Sustainable Farming

 I believe that one of the most major elements of sustainable farming is environmental protection. There are several different threats that farmers need to protect their crops from. One being water pollution another is pesticides. If there is pollute water, it can soak into the soil and pollute the crops. Pesticides can also pollute a plant, or pollute the water that is given to a plant.
I do not buy organic or naturally labeled foods. The costs of these alternatives are too high for a college student to live a sustainable life. Also I personally feel disconnected to the food system. I have not kept track in the chemicals being used to help with preserving foods. I do not know what kind of conditions I am going to inherit cause of all these chemicals being used.

If there were space on campus to grow vegetables on campus, I would definitely take the opportunity and grow my own. I could save money and have a bite to eat when I was hungry.

Global Environmental Issues

I believe one of the most pressing global environmental issue we are facing us today is land degradation. Land makes up 29% of the earth and humans can only in habit land which means we have to take care of what we have. Run-off, acid rain, and landfills are just some examples of what is causing harm to our land.

If a wealthy benefactor gave me a $100 billion to address a global fund I would allocate the money accordingly. I would give money based on the importance of the issue. The world is not just dealing with one issue so giving 100% to one cause would be selfish.  

The Corkscrew Sanctuary

This past Tuesday I went to the Corkscrew Sanctuary which is a National Audubon Society sanctuary located in southwest Florida. One very distinct ecosystem we experience during the trip was the Cypress Dome.
The Cypress Dome contains Balled and Pond Cypress which are protect because of extensive logging that took place in the 1940’s and 50’s. Conservation relating to the environment basically means protecting the environment from any types of harm, or waste that can cause harm. Stewardship relating to the environment means being responsible for the environment if you affect the environment in any way.

This sanctuary is protected through a non-profit organization. The role for this organization is not only to help preserve the land but help inform people of the importance of these ecosystems.
Civic engagement ties to this sanctuary because companies and residential areas are always looking at expanding. These companies do not know the importance of the ecosystem and how much it really does affect their own life’s.

The proper role of the government would be to protect Corkscrew Sanctuary and more ecosystems that share the same mission for future generations to learn about.

FGCU Campus Nature Trail

Today I went on the FGCU Campus Trail walk. The university has about 400 acres in land set aside for environmental preservation. FGCU strives to be a sustainable school by applying and teaching students about going green and being sustainable. The trail was pretty interesting it has a lot of life and a lot history embedded in its roots. Being able to see all the life like, wood pecker holes, snail eggs, poison ivy, etc. It shows the effort FGCU is trying to take to make a more sustainable and natural college. 

Turnips are an invasive species.

Snail eggs

When it comes to FGCU’s mission to eco-empowerment I believe there taking all necessary steps to help students understand the meaning of nature. By providing a preserved eco system and requiring students to take colloquium and other natural science classes FGCU is helping students understand the role of nature the troubles they pose to nature.  

Being Sustainable

This fall semester I will be taking University Colloquium. My expectations for this class are as followed: Understanding the purpose of nature and how it entails to my life. Also trying to understand why I have to take another environmental class.

What does sustainability mean to me? I believe it means using the resources you have now in a sufficient matter without harming the environment. In my future carrier as manager I think having to the use the limited resource I have to maximize my output is how it relates to being sustainable.  

One thing I do that I find very unsustainable is me driving to school when it is clearly a bike a ride away. If I at least road bike twice a week I could lower my ecological footprint and increase my health.