Coming to an End

Taking this Colloquium course has been a wonderful journey! The field trips, class discussions, lectures and presentations had a great impact on me. I feel like I have learned more in this course than in any other course I have taken throughout the my college years. The most important thing I took from this course is how to live a more sustainable lifestyle; as well, I feel like I am more aware of the things that harm this Earth and how to avoid giving into those habits. Overall, I am really glad I took this course at the time I did. I believe that the instructor really makes a difference in the way information is taught and presented. Personally, the methods that were used in this course to inform the students about unsustainable practices complemented my learning style. I had the opportunity to go out in the wilderness and experience rather than just hearing about it through class lectures.

Ed Begley: Environmentalist & Actor

After watching an Episode of “Living with Ed”, I was fascinated with the creativity this actor showcased for living a more sustainable lifestyle! Ed Begley explained how he produces energy with a bicycle each morning to make his breakfast toast. In just 10 minutes of pedaling, he generated enough power to make his toaster heat up. This actor also has his own green garden and solar panel system right in his own backyard. Watching this actor was so entertaining; I really respect his motives for going green. Furthermore, I think he is setting a great example for all his viewers around the world, especially for those who are materialistic. As I watched this episode, I also thought to myself that this is a form of Entertainment Education, where good messages are being transmitted to the audience! I believe he is making a big difference by just being a role model. I am sure people that watch this show learn a lot about “going green”. It is almost like he is making this sustainable living a trend; that’s fantastic because it is just what America needs to learn!

Putting Sustainable Habits into Effect

I am really excited about trying out the “green market” in Fort Myer’s Centennial Park. After learning that shopping locally is one of the best ways to cut down on importing and exporting costs as well as pollution, I decided to adopt this habit into my lifestyle. After being informed that this market was available every Thursday from seven in the morning till two in the afternoon, I made a note on my planner to visit this destination. Also, after looking up this farmers market online, I was also pleased to find out that they are open year round; that is very convenient! The online article also mentioned that this market has fruits, flowers, vegetables, native plants, palms, flowering plants, baked goods, local seafood, and ethnic specialties available. I had no idea they would carry such a wide variety of items. This news was so practical, I spread the message to my parents and got them on board as well! Hopefully they will spread the message to their friends; eventually, if the demand is strong enough, they might offer some more “green markets” closer to my home!

FGCU Environmental Club

Now that this course has come to an end, I feel that is important to become involved with organizations and clubs that are working towards creating a more sustainable living. As I was searching though the FGCU portal, I stumbled upon one club that correlates directly with educating and teaching people how to live more sustainably. Their club name is called the Backyard Farmers and their mission statement is as follows, “To educate about the importance of growing your own food and to start a demonstration garden/food forest on campus.” I look forward to joining this club soon, as well, I am really glad that I found out about it now so I can spread the message to more people on campus so hopefully they will join as well! From the looks of it, this club sounds like they can really make a difference! By joining, I hope I can help the club grow stronger. I am surprised I haven’t heard of it sooner.

Entertainment Education for Sustainabilty

After completing my third paper for this course, I learned of a new concept that is very effective for shaping people’s behavior into a more sustainable direction. A Mexican television executive named Miguel Sabido initiated the idea of Entertainment Education. Basically, through this approach, subliminal messages were showcased to the public through soap operas. After learning about the E-E approach, I was very surprised to learn of the positive results it yielded, as well, it was clever because it still used a marketing approach, the only difference was that the message was more educational. As well, beyond being educational, the message was appealing and informational at the same time. By using actors, people could identify with the characters and judge whether their actions were right, wrong, useless, or irrational. In essence, it turned out that modeling is a key way to shape the habits of people into a more positive way of life.

Billy Bowlegs

After learning about this Seminole Indian on the field trip to down town Fort Myers, I decided to do some more research on him because his story completely fascinated me! From what the professor mentioned on the trip, he seemed like a sharp witted man that used his mind rather than violence to solve problems and outwit the Confederates! I admire those character traits. From what I found online, everything the professor mentioned about Billy was confirmed, he was a clever leader that always found a way to persevere! However, I hate how his story ends, the professor mentioned that eventually Billy ended up dying on a reservation in Oklahoma probably from drinking himself to death. Although he was a strong man, I could understand why he would succumb to such drastic measures, there was no quality of life anymore; his title and everything he loved was stripped away from him.

Going Downtown: Fort Myers!

