smaller-scale effects have just as much influence on the environment but can be overlooked compared to these major categories. One ‘small scale’ effect of climate change, that is a newfound concern, is the rise of ticks.

Within the past 30 years, the amount of tick-borne disease diagnoses, specifically Lyme disease, has doubled (Climate Change Indicators: Lyme Disease | US EPA, 2023). One can assume that the incidence of tick-borne diseases is caused by the increase of ticks

themselves. In addition to the increased incidence of Lyme disease, the global temperature has also been reported to increase by 0.32℉ each decade. Each year, the warmer temperatures become more advantageous for ticks, who thrive in temperatures above 44℉ with humidity levels around 85% (Climate Change Indicators: Lyme Disease | US EPA, 2023).

Winters can be considered a ‘safe’ season from ticks due to their dormancy. During these cool temperatures, ticks generally seek shelter by burrowing underground (Baker, 2023). Ticks are found to be the most active

Table of Contents

The TRAIL

from spring to fall, but due to global warming causing shorter winters, ticks come out much earlier in the season and stay much longer. Based on these statistics, there seems to be a clear, positive correlation between temperature and tick population; as the global temperature rises from climate change, the population of ticks increases due to more favorable environmental conditions.

So why should ticks be watched out for? Besides creating an imbalance in ecosystems, tick proliferation also poses a major health concern.

Ticks are considered to be exceptional vectors for diseases and parasites. These arachnids are known to have a relatively long lifespan of 2-3 years and are capable of storing blood drawn from different hosts such as deer, dogs, lizards, and humans (Ticks - MN Dept. of Health, 2022). When a tick goes to bite an animal, the pathogens from the previous bite can be

transmitted to its new host. This is what causes the vector transmission of pathogens. The most well-known tick-borne disease, Lyme disease, has been on the rise due to the proliferation of ticks. This disease initially starts off with a fever or rash, but is capable of spreading to other parts of the body such as the cardiovascular system, nervous system, and joints. If left untreated, chronic pain and arthritis may result from chronic inflammati on.

Besides Lyme disease, a single tick bite could also transmit other potentially life-threatening diseases such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Babesiosis, Tularemia, and many more (TickBorne Diseases: Department of Health, 2023). It is important to note that the duration of the bite has a critical importance. When ticks bite their host, they latch on and can feed on blood for days

Table of Contents

28

29

The TRAIL

when unnoticed. While they feed, the likelihood that a pathogen enters the host’s blood gradually increases. This is why it is important to check for ticks after crossing woody, bushy, or grassy areas.

The main way to stay safe this fall season is prevention. The best method of prevention is avoiding areas where ticks inhabit. When hiking, it is important to be fully covered and wear insect repellent.

Although prevention is necessary for human safety, it is not a solution. Tackling global warming has been a decade-long challenge that requires a systematic change in our society. This change, however, can reduce a multitude of issues caused by climate change for a safer, sustainable future.

Table of Contents

The TRAIL

30

The American Climate Corps: Training American Youth to Tackle Climate Change By: Emily Yang On September 20, 2023, the BidenHarris Administration unveiled a new training program called the American Climate Corps, a program aimed at preparing young people for wellpaying careers in green energy and conservation. More than 20,000 American youth citizens will work to restore lands and waters, execute clean energy strategies, and bring awareness to environmental justice, while simultaneously forging their careers (The White House 2023).

Within the Climate Corps, there will be an emphasis on environmental justice and equality, especially for underprivileged communities that are often overlooked and left behind. (The White House 2023).

The American Climate Corps has many goals, the main one being the training of American youth in key skills that will be used to tackle climate change. Some projects include the restoration of wetlands, managing forests

to prevent wildfires, and advocating for clean energy sources, all of which are paid experiences that also allow for networking and building relationships (The White House 2023). Across the United States, five states, including California, Colorado, Maine, Michigan, and Washington, have already implemented successful climate programs.

Just recently, five new states, Arizona, Utah, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Maryland, are implementing state-based climate programs (The White House 2023). These programs are funded through public-private affiliations, like AmeriCorps, and will work alongside the American Climate Corps to give young people a chance to develop skills and careers to fight the effects of climate change.

President Biden is also encouraging the Chief Executive Officer of AmeriCorps to expand access to the Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards to American Climate Corps members, which are awarded to AmeriCorps members to help offset the costs of post-secondary education, vocational training, and reduce

Table of Contents

31

The TRAIL

student debt (The White House 2023).

