High points in the Colloquium class would definitly have to be the field trips. I loved them all and got something invaluble from all of them. I really enjoyed being in the nature and learning about the environments in Florida. There seemed to be a feeling of hope in all of our field trips like the Corkscrew sanctuary and ECHO. I thought ECHO was one of the most beneficial times in my FGCU career just because it has inspired me to incorporate that into my future in some form or another. I also enjoyed the discussions in class I thought all of the students really enjoyed them and were really involved in all of them. Even though this was a mandatory class it seemed as though the students were totally involved and present at every class.
Some downsides to this class were... the amount of work is just a bit. Well it is a lot, maybe just because it was a 6 week course, but I thought that everything put together was a bit much. Maybe not have the group project, or have half the journals. Or possibly limit the papers to 750 words instead of 1500. It was the only thing that discouraged me about this class, or the thing that I really didn't want to be comitted to.
The last thing that I didn't really enjoy about this class or that was difficult was the negative outlook it had. I mean, if the world is really in this bad of shape then okay, but is there any good news? I could have used more about what we are doing to help these situations that our world is facing. Again it is probably because of the 6 week class and there isn't a lot of time to share multiple view points or talk about all information encompassing all of the topics. Honestly though I left the classroom most times feeling a bit depressed. I still got a lot out of everything, and just by feeling that it is easy to see that I was involved and cared about what we talked about in class. Overall it was a very interesting class that I feel I learned more in than any other class at FGCU. It will probably be the most beneficial class that I take while I am enrolled in FGCU.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Journal 17
This class has helped me so much in a way that will benefit my future and has given me more of an idea of what I wish to do in the future. I am an education major and my goal has always been to help teach people to lead good lives that show concern for others. Now I find that in helping the environment and educating about the environment we are indeed helping others and caring about others welfare. This has been a class that has given me a lot of reflection time and time to understand what God's purpose on this earth is for me. Although I cannot truly say what I will be doing when I am done with school, I know that I have been given a heart that cares for the environment and for people. In combining both of these it can be something that benefits people in ways more then just an average american classroom can do. This has just given me more of a passion and more drive to do what I want and to be successful in my profession, not by means of money but means of what others can get from me.
I still hope to teach in a third world country and to teach people how to live sustainable lives even in the conditions that may be rather difficult. Also to teach people to be concious that every one of their consumption decisions has some sort of impact on the environment is really important to me. I hope this will benefit not only my life but the lives of those around me.
I still hope to teach in a third world country and to teach people how to live sustainable lives even in the conditions that may be rather difficult. Also to teach people to be concious that every one of their consumption decisions has some sort of impact on the environment is really important to me. I hope this will benefit not only my life but the lives of those around me.
Journal 16
Some things that could help reduce my reliance on energy and help promote conservation are...
I am going to start with my car. I really do drive everywhere, and I rely on my car for so much, which I really don't always need to do. There are times that I can use public transportation. This year I will be in Coastal Village off campus. It would be very easy for me to just get in my car and drive to class, however there is a shuttle that I can take as well. I will most definitly be doing this.
Also, I have spent so much time watching television and using the computer. I have made a recent effort to do much less of this. One thing I will be doing is completely limiting my television watching to sporting events which sounds pretty funny but that is so much electricity that I will not be using.
I am going to start paying the extra price for the food without pesticides and chemicals at the grocery store. All of the talk in class about what is made out of corn and how this country is so set on this sugar and greese diet. I am going to be eating healthier and that is going to benefit me and the local producers.
It is tough because all of this is so individual in the scheme of things it really does not make a difference. However, it may affect others decisions to do the same and then all we can hope for is a chain reaction of sorts. This will help in my efforts of promoting conservation.
Also with conservation I will be spending more time doing service at places like ECHO. Here I can help benefit nature, people, and myself. I think that the essence of promoting is doing service that others can help with or see. If people see the hard work that others put in then maybe they will be compelled to do more.
Finally I hope when I am out of school that my job promotes in one way or another environmental sustainability. I hope that people can see the benefits of a healthy environment and what human activities are doing to cause the earth harm.
I am going to start with my car. I really do drive everywhere, and I rely on my car for so much, which I really don't always need to do. There are times that I can use public transportation. This year I will be in Coastal Village off campus. It would be very easy for me to just get in my car and drive to class, however there is a shuttle that I can take as well. I will most definitly be doing this.
Also, I have spent so much time watching television and using the computer. I have made a recent effort to do much less of this. One thing I will be doing is completely limiting my television watching to sporting events which sounds pretty funny but that is so much electricity that I will not be using.
I am going to start paying the extra price for the food without pesticides and chemicals at the grocery store. All of the talk in class about what is made out of corn and how this country is so set on this sugar and greese diet. I am going to be eating healthier and that is going to benefit me and the local producers.
It is tough because all of this is so individual in the scheme of things it really does not make a difference. However, it may affect others decisions to do the same and then all we can hope for is a chain reaction of sorts. This will help in my efforts of promoting conservation.
Also with conservation I will be spending more time doing service at places like ECHO. Here I can help benefit nature, people, and myself. I think that the essence of promoting is doing service that others can help with or see. If people see the hard work that others put in then maybe they will be compelled to do more.
Finally I hope when I am out of school that my job promotes in one way or another environmental sustainability. I hope that people can see the benefits of a healthy environment and what human activities are doing to cause the earth harm.
Journal 15
The video reflected the opposite viewpoint as the article. I was more on the side of the video considering the way that we burn through this "non renewable resource" then it makes sense that we would hit peak oil. Also, when it was predicted in the 70's that we would hit peak oil in 15 years, it happened. So why would predictions be so widely criticized now that the world may hit peak oil? It isn't a big surprise now that some of the lesser developed nations are beginning to develop their oil retraction abilities. Most of the time it is happening at the peoples expense of the country because developed nations are trying to find ways to get oil from other countries. It was really crazy to see how so many wars have been based out of oil trade problems or consumption problems. To see that Darfur was a problem stemming from oil and the difference in cultures was unbelievable. Also to see how the US has totally taken over the oil fields in the middle east and has had plans drawn around those oil fields from the beginning is pretty sickening.
This is why I wrote in the last article that I really didn't care about whether or not we were going to hit peak oil. I can let the people worry about that who can actually do something about it. I honestly have no control over whether or not we use more oil or are able to find more oil. All I want is this world, not country but world, to become less dependent on oil alltogether. I cannot stand what the guy said about our country and having a God that, " I don't care who you worship, Budda, Jesus Christ, Allah, you really worship oil". I can't stand it because it is so true in a sense. All of these religions call for living out your daily lives in a way that glorifies your God. Well every single day we are dependant on oil and everything we do usually comes down to some sort of oil product. Most people even rely more on these products then they do on a higher being. It really is something that just gets to me knowing that oil is this product that runs a country. Just like our country runs on materialism this world runs on consumption of oil in one way or another. There could be so much more peace in this world if we could learn to lead lives that weren't so focused on consuming. I hope we hit peak oil man. It's gonna suck. But I hope it happens. I sound like an idiot for saying that but it really just gets me that heated that I do not even want to think about it.
How great would it be if the United States could start the world off in using cleaner technologies. We always have to be the hero in every situation whether are motives are good or not we love getting in other peoples business. How about we use our incredible country full of innovative personalities and creative people and use it to lead the way in getting the world off the reliance of oil. Like we said in class, let's focus on using oil for the things that really need it. We have the ingenuity and the power to come up with ways to use green technology to make products that don't necessarily need oil use that green technology.
This is why I wrote in the last article that I really didn't care about whether or not we were going to hit peak oil. I can let the people worry about that who can actually do something about it. I honestly have no control over whether or not we use more oil or are able to find more oil. All I want is this world, not country but world, to become less dependent on oil alltogether. I cannot stand what the guy said about our country and having a God that, " I don't care who you worship, Budda, Jesus Christ, Allah, you really worship oil". I can't stand it because it is so true in a sense. All of these religions call for living out your daily lives in a way that glorifies your God. Well every single day we are dependant on oil and everything we do usually comes down to some sort of oil product. Most people even rely more on these products then they do on a higher being. It really is something that just gets to me knowing that oil is this product that runs a country. Just like our country runs on materialism this world runs on consumption of oil in one way or another. There could be so much more peace in this world if we could learn to lead lives that weren't so focused on consuming. I hope we hit peak oil man. It's gonna suck. But I hope it happens. I sound like an idiot for saying that but it really just gets me that heated that I do not even want to think about it.
How great would it be if the United States could start the world off in using cleaner technologies. We always have to be the hero in every situation whether are motives are good or not we love getting in other peoples business. How about we use our incredible country full of innovative personalities and creative people and use it to lead the way in getting the world off the reliance of oil. Like we said in class, let's focus on using oil for the things that really need it. We have the ingenuity and the power to come up with ways to use green technology to make products that don't necessarily need oil use that green technology.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Journal 14
Basically this article spoke about how we are not doing our best to get what we can out of the earth. We are not being efficient enough and we our thoughts of running out of oil, or hitting peak oil is well overexaggerated. In reading this article it didn't make me any more pleased with the situation that we are currently in involving our crude oil. This was supposed to make people feel better that developing new technologies would allow us to tap into resources that we never really understood existed before.
This still doesn't help our reliance on crude oil or say that we are looking at reducing our use of it in the near or far future. In fact, we are just looking at spending more and using more in the future. So I guess I should be at ease knowing that we should not run out of oil by the end of the 21st century. Well that has never really been what I have worried about. How we use it and the ammount we use has always been what has bothered me so this doesn't put me to ease whatsoever. This is just worse, knowing that we can burn through more oil until the end of the 21st century, that is if there is still a humanity to burn through it!
This still doesn't help our reliance on crude oil or say that we are looking at reducing our use of it in the near or far future. In fact, we are just looking at spending more and using more in the future. So I guess I should be at ease knowing that we should not run out of oil by the end of the 21st century. Well that has never really been what I have worried about. How we use it and the ammount we use has always been what has bothered me so this doesn't put me to ease whatsoever. This is just worse, knowing that we can burn through more oil until the end of the 21st century, that is if there is still a humanity to burn through it!
Journal 13
There is so much to reflect upon the trip to ECHO it was just such an overwhelming trip in a way for me. I was able to see sustainability in a whole different light. Not just one that talks about limiting cars emissions and getting sun panels for a roof. This was sustainability in the purest and cleanest sense. Using nature to keep a natural cycle. I thought it was really neat how they used the ducks to send "food" to the tilapia pond. I actually have had so many experiences that related to this field trip it brought back a lot of memories and stimulated a lot of new ideas. I have traveled to places such as Belize, Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Uganda all on service trips and I have seen environments such as these. In ALL of these places they could have used many of the techniques and animal and plant life. In Uganda I saw conditions that were very dry but also had the ability to grow in the winter months. Also, with the dry conditions they showed what was possible to do using carpets and tires which was unbelievable. In Belize, Uganda, and Haiti I was in classrooms just like the one they had set up at ECHO. All of these places could have used the "Miracle Plant" with many of the children suffering from malnutrition. Also, there was a plant that could help rid people of Worms and this was also a huge problem in all of these countries. In the Dominican Republic I witnessed an entire village living off the pure scrappings of a dump from the main city of Santiago. Some people used the items in the dump to eat, others used them to sell. Either way, I could see that the seeds ECHO has as extremely beneficial to a place like that. They could continue to sell the items from the dump but they would have good healthy plant life to eat.
Clean water was a huge problem in all of these places as well. In Haiti people would get water from a river that ran up the mountains and into the ocean. This river was used for bathing purposes and for waste. People swam in and drank this water. There is a huge problem with children getting diseases that cause extreme diarreah and exauhstion. The water saving techniques from rain and clean water from the "miracle plant" and also cleaning from the plastic bottles was just amazing to see and could be implemented in the mountain villages that I visited.
Finally, being at ECHO inspired me for my final project to try and come up with a curriculum for third world country students that could teach them the base courses of education like math, science, reading, and writing all while learning about sustaining their lives in a healthy way. Educating children is one of the most necessary things to focus on in the world if we plan on making any sort of difference in the world's very bleak future. If we could get a curriculum or area of study that could teach kids, and in turn they could teach their parents, it would be such an amazing thing and could send waves throughout the developing world. I have already filled out my application to go back and learn more because I know my future will involve understanding these concepts and putting them into practice somewhere. It was great.
Clean water was a huge problem in all of these places as well. In Haiti people would get water from a river that ran up the mountains and into the ocean. This river was used for bathing purposes and for waste. People swam in and drank this water. There is a huge problem with children getting diseases that cause extreme diarreah and exauhstion. The water saving techniques from rain and clean water from the "miracle plant" and also cleaning from the plastic bottles was just amazing to see and could be implemented in the mountain villages that I visited.
Finally, being at ECHO inspired me for my final project to try and come up with a curriculum for third world country students that could teach them the base courses of education like math, science, reading, and writing all while learning about sustaining their lives in a healthy way. Educating children is one of the most necessary things to focus on in the world if we plan on making any sort of difference in the world's very bleak future. If we could get a curriculum or area of study that could teach kids, and in turn they could teach their parents, it would be such an amazing thing and could send waves throughout the developing world. I have already filled out my application to go back and learn more because I know my future will involve understanding these concepts and putting them into practice somewhere. It was great.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Journal 12
The trip downtown was truly an entertaining one. I have been downtown before but not for an extended period of time. It was interesting to see all of the things that the small area had to offer from restaurants to theaters. It was also cool to see how they are trying to preserve the history of southwest florida there with things like the steam boat and the arts building that keeps that culture that so many places seem to lose. I thought this field trip was good to experience for the simple fact of knowing that there is an actual city in Fort Myers, not that it was just the area that people come to retire to.
This was also good for the class because even though this University Colloquium is very interesting, the work load can get to be a lot at points so it was good to have a day to really just enjoy the environment that we were in. Also it was great for getting to know eachother which we don't really get to do in classrooms of any sort nowadays. I thought that some of the environmentally sustainable techniques that the city was using was pretty interesting such as the parking meters that were solar powered. Or the small restaurants and shops that the city was able to invest in and then in turn the businesses would invest in the city and it's people.
I can now say without a shadow of a doubt that I can navigate my way through the downtown are of Fort Myers so that is also a good thing just in case I ever want to go there. Finally, it was cool to see how invested the students were in the class just based on the competition of the whole thing. Every group competed to win that "scavenger hunt" even if it was for one point of extra credit, so you can see that all of the students really enjoy the class and put effort into what they do for the class.
This was also good for the class because even though this University Colloquium is very interesting, the work load can get to be a lot at points so it was good to have a day to really just enjoy the environment that we were in. Also it was great for getting to know eachother which we don't really get to do in classrooms of any sort nowadays. I thought that some of the environmentally sustainable techniques that the city was using was pretty interesting such as the parking meters that were solar powered. Or the small restaurants and shops that the city was able to invest in and then in turn the businesses would invest in the city and it's people.
I can now say without a shadow of a doubt that I can navigate my way through the downtown are of Fort Myers so that is also a good thing just in case I ever want to go there. Finally, it was cool to see how invested the students were in the class just based on the competition of the whole thing. Every group competed to win that "scavenger hunt" even if it was for one point of extra credit, so you can see that all of the students really enjoy the class and put effort into what they do for the class.
Journal 11
In Gardner's articles he talks about using cultural values to market sustainability. Using things that are beliefs or general acceptances by one culture and gearing it towards making it relevant to the environment. Well, if there is one thing I have learned in Colloquium, it is that we can make the environment relevant in basically any situations. Gardner talks about using Spirituality and Faith of people towards realizing the benefits of being environmentally friendly and sustainable. In a poll he provided, it showed that 62 percent of people said that religion had some effect on what their belifs were when it came to environmental sustainability. This makes sense, that peoples beliefs shape the way that they think about the world. And I agree with Gardner, that there should be some way that religion can help make people aware of their surroundings and how to become "citizens of the earth". The only thing I put into question is that in no way should religion be made into this media exploited idea where people try to use religion without the basis of respecting it as well. Unfortunately, people in the United States don't usually stick to their religious beliefs. They say they do, but according to the holy books of their religion such as the Bible, Koran or Tanak, they would most definitly be doing things that oppose what they say. No culture according to any of these books would be based on consumerism... Individualism, Do what you can to get to the top, make more money, spend more, the more you have the wealthier you are. No religion would say this. That is why I would think it would be almost impossible in the United States to break this mold of consumerism and consumption through Religion. Distractions are what this country runs on and if we were to make religion, or spirituality part of these distractions then it would lose that incarnatal qualities that make it so great. People already lump in religion with culture when really faith should be something that is what culture is based around.
One thing I do agree with by Gardner, not on the religion, but on the taboo aspects of culture. If we can, and we already have in some ways, make aspects of unsustainability taboo to our society then people would begin to move towards sustainability. This culture is so obsessed with what everyone else thinks with things like clothes and cars and jewelry. If we could somehow using the media harness this idea of making environmentally friendly ideas as "in" or "cool" then this could be the revolutionizing technique to help the save the worlds ecosystems. The new generations are obviously the ones who will be dealing with the worst of our environmental problems, so if we can start to engrain these ideas of what is good for the earth is good for people, then they will grow up with that. They will understand from the point of when they are youn what is okay and what is threatening to the environment. Then businesses and corporations would not only be based around these ideas but it would become somewhat of a second thought. It would be just normal behaviour, and that could be truly beneficial for the world.
One thing I do agree with by Gardner, not on the religion, but on the taboo aspects of culture. If we can, and we already have in some ways, make aspects of unsustainability taboo to our society then people would begin to move towards sustainability. This culture is so obsessed with what everyone else thinks with things like clothes and cars and jewelry. If we could somehow using the media harness this idea of making environmentally friendly ideas as "in" or "cool" then this could be the revolutionizing technique to help the save the worlds ecosystems. The new generations are obviously the ones who will be dealing with the worst of our environmental problems, so if we can start to engrain these ideas of what is good for the earth is good for people, then they will grow up with that. They will understand from the point of when they are youn what is okay and what is threatening to the environment. Then businesses and corporations would not only be based around these ideas but it would become somewhat of a second thought. It would be just normal behaviour, and that could be truly beneficial for the world.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Journal 10
Will a Capitalistic Free-Market Economy always optimally allocate resources? Has it ever? I don't think that at any point in our economy's history it has optimally allocated it's resources, but it's not like anyone is perfect. I recently watched a special on the "Daily Show With John Stewart" and they had Lewis Black on speaking about the Free Market Economy. In a very sarcastic but informative segment he spoke about all of the recalls that there have been within the last several months including Spaghetti O's, Toyota, Kellogs, Tylenal and even Macdonalds kids meal toys. Not only was it a big deal that these things were being recalled for very dangerous reasons, but it was the fact that the companies had knowledge of these dangers for some time before the recalls. In Toyota's case it was almost two years before the recalls. In tylenol's case it was over a year before the recalls. Even the Red Cross has been fined over 21 million dollars over disputes on products they have been distributing within the last year. Basically the point was that these groups were trying to make money. Not saying that all companies are going to try to lie their way to the top, but when people know that others are cheating and doing anything to get there, what is the sense in stopping them? Just like steroids in baseball a large amount of players of this era were using steroids. Other players realized they needed a leg up too and if the other guys weren't getting caught then why not use them? Then it all came to a head and blew up in everyone's face. Lets just hope our "I'll get mine" economy won't get exposed for what it really is. I wish people could just run their businesses with a general set of morals. Also, I am not saying Lewis Black is right, I just thought it was pretty interesting.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Journal 9
The video from National Geographic was very interesting and I really enjoyed some of the things that they suggested for us to protect the future of the planet and the nature. Once again this video displayed things that were all interconnected into one large problem. In essence, we are destroying our planet, and people either don't see it, or don't realize it, and may not care to. I suggest that people re-think this however, considering their planet, people, and lives in some cases, are at stake. This is what I think the whole issue in global warming and climate change, well, the acceptance of it at least is caused by. Stubborn people. Why should I care if the caribou in alaska are dying off? I've never seen them, don't care too. So that really isn't a big deal right? Wrong. With this video we can see that all of these things in the climate are affected, by earths rising temperature year to year. I hear, "well that is just climate change, not global warming, it's a cycle". I cannot stand that. Why all of a sudden after all of the years of earths existance, would we be seeing this drastic change in such a short period of time. Why can't people understand that their actions do impact people across the world, and they do impact themselves.
"I've never visited Africa, but in fact changes there are affecting us in the Carribbean" The last line of the video. I really wish that all people could just see some educational videos and be convinced that something drastic needs to be done to help the world survive, or at least life survive. In class we talked about what measures would need to be taken to help certain aspects of our downturning ecosystems and it was determined that we need to seek for a way to profit off of fixing the planet. That is rather ironic I think. Figure out how to turn a profit by reducing the way we lavishly spend and abuse the worlds goods. I however think it will be more about a sacrifice of the people. Problems with that? Well first, many developing countries that are now becoming more developed will not want to listen to what we have to say about how we have abused this world and that they should limit what they're doing accordingly. Second, people would never be willing to make the sacrifice. I really hope I'm wrong when I say this but, due to the standards of living people in developed countries expect, it will be almost impossible to change their thought process of "cultural norms" which has been engrained in their brains from birth.
Of course it will always be about, "how can I benefit from this? If I am not experiencing the effects of this then it must not be true, all of the scientists are liars!" or something like that... Either way I have very little hope in mankind, because, for whatever reason, we cannot seem to wrap our minds around the fact that we are not invincible and we cannot have everything we want. Sacrifice. It supposedly is what this country was built on. But it truly seems to be lost in this new culture we live in. I'm not talking individual sacrifice, but a collective sacrifice. People think the American dream is about paving your own way, being individualistic, and getting to the top at all costs. Well here is the problem, not everyone can get to the top. So, why can't people accept the fact that they must sacrifice part of their lifestyle in order to save a world that is reaching closer and closer toward total chaos and impossible living conditions? Because they are too concerned with their car payment, or crappy job, or home life to really care about the big picture. In the end the only real way to get people to care about the ending result is to actually confirm that they will be helping their bank accounts by restoring the earth. I wish we all could just tune into an Edward Norton voice-over documentary and be convinced that we should rethink some major cultural acceptances. Until then let's figure out a way to make some green by being green. Oh yeah, and the video confirms that mosquitos do and will always suck. Maybe we should just get the caribou some 100% deet "OFF!"
"I've never visited Africa, but in fact changes there are affecting us in the Carribbean" The last line of the video. I really wish that all people could just see some educational videos and be convinced that something drastic needs to be done to help the world survive, or at least life survive. In class we talked about what measures would need to be taken to help certain aspects of our downturning ecosystems and it was determined that we need to seek for a way to profit off of fixing the planet. That is rather ironic I think. Figure out how to turn a profit by reducing the way we lavishly spend and abuse the worlds goods. I however think it will be more about a sacrifice of the people. Problems with that? Well first, many developing countries that are now becoming more developed will not want to listen to what we have to say about how we have abused this world and that they should limit what they're doing accordingly. Second, people would never be willing to make the sacrifice. I really hope I'm wrong when I say this but, due to the standards of living people in developed countries expect, it will be almost impossible to change their thought process of "cultural norms" which has been engrained in their brains from birth.
