Entry # 7: Future of Food

(http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/8/8/9/2/ar12328893529885.png)

After watching, Food. Inc. I decided to conduct a little research on my own favorite snack; Lindt 70% Dark Chocolate. As this is a foreign product, all of the information was slightly difficult to gather, although I was able to acquire an exceptional amount of data from: http://www.lindtusa.com/info-exec/display/faq

I purchased my dark chocolate at the Publix in the Riverchase Plaza in Naples, Florida. It was manufactured in France and distributed in the USA, so it has made quite the long journey into my kitchen pantry. It's made of chocolate, cocoa, sugar, and vanilla. There are no genetically modified ingredients in this snack. The cocoa is grown in West Africa, and the sugar and vanilla are most likely grown somewhere in France. I'm assuming that, considering how my chocolate had to travel all the way from France, in addition to the manufacturing process, an exceptional amount of fossil fuels were used in its production. No water was used to produce my chocolate.

I believe that all of the concepts illustrated in Food, Inc. are exceedingly relevant. Every American should be concerned and aware of what is going on in the food industry because they are the ones who are left to deal with the consequences. I personally don't have a great problem with pesticide use, but I absolutely despise the idea that companies are genetically engineering our food. I undoubtedlly feel that people need to be aware of what's going on in the food industry so we have the opportunity to do something about it, and make the right decisions when it comes to food choices.

Although this film didn't necessarily teach me anything that I wasn't previously aware of, it was definitely useful in my learning. It presented the issues occurring in the food industry very clearly, and reinforced my passion for the problem at hand. People need to be aware so they can take action, and revoke the power from the USDA, FDA, and the corporations.

Entry # 6: Field Trip # 2-Agricultural Area/ECHO

Last Monday (the 18th of January), I completed my ECHO field trip (as well as my service volunteer hours). The day that I decided to take my tour, they were also having a Citrus seminar/testing which I was fortunate enough to be able to take part in.

Between my self-guided tour and my service learning contribution, my experience at ECHO was exceedingly satisfactory. As aforementioned, I got to partake in a Citrus seminar and testing, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The seminar was really educational. I hadn't realized the complexity of citrus farming. The presentation itself included an introduction to the different variety of citrus fruits, or rather, citrus families. It also covered factors such as the best climate to grow citrus plants and diseases that attack citrus plants.

As you will see in the pictures to follow, after the seminar was over, everyone walked over to the citrus farm and begin trying all of the different citrus fruits in order to "rate them" so that it could be determined which was found to be most popular, most acidic, and so on.

Along with the interesting seminar, I was also really impressed by the surrounding area-the entire farm appeared to be very well maintained. I was mostly impressed, however, with the overall concept of ECHO. I believe that a sustainable demonstration farm for third world countries is an excellent cause. The only things I didn't enjoy from this experience were the far drive from Naples, and the fact that I visited right after ECHO experienced a big frost, and a lot of the crops were (as you may be able to visualize in some of the photos) dead/severely damaged.

I will be frank. Prior to volunteering for ECHO, I did not have much planting/gardening experience. Sure, I have attempted to plant some herbs in a pot, as well as tomatoes, but I am by no means any kind of expert on the field. The experience that I did have with planting/gardening, however, left me in belief that it is not easy. The succession rate of my planting experiences were quite pathetic.

I know that an exceptional amount of work needs to go into caring for a plant as simple as basil or thyme, and I cannot imagine having to depend on my own gardening skills (or, have you, lack there of) for survival. That's why I was so captivated by the work that they do at ECHO. They're attempting to show people in third world countries who must, in fact, depend on their own gardening skills to be fed and to feed their families, sustainable techniques that can be used.

Entry # 5: Environment in the News

Modern technology
Owes ecology
An apology.
~Alan M. Eddison

Thinking long term is something that I believe our generation needs to begin doing. I recently read an interesting article in the Naples Daily news pertaining to the environment:

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2010/jan/15/epa-unprecedented-proposal-would-limit-pollution-f/

In his writing, Eric Staats discusses the US Environmental Protection Agency's public proposal of an article that would essentially reduce pollution in Florida's waterways by setting limits on hazardous nutrients in urban and farm runoff (this past Friday).

The EPA is currently accepting comments on the proposal for 60 days, and thus far, the reactions have been mixed, to say the least. Some believe that the article would be a turning point in protecting Florida's waters, while others believe the efforts would simply not be enough. Jim Alves, who is a lawyer representing water and sewage utilities, even believes that the proposal will be costly and ultimately provide no benefits.

My personal opinion in the matter is that any effort to reduce pollution in this world is a worthy cause. Deeming any environmental problem a "useless cause" is a recipe for disaster in the human race, and we need to address environmental issues as soon as possible-while the situation is still under control.

Although the article may impose some short-term expenses, I believe that it has the power to provide benefits in the long run. There are thousands of aquatic species that must be preserved residing in Florida waters, and I certainly do not want to be consuming contaminated water. Some of the benefits provided by the proposal for the future include cleaner water for ourselves and our anscestors, as well as a healthier, more sustainable environment.

I honestly hope that the people responsible for determining the fate of this article share my view: Any little bit we can do now will help in the future.

Entry # 4: Field Trip # 1-Campus and Campus Trails

I completed my first field trip for the University Colloquium course this afternoon. I took an hour and a half walk around the Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers campus and nature trails, and it was a very pleasurable experience. I went at the perfect time (4 pm), and the weather was gorgeous-around 70 degrees, with a slight breeze, and sunny skies.