The focus of the American Climate Corps is to employ young people from disadvantaged communities and encourage individuals to further their education who may not have had the ability without support. In a statement by Ali Zaidi, the president's climate policy adviser, “We’re opening up pathways to good-paying careers, lifetimes of being involved in the work of making our communities more fair, more sustainable, more resilient” (NPR 2023).

The President announced the goals set forth by the American Climate Corps, working in favor of the next generation of young, climate-aware voters as the 2024 election is rapidly approaching. For example, the Sunrise Movement, which is primarily youth led, has been putting pressure on President Biden to prioritize his climate goals (NPR 2023). The creation of the American Climate Corps is like that of the Civilian Conservation Corps, which was a program that emerged out of the New Deal established by President Franklin Roosevelt and ran for almost ten years. That program employed millions of American citizens, predominantly young,

white men, and restored public lands and infrastructure for national parks (NPR 2024). Different from the Civilian Conservation Corps, the American Climate Corps will work to employ people from disadvantaged communities who are impacted by climate change. This emphasizes the program's focus on environmental justice and equity (The White House 2023). The implementation of the American Climate Corps is a huge step in helping American youth become more involved in the climate movement, while also advancing their careers and helping them gain the necessary skills to combat climate change.

Table of Contents

The TRAIL

32

E O D I H F S Y K A L O L O O W P S E EN E H Cassy Gelston T

Crisp air, beautiful autumn leaves, and bonfires all signal the start of fall. However, if this season is not enjoyed responsibly, it could be harmful to the environment and humans.

Burning Leaves

The smell of burning leaves is nostalgic for many, but almost no one thinks about the effects of this activity on the environment.

When done by an individual, the effect is not large, but if most people burn their leaves, the consequences are far greater. If done irresponsibly, Burning leaves and bonfires lead to an increase in wildfires and extend the “fire season” by three months. The United States Department of Interior has stated that campfires were the second highest instigator for wildfires started by humans. Not only this, but the burning of leaves can cause air pollution by releasing carbon monoxide and particulate matter into the atmosphere.

It also could cause many health-related issues for people in the area who have a

heart disease or asthma. In New Jersey, it is not legal to participate in open burning, but it is still a big issue in other states.

Pumpkin Picking

When the air becomes crisp, picking the perfect pumpkin for carving is a must which makes it hard to consider the environmental impact that it has. I am not here to kill anyone’s vibe and tell you not to pick pumpkins this year, but I am here to tell you how to dispose of them properly. It is estimated that one billion pounds of pumpkins are sent to landfills every year. While pumpkins decompose, they produce methane gas in the process, causing air pollution. If you do not want to contribute to this issue, composting your perfectly carved pumpkin after the holiday has passed is a great option. You can add it to any

Table of Contents

33

The TRAIL

of food you have from the week if you are already a composting queen. You also could have fun smashing your pumpkin and then cover it with leaves and let nature do its thing.

Halloween

But let's not get ahead of ourselves. As Halloween is still in full swing, it's crucial to be mindful of the choices you make regarding your costume, makeup, and candy selection. Costumes, while a festive tradition, come with their own set of concerns, particularly their impact on the environment.

Shockingly,

nearly

seven

million

costumes end up in landfills each year, primarily

composed

of

nonbiodegradable synthetic fibers that resist decomposition (Mitennin 2021).

In the context of the broader issue of fast fashion, Halloween costumes are no exception.

When

acquiring

your

costume, whether through thrifting or other means, it becomes especially imperative to consider the brand's ethical practices. Many costumes are retailed on platforms that neglect fair working conditions and skirt child

labor laws. To sidestep contributing to the fast fashion dilemma, consider creating your costume through a do-it-yourself approach or explore thrift stores for a more unique and sustainable option.

Makeup, often overlooked in the Halloween preparations, is a facet that requires careful consideration. An ingredient prevalent in most cosmetics, mica, is sourced from mines in parts of India where child labor operates without regulation.

Additionally, if face paint is part of your chosen costume, it's essential to ensure it does not contain lead. Once your costume is sorted, the focus shifts to the seemingly innocuous candy, a central element of Halloween.