Of course it will always be about, "how can I benefit from this? If I am not experiencing the effects of this then it must not be true, all of the scientists are liars!" or something like that... Either way I have very little hope in mankind, because, for whatever reason, we cannot seem to wrap our minds around the fact that we are not invincible and we cannot have everything we want. Sacrifice. It supposedly is what this country was built on. But it truly seems to be lost in this new culture we live in. I'm not talking individual sacrifice, but a collective sacrifice. People think the American dream is about paving your own way, being individualistic, and getting to the top at all costs. Well here is the problem, not everyone can get to the top. So, why can't people accept the fact that they must sacrifice part of their lifestyle in order to save a world that is reaching closer and closer toward total chaos and impossible living conditions? Because they are too concerned with their car payment, or crappy job, or home life to really care about the big picture. In the end the only real way to get people to care about the ending result is to actually confirm that they will be helping their bank accounts by restoring the earth. I wish we all could just tune into an Edward Norton voice-over documentary and be convinced that we should rethink some major cultural acceptances. Until then let's figure out a way to make some green by being green. Oh yeah, and the video confirms that mosquitos do and will always suck. Maybe we should just get the caribou some 100% deet "OFF!"
Journal 8
Another intriguing article from Majory Stoneman Douglas about the speculation and awe into the beginnings of man and their migration throughout the continents, mainly North America. Although he cannot be certain for most of his writing in what he assumes was the origin of the North American man, evidence surely points in the direction of his "painting" of the journey of man. I really enjoyed the author's side notes where he sort of gives life to the evolution and migration of man. Speaking of groups making the trek across Asia to the North American continent, and their food sources giving explanations for the make up of the texture of the continent. People burning forests and fields to trap animals for food. What kind of animals? Well he gives insight into that as well when speaking of ancient Native-American legends and dreams that speak of animals long lost in the history of modern man, burried somewhere between the layers of recycled land and uplifted shores. The origin of Florida and that no one is really "native" to the Americas. If it is true, then no human life actually began in the western hemisphere. It was simply evolved from other cultures and upright walking species in Asia and Europe.
One interesting thing is that the author Majory Stoneman Douglas, wrote these two articles "nature of the everglades" and "People of the Everglades" to convince the government that the Everglades should be perserved as a National park. People argued that this area wasn't some beautiful geyser, or eroded rock canyon that could explain any real significance to its existance and the existance of life around it. Douglas, rather, convinced them that the area should be named a national park and preserved to keep the history and mystery of Florida alive. Native cultures thrived off of the land as she explains in her article "people of the glades" and it was a vital role in the beginnings of life on the North American continent. It seems that history, however mysterious and doubtful our research is, was greatly impacted by the Everglades, and that deserves recognition.
One interesting thing is that the author Majory Stoneman Douglas, wrote these two articles "nature of the everglades" and "People of the Everglades" to convince the government that the Everglades should be perserved as a National park. People argued that this area wasn't some beautiful geyser, or eroded rock canyon that could explain any real significance to its existance and the existance of life around it. Douglas, rather, convinced them that the area should be named a national park and preserved to keep the history and mystery of Florida alive. Native cultures thrived off of the land as she explains in her article "people of the glades" and it was a vital role in the beginnings of life on the North American continent. It seems that history, however mysterious and doubtful our research is, was greatly impacted by the Everglades, and that deserves recognition.
Journal 7
I'm not too positive about what to say on the Majory Stoneman Douglas article, "The Nature of the Everglades". There were parts that I thought were interesting but more or less it was not as intriguing as the other articles and videos we have experienced. One thing that was pretty unbelievable was to be given an unbelievable picture through the writing of the author. Whether you have experienced the Everglades or not, this writing gives such a detailed description that you can picture every part of the Everglades in your mind. It was a very peaceful article which I think the author did to give the feel to what the actual Everglades is all about. A wide expanse of nature living together in a very mysterious manner that has baffeled people about the reason for it's existance in the first place. I enjoyed how the author related all the parts of the Everglades showing that every part is necessary and intricate in keeping the ecosystem alive. From the sun and rain, to the unseen rock below, the article relates every aspect to one another.
In relating everything, I thought it was interesting to see how big of an impact all of Florida has un this fragile ecosystem. Starting from the lakes and "unknown creeks and rivers" in northern Florida all the way to the outlets into the oceans, the entire state plays some sort of roll in keeping the Everglades alive. When talking about the rainy and dry seasons, it made me think of all of the information we have received on the polution of our rivers and lakes which gets poured into our oceans. If the Everglades rely so much on the water traving from streams and rivers, then how much are we destroying the ecosystem there? Vast plant and animal life depends on the marshes and tall grasses provided by the Everglades, and it is not a stretch to believe that all life there is being affected not only by pollution, but by development and trapping. It is interesting to read however, that it is almost impossible for a man to make his way to the middle of the Everglades into the tall sawgrass, and be able to find his way back out. It is almost like there is a natural protection against any sort of development that people don't even have the means to destroy the environment because of the natural barriers.