Today’s field trip was very informational; I had no idea Ft. Myers was one of the first forts built along the Caloosahatchee River! As well, I found it to be very interesting that Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Harvey Firestone were all friends; it is so cool to know that some of America’s greatest inventors were actually buddies. Beyond all the interesting facts I learned today, I feel that this tour of downtown Fort Myers really helped me build a sense of place. It gave me goose bumps listening to all the wars and racial hate crimes that occurred right where I live. Lee County is my home and this land has been through a lot; as well, Florida has come a long way from where it used to be. I am glad for that; however, I was still shocked to find out that we were one of the last counties in the United States to desegregate schools, even more shocking is that it wasn’t too long ago! If I have learned anything from this field trip, it is that we must all learn to live in peace and respect one another. In addition, as a future educator, I must bring awareness to my future students so they will be informed responsible citizens as well.

Service Learning: Day Two

Today, service learning was bit more difficult; the workload just felt more strenuous. However, I knew that creating a fire line with my rake was very important for preventing a fire from getting out of control. Basically, my job was to rake as much dry brush from the ground so only three feet of dirt was visible; by doing this, it contains the fire in one spot and creates a boundary. Also, I am glad that I was completing this task with a group, if not, I would have been very sore! Overall, the day went well. After we made a fire line, we chopped down some Melaleuca trees. I feel really good about the progress I made today, in total I chopped down about eighteen Melaleuca trees, that is a personal best record for me! As well, I know the environment will benefit from this accomplishment because one less invasive plant leads to a healthier Florida habitat.

A Land Remembered

The author of A Land Remembered did a great job of depicting the old Florida. I really liked how he described the land as a wild, lush habitat that thrived with native pine trees, swamps and rivers. I also enjoyed this author's style of writing; his in depth knowledge really brought to life the characters and setting in the story. All the destinations discussed throughout the book brought insanely detailed images in my mind, it is amazing how the author's words can do that! As well, I think what helped me visualize these places was that I already had some background knowledge for most destinations such as the Tamiami trail and the Everglades. Overall, this book discussed how three generations of MacIvey men gradually altered their environment in the pursuit of making a decent living for themselves and their family. For me, the message was clear, in the end, we will regret stripping Florida of its natural beauty.

State of the World Presentations

Today’s presentations for the State of the World 2010 textbook were very insightful and informational! When I first started reading the chapter titles outlined in the beginning of the book, I thought to myself “What do these topics have to do with sustainability?” After listening to everybody’s presentation, the topics really clicked. Religions, Education, the Media, and the Government all affect the way people think and function in everyday life. One of the hot topics which really hit home for me was religion, as a Christian, I can see how sometimes messages delivered by pastors can be misconstrued by the audience. Or worse, people may understand the principles of their religion, yet, they still act upon materialistic customs. I really liked the quote the professor introduced during the class discussion, “What would Jesus drive?” I thought this was a clever statement because it reminds people that Jesus was not materialistic, so if you want to be more like him, live within your means and nothing more. As well, focus on helping others and not yourself.

Service Learning: Day One

This was my first visit to the Caloosa Girl's Scout Camp and I must say, it was a very nice visit. I really enjoyed viewing all the nice houses and trails along the way to my destination, also, I noticed that the grass was really green on this side of Fort Myers. I figured there must be more nutrients in the water, but either way, it sure makes the landscaping look really nice. During this trip, I learned a lot about what a forest ranger does and why their job is so important. Basically, they help Florida maintain it's natural order, which is very important for sustainability. Overall, my experience was very nice, I really enjoyed the ranger's humor throughout his speeches; it makes learning a lot easier! In addition, I am glad that I was able to make a difference by chopping down some invasive plants today. I sure got a good workout!

Changing Social Marketing

For my presentation this week, I was assigned the chapter titled, “From Selling Soap to Sustainability”, in this section, the authors Jonah Sachs and Susan Finkelpearl discussed how Americans completely revolutionized consumerism in the 1950’s by shifting marketing approaches to an identity based system. Essentially, people are driven to purchase items they aspire to be associated with. Overall, the product is supposed to make the person look classier and trendy. As an American consumer, it is difficult to think about the effects I have on the environment due to my purchasing decisions. Furthermore, I am aware that most of the purchases I make are influenced by the ideas I have about the product; therefore, I am a victim of identity-based marketing. However, now that I am aware of my ecological footprint, it is safe to say that I will definitely only limit myself to consuming thing I need rather than want. It is a small step, but it makes a big difference in the long run.

Sustainable Habits

Now that I am more aware of how I affect the environment on a personal level, I researched some ways on how I can reduce my ecological footprint. I came across a website called Ethical Consumer and in it, they featured an article titled 5 Ethical Shopping Tips. This article discussed alternatives as well as suggestions for achieving more sensible consumption practices. Of those five suggestions, there were two tips that really appealed to me. The first suggestion was very simple and practical, basically, they recommended consuming less! All I have to do is review the items I consume, determine which ones are unnecessary, and eliminate or reduce the amount I purchase. The second suggestion was to shop locally; by purchasing items at stores that produce local crops, it reduces the amount of gas and pollution spent to export items around the world. Beyond changing my own bad habits, I think it is also very important to spread the message to our neighbors of how we affect the environment. In addition, I would recommend that they actually complete their own ecological footprint survey because it is a real eye opener.

My Ecological Footprint

According to the calculator sponsored by the Global Footwork Network, my ecological footprint consists of six planets and twenty-six global acres of the Earth’s productive area in order to supply enough resources to support my lifestyle. After learning the results of my personal ecological footprint, I was really surprised that the numbers were so high. Furthermore, I was appalled and disappointed in myself because I am killing the planet at such a rapid pace. Completing this survey brought to light all the small things I do on a daily basis that take a huge toll on my environment; I obliterated most of these things from my mind because they are like second nature to me. I rarely even take time to consider the products I am consuming and overall, I ended up making some really bad decisions. Consequently, the Earth has taken a huge toll because of my carelessness.

Lovers Key State Park

This was my first visit to Lovers Key State Park and I must say that this is one of the most “alive” beaches I have ever seen. During my visit today, I spotted plenty of fish, rays, a crab, and a starfish. It was a really great experience because most of these animals I have only seen on television. I was also amazed with the mangrove system that is settled along the shoreline. I had no idea how many benefits come from this plant! Overall, coming to this destination helped me become more aware of why it is critical to monitor the chemicals we leak into the lawns and sink pipes. Everything that is absorbed through the ground eventually runs off into the ocean and damages or destroys the mangroves. I did not really think about this fact until I actually came to this park and saw for myself how essential the mangrove system is to marine life.

American Consumers: The Sad Truth

This video was a big news flash for me, the most shocking thing I learned was how many natural resources we are using on a daily basis and even more shocking was how much we throw out in less than six months! Another surprising factor that I learned was that Americans only take up of five percent of the Earth but we use like thirty percent of its natural resources. That is just embarrassing! As the speaker in the video was pointing out some facts, I realized that I was actually guilty of contributing to the problem. There have been times where I actually bought a product for the sake of having the latest edition; my thinking was that the newest edition would be faster and more efficient. Really, it wasn’t all that faster and it was just as efficient. If I learned anything from this video, it would be stop consuming so much and start reusing items until they can be replaced.

Land Ethics

After reading Aldo Leopold’s Land Ethics, I realized that he made a lot of good points about the narrow mindedness of humans. Perhaps people just choose to be oblivious rather than proactive, but essentially, he pointed out that in order for humans to not destroy the environment, mankind needs a good enough reason. In his article, he exemplifies this idea through a factual scenario, “At the beginning of the century songbirds were supposed to be disappearing. Ornithologists jumped to the rescue with some distinctly shaky evidence to the effect that insects would eat us up if birds failed to control them. The evidence has to be economic in order to be valid.“ As unsettling as this statement is, I realize that it is very true. It is difficult to think about the scope of damage humans are continuing to have on this Earth. It is a selfish manner, but humans will always prioritize themselves before nature.

Depressing Oil Spill Effects

Although I was aware that many animals were going to be affected by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, every time I see something in the media, it still pains me to see the damage it is causing. The Associated Press took the liberty of documenting the destruction of marine life in the Gulf by taking pictures of all the animals covered in oil. For me, learning about something visually has more of an affect; in this case, that is just what happened. After seeing pictures of birds and crabs drenched in oil, as well as dead dolphins, sharks, and fish washed up on shore, it really angered me inside. I wonder if anything is being done to prevent more deaths from occurring. I know that there is nothing we can do about the oil spill because that is already taking it’s course, it should have been prevented long time ago by taking the necessary precautions. With all that said and done, it is too late. But I think we can still save the animals, perhaps we can rehabilitate them in an aquarium until we can find somewhere where they can be relocated and repopulated.


Source:
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Animals-suffer-after-oil-spill/ss/events/sc/052010gulfoilanimals#photoViewer=/100603/480/urn_publicid_ap_org_befc0f8b50a44a05b9788f972a9e2e99

ECHO Fieldtrip

After visiting ECHO, I really felt inspired and motivated because this organization actually makes it possible for regular people like me to help the world become a better place! Basically, this organization works with poverty stricken countries all around the world and educates them how to use their natural resources so they can feed themselves. As I was walking through this site, I was blown away by some of the trees with “super powers” such as the Moringa tree, which has four times the calcium that is found in milk, seven times the vitamin C that is found in oranges, four times the vitamin A that is found in carrots, 3 times the potassium that is found in bananas, and 2 times the protein found in milk. That is amazing, I never knew that such a powerful tree could exist! Overall, I really found sense of purpose in visiting this site and I will definitely complete the remaining of my service learning hours here! There is so much more to be learned, this is a great place!

Earth on Edge Video

Although we didn't get to finish the "Earth on Edge" video in class, I was very intrigued with the information presented. I learned many new things; however, some of the information I already knew and a lot of things that I thought were so were actually not. I am glad this video was presented to us because I ended up learning something and correcting misconceptions I had about the world I live in. One of the most shocking discoveries I made from this video was the fact that planting trees is not always a good thing and can actually harm the environment if it is not native to the land. The main message I got overall from this class session was that no matter how well intentioned man is to better the environment, if the right precautions aren't taken, the effects could be catastrophic.

The Poison Within Us

After reading the article titled, “The Pollution Within”, I was really dumbfounded. I could not believe that all these toxins were being consumed through crops, safety materials and water. As well, I figured that since America has the world’s cleanest water and most revolutionized “safety materials” that it should be free of harmful substances. However, after reading the facts, I realized that we are also the Earth’s biggest consumers of material such as plastic, which, when thrown away and burned creates super toxins which end up in the air we breathe and the water we drink. Once I realized this fact, I understood that deadly toxins are inevitable. Everywhere we go, we are exposed to pollution. The fact that makes this information so scary is that there are probably some toxins within me. It is a sad reality but an issue is only a topic of concern when it affects someone personally.


Source:
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2006/10/toxic-people/duncan-text/1

Field Trip to Corkscrew Swamp

This was my second to trip to Corkscrew Swamp and I am glad to say that actually learned something new! In my first visit, I was just introduced to the different types of wildlife that inhabit this particular swamp and what types of weather conditions can be expected throughout the year. During my second field trip, I learned a whole bunch of very interesting facts I have never heard of before! The coolest of all would have to be that this swamp is actually a “living machine”; that is where water is recycled naturally. The park ranger mentioned that the water used in the facilities goes in chlorinated and comes out unchlorinated, this way, it doesn’t harm the environment. Another cool fact I learned about Corkscrew is that there are actually three different types of biomes in this swamp. They are the Pinewood Flatlands, the Cypress Forest, and the Lettuce Lakes. Beyond learning some new facts, I was pretty excited to have spotted a baby alligator; as well, the park ranger explained that for every 9 inches of length a gator has, that equals approximately one year of life. This particular baby gator looked to be around two to three years old. Overall, I would have to say that it was a very enlightening trip and I am glad Corkscrew is around. As a future educator, I will definitely have this destination noted as a “must see” on my agenda for field trips!

Educational Reflections

After reading the three articles by John Dewey in the Colloquium Reader, I found that I could relate to many views this philosopher stated. Reflecting on the Traditional versus Progressive Education article, there was one statement that really hit home for me, he mentioned “Learning here means acquisition of what already is incorporated in books and in the heads of the elders. Moreover, that which is taught is thought of as essentially static. It is taught as a finished product, with little regard either to the ways in which it was originally built up or to the changes that will surely occur in the future”. As a future educator myself, I understand the point Dewey was trying to convey, basically, he pointed out that telling is not teaching, letting children confront their beliefs through inquiry lessons is the best method to facilitate effective learning.

Vital Seaweed in the Gulf

Before the oil spill occurred, I had not really thought about all the components that were vital to the Gulf Ocean’s fragile ecosystem. I was reading an article titled, “Oil Threatens Key Gulf Algae” and the author points out that algae or seaweed as most people like to call it, is already being destroyed by massive globs of crude oil. The seaweed is so essential because it houses and protects many animals such as tiny shrimp and crabs. In addition, there are so many businesses that are being affected by the spill because there will be nothing to catch in the waters, it will be another dead sea. I don’t seem to see any silver lining. This is oil spill is a catastrophe and I haven’t seen any progress yet.


Source:
http://www.kentucky.com/2010/06/22/1317917/oil-threatens-key-gulf-algae-and.html

Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico

After learning about the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, I immediately thought of all the ecosystems that would be destroyed along the shores of Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and possibly even Florida. What's more alarming to me is that there wasn't an immediate emergency plan set in place in the event that something like this would happen. In my perspective, I feel that it took forever for action to be taken. According to the Miami Herald, it is going to take another 75 days to construct a relief well in order to stop the rig from spilling. This time-line seems irresponsible to me, something needs to be done now. Where are the experts and the people who are supposed to be in charge of accidents like this? So far, they have let me and all the inhibitors of the Gulf Ocean down.


Source:
http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/05/11/v-fullstory/1624620/gulf-spill-provokes-worries-of.html