However, those individually wrapped pieces, typically made from plastic or aluminum, pose environmental threats. Americans alone purchase a staggering 600 million pounds of candy annually, a figure that boggles the mind (Biscotti 2023). The plastic and aluminum wrappers are just one concern; many candies also contain palm oil.

Table of Contents

The TRAIL

Palm oil production, concentrated in Indonesia and Malaysia, has led to widespread deforestation, displacing indigenous communities and jeopardizing endangered species like the orangutan.

34

It's crucial to investigate the practices of the companies you buy from.

Fortunately, some, like Divine, a popular chocolate company, opt out of using palm oil. Embracing conscious consumerism allows you to enjoy fall and Halloween traditions responsibly.

Personally, I'm crafting my costume from existing clothes and thrifted items, keeping the details under wraps to preserve the element of surprise and fun.

Table of Contents

35

The TRAIL

SUPPORT LOCAL FOOD SYSTEMS AT COOK’S MARKET THIS FALL SEMESTER Amillia Keagle

Food is undeniably crucial for our survival, but its significance goes far beyond mere sustenance. It serves as a profound connector among humans, binding our existence together. Food is the cornerstone of our cultures, uniting us, and conveying love through the commemoration of life's moments. It offers solace and nourishment, sustaining our existence.

In our present globalized food system, there exists a significant disconnect not only from our food, but also from one another and the earth. The modern global food system depends on the labor of peoples in vast regions, with whom we, as consumers, have little connection. Remarkably, your food may traverse the hands of 12 individuals before it arrives at your table. This system disrupts the delicate balance between human nature and

natural efforts to secure a future for ourselves and the planet.

Advocating for local food systems establishes profound and meaningful connections to our food sources, allowing us to understand its origin and the producers behind it. By supporting local farms and farmers' markets, you actively contribute to the localization of food systems. These markets provide a platform for exchanging experiences and invaluable knowledge with others.

Within this communal space, consumers have opportunities to engage with local producers, reestablishing a connection to our food sources and their origins.

Ultimately, supporting local markets fosters community, resilience, economic stability, and the preservation of local lands.

Table of Contents

The TRAIL

You cannot afford to overlook this beautiful living roof. Generous donors wholeheartedly supported the construction, a gift that offers protection for both vendors and customers!

Thro ugh t he R utger Pant ry, yo s oppo u hav Food rtu e the week nity to re dolla ly allowan ceive a rs to ce of use a 10 t the mark ets.

36

“Communities that nurture local systems of agricultural production and food distribution as one part of a broader plan of economic development may gain greater control over their economic destinies, enhance the level of social capital among their residents and contribute to rising lev­els of civic welfare and socioeconomic well-being” - Lyson

An initiative, originally led by students a decade ago, has greatly amplified the importance of local food markets to the community members of New Brunswick. Cooks Market offers consumers a venue to buy fresh, locallysourced goods while also backing local businesses and community initiatives focused on sustaining local food production.

Cooks Markets currently features a vibrant community of 20 diverse vendors, all offering an array of local goods and providing a hub for engaging with local producers. Dive into this lively scene filled with fresh foods every Friday from 11am to 3pm, until December 15th at 130 Log Cabin Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901.

For more information, make sure to sign up for Cooks Markets email newsletter. Every week, you'll receive beautifully designed flyers with updates on the week's vendors, events, specials, and more! Remember to acknowledge the hard work of your peers. Supporting student interns, clubs, projects, and volunteers is crucial, as their contributions play a significant role in the success of the markets.

Table of Contents

37

The TRAIL

t g h n e i G r r e a d i v s e n y ard o c e Joey Velke R This article has the potential to come off as really offensive. This is not my intention, of course, I would just like to state the fact that modern burial practices are often not sustainable and, quite frankly, make absolutely no sense if one were to analyze the other, less popular, methods of burial available. I am not referring to any practice that holds significant religious or cultural ties. I will not be discussing those as that conversation is out of my depth and would take entirely too long to fully explain with proper respect.

What I am referring to are the forprofit, sterilized, fields of grass with gaudy, extravagant headstones, with expensive boxes made of treated wood, metal, and plastic, each one buried six feet under. I find this all to be rather dim; let me explain further.

Modern burials are unsustainable.

They ruin the biodiversity in an area as grass, flowers, and select trees are all that are allowed to grow. This leaves land unusable for most organisms. Headstones take a lot of energy to mine and transport.

Caskets are often made of materials that will not naturally break down for many decades. Not to mention, many of these materials, such as wood and metal, could be put into something that benefits society rather than being put in the ground. If the body is embalmed, it is best that the casket does not break down. Caskets will eventually break down however they will ultimately spill substances known to be harmful to the environment.

Death can be an uncomfortable topic for many people. Some people do like discussing death. I am not one of those people. Trying to reconcile with the pure uncertainty of death is overwhelming to those without comfort in death,

Table of Contents

38

or a faith that offers solace after death. I believe this is why we have not critically questioned aspects of these practices sufficiently. It is a part of our culture that does not usually face questioning. That does not, however, mean we should operate business as usual. In fact, we would be better off if we stopped immediately. Our forebears simply dealt with fewer people. That means fewer land constraints. If we look back 150 years anywhere in the U.S., you will find vastly more open space.

If you were of that time, it probably did not seem like much harm to use land to commemorate their dead as there was plenty of land to use. Fast forward to today, we are forced to respect the rights of those buried in the past. A time in which no one alive would have encountered any of these people. So why must we be constrained to those who lived long ago? Not that I want to desecrate these graves and pave over them to put up another strip mall, but we as a people should consider not adding to this problem any further.

Why must we be so audacious to believe we should control land use long after we have passed? That land belongs to the present and should be preserved as much as possible. It is worth noting that burial plots may be leased and resold for future use, but why even bother at that point? To dig, bury, dig again, bury again. A useless charade that could be avoided altogether due to better options available.

Have you ever heard of a sky burial? It is awesome. It is when a body is laid to rest on a mountain top/plateau to decompose naturally; This often involves scavengers such as vultures consuming the body. In a way, death leads to the continued life of another, a perfectly beautiful analogy for giving yourself back to mother nature. But for those of you who are normal, you may want to look into a water cremation. Fire cremations are better known but waste a lot more energy. Water burials involve dissolving

Table of Contents

39

most of the body, which can safely be disposed of down the drain, which leaves the bones left behind to be grinded up and given to the family. This is the best way to dispose of a body that does not involve just letting it decompose, you know, the way it has happened for almost all of eternity. Green burials are great for this very reason as there are no embalming fluids, the casket is biodegradable, and the land may remain as it was.

I know what some of you are thinking, “but where will I go to mourn [insert loved ones name here]?” Fear not, for I have solutions. Memorial parks in each large metropolitan area are designed to be accessible to all.

Imagine a large park in which people could congregate to celebrate a life that has passed, but also includes quiet scenic areas for those who would like some quiet to mourn. Personally, while I believe this to be a good solution, I also think it is unnecessary.

I have never felt the urge to visit the grave of a deceased family member. Perhaps I have not lost enough family members yet, but I feel going to places you shared with the passed loved one to be a far more fulfilling experience, especially when compared to standing in a field of rocks. I far prefer to respect the dead by respecting where they once stood, not where they now lie.

Table of Contents

41

The TRAIL

A FAN’S TAKE ON BOB DYLAN AND HIS NEW ALBUM: SHADOW KINGDOM Miranda Ma

I want to put a disclaimer out there that I am an extremely biased individual when it comes to Dylan.

I found him in my die-hard, if-youdrink-out-of-plastic-water-bottleyou’re-dead-to-me, extreme environmentalist phase of my life.

And as such, I fell down the rabbit hole of the 1970s environmental movement. My icons at 14 were Rachel Carson and Aldo Leopold, the music in my iPod: Mr. Bob Dylan. He is one of my music taste’s keystone artists, so the album “Shadow Kingdom ” gets high praise from me. It is a nostalgic assortment of Dylan’s work, but not really his top hits. It seems to be more like “Bob Dylan’s Favorites of Bob Dylan”. It features 7 out

of the 39 albums and ranges throughout the different musical phases of his career, with songs of folk, country, blues, and rock all in the mix. It feels as though the “old man” Dylan is rediscovering the words and sounds of a once “young man” Bob Dylan, coming at it as more of a fan cover rather than a re-recording. Many of his songs reflect the social-political climate of the 60s and 70s, drawing upon his personal experiences. Shadow Kingdom features some of these songs.

Track 12, “Watching the River Flow,” emphasizes Dylan’s disappointment in how the American political discourse has become out of hand. People arguing in the birth of counterculture movements, Dylan talks about preferring simplicity and being in the company of nature while also longing for the

Table of Contents

The TRAIL

city. Ideas of simplicity and authenticity are extremely prevalent in this album. Taking a look at track 3, “Queen Jane Approximately,” we hear the cautionary tale of Jane and her association with superficialities and commercial fads. Looking at this song from an environmentalist perspective, this song compares the plastic vs. organic lifestyles and advocates for living alongside sincerity, like that of a life tied to nature. I want to highlight the song “Forever Young” (track #9 on Shadow Kingdom). I first heard this song off the album, “Planet Waves” and only really listened to the fast version. It was recorded in 1974, which means I’ve only ever heard “Forever Young” when the man singing it was indeed young (Bob Dylan was 33 at this time). It was a fast-paced song of advice from someone in the prime of their youth. Genuine youth was authentic and something to aspire to. Listening to it again (and now closer to the age Dylan was when he first recorded it) on the Shadow

42

Kingdom album was bittersweet.

It’s grandfatherly—the tone has shifted into the sage wisdom of an old man who looks back at his lost youth with foolish fondness. Dylan now sings the lyrics knowing youth . and its thrills does not last forever but doesn’t dissuade the young of the importance of having this mindset. You need to feel invincible while young in order to make the most out of the experience, even if it doesn’t last. Many say that Dylan’s heart wasn’t in the new recording and that he’s a changed man from his 1960s-70s glory days.

Days once driven by urgency of the injustices he saw around him are now driven by greed and money. I disagree (even though he admits to “only being in it for the money” in many interviews). I feel as though he still burns a candle for his former poetry and vision and art, but he hates his fans. In a Noam Chomskyesque cynicism, he wants to shine a spotlight on the hypocrisy of the “hippie” aesthetic of Bob Dylan fans who live within a neoliberalcapitalist society and are forking hundreds of dollars to see him

Table of Contents

43

The TRAIL

perform. It seems to deliberately piss off his fans and their nonconformist claims. This theory mainly stems from his lyrics in “Brownsville Girl” off of his album, Knocked Out Loaded: “People seldom do what they believe in. They do what is convenient, then repent.” My opinion, to live an entirely ethical life without a capitalistic stain is an impossible feat. Instead, live honestly and be considerate. Draw from the words of the man himself and try to be down-to-earth. I mean this both metaphorically and literally. Find your authenticity and wear it shamelessly, but keep your environmental and ethical footprint in mind.

Dylan might be a massive Troll, but this shouldn’t discredit his lyrical genius. If you like Bob Dylan or are looking to get into his work, I would check out this album (and my personal favorite from 1969: Nashville Skyline). But I caution you: DO NOT LISTEN IF HATE THE HARMONICA. This album is accordion-harmonica

heaven, and if that's not your jam, you should give this a skip-and-listen-to Nashville Skyline.

This album is based on the recording of Dylan’s movie “Shadow Kingdom” and features Big Thief’s Buck Meek on the guitar. I love Big Thief. I love Buck Meek. Anything by Big Thief (and you can quote me on this) it is a noskip, head-bopping masterpiece (no pun intended). If you are looking to get into them, the album “Masterpiece” is amazing, and the newly released single “Vampire Empire” is also exquisite. But my all time favorite is: “Simulation Swarm”.

Table of Contents

The TRAIL

CALIFORNIA SUES BIG OIL

By: Grace Ingenito

Table of Contents

44

45

The TRAIL

So What Does California Want From The Court?

On September 16, 2023, climate activists throughout the United States were rewarded with a monumental win. The state of California is suing ‘Big Oil’ for more than 50 years of disinformation, unethical business practices, and climate damages, which have caused Californians billions of taxpayer dollars in health issues, environmental impacts, and additional harm to the state. We have seen lawsuits by states of cities for climate damages before, such as Rhode Island, Boulder, Colorado, and even New Jersey, however, never to this magnitude of such a large economy. So, let's get into it!

The Accusation of Environmental and Economic Impact: The plaintiffs of this case will be the people of the state of California vs. the defendants, who are the five largest oil companies in the world: Exxon, Shell, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and BP. For decades, Big Oil has known about the dangers their production would have. Now, the people and the state of California demand that industry take responsibility for their actions.

