Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Week: April 19-25:
For my last journal entry, I just would like to say that I’ve really enjoyed taking this class. The class has given me a new perspective about the importance of protecting and conserving the environment. The class has helped me understand the various issues that the world and the Southwest Florida Environment are currently facing. I really enjoyed reading the ecological literary works, going on the fieldtrips and volunteering in the community. Thanks to the education I’ve received from this course, I feel I can do my part to solve the environmental crisis that we are currently facing. I definitely think that my experience in this class will help me to stay informed and active in regards to protecting and conserving the environment. THANK YOU!
Week: April 12-18:
I really enjoyed learning about the subject of Environmental Justice. I believe that this is a very important field of law that has the potential of really helping people. During the past centuries, before this field of law existed, factories were responsible for producing pollutants that had a terrible effect on the health of people. Many people were born with birth defects due to their mothers being exposed to such pollutants.
Now, thanks to this new field of law, these polluting factories can be hold accountable for any damages that their pollutants may cause. In fact, even better, this field of law can prevent such damages from occurring by keeping this type of factories isolated and away from people they could hurt.
Now, thanks to this new field of law, these polluting factories can be hold accountable for any damages that their pollutants may cause. In fact, even better, this field of law can prevent such damages from occurring by keeping this type of factories isolated and away from people they could hurt.
Week: April 5-11:
For my Service-learning project, I chose to volunteer at Habitat for Humanity of Collier County. Habitat for Humanity is a Christian organization that builds affordable houses and develops safe communities. As a volunteer, I helped build homes for people in need.
My service-learning project gave me a good perspective of my sense of place in the community. It made me realize the importance of protecting and conserving the environment so that we can inhabit it. By building or buying a home, we take on the responsibility to protect the environment in which our home is located. Thus, the process bounds us to the natural environment in which we live in.
My service-learning project gave me a good perspective of my sense of place in the community. It made me realize the importance of protecting and conserving the environment so that we can inhabit it. By building or buying a home, we take on the responsibility to protect the environment in which our home is located. Thus, the process bounds us to the natural environment in which we live in.
Week: March 22- April 4:
This week I would like to write about one of the central issues on my Floridiana paper. For the assignment, I read Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. The theme in the novel that caught my attention was the man vs. nature struggle. In the novel, this theme is well depicted when a Hurricane passes thru the Florida Everglades and completely changes the lives of the characters.
Personally, I’ve lived thru various Hurricanes. Since I immigrated to Southwest Florida from Mexico, I’ve experienced close to six hurricanes. The most “memorable” ones being Andrew and Charley. It never ceases to amaze me how a peaceful and serene region like Southwest Florida can become a deadly place to inhabit when nature unleashes its fury.
Although nature provides for us all the necessary natural resources that we as humans need to survive, at times it can also provide us with a natural disaster capable of destroying humanity. I am not a meteorologist or geologist, however, I believe that this natural disasters that are currently occurring, are the product of nature attempting to heal itself form all the damage that we’ve caused. Just as our own bodies produce white blood cells capable of killing bacteria and viruses that could destroy our bodies; maybe, in the same way, nature is producing this natural disasters in order to cