Entry # 17: Environment in The News

I recently read a news article that I felt was very relatable to many concepts covered in my Colloquium course this Semester. The article, titled "Obama Clears Way for Oil Drilling off Eastern Gulf Coast", which I found in the Naples Daily News Website (http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2010/mar/31/obama-clears-way-oil-drilling-eastern-gulf-coast/), touched base on a multitude of different subjects that were addressed in assigned reading materials and classroom discussion forums.

This article announces, as the title suggests, Obama's new, and very controversial, policy that includes placing additional oil and natural gas platforms in waters along the Southern Atlantic coastline, the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, and Part of Alaska. President Obama claims that his decision is part of a broader strategy that also includes expanding the production of nuclear power and clean energy sources to "move us from an economy that runs on fossil fuels and foreign oil to one that relies more on homegrown fuels and clean energy" in attempt to strengthen the economy in the short run and long run.

(http://www.postonpolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/oil-rig-offshore-drilling.jpeg)

I can't admit that I'm too thrilled with the President's modification to this ban. Though I feel that it is important to focus on strengthening our economy, and bringing jobs and money into this country, I don't believe that it should come at the risk of disrupting a natural ecosystem. I mean, aren't there other ways to strengthen an economy aside from tampering with off-shore oil drilling? There is an abundance of marine life beneath the surface that needs to be considered. Because oil is such a powerful substance; and powerful substances mean money; and money means power; and people want to have power power- they are constantly prioritizing based on the need and desire for this power. This action by our President is just another prime example of how we are a society that relies far too heavily on material things or products for happiness. Consumption can be considered the blood in our veins; which is something that is going to have to change, and soon, if we wish to have a planet to live on.

(http://www.heatingoil.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/florida-offshore-oil.jpg)

I also think that Obama's attempt to pair his remarks on the new policy with other energy proposals were an attempt to hide his true intentions. Sure, it's great that 5,000 hybrid vehicles were ordered for government fleet, but that doesn't make up for the fact that you are tampering with the natural environment, which in my opinion, is something that never truly provides long term benefits. Not to mention that off-shore oil drilling is not aesthetically pleasing for local residents and beach visitors. The government needs to find other ways for strengthening the economy, and the president needs to set a good example for the people of his country so that we can all learn to live more sustainable lifestyles.

(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk279/ProgressFlorida/2-13-10PNJHandsAcrosstheSandeditori.jpg)

Ultimately, I don't think that this was a smart decision on the President's behalf for the sake of the aquatic wildlife swimming beneath the ocean's waves. Supporting my speculation, the following link will direct you to a website that lists oil spills and disasters that have occurred throughout the world:

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0001451.html

Entry # 16: Field Trip # 5-Southwest Florida Museum of History

On Friday, March 19^th I completed Field Trip # 5 to Southwest Florida Museum of History, as well as an exploration of historic downtown Fort Myers.

My visit to downtown Fort Myers and to the Southwest Florida Museum of History was by far the most educational field trip that I’ve embarked on this Semester. I honestly had never realized how rich in history the area is, considering how I thought it was relatively new as such. I was quite shocked to learn that people have been living here for over 14,000 years. I had no idea the number was that high, but I obviously wasn’t taking all of the Native Americans who have been here for ages into much consideration. This visit was very enlightening on my knowledge of the Calusa and Seminole Indians; Florida cattle farming; as well as the geographic, social, and economic changes that occurred in the area throughout time. I was really amused to learn how much the area had in fact changed, from what I learned was previously the entertainment Mecca of Fort Myers, to what it is today.

My favorite part of the field trip, and what impacted me the most from the experience, was undoubtedly the Museum. The museum contained a bunch of neat little historic artifacts that I was so interested to learn about. It was what made me realize how much history exists in my very own backyard! As for my favorite part of the Museum, I would have to say it was the entire fishing section. I was intrigued by how abundant fish once were here, and how what fishermen did in the past affected the future of Florida fisheries, and how all of the different sustainability laws were passed. I was also fascinated by the seashell collection of the museum-they were all so beautiful!

Photographs from the Museum are illustrated below:

Some of Florida's prehistoric creatures...

Sea Level Changes Over Time

Preserving Florida Fisheries in the Future

Seashells

Florida Scrub Cattle

Historic Downtown Fort Myers

In order to encourage more community engagement in the urban area, I would re-design it by providing high-density housing, ranging in affordability levels so that people of different incomes all have the opportunity to live in the area, eliminating/reducing segregation. I would also redesign the area to be more suitable for pedestrians, which would entail building a more walk able retail district, with a multitude of cultural facilities near by.

Overall, my impressions of the downtown area and the museum are that the area has undergone a lot of changes since its first inhabitants were alive 14,000 years ago. I enjoyed the overall learning experience very much so—which ranged from learning about Florida’s prehistory and its earliest inhabitants; the changes to the city and river; the economic and social changes; to the cattle farming and fishing.

Entry # 15: Energy Usage for 24 Hours

This week's lesson for the course was focused on energy consumption. As such, I was asked to perform a series of activities to assist me in attempt to make a reasonable reflection of my energy and fuel consumption habits. Activities included a.) recording every time that I used electricity, b.) recording the meter reading of my electric meter, c.) recording the company's name and stating how the company generates energy, d.) recording my total gas mileage for the day, e.) determining the annual gas mileage of my vehicle, f.) determining the total carbon output of my vehicle, and g.) reflecting upon the results of my findings.

a.) Electricity Usage

(http://grtu.net/data/images/Article_images/electricity22.jpg)

• Air-Conditioning: 24 Hours
• Hot Water Heater: 40 Minutes (8:00 am and 7:00 pm)
• Dishwasher: 90 minutes (8:30 am)
• Blowdryer: 20 minutes ( 8: 35 am)
• Hair Straightener: 10 minutes (8:55 am)
• Washing Machine: 120 Minutes (9:00 am and another load at 10:45 am)
• Dryer: 180 Minutes (10:00 am and again at 12:00 pm)
• Toaster: 5 minutes (9:20 am)
• Coffee Machine: 15 minutes (9: 15 am)
• Toaster: 5 minutes (9:20 am)
• Computer Laptop on and Charging: 24 hours
• Cell Phone Charger: 5 hours (7:30 pm)
• Oven: 20 Minutes (7:45 pm)
• Microwave: 10 Minutes (7:50 pm and 8:10 pm)

b.) Meter Reading: 97 KW.

(http://www.energy.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0016/20392/Meter-Reading-Image1.gif)

c.) Company Name: Florida Power and Light (FPL)

"In 2007, FPL had more than 25,000 megawatts of resources to serve customers and a diverse fuel mix to help ensure reliable service and moderate prices. Our current mix of energy sources is 52 percent natural gas, 19 percent nuclear, 15 percent purchased power, 8 percent oil and 6 percent coal"

(http://www.fpl.com/environment/plant/power_plant_projects.shtml)

d.) Total mileage for the day: 45 miles round trip to attend classes at FGCU, with zero people in the car with me.

e.) Annual gas mileage of my vehicle: 9,833 miles per year.

(http://red-deer.aderk.ca/pictures/2004-VW-Jetta-for-Sale1-red-deer-mnqv4.jpg)

f.) Total carbon output of my vehicle:

(http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/2008car1tablef.jsp?si=true)

g.) Reflection: Do I make sustainable choices? Do I try to conserve energy and fuel as much as possible? The answer to these questions as I like to believe, are yes. Yes, I honestly think that I do make sustainable choices. I say this because, for one, I chose to purchase a vehicle that isn't considered a gas guzzler--and I keep my driving to a minimum. Although as I live in a very spread out area and it's difficult to walk or bike anywhere, I still don't drive very often at all. I go to places where I must throughout the week (which includes school, grocery stores, etc.), and carpool with family or friends during weekend outings. I also turn off lights whenever I leave rooms, only do about 2 loads of laundry per week, and if I lived alone, I would never use air-conditioning because I simply hate being cold! Overall, I find that most of my daily consumption habits are fairly sustainable in comparison to a lot of other people's habits. Sure, I'm aware that I'm not the most sustainable human being on the planet as such, but I understand that there is room for improvement and am willing to adapt sustainable methods into my daily routines.

Entry # 14: Field Trip # 4 Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Today I completed my field trip to the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, which I used to frequently visit with my parents while I was growing up. The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary was established in order to protect the largest remaining area of ancient bald cyprus in North America from being leveled for their timber in the 1940's and 1950's. The actual boardwalk itself, which was built conforming to sustainability-out of a hardwood that requires no chemical treatment, was constructed in 1954. The natural system of this sanctuary is managed to maintain the native plants and animal species who reside in this habitat, as well as to preserve the natural processes of said environment.

Moreover, what I most enjoyed about my experience at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary was the sense of serenity I felt while I was walking throughout the boardwalk. It truly is such a beautiful place. I, of course, enjoyed many other aspects of the experience as well-learning about the different species I was able to see in all of the different habitats I passed through was really interesting. Boardwalk habitats included: Pine Flatwoods, Wet Prairie, Pond Cypress, Bald Cypress, and Lettuce Lake.

Out of all the habitats, I think I prefer the Lettuce Lake, which is displayed below:

I was also fortunate enough to see several animal species during my stroll:

Short-Tailed Hawk

Anhinga

Blue Heron

Overall, I found my visit to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary to be a rewarding experience. I enjoyed being outdoors, seeing all of the different plant species throughout the various habitats I was introduced to, and thought it was really cool that I actually ended up sighting some wildlife-I was not expecting it! This is a great pla, and I wish there were more places like it in Southwest Florida. The people were friendly and informative, the boardwalk and visitor's facility were both very well maintained-the only thing I can complain about is the weather! It was freezing, but I plan on returning on a sunny warm day in the future.