“Industry-funded reports directly linked fossil fuel consumption to rising global temperatures and damages to our air, land, and water.

Oil companies intentionally suppressed that information from the public and policymakers to protect their profits, and spent billions of dollars to spread disinformation on climate change and delay our transition away from fossil fuels” (Office of Governor Gavin Newsome, 2023).

Table of Contents

The TRAIL

The state argues that these oil companies have repetitively failed to properly address the consequences of their actions, despite having substantial knowledge of their environmental impact. According to the Office of Governor Gavin Newsome,

California has been working towards a ‘greener’ future and has been at the forefront of addressing the climate crisis. However, the state has also experienced deadly wildfires, prolonged draughts, extreme heat waves, and rising sea levels in recent years (all of which are results of the climate crisis). As explained in the lawsuit, the emissions of greenhouse gasses let off by the oil industry have been a leading cause of harm to the environment, public health, and economy of the state.

Table of Contents

46

47

The TRAIL

California has been working towards a ‘greener’ future and has been at the forefront of addressing the climate crisis.

However, the state has also experienced deadly wildfires, prolonged draughts, extreme heat waves, and rising sea levels in recent years (all of which are results of the climate crisis). As explained in the lawsuit, the emissions of greenhouse gasses let off by the oil industry have been a leading cause of harm to the environment, public health, and economy of the state.

What does California want from the Court: Attorney General Rob Bonta says this lawsuit will turn California into the largest economy and geographic area to take big oil to court. According to the state website, California will essentially ask the court to “Order the oil companies to pay, levy financial penalties on Big Oil for lying to the public, and award . punitive damages to the state”(CA.Gov, 2023). Attorney General Rob Bontana released a statement during a press conference saying, “Our case is based on extensive evidence of the harm caused by the fossil fuel industry and their deceptive practices”(Botana, 2023).

The Acquisitions We are watching history happen before our eyes! If the lawsuit works in favor of the state, this will set a precedent for other states and even countries to hold big oil accountable and shut them down. We will be witnessing a monumental move in the fight against climate change. The case is simple, Big Oil knew, Big Oil lied, and now Big Oil will pay.

Table of Contents

The TRAIL

art x environment Table of Contents

48

49

The TRAIL

Little Red Shroom” Photographed Amillia Keagle

Hen of the Woods by Amillia Keagle Table of Contents

The TRAIL

Hen of the Woods by Amillia Keagle

Little Baby Shrooms by Amillia Keagle Table of Contents

50

51

The TRAIL

Autumn Sky’s Photographed by Priyal Patel Table of Contents

The TRAIL

52

Works Cited A 2023 El Nino Winter

Erdman, J. (2023, October 17). How An El Niño Could Impact Winter Snow. The Weather Channel. https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2023-10-04-el-nino-winter-snow Melisurgo, L. (2023a, October 10). N.J. weather: Snowy winter forecast? Here’s what AccuWeather predicts for 2023-2024 season. NJ.com. https://www.nj.com/weather/2023/10/nj-weather-snowy-winter-forecast-hereswhat-accuweather-predicts-for-2023-2024-season.html Melisurgo, L. (2023b, October 19). NOAA’s Winter Forecast: Here’s The snow outlook for the N.J. region.

NJ.com. https://www.nj.com/weather/2023/10/noaas-winter-forecast-heres-the-snow-outlook-for-the-njregion.html NOAA, C. P. C. (2023, October 19). 2023-24 U.S. winter outlook: wetter South, warmer North. https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/2023-24-us-winter-outlook-wetter-southwarmer-north Trascasa-Castro, P. (2023, February 6). Four possible consequences of El Niño returning in 2023. Priestley Centre for Climate Futures. https://climate.leeds.ac.uk/four-possible-consequences-of-el-nino-returning-in2023/

Eco-Anxiety

Calm, T. (2023, April 17). Eco-Anxiety: 5 Tips to Help You Cope With Climate Anxiety — Calm Blog. Calm Blog. https://www.calm.com/blog/eco-anxiety-coping-tips New APA Poll Reveals That Americans are Increasingly Anxious About Climate Change’s Impact on Planet.

(2020, October 21). The American Psychiatric Association. https://www.psychiatry.org/newsroom/newsreleases/climate-poll-2020 Raypole, C. (2020, September 23). Climate Change Taking a Toll on Your Mental Health? How to Cope With ‘Eco-Anxiety.’ Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/eco-anxiety#whos-at-risk Yale Experts Explain Climate Anxiety.

