Campus Trail and Field trip

         On a rainy yet hot and muggy day we had a mini class exploration to the campus trail.  Although I am not a huge fan of hiking and being in the woods, it was interesting; at least for half of it.  I enjoy the peacefullness that nature brings and the serenity however sometimes that can be disrupted.  Halfway through the trail was a muddy mess.  I wore rainboots and even those had water overflowing into them causing my feet and pants to get soaked.  It wasnt that bad however lightening started in the distance which had me a little nervous, I dont like to get in the way of mother nature.  On the trail mostly what we saw were different species of plants and one main one pointed out was the "leaves of three let it be" (poison ivy) which actually I had never encountered before.  The other interesting thing on the campus trail was the hardwood hammock.  This was the most interesting part of the trail although we saw it towards the end of class so everyone was eager to leave therefore it was only briefly touched on. I ended up going back to the hardwood hammock so see for myself.  I brought homework out there and just decided to enjoy the breeze and see what nature really did have to offer.  I noticed a sense of peace in which allowed me to sit with my own thoughts and reflect.  Overall I thought the the trail walk was necessary.  Going to a University that is huge on sustainability and has so much to offer it would be crazy to graduate from Florida Gulf Coast without experiencing all it has to offer and to educate myself on how I could better the world. 
          The next class we took a field trip to Fort Myers beach to visit the cottage and learn about matanzas pass.  I thought this field trip was very interesting and the lecture before hand about the history of the cottage with intriguing.  The walk down the boardwalk was one that I had never experienced.  Walking through what we mostly talked about was the mangroves that took over each side of the boardwalk as we walked towards the overlook to see the water.  This was beautiful and enlightening.  We also took a walk down to the beach in order to show us both sides.  The beach is something that I am very familiar with growing up in south Florida and therefore is always a good time. 

Degrowth

Degrowth is the intentional contraction of overly inflated economies.  It can be achieved many ways in which include discouraging overconsumption, raising taxes, shortening work hours and informalizing certain parts of the economy.  This high level of economic consumption is putting unbearable strain on the Earths ecosystems which we need to live.  The main way to achieve degrowth is by reducing the overall consumption.  Everyone needs to take it upon themselves to lower their own ecological footprint.  change takes the effort of many not just one person.  Why is it that some people feel they can sit back and ride on the coat tails of the others doing all the work to sustain our enviornment?  It takes a great amount of education and awareness in order to implement change.  We need to increase human well-being and enhance ecological conditions.  I think this course is very good at integrating a lot of different topics and ideas into one large category of sustainability which is needed in order for this planet to have a future.  It all goes back to the idea of making resources available in order to lessn the likelihood of enviornmental collapse. 

Green Economy

         The green economy promotes growth that can improve the lives of people economically, environmentally and socially.  It is an economy that is concerned with being environmentally sustainable, socially just and locally rooted.  Environmentally sustainable in which we create a economic system that resects the ecosystem since we depend on the Earths natural resources.  Every person on earth depends on healthy ecosystems to sustain their lives.  Socially just that ensures all people have a decent standard of living.  Locally rooted based on meeting the needs of citizens in individual communities.  

         A green economy improves growth in income and employment by investments that reduce carbon emissions, pollution, enhance energy and resource efficiency and prevent loss of biodiversity.  The green economy is a new vision that allows for creative solutions to multiple problems that the world faces by linking people and the planet.  

         We are in a time where environmental degradation is a major concern and causing economic problems.  The idea of a green economy has give us the opportunity to create green jobs which allow for increase in economics with environmental protection.  The green economy invests, protects and restores our ecosystems and biodiversity in order to secure their services for the people of today and the future.  The idea of a green economy effects economics in the fact that it will drive investments towards restoring the environment to allow for better quality of life.  

         I believe that a green economy will eventually take over and will provide massive growth by stimulating economic progress, increasing jobs and at the same time reducing global threats.  However I do believe that at the moment there is a lack of awareness and understanding.  In order to avoid collapse of our world it is important to wean the economy off its current practice and try something new.  

Corkscrew swamp sanctuary

We took a field trip to the Corkscrew swamp sanctuary which was actually really interesting.  While walking on the boardwalk we saw different habitats which I thought was really cool and our guide did an excellent job of explaining things along the way.  One of the most interesting things was seen right on our way, something called the living machine.  After everyone used the restroom we were taught how that system actually works and I think the process is really neat how it mimics nature and its natural water restoration rather than artificial water treatment.  Another really interesting thing I thought was how the sanctuary does its own controlled fires in some of the habitats to mimic nature with less intensity.  The wildlife seen depends on time of year, weather and time of day and also the amount of time you have to visit the sanctuary however we did see plenty of birds and insects and even an alligator of fairly decent size.

 I thought this was one of the most interesting photos and sites as it shows all 3 habitats seen on the tour where they merge.  

This was the one alligator that was seen on the trip and it was very exciting since it was big and we were able to see it in its natural habitat.

The 11th Hour

This film basically discusses the main topic of global Warming much like an Inconvenient Truth as well as  other problems facing are planet.  Many people overlook all the devastating problems that are facing our planet.  I am one to blame as well for being somewhat selfish and worrying about myself, my life and current situation instead of future generations.   After watching the film, since it focuses on how humans are contributing to the destruction of earth and its natural resources, I think it is extremely important to become aware and conscious of nature and how to preserve it.  In all films relating to this topic it shares suggestions and solutions on how to repair the damaged planet and changing our ways. I believe these suggestions should be taken into consideration and utilized. I think it is important to help save the world and do things that are environmentally friendly for our own sake.  It is important to me to take part in these things because I feel that although others may not partake, which has contributed to the planets decline, I am doing everything possible to make a difference and perhaps one day we will see the effects of our efforts.  The film has a strong message and definitely deserves to be heard.   

An Inconvenient Truth

I think overall the film, An Inconvenient Truth was good.  It’s a very good educational film and the topic discussed in the film is imperative.  However, I didn’t like the way it was organized and presented which was sort of in lecture form as it presents Al Gores speeches made around the world. 

In an inconvenient truth Former vice president AL Gore voices concerns on the very controversial issue of global warming.  The documentary focuses on the changes that can be made worldwide to help alleviate the crisis.  The film focuses on true facts about the disaster, consequences and its effects on the environment.  As we all know global warming is a very debated subject and is something that is sometimes overlooked.  This film helps put things into perspective and shares how individual efforts can help protect Earth and its future generations.  I think it is important for everyone to see this film.  I remember watching this film a while back and many people thought it was done for as a political issue.  However, it brings up good points and dispels myths associated with global warming. 

The film definitely wastes no time in eliciting fear as this climate threatens life as we may know it.  In my opinion global warming is a major disaster that everyone should be aware of.  If it continues on the path it is now and current rate there will be frequency in harmful weather condition, kill off glaciers, dry up lands, and kill off many species.  Even after watching this however, I am still skeptical about the topic.  I do believe that it can surely lead to life changing events however I still believe that the planet goes through cycles of cooling and warming and if global warming were to occur the damage is already too far done.  

ECHO field trip

Hunger is a problem worldwide that needs to be recognized and is something to be concerned about.  Many people are dying every minute when others that don’t deal with the issue are not even acknowledging the fact that it exists.  That’s why ECHO and its efforts are a tremendous step in helping people all over the world especially those that are less fortunate and economically unstable to stay well nourished.  What better way is there to help than in such a practical way.  The circumstances that people in third world countries are facing are overwhelming especially for the farmers.  So many how does ECHO make a difference?  They simulate conditions found worldwide and are able to teach those less fortunate how to work around those conditions to grow food.  They take real life situations and teach people how to survive off those conditions.  There are 3 main things that ECHO does which is educate /train, network and provide seeds.  I think ECHO’s efforts are incredible.  It is so nice to see such passionate people put in hard work for little in return except for pride and accomplishment.  You always hear about people asking why you are wasting food when there is people starving somewhere in the world.  Now that I have visited  ECHO it  puts things into perspective, gives that statement meaning and its something I will change.  It was shown to us on the tour that simple kitchen scrap could help feed worms which in turn help grow agriculture. 

This was a picture of the barrels in which we learned were able to allow energy to be made through the emissions

It was  here that we learned how goat manure was important and could be used as a fertilizer to help those in 3rd world countries grow food.  

 The farming tour was extremely interesting.  My favorite part was to see how many different ways there is to filter water, which can save peoples lives.  It’s amazing what you can do when all else fails.  The things they had set up to show us how people that are economically unstable can filter water, have agriculture, water plants, cook and make use of all the resources around them were eye opening.  These are all problems that us who live in the United States don’t have to deal with yet others do everyday.  I think it is great that those in the third world countries can be helped and taught to use all their supplies to a maximum and to make work with what they have.  It is the littlest things in this country that we take for granted and when looking at the efforts of ECHO to help stop world hunger it really puts things in perspective and allows me to be empathetic.  After the tour, it makes me realize that resources we take for granted are extremely valuable and its important to start making change and help for the better.