Open Blog #2

Last week I attended a lecture prepared by Dr. Richard Hilderman titled "Climate Reality" that was organized by S.A.G.E. and promoted by G.L.E.A. Dr. Hilderman was a professor at Clemson University and has been giving this speech for many years. He updates it frequently to illustrate even more, the drastic effects humans are having on the environment. In this lecture he covered many topics that are relevant to global warming and the burning of fossil fuels, such as the ocean acidification, rising water levels, decline in agriculture and loss of life. He highlighted the significant impact human are having on natural geologic cycles and that the speed with which they are now occurring is extremely dangerous. To supplement this depressing information he did expand upon solutions to the planet’s carbon dioxide problem through alternative fuels.

            In my Environmental Science class we have also been covering a topic Dr. Hilderman touched upon-ocean acidification. The drastic effects of this carbon-related issue are not well known because it is not visible to most humans. The general public has been informed that the ocean sequesters carbon, a beneficial function that decreases atmospheric concentrations. However, the increasing surge of carbon into the air has had dire consequences on the pH of the ocean. The rising acidity is preventing some organisms from forming their shells and in some cases it is dissolving them. This is major concern for the stability of food chains and for the future of human seafood consumption because this issue is most prevalent where fishing is most profitable.

            While there are many greenhouse gases and sustainability problems carbon is still a leading contributor, affecting more areas and other resources that we are not yet fully aware of. The decrease in carbon dioxide emissions should still be a main concern. 

Open Blog #1

I have viewed Food Inc. as part of previous courses and the message has never left such an impression on me before. This semester my English class discussed The Jungle by Upton Sinclair. While many people interpret that novel as a an expose on the meat packing industry, I truly saw the unsanitary mistreatment of meat products as a metaphor for the labor of the meat packing industry. I convinced myself that all those hygienic, abuse issues with the animals and meat products themselves were resolved. Viewing this video again after my recent experience interpreting that novel and discussing the Monsanto legal disputes the past couple of weeks in Environmental Science 202, my opinion has made a 360 in a matter of minutes. Agriculture is where I see my major in Environmental Science taking me. While I hoped to see the transformation of the industry for the better in terms of pesticides, crop rotations, conservative tilling practices and many other resourceful methods implemented through strict regulation and standardization in order to protect individual farmers without harming food security, local farming proves it is truly the perfect solution. Unfortunately, until that time I will have to try harder to find local farmers, especially meat farmers. I will have to make it through meal plan for only a couple more weeks and figure out a way to support myself locally next year. I’m just extremely pleased with my decision to order a vegetarian burrito before this class.

Blog #13

What do you think of ecofemisnism before you read, and after? Did you have any strong reactions? What do forms of dominance do you see in the world around you? 

            Before looking at the readings my impression of ecofeminism is one of irrelevance. I don’t see much need for distinguishing between genders socially to achieve some sort of environmental realization. I think the more genders and races for that matter are distinguished, the more attention we are bringing to the more we are creating the so called “inequality.” This reminds of our discussion during the spiritual ecology lecture when we got into having male gods and male dominated religions. I have always recognized my God is male; however, I don’t let that define Him. People, who point out the differences, I feel, are looking for them.

            Earth is defined as a woman, mother nature or Gaia. However, I don’t see how this perspective can be used to blame men for the destruction of the planet. The article on Vanadana stated she relates monoculture to male dominance with no support to back those claims and that this makes her an ecofeminist as defined by someone resistant to abuse of women or mother nature. There seems to be no logical progression of thought here and I don’t find their presentation of information very legitimate. I appreciate her work; however the connection seems to have been made with questionable motivations.

            I do agree with part of the article on the green fuse that states ecofeminists believe women should aim for liberation as women. This is similar to an argument I made in an earlier blog about how equality is best reached when people appreciate everyone’s roles, not seek to infiltrate them.

            I definitely see dominance in the world, including between men and women; however, I see the reasoning behind it and approach to solving it often as a fight of point the finger or pushing the blame on someone else. There is certainly dominance in business or across developing and underdeveloped countries. The gender division presented in the Lego video definitely presented a side that seemed to put boys’ creativity and development over girls’. Unfortunately, I saw this as just another example of the unequal appreciation of feminine and masculine tasks. It did seem that the buildings in the girl’s lego world were not as involved, but if they were, what is wrong with a bakery lego building? Are there not bakers in this world? Do they not enjoy their work? Are they not valued in society? Are there not male bakers? Yes, the Hogwarts theme sees great. I love Harry Potter. You certainly don’t have to be a boy to enjoy it and it is upsetting that it is seen as a male product.

Blog #12

Would you join the Green Party or not? What aspects of green values do you believe should be ideally incorporated into a "green" party? Do these align, do you think, with the Green Party? Also, are the Earth First! activists justified in their actions?

 

I believe green values have already been incorporated into the Green Party according to the readings. The Four Pillars borrowed from the German green party certainly reflect green values, such as ecological wisdom and non-violence, but also do a good job making them relevant to politics with grass roots democracy and social justice. The four sets of two added by the American Green Party to complete the Ten Key Values similarly following green values we have discussed in this course. The feminist values along with more local and regionalized economics to achieve global responsibility are all instrumental in green values. The article went on to discuss the party’s debate over social and deep ecology. I believe all these aspects of the Green party imitate green values very well and seem to fit smoothly with a political agenda. If each pillar or value is sought after rationally and reasonably I think the party would have a lot of success and I would consider joining it; however, there are certainly areas where motives could become skewed or actions taken too far that may turn people away from the party.

I do not think Earth First! is justified in their actions of monkeywrenching. I think any form of vandalism or sabotage is an immature and reckless form of protest that shows an equal amount of disrespect towards the business/company they are attacking. I do not think it is right that so many resources and so much money and jobs should be put at risk because of an individual’s selfish agenda. If they are concerned, intelligent and thoughtful enough they can do it appropriately. A movement to save the environment can’t be headed by such destructive people. If they want their ideas and opinions to be respected and considered by the government or private businesses then they should show some.

Blog #11

    What religion were you raised with and how does that affect your view of spiritual ecology? What are your opinions on the Gaia Hypothesis? Do you agree or disagree? Do you believe we live in a hyper-masculine culture? If so, how do you see it changing?

            I was raised of a Catholic faith and I don’t think is significantly affected my view of spiritual ecology. In my own church, the ideals of spiritual ecology were not preached; however, it may just be that I was not informed or aware of this type of thought as I am now and did not interpret the priests’ message as it was intended to be at the time. In the reading on Pope Benedict’s focus for the celebration of the World Day of Peace I was pleased that it was on protecting creation, “mother earth”, following suit Pope John Paul II from 20 years before. Although, while I may not have been directly instructed on spiritual ecology in my religion, the overall beliefs and attitude I derived regarding my own behavior definitely have been applied to my position pertaining to the environment around me.

              I do find the Gaia Hypothesis to be a very probable one. It seems almost logical that the life of a system should determine the composition of the system and not the other way around. It is a difficult proposition to support, because you would keep coming back to “which came first, the chicken, or the egg?” It’s possible the a life form came to be that sustained itself on certain bodily processes that would affect the surrounding atmosphere; however, there is the uncertainty of how it could come to be without that property there to allow that bodily function to start.
            Regarding a hyper-masculine society, I do see some inequality, but not one that defines our culture in such a way. I think women want to see more feminine involvement in, so far, male dominated activity. However, I feel that men and women are equally skilled at different things and until each person can see the value in their own and each other’s skill as being equal people will believe society is hyper-masculine.

Blog #10

What is Social Ecology? What are your reactions to the readings? What forms of hierarchy are in our world today? Are these hierarchies natural? Are there any better alternatives?

             Through what I have gained from the text, social ecology is the understanding and recognition that environmental problems arise from social issues. Some people find this a degrading perspective on the environment, believing there are more pressing reasons to protect our resources and Earth; however, social opportunities are the main interaction and communication between people to share opinions, ideas, beliefs, regulations, ect. Social ecology attributes this communication and its ineffectiveness to the creation of a class hierarchy within nations and across the globe. Developed nation vs developing nation struck me as the most prominent hierarchy that currently exists in the world and that is having the most profound impact on the environment.
            These hierarchies are not natural in the evolutionary standpoint of natural selection, genetics, ancestry or mutations that can allow a species or individual to have more success, reproductive or otherwise, and dominate another. However, in a system founded on economic principles, as ours is, it is natural. While I do believe that every person should be on an even playing field, I feel that this understanding can be held by every individual on a personal level and simply not be measured by wealth or status. Every role is important, but unfortunately every role will not reap the same rewards. It only takes the satisfaction of the individual with their own life, belongings, ect. to see that the hierarchy isn’t as defined. The hierarchy doesn’t have to be destroyed, just its perception.

Blog #9

Explain your view on deep ecology. How can you relate these views to your lifestyle or society? Which principle do you agree most with and which do you agree least with? Why? What concerns do you have about Deep Ecology?

According the readings I agree with Arne Naess and the definition of his term “deep ecology” in the sense that humans should become more receptive to the world around them and ask deeper questions. Those deeper questions should be framed in such a way that we learn why and how, not just what. I also agree with the notion that humans are not isolated or any more important than the rest of nature.

            In Owen’s “The Science of Ecology” he stresses a way of thinking that makes arriving at the most efficient solution to solving the world’s current environmental problems that I feel expands upon Arne Naess’s idea that humans are not separate from nature. This is a familiar sentiment in most green thinking. Why then, should man-made objects such as construction be seen any different? We construct buildings to live in just as animals create their habitat out of the environment. This way of thinking will not promote destruction of the environment, but encourage a mindset that considers all projects in a more direct relationship to its surroundings. I feel that this shows there can be a balance between technology and ecological movements. The two do not have to be exclusive and this fits with my belief and lifestyle very well. However, I did sense from some of the reading that while in theory, this can be a relatively harmless practice, in actuality, those instituting the actions of deep ecology have much more extreme uses in mind.

Blog #8

What are the preconditions necessary for using consensus decision making in a group or organization? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the process?

            From the readings I inferred that for consensus decision making to occur there must be unanimity and participation. If everyone can’t come to a final solution, then the group doesn’t move forward. When a member is not comfortable letting the group progress it is the responsibility of the consenting members to bring them to a middle ground. It is not wrong for a member to still question the motives of the group as a whole. If they were not made comfortable the decision would no longer be unanimous. It struck me, what Carolina Estes said comparing democracy and consensus decision making; “yes you can come to a decision, and the majority has clearly carried, but it’s their decision, it’s not our decision.” In a consensus you can come to terms with the final answer. It may not have been your ideal answer, but you are willing to support what has been created through incorporating every member’s values.

            Participation is another precondition for consensus decision making. If you miss a gathering to cover an issue that a decision must be made upon, your input is not accounted for. In this way consensus decision making is similar to democracy. It is hard enough coming to an agreement with every member that does attend. Even when you are in attendance it is important to participate actively. Consensus decision making supports the group, but only if the group supports it.

            Consensus decision making can be slow and may not always arrive at the best most efficient solution due to compromises. While it is true people rarely slow down the group by refusing to compromise, it is just as likely people will try to not be a hindrance by not voicing their opinion at all; therefore, defeating the purpose of consensus decision making. However, it is truly a decision of the people, made by each active member.

Blog #7

What is culture-jamming? What are its forms? What do you think if it as a tool for activism? Be sure to use specific examples for the readings and the Adbusters website. Find an example of Youtube.

             Culture-jamming was derived from the term “jamming,” which originally referred to the interruption of radio broadcasts or other people with commentary of typically inappropriate content. Culture-jamming was adapted from this definition by promoting advertisements that deviated from the norm of commercial communication. Often they are similar to public service announcements in message, but in their content and substance they begin to stray. The means through with they convey their message normally utilizes a shock component.

            The forum culture-jamming is presented in certainly enables it to capture a lot of attention from media-concise people on the internet and watching television. For example, Peretti’s direction of attention towards Nike sweatshop child labor spread rapidly online through a production request. This method of activism against cruelty to others and manipulation of the consumer would be very successful; however, the approach taken by the “Joe Chemo” subvertisement would turn people away due to it attacking consumer habits personally. While one places the blame on the producer, blaming the consumer may cause them to make excuses for their behavior and not feel guilt regarding it.
            Here is an example of culture jamming. This is an anti-ad by Adbusters similar to one described in our readings. It is an ad for a Buy Nothing Day more recent then the one mentioned. It utilizes familiar sites when shopping to send a new message about the victimization of consumers.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQmdBiD0m2g

Blog #6

What are you reactions to your GTP reading? What are your preliminary ideas for leading a class meeting focused on this topic?

             I never previously realized how many competing factors impede or hinder the success and effectiveness of environmental policy. First, is the debate over what level environmental policy should even be handled. Is it an issue for local, state or the national government? Second, the myriad of opportunities for environmental policy to be instituted create a conflict in itself. How can one determine which need of the environment is more crucial than another? Third, what economic, political and resource status is the nation currently functioning under? I had always assumed that environmental policy was delayed or overridden due to the obvious and inevitable argument regarding national priorities, but I never imagined so many fundamental issues were still not clear in such a prominent sector of the government.

            My initial thought after reading up on my Group Teaching Project topic Environmental Policy, is to cover the information in sections such as history, political influence, community impact, perceptions and current issues. Each subcategory can be illustrated by providing an applicable example that accurately portrays environmental policy’s functions. Once every facet of environmental policy has been covered and demonstrated through real life events, a hypothetical scenario can be presented to the class and they can utilize the information just covered to decide how the proposed situation should be resolved or even whether or not it should be.

Blog #5

Outline the goals and specific characteristics of a green learning community. How would you know one if you saw one?

             Dialogue and action are major aspects of green learning that I took from these readings. Orr in “Ecological Literacy” stresses that deep understanding is necessary in the education process; in other words, going beyond rope memorization or droning lectures. He sees education as a way to learn to apply information to fields outside of the classroom setting. When reading these assignments, I saw many parallels to our own class structure. Our lesson and discussion isn’t centered on forcing facts and definitions into my brain, but on getting me to branch out and notice events in my own life that illustrate the topic of the day. I’m not so much learning the strict idea of a concept, but building my own perception of it. I’m strengthening my values by being able to support them with valid, concise thoughts or examples.

Caspary made a point in “Students in Charge” that really struck me. While in a democratic classroom, if the intended lesson was not fulfilled, learning was still the main component. Learning is inevitable in this format due to the new method of interaction between students and professors. The skills incorporated into the process of running a democratic classroom is hands on and applicable to everyday life.

I felt as if both of these points were intertwined in Ayers’s “Teaching as an Ethical Enterprise.” He encourages fostering a desire for action in students, as well as seeing students as “three-dimensional creatures” in order to engage them.

            Therefore, if I were to look for a green learning community I would see discussion that promotes the ability to come to a personal conclusion and activity that encourages the use of personal experiences in learning. The most distinguishable aspect of the discussion and experience concerning green learning communities is the focus the individual student and their personal development.

Blog #4

What do you think of “green values?” Which ones do you most believe in?? What surprised you most about the readings?

             In the assigned readings on “green values” for this blog, I came across many fundamental beliefs I as familiar with. However, I thought many that were discussed weren’t completely relevant to the environmental cause that most concerns me. I never considered that the green movement would have so many concerns outside of sustainability, especially in the socio-political realm.

            Of the green values I came across I found “thinking globally, acting locally” to be a logical course of action to take in regard to green values. In addition, I completely agree with the notion that the Earth has intrinsic value and that humans should consider the impacts their actions have upon it, whether or not it will affect their daily life. Long term solutions, I understand, are imperative in green values as well.
            Unfortunately, I disagree with the green values’ take on social hierarchies. I do believe they are natural considering they can be found in most natural ecosystems. Consensus decision making would be difficult in this day and age and I believe it a majority agree a decision is best for the community it should be enacted and not held back. In addition, technology should not be construed as negative considering the progress made in not only solar, wind and geothermal technologies, but many others.
            I believe that every possible solution to our environmental issues should be looked at on an individual basis and not rejected just because of its perceived implications. Furthermore, I believe green values should be prioritized to factor in what’s best for the environment and not push socio economic issues on people already critical of the green stance.

Blog #3

Describe the program on AASHE and Sustainable Carolina’s websites that interest you the most. Write one questions for Margaret Bounds based on Sustainable Carolina’s website.

            When perusing through Sustainable Carolina’s website I was most impressed by the first campaign listed their project teams work behind. While each campaign is instrumental in the overall success in making the campus, community and individuals more sustainable, I found the first campaign, to promote campus-wide integrative, ecological thinking was fundamental in that goal. It is imperative that the third campaign, to promote sustainable management of campus resources, be active in order for the acceptance of greener lifestyles to take hold because without the resources available people would be less receptive and maybe even incapable of implementing the new habits. However, I thought the integration of sustainable options in curriculum, research, residence halls and daily discussion or conversation was an original and creative approach to assimilating eco friendly messages and behaviors into out culture as a university, community and society.
            On the site for the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), I thought the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) was an interesting program. It’s mission to address global climate change and their institution’s own emissions through education works on a platform similar to Sustainable Carolina’s campaign to promote campus-wide integrative, ecological thinking. Not only does this program hope to reduce the environmental impacts of its own buildings, but to give back to the Earth and provide a more stable future in sustainability through the education of its students.
            After reviewing AASHE and Sustainable Carolina’s website, I would like to ask Margaret Bounds if a Campus Sustainability Day can be incorporated into the Sustainable Carolina calendar of events to celebrate green achievements and strengthening them by setting new goals and challenges in a public forum that gets the whole University involved.

Blog #2

Create a short biography

 

            Hi, fellow classmates and bloggers. My name is Veronica and I was born in Merrick, Long Island and moved to Greensboro, North Carolina due to my dad's work when I was four. I began dance at the same age and continued till I was 14. Along the way I picked up swimming and I stuck to that until I was introduced to Triathlons. I'm a band nerd and I enjoy exercising as evidenced by the fact that I was Drum Major of my high school marching band for three years and Captain of my high school swim team for two. Sophomore and junior year were instrumental in determining my plan of study for college. I took AP Environmental Science sophomore year and loved it; however, I still wanted to try design, so I went to design camp over the summer and took Drafting I junior year. It didn't take long to realize that was not how I wanted to spend four more years of my education and career, so I stuck with Environmental Science! I never planned on coming to USC. I applied at my dad's request and when I came to visit just for fun, my decision was made. My academic interests include almost anything related to the environment and excludes anything math related. I hope my chosen field of study propels me in the right direction with significant preparation to increase the sustainability and strengthen the security of our country's future, and the future of the world through Sustainability Management or some similar form of work. I hope my future blogs enlighten others as well as myself and that I come to more fully realize my opinions on issues crucial to this course and my major overall.

Blog #1

What do you want to get out of the course? What interests you about "green politics?" What do you want to explore?

 

            I want to get out of this course a better understanding of the process that go behind the various forms of sustainable development and environmental policy in communities at local, national and global levels. The portion of the process I want to understand the most is the thinking process of those involved and how they perceive and evaluate the pros and cons of sustainability; especially of those in government positions.
            I feel that the understanding and sharing of this knowledge will help citizens more effectively communicate with their elected representatives the necessity of sustainable action. Green politics interest me because it focuses on bringing the government back to the people. I hope this class shows me how I can become more involved in my own community’s sustainable economy by to supporting local, fresh farmer’s markets and other artisan craft stores and increase nearby, useful jobs.
            By bringing everyone’s personal world a little closer to home, we can strengthen the long term future of the globe. I hope in this class I can gain the experience and leadership to continue these actions myself and share these actions beyond college. I want to explore the thought behind environmentalism on the local, national and international scale and find a way to make a significant change within my own community that can alter people’s impressions on sustainability and the large impact of small adjustments.