As I have been to the campus many times before, my impression didn't necessarily change, but I can say that I am definitely more appreciate for the fact that our university is in fact so unique, and located in such a nice area. I had never previously stopped to think how much work went into building the university, nor had I walked the campus trails.

I loved the fact that there are picnic tables and a hammock to relax on inside of the campus trail. I took this field trip opportunity to make myself comfortable on the hammock for about 15 minutes and just listen to the sounds of nature and indulge in the fresh aroma of the wilderness. Needless to say, it was the most relaxing 15 minutes of my day.

I can't recall a dissatisfying aspect of this experience, although I was slightly disappointed that I didn't see any animals. Overall, field trip # 1 was a success and I look forward to some more aesthetically pleasing moments I know future field trips will provide me.

Below are some more interesting pictures from the experience:

Entry # 3: Reflection on "Gifts of Nature" by Richard Louv

"The Gifts of Nature" was a reading that truly spoke to me because I, like Richard Louv, find nature calming, focusing, and exciting. As I have previously mentioned in my journal, when given the time, I truly enjoy being outdoors and exploring different environments. I find peace and tranquility simply by sitting by a nice lake or beach, reading a book. I find great excitement by traveling and seeing the biodiversities in different habitats.

Thus, with my passion for nature, the relationship discussed in Louv's article that children today have with nature, saddens me. In this article, Louv illustrated the various possibilities responsible for the nature of the relationship that modern day children have with the outdoor environment.

Louv believes that today's children are spending too much time indoors, which in my opinion, is undoubtedly accurate. Some of the reasons for this are obvious; such as the lack of time and TV (and the increasing human dependence on technology). But there is also a hidden truth that Louv brings to life-that is (directly quoted from "Gifts of Nature"); "parents, educators, other adults, institutions-culture itself-may say one thing to children about nature's gifts, but so many of our actions and messages-especially that ones we cannot hear ourselves deliver-are different".

I believe Louv is correct in his arguments. Children are in fact spending far too much time indoors, disconnected from nature. I truly think that this phenomenon will have a detrimental effect on society as a whole in the long run; not only in the overall health of the population (as it is clear that today's children are not physically fit), but in our education system, and the way humanity will treat the environment. It is our responsibility, we must do something to change the relationship between children and nature.

Entry # 2: Sense of Place (My neighborhood)

Wendell Berry states that "You can't know who you are until you know where you are". By this, I believe he means that in order for one to experience a full sense of self, one must also have a sense a place and general understanding of his/her environmental surroundings.

I find this quote to be particularly true. Ever since our family moved to this country in 1997, we have lived in the same home, in a wonderful neighborhood in Naples, Florida. As we do not have any other family or relatives in the country, we find great comfort in our home, with one another. I have of course lived in other apartments, and on campus for a short period of time, but have moved back into my parents' home for the mean time in order to save money and such until I graduate next Fall.

I take daily jogs around my neighborhood and spend a great deal of time outdoors. Below is a photograph of a bench in front of a lake near my house where I have always found a great sense of place and peace, where I often come to read or simply pass time:

Some elements of green design/sustainable living that I believe my neighborhood has is that it offers an environment that allows for some biodiversity. For example, there are various other lakes/canals located throughout my neighborhood in which you occasionally may spot alligators, turtles, ducks, swans, herons, etc.

Also, as visible in the photographs below, there is quite an abundance of vegetation throughout my community. My neighbors all take pride in caring for their front yards, although not all of the plants located throughout the neighborhood are native species.

My neighborhood's association also has several mandatory guidelines in regards to the vegetation of the community; requiring certain plants be included in the layout of certain areas, as depicted below:

Entry # 1: Incoming Reflection

My initial expectations of Colloquium are to learn a little bit about Florida's wildlife, habitats, and the overall environment. I believe that this is going to be a very hands-on course in which I will have lots of opportunities to learn through experience. I look forward to a semester full of adventures and surprises! As well as some interesting field trips.

I have had several experiences with wilderness areas throughout the world. In fact, I consider myself somewhat of an explorer as traveling is one of my favorite pastimes. I have been fortunate enough to visit several different geographic regions of the United States, Canada, and Brazil. In the United States, I have visited, of course, the Everglades National Park (as well as various other parks of the surrounding everglades region), Yellowstone National Park (in Montana), and The Blue Ridge Mountain Ranges of Georgia and Tennesse; to name a few.

As I was born in the country of Brazil, I have also had some great travel opportunities within the country. I have been to countless tropical beaches and forests within the country; the famous Foz do Iguacu waterfalls; as well as the Pantanal (which is often referred to as the "amazon of the south" of Brazil). Below is a photograph of me on a raft in the Pantanal:

Followed by a photo of me climbing down a cave in the Pantanal:

Some anxieties that I am having about this class basically just include making sure that I am able to complete all of my work on time. I am quite talented in the department of time management, so I do not fear it will be a great problem for me.

I find that this course will undoubtedly be a great component to my education, to my major, and to my overall life experience. As aforementioned, I believe that this course will provide me the opportunity to experience some hands on learning which will ultimately contribute to my overall life experience. I also find that the service learning experience will help contribute character and help build my human capital which will definitely help me when I am pursuing my goals upon receiving my Bachelor's degree.