(2023, March 13).

Yale Sustainability. https://sustainability.yale.edu/explainers/yale-experts-explain-climate-anxiety

Basic Food Waste Information People ShouldThink About

Barrett, J. (2020, May 12). Why Won't My Banana Decompose in the Landfill? Zero Waste Wisdom. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.zerowastewisdom.com/post/why-won-t-my-banana-decompose-in-thelandfil Food Recovery Hierarchy. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://images.app.goo.gl/UTpfuhjDfyHh8FWu8.

Food Waste | The Nutrition Source | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (n.d.). Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Retrieved October 10, 2023, from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/sustainability/food-waste/ Preventing Wasted Food Across the Food Supply Chain. (2022, April 8). NRDC. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from https://www.nrdc.org/bio/nina-sevilla/preventing-wasted-food-across-food-supplychain Preventing Wasted Food At Home | US EPA. (2023, June 14). Environmental Protection

Table of Contents

53

The TRAIL

Works Cited The Frightening Reality of Fast Fashion in Halloween

Everything you need to know about waste in the fashion industry. (2022, February 20). Good On You. https://goodonyou.eco/waste-luxury-fashion/ Fairyland Trust. (2019). Halloween Clothing & Costumes Survey 2019.

Halloween spending soars as celebrations near pre-pandemic levels. (2021, September). National Retail Federation. Retrieved October 27, 2023, from https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/halloweenspending-soars-celebrations-near-pre-pandemic-levels Marsh, P. (2017, October 20). #SewSpooky campaign aims to reduce cost and waste from Halloween costumes.

Envirotec. https://envirotecmagazine.com/2017/10/20/sewspooky-campaign-aims-to-reduce-cost-and-wastefrom-halloween-costumes/

The Pathway To Net-Zero

Lewis, M. (2023, June 21). Rutgers University is still a trailblazer in parking lot solar. Electrek. https://electrek.co/2023/06/21/rutgers-university-parking-lot-solar/ Current status and potential solutions for a ... - rutgers https://climatetaskforce.rutgers.edu/wpcontent/uploads/sites/332/2021/05/20210427_TownHall_optimized.pdf

university.

(n.d.-a).

YouTube. (2013). YouTube. Retrieved October 16, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=4cJ08wOqlocLinks+to+an+external+site.

YouTube. (2013, June 4). Alex Laskey: How behavioral science can lower your energy bill. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cJ08wOqloc

Our Food, Our Impact

Bailey, L. (2020, November 16). Tips on eating sustainably as a college student. The Climate Change Review. https://www.theclimatechangereview.com/post/tips-on-eating-sustainably-as-a-college-student Cook’s Market at Rutgers Gardens. Rutgers Gardens. (n.d.). https://rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu/cooks-market/ Ferrer, A., & Dennis, D. (2022, July 16). “Food deserts” impact New Jersey residents amid efforts to ease crisis.

ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/US/food-deserts-impact-jersey-residents-amid-efforts-ease/story? id=86937601 Jersey Fresh. (n.d.-a). What is Jersey Fresh. findjerseyfresh.com. https://findjerseyfresh.com/JerseyFresh/facts Jersey Fresh. (n.d.-b).

What’s Available. findjerseyfresh.com. https://findjerseyfresh.com/JerseyFresh/availability Lee, H. (2020, February 19). Bee’s Wrap Food Wrap 2020 Review | Zero-Waste, Eco-Friendly Alternative for Saran Wrap. The Reduce Report. https://www.thereducereport.com/home/2020/2/19/beeswax-food-wrapsreview-2020 Proposed Food Desert Community List. (2022). Retrieved October 12, 2023, from https://www.njeda.gov/wpcontent/uploads/2022/01/NJ-Food-Desert-Communities-Designation-Proposal-List-January-2022-1.pdf.

Seasonality Chart. (n.d.). Jersey Fresh. Retrieved from https://findjerseyfresh.com/JerseyFresh/availability.

Table of Contents

The TRAIL

54

Works Cited The American Climate Corps: Training American Youth to Tackle Climate Change

Baker, L. (2023, February 27). Where Do Ticks Go in the Winter? AZ Animals. Retrieved October 7, 2023, from https://a-z-animals.com/blog/where-do-ticks-go-in-the-winter/ Climate Change Indicators: Lyme Disease | US EPA. (2023, July 21). Environmental Protection Agency.

Retrieved October 7, 2023, from https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-indicators-lymedisease Lindsey, R., & Dahlman, L. (2023, January 18). Climate Change: Global Temperature | NOAA Climate.gov.

Climate.gov. Retrieved October 7, 2023, from https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understandingclimate/climate-change-global-temperature Lyme disease - Symptoms and causes. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved October 18, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lyme-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20374651 Tick-Borne Diseases: Department of Health. (2023). Rhode Island Department of Health. Retrieved October 7, 2023, from https://health.ri.gov/disease/carriers/ticks/ Ticks - MN Dept. of Health. (2022, October 20). Minnesota Department of Health. Retrieved October 7, 2023, from https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/tickborne/ticks.html

The American Climate Corps: Training American Youth to Tackle Climate Change

FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Launched American Climate Corps to Train Young People in Clean Energy, Conservation, and Climate Resilience Skills, Create Good-Paying Jobs and Tackle the Climate Crisis. (2023, September 20). WhiteHouse.gov. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefingroom/statements-releases/2023/09/20/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-launches-american-climate-corpsto-train-young-people-in-clean-energy-conservation-and-climate-resilience-skills-create-good-paying-jobs-andtackle-the-clima/ McDaniel, E. (2023 September, 20). Biden is unveiling the American Climate Corps, a program with echoes of the New Deal. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2023/09/20/1200483937/biden-climate-corps-jobtraining

The Spooky Side Of Halloween

Biscotti, L. (n.d.). Scary Sugar High From Rising Halloween Candy Prices. Forbes. Retrieved October 20, 2023, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/louisbiscotti/2022/10/24/scary-sugar-high-from-rising-halloween-candyprices/?sh=40454cb6f73f Brinkmann, H. (2021, September 21). Thinking about burning those leaves? Don’t. Here is what’s better for you and the environment. FOX Weather. https://www.foxweather.com/learn/leaves-and-your-health Fine, C. F. and C. (n.d.). Halloween waste is a “major issue” for climate. Here’s how to be more sustainable this year. USA TODAY. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2022/10/17/halloween-wastesustainable-environmentally-friendly/10527614002/ Is Burning Leaves Bad For the Environment? - Conserve Energy Future. (2021, June 25). Www.conserveEnergy-Future.com. https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/burning-leaves-bad-for-environment.php The spookiest thing about Halloween? The waste. (2021, October 30). Marketplace. https://www.marketplace.org/2021/10/29/the-spookiest-thing-about-halloween-the-waste/ Table of Contents

55

The TRAIL

Works Cited A Fan’s Take On Bob Dylan And His New Album: Shadow Kingdom

Bob Dylan Forever Young Album Cover. (n.d.-a). Discogs. Retrieved 2023, from https://www.discogs.com/release/6441213-Bob-Dylan-Forever-Young.

Bob Dylan Shadow Kingdom Album Cover. (n.d.-b). Discogs. Retrieved 2023, from https://www.discogs.com/release/27269730-Bob-Dylan-Shadow-Kingdom.

Giles, J. (2015). Planet Waves Album Cover Bob Dylan. Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved 2023, from planet waves bob dylan.

Nashville Skyline Album Cover. (n.d.). Retrieved 2023, from https://www.google.com/url? sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fbobdylan%2Fposts%2Fback-cover-mexican-nashvilleskylinelp%2F10162440949685696%2F%3Flocale%3Des_LA&psig=AOvVaw2RI5wCaAI9Wko2NMh29QHW &ust=1698387390436000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBAQjR xqFwoTCMiOoa2UlIIDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD. Sherburne, P. (2022). Simulation Swarm Album Cover. Pitchfork. Retrieved 2023, from https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/big-thief-simulation-swarm/.

California Sues Big Oil People of the state of California v. Big Oil. California Governor. (2023, September 16). https://www.gov.ca.gov/2023/09/16/people-of-the-state-of-california-v-big-oil/ Attorney general Bonta announces lawsuit against oil and gas companies for misleading public about climate change. State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General. (2023, September 16). https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-announces-lawsuit-against-oil-and-gascompanies

Table of Contents