In a way, it is a beautiful and intricate ecosystem, but to people, it is just a place that cannot be used for some sort of consumption, so it goes "under the radar" so to speak. Is there anything that humans really want from the Everglades? I'm sure the flora and fauna aren't offended that we don't think their habitat is useful. In fact, I'm sure their completely okay with it.
In relating everything, I thought it was interesting to see how big of an impact all of Florida has un this fragile ecosystem. Starting from the lakes and "unknown creeks and rivers" in northern Florida all the way to the outlets into the oceans, the entire state plays some sort of roll in keeping the Everglades alive. When talking about the rainy and dry seasons, it made me think of all of the information we have received on the polution of our rivers and lakes which gets poured into our oceans. If the Everglades rely so much on the water traving from streams and rivers, then how much are we destroying the ecosystem there? Vast plant and animal life depends on the marshes and tall grasses provided by the Everglades, and it is not a stretch to believe that all life there is being affected not only by pollution, but by development and trapping. It is interesting to read however, that it is almost impossible for a man to make his way to the middle of the Everglades into the tall sawgrass, and be able to find his way back out. It is almost like there is a natural protection against any sort of development that people don't even have the means to destroy the environment because of the natural barriers.
In a way, it is a beautiful and intricate ecosystem, but to people, it is just a place that cannot be used for some sort of consumption, so it goes "under the radar" so to speak. Is there anything that humans really want from the Everglades? I'm sure the flora and fauna aren't offended that we don't think their habitat is useful. In fact, I'm sure their completely okay with it.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Journal 6
4.28... That is the number of earths it would take to support life if everyone lived the way that I do. I suppose there are many ways that I can do better when it comes to decreasing my Ecological Footprint... however, due to the nature of the country that I live in I do not think I could completely reduce it down to one earth. In fact, I'm positive that it is impossible for me to live where I live and conserve enough to have the Ecological Footprint of one earth. I am telling you that through my travels throughout the world and living in very different conditions, I would not have a problem doing it. But where then, can I find a home that is smaller, with solar panels, low-flow shower heads, water saving toilets, and close enough to a grocery store, school, and work, that I can walk to all of those places? I honestly can tell you I would do it. And I have made sacrifices to live life differently and I STILL use 4.28 earths. I can tell you right now that I don't have a piece of clothing from after 10th grade, or that wasn't given to me freely like tee shirts from FGCU.
I can honestly say the only place I can really make improvements (according to the website) would be with my food intake. It is the only area that wasn't significantly less then the worlds average. And I hate to compare to the worlds average because I know even at my current status I am over using and abusing earths resources. As of right now I do eat meat usually once every one or two days whether it is a sub sandwich or chicken and rice, or pepperoni's on my pizza, I see that I can cut down on the meat consumption. Also, I am going to try to go to the Immokalee farmers market more often. It is an awesome place and it would help to reduce my ecological footprint. Overall, I just find it extremely difficult to live how one person should live in the current country, city, community that I live in. Any suggestions?
I can honestly say the only place I can really make improvements (according to the website) would be with my food intake. It is the only area that wasn't significantly less then the worlds average. And I hate to compare to the worlds average because I know even at my current status I am over using and abusing earths resources. As of right now I do eat meat usually once every one or two days whether it is a sub sandwich or chicken and rice, or pepperoni's on my pizza, I see that I can cut down on the meat consumption. Also, I am going to try to go to the Immokalee farmers market more often. It is an awesome place and it would help to reduce my ecological footprint. Overall, I just find it extremely difficult to live how one person should live in the current country, city, community that I live in. Any suggestions?
Journal 5
My current residence is in a neighborhood in the Estero community. It is just like all of the other "cookie cutter" neighborhoods around the area but this one is just a little different. It is very quiet and there is a lot of respect between the residents of the area. There is a lake that I love to go to and it is a very relaxing place. Whether it is swimming in the pool that overlooks the lake or kayaking on it, it's just a very peaceful place with a lot of cool areas of nature. I usually read in the mornings and I like to go to the pool when no one is out there in the morning and just chill. There is something calming about being outside. Maybe it's because there are no distractions like television, the internet or computer, and homework?
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Journal Entry 4
Erik Assadourian’s article was actually something that has been running across my mind quite a bit lately. Will the United States ever be able to break this mold of consumerism? It really is all in our heads, how we perceive things, things that we want, not what we need. I think about my uncle who absolutely loves things. Yes, things, a boat, large house, movie theatre, nice cars, and I wonder, would he ever be able to change his lifestyle? What would people think if they went to their local grocery store and it was “out” of salmon for the day, or didn’t have any fresh ham? I can picture it now, a mid-thirties Caucasian woman, getting ready to buy the meal to make for her family (not saying woman make all of the meals or they are always white, this is just what I’m picturing) and the guy working behind the deli counter tells her “no, sorry mam, that shipment is coming in next week, but would you like to try today’s meat of the day? A delicious honey glazed ham, killed today!”… Outrage. She asks for the store manager, yelling about how she should be able to buy salmon, or chicken, or cow, or pig, any time of the week! Yes, that is how it goes in my head, I don’t think we can do it. As Assadourian says, consumerism has become so engrained in our heads, such a part of our culture, there is no turning back now.
The only way I see it, and apparently Erik Assadourian sees it, is through education. We must begin educating our youth as to what is necessary for a healthy lifestyle and what is not. We need to explain to people that they are being bombarded with images and ideas every minute of every day and that they need to be aware of it. This exposure that we are getting as a human nation to products and consumption is killing our planet. Of course we need outfits for every day of the month, or year. And of course we need a car for when it snows, and for when its warm, and when we have to drive a lot of kids, and one to tow the boat, and one to haul the big rocks and lead around that we need because we are doctors. It is all about a mindset, a culture, which I do not believe we will be willing to break. What is so wrong about wearing a shirt twice or three times in one week? People will say that is gross, and that is our culture, saying that it is wrong or different. Unfortunately it is not really the fault of the people entirely that they are buying and buying and buying. How would they know better when that is all they see growing up? It is unfortunate. I will do my part and educate my kids, and if I am a teacher one day my students. Maybe if people are drowning or displaced people will start to take notice? I hope it doesn’t have to come to that, but who knows. It took an earth quake that killed 200,000 people for the outside world to notice the people of Haiti. We’ll see I guess.
The only way I see it, and apparently Erik Assadourian sees it, is through education. We must begin educating our youth as to what is necessary for a healthy lifestyle and what is not. We need to explain to people that they are being bombarded with images and ideas every minute of every day and that they need to be aware of it. This exposure that we are getting as a human nation to products and consumption is killing our planet. Of course we need outfits for every day of the month, or year. And of course we need a car for when it snows, and for when its warm, and when we have to drive a lot of kids, and one to tow the boat, and one to haul the big rocks and lead around that we need because we are doctors. It is all about a mindset, a culture, which I do not believe we will be willing to break. What is so wrong about wearing a shirt twice or three times in one week? People will say that is gross, and that is our culture, saying that it is wrong or different. Unfortunately it is not really the fault of the people entirely that they are buying and buying and buying. How would they know better when that is all they see growing up? It is unfortunate. I will do my part and educate my kids, and if I am a teacher one day my students. Maybe if people are drowning or displaced people will start to take notice? I hope it doesn’t have to come to that, but who knows. It took an earth quake that killed 200,000 people for the outside world to notice the people of Haiti. We’ll see I guess.
Journal Entry 3
My favorite place on campus has to be on top of parking garage 2. It looks over the field heading toward Ben Hill Griffin Pkwy, and also toward the first year housing buildings. I really just enjoy clearing my thoughts up there on a run or walk. Really any of the parking garages are pretty cool at the top just to see the campus and how the buildings and nature sort of just reside together. Whether or not we are doing a good job of conserving the marshes and forests, from the top of the garage, it all seems pretty peaceful and that its coinciding nicely. By the way, I would have said the lake if there weren't so many gigantic houses staring me in the face when I'm over there, seeing as I don't plan on (won't have the sufficient funds) to live in a mansion like the for the entirety of my life. And I'm just fine with that.
Journal Entry 2
Currently my “sense of place” is appreciative of the physical place I have been put in, in Fort Myers. I really do enjoy all of the nature and beauty that Southwest Florida offers. Whether it is kayaking or simply walking to class it really is an experience every moment I get to spend outdoors. This makes me aware of my surroundings and has kept me interested in learning about my surroundings. I did the reef restoration program at Lovers Key State Park and learned a lot about what the school is doing to help the water quality and ecosystem in our area. Also, I recently took marine systems which has gotten me extremely interested in our ecosystem and how literally all parts of nature are connected in some way. Just like the video from class, you get rid of the wolves and everything else suffers, well that is not the only place where removing one step in a very large and complex staircase ruins the nature around it. I have been attempting to not only live a life that doesn’t pollute the environment, but one that restores it as well.
Journal Entry 1
I did not have many expectations for this class coming into it. I did not hear a lot about whether it was a good or bad course. All I really knew is that it was about the environment, and maybe a bit about FGCU's ideals concerning the environment. Having attended the first class I think I know a little bit more about what to expect from this class. I want to know what are truly environmental concerns. What the facts are and who has "the best" facts. I don't like being lied to about what animals are dying, what chemicals are or are not hurting the environment, and how much the sun is going to warm the planet in the coming years. I want to see facts, physical evidence, and statistics on what is happening, and what we as citizens of earth are doing to either hurt it or help it. Also, if I am going to be doing this much work, I might as well learn something while I'm at it right? Oh, and I do care about the sea-turtles professor Muldoon so we can agree to disagree on that one.
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