Opinion
Introduction Every parent knows the scene: a long day, tired kids in the backseat, a commute home that feels endless. What should be a time of calm connection often becomes a storm of bickering, overstimulation, and stress. Sibling arguments erupt, seatbelts dig uncomfortably, one child demands pop music while the
Opinion
Have you ever consciously thought about how your wholesome weekend fishing trip really impacts the environment? What about that little path off the main hiking trail leading to a viewpoint for the perfect photo-op–ever consider how the repeated use of these off-shoots harms fragile vegetation and wildlife? Whether we
Opinion
Getting into It Plastic products are an everyday part of life: from the to-go cup of our morning coffee and the polyester in our jackets, to its use in large scale manufacturing processes or medical treatments. Plastics, with their robustness, inexpensiveness, and versatility are certainly a staple of modern life:
Opinion
The subject of plastic pollution raises a broad spectrum of questions. Based on emerging data from microplastics research, the temptation is to frame plastics as an existential threat to us all. While some groups lobby for total or near total bans on plastic production, it is not entirely helpful to
Opinion
Overview Money can be a tricky topic to approach with many people. It is a sensitive thing that requires care as the smallest mistake can cause a person to become defensive. It is often tied to personal values, upbringing, and life experiences, which makes it more than just numbers or
Opinion
Children experience travel in ways that are significantly different from adults. Viewing the world from the backseat offers a unique perspective, especially during key developmental stages. For children, car journeys can evoke a wide range of emotions and present various challenges. Long rides often lead to irritability, creating a stressful
Opinion
This Local Loops capstone project addresses the environmental issue of plastic waste, specifically post-consumer plastic such as single-use items and 3D printing scraps. By working with a community driven circular economy model, centered locally within the Central Ohio area. The initiative explores how design can expand the end-of-life for plastic
Opinion
Low-impact recreation is often described as a way of engaging with the outdoors that leaves little trace on the environment. Activities such as walking, kayaking, or shoreline fishing are typically viewed as quiet and restorative practices that allow people to connect deeply with nature. They carry the connotation of sustainability
Opinion
Imagine you’re on a long car ride, everything is calm, the highway has a soothing tone, and the backseat is quiet. You suddenly hit traffic, the car erupts with noise with a child blurting out, “are we there yet?!”. Then a toddler starts crying after their toy slips between
Opinion
Overview Despite Gen Z’s low income compared to other generations, they travel frequently (Pitrelli, 2023). Rather than waiting until they have high-paying jobs or savings to travel, they make travel fit into their existing budgets. A survey of 4,000 Gen Z students found that 76% consider financial costs
Opinion
Money management has never been a stress-free process, and with all the options now, it can become even more overwhelming than ever. The issues that we are faced with are now presented in a multitude of new ways. When taking a look at online banking apps we can begin to
Opinion
A Problem Hiding in Plain Sight Every generation seems to carry its own kind of struggle. Baby Boomers often talk about building wealth during economic expansion. Millennials recall navigating the Great Recession and a shifting job market. For Gen Z, the weight that lingers behind nearly every decision often feels