Moringa, Katuk and Prickly Pear Cactus are on the menu at ECHO

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Mei-Nung Bamboo >

My experience at ECHO this week was very interesting. I had no idea really what ECHO was before we arrived at the facilities and watched the introduction video. After watching the video and seeing the pictures on the wall, ECHO’s overall reaching goal hit close to home for me. This project started in Haiti, which shares an island with the Dominican Republic, a place to which is like a second home to me, as I have done service work there working with children. My experiences in the D.R. are without doubt the most fulfilling and amazing experiences I have ever had in my life. So when I saw the children in the video, my heart truly went out to them and I realized that what ECHO is doing is seriously brilliant. One distinction that Vic our tour guide made is that ECHO is not by any means giving away free aid, rather they are developing and teaching, and there I thought, was a real difference. Not to mention it is a constant on going effort which is so vital for these families in these countries and most importantly the children.

When we actually went out to see the “Global Farm” I really was not expecting what I saw. For some reason I had this notion in my head that I was going to see perfectly manicure crops and gardens, with lush green everywhere and neatness and order. Which is I suppose, my view of “American Agriculture.” And though this was definitely the case in some parts, I was surprised to see that everything was laid out in a way that was actually the opposite of what I was expecting. I saw a lot of brown and dried up plants mixed into where they were growing new green plants, not a mixture you usually see working together. It also seemed to me that plants just kind of grew wherever, mixed with other different types of plants. I was expecting to see…ok this is Moringa over here, that is Avocado over there and so on.

I absolutely think that the work ECHO is doing is totally relevant to the developing world because, like it says in their mission, we are helping by teaching and doing…not giving away and going away. They are teaching these people the skills they are going to need to feed generations and generations down the road. Which I think is so spectacular and really humbling. Appropriate technology is technology that can be adjusted to the specific needs depending on the region you are working in. Being able to bring the right forms of technology in at the right time, and also considering the factors in the environment that make that technology useful.

I think I would want to volunteer for ECHO if I could go and actually be in a country helping. I would want to really feel the effects of the work, not to mention how connected I am to people (esp. children) and I think I would find great pleasure in doing service abroad with ECHO. The only think that turns me off a little tiny bit is how religiously centered they seem. I don’t know why but for some reason hearing “the work of god” or doing “his” work by the means of science and technology, just freaks me out a little bit, and makes me uncomfortable. I am not very religious and I don’t know why but it just seems unnatural to me to be “all about god.”

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Genetically Modified Eucalyptus at FGCU?!

In response to the hypothetical situation where a Biotech company by the name of ArborGen wanting to plant GM eucalyptus plants here at FGCU:

My Statement—First we must take into consideration the ecology of the eucalyptus tree in general. Of the around 700 species of eucalyptus tree that exists, nearly all originate in Australia, with exceptions growing in adjacent areas, places such as New Guinea and Indonesia. As the years have gone on the eucalyptus tree has been cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions including the Americas, Europe, Africa and Indian Subcontinent to name a few. Many of the eucalyptus tree species produce a tree sap, and hence are given the name “gum tree.” There are also such species of eucalyptus that are sought after for their fast growing ability, production and source of wood and oil that can be used for cleaning and even function as a natural insecticide. They are known and applauded for their favorable economic effect on poor communities and also derailed as “invasive water-suckers.”

We must also note the fact that nearly all eucalyptus trees are evergreen, with leaves of varying shape but a consistent color of waxy and glossy green. They are most recognizable for their unique flowers and fruit; flowers ranging from any shade of cream to more pink and rose colorations.

In this hypothetical proposal, ArborGen wants to genetically engineer these eucalyptus trees to have enhanced cold tolerance. The obvious benefits of this technology are simple. We would be able to grow them and cultivate them at colder latitudes, which could mean in turn that rather than having to fly or drive the eucalyptus oils in to supermarkets (around the U.S. and around the world) they could instead be harvested on site, and help to promote local economies. There are some intrinsic and extrinsic concerns to be aware of here. Intrinsically we

would have to evaluate the ethical and economic standpoint. Is this modification getting to a point of obscurity in which we are now cultivating something “unnatural?” Extrinsically we are looking at topics such as human health, will there be relevance? Do we have to worry about allergies and any further health risks to people?

With these questions, come solutions. However, one might argue that the cost to mitigating some of these potential problems would be too high and therefore, not worth it. Ultimately I do feel that the eucalyptus tree offers us some benefits medically, i.e. its oils are known for being a natural antiseptic for wounds and a muscle pain reliever. Eucalyptus oil also stimulates the senses with a cooling effect that rid the mind of depression. It has even been used in skin and dental care. Most interestingly, it is taken by some diagnosed with diabetes, because it controls sugar levels in the body. However far and wide these benefits are, I don’t think that it is completely necessary to make it so that they can grow in colder climates.

I appreciate the farmers of America!

The major elements of sustainable farming include 3 main branches. These 3 include: environmental protection, social responsibility and economic viability. Environmental protecting seeks to keep the air land and water free and clear of pesticide residues and from any fertilizer run off. It seems increasingly important to look out for the health of our ground water, and recharge of aquifers. It is under this first branch of sustainable farming where ecological principles fall. These principles include the care and concern for our environment and ecological systems we live with. Social responsibility deals with the health and safety of the farm workers, and also making sure that the products that they use for crop protection are being used and applied in the proper ways. The last key feature of sustainable farming looks at economic viability which encompasses some rather vague political and cost-benefit analysis elements.

Dr. Durham also took the time to show the class all of the work that goes into his farm from back home in Long Island. I was so amazed by all of the elements of production that add up to the care and keeping of a farm. (His family's is around 30 acres if memory serves.) Absolutely incredible-- I was so impressed with how dedicated his family is to the farm, and it definitely makes me appreciate our hard working farmers all around America and all around the world!

After talking about the scale of farming (sustainable, organic, conventional, industrial) I thought about the types of products I buy. I usually avoid “organic” anything because it tends to be more expensive than just the conventional products. And I would also say that I don’t go out of my way to buy anything that says “natural” either, I guess that is jut a bonus!

I don’t feel disconnected with the current food system. I try to be as in tune with all the nutrition trends but I always stick to my motto of “everything in moderation.”

If space provided at FGCU, I would definitely be interested in growing my own fruits and vegetables. There is a group that has already put that idea into action, because I spent 5 hours digging it up! One day, there will be big trees that grow wonderful tropical fruits. In fact, in thinking about all this, I am even inspired to take on making one at my own residence. I think it would be extremely rewarding to keep up with a garden, not to mention delicious!

Guzzle Guzzle Guzzle

When asked to rank the number one most pressing environmental issue facing us today (according to me) I find it very hard to even narrow down the choices. I think about the issues the world is facing with overpopulation, energy conservation/innovation and resource depletion. These definitely rank high in my book. After today’s discussion in class I really have put the concern for resource depletion at the forefront.

However big of an issue resource depletion is right now, and how much it is going to really become even more of an issue in the future, I’m not really sure how the leaders of our world are going to combat the problem. It goes without saying, that oil is obviously the number one most exploited resource that there is available in the world today. In the colloquium reader, one of the readings mentioned that water was going to be the next resource out of our reach. I think about this, and it scares me because water, and oil are so much a part of our lives that I really question our survival without it. (Definitely no survival without water.)

If I were given 100 billion dollars to address this global problem of resource depletion, I would have to say that I don’t think I could spend it all on one problem. I think it would be exceedingly important to divvy this money up and spread it out over multiple global problems. The money could go to research and making these issues more known. One of the unfortunate truths is that these issues keep getting swept under the rug until the damage done is not only irreversible but also at a point where people somehow someway are suffering.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

The trip to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary was an enlightening and pleasurable experience. I took notes today. Which helped me to be able to remember certain plants that we saw and also help me better understand the reason for this Swamp Sanctuary’s being. There are 2 ecosystems that I distinctly remember from this trip, those are—the Cypress Dome which consisted of pond cypress more towards the outer rim of the dome and bald cypress more towards the core of the dome and the Pine Flat Wood. I have to say that I enjoyed walking through the Cypress Dome the most because, not only was it much more shady, it also seemed to have most of the biodiversity. In the Cypress Dome we saw a number of different bird species, insects and of course alligators! We also saw a variety of unique plant life. Some of my favorite plants to learn about were the Alligator Flag, a plant that has nice big leaves and is supposed to be an indicator of where alligators hang out. I also learned about the Lazarus Fern which appeared to be dying. What was interesting about these little plants is that they are a good indicator of when it has last rained! Though they look dried up and dead now, they will usually spring back to life for up to 8 hours after a rain fall.

But it was not only actually getting to walk through this sanctuary where I learned a great deal about these two ecosystems, I also got to see and learn about what they call the “living machine.” The living machine is a system that was put in place at the facility to purify and clean the water after we use it in the restrooms. “The Living Machine mimics nature because it is a natural water restoration system instead of an artificial water treatment plant. Its innovative aquatic treatment system restores waste water to near-drinkable quality using native, nutrient-absorbing wetland plants and animals. The water that passes through the system is typically more pure than water that comes from municipal water treatment plants. The key to accomplishing this is combining living organisms chosen specifically to perform certain functions and placing them in a contained environment -- a Living Machine.” Now if that doesn’t scream SUSTAINABLE I don’t know what does!

When hearing the words “Conservation” and “Stewardship” I think about the mission of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in their efforts to encourage landowners to take on the responsibility of our natural heritage for future generations by protecting the plants, animals and natural communities through management of the lands and waters they need to survive.

And since the Florida Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a privately owned entity I believe that they have more passion and more control over what they are doing, than would say a federal owned and operated entity. It is important to consider what Dr. Durham said about “like minded people being able to affect change.” To me this simply means that if we as two or three individuals feel the same about a particular problem, we can put all of our passion together and be a strong force that will in turn bring about good change. But to find out that you may share the same views and passions as someone you must be engaged with them first. By this I mean aware of what is going on in our communities and being educated about the proper ways to vote, and the proper ways to become involved.

Trek on a Campus Trail

The first day of class was a long one. The same I think will be true for the rest of the classes from here on out. For the second part of class, we were led by a student environmentalist who took us all throughout campus and eventually all the way through a nature trail starting in South Village.

Before going on this walk, I always knew that FGCU did it’s part with fulfilling elements of sustainability, but I never knew it did as much as what I learned on class Monday. From the design of the pond right down to the boardwalk behind Whitaker. It was interesting to learn that the boardwalk was made of a wood (Pao Lope) that is fire resistant, termite resistant, flood resistant you name it! It was resistant to it.

Speaking of fire resistant, I was surprised to learn that our University, along with many other Floridian Forest preserves, do what is called a "prescribed burn." The student guide pointed out that there were burn marks on some of the trunks of the palm trees. I thought this seemed odd. But what I learned was that these burn marks came from a fire that was ignited with intention. Before this moment, I was under the impression that forest fires were BAD!? So why on earth would FGCU authorize a fire to our beloved nature trails. The answer was beyond what I could have thought...

It turns out that this particular fire was prescribed back in 2004. (Amazing to me that the burn marks were still there!) The reason why this is done, is to keep the trails vegetation and any other preserve area for hat matter, under control. You see, if you let the plants grow and grow and grow, it means that if lightning were to strike and cause a fire, it could absolutely go out of control doing damage unimaginable. But the thought behind the prescribed burns is that we can, to some extent control the fire, making it less likely that and uncontrolled one will occur.

Anyway, back to the Pao Lope-- the termite resistant and fire resistant wood... which, unlike most woods which only last 20 maybe 30 years, this Brazilian hardwood lasts for 50 years.

I also learned that we keep our school very cool in a very sustainable way. On campus, we have a special plant that over night cools down water and then during the day sends that very cool water out under all the buildings through pipes and then blows cool air out into the buildings. Just these two facts alone render FGCU compatible with its motives to be a green campus. But it is not just these two facts alone. I know there is always room to grow in our campus wide efforts, but I’m confident in FGCU’s standards and that this university will continue to be consistent with its eco-empowerment mission.

Fist class of the 6 week semester!

Coming into this class, I have somewhat of an idea of what I’m in for. I expect a crash course in environmentally friendly facts. I also know that this class is a requirement to my graduation and I’m interested in seeing what I can take away from this course. I am also expecting a lot of work and field trips as requirements for this class!

After day one of class, I think I have an improved understanding of what “Sustainability” is, and to me, sustainability is a way for a system to support itself in the long term while working to meet the needs of our fragile environment. Sustainability look forward into the future as well as looking into our past to see why we are in our present situation (whatever it may be.)

Being a Marketing/Spanish major, I think that one day I will be able to help green companies (a market of jobs that is certainly on the rise) market and sell their green products-maybe even in Spanish! I one day want to help people understand the benefits of a collective effort to bring our attitudes and our behaviors into one ecologically sound and sustainable frequency. Right now I think I do about the minimum when it comes to doing my part. I recycle, I unplug gadgets when they are not in use, and I turn off the water when I soap up in the shower. However, after this class I think I will have more of knowledge on what more I can do to be a more environmentally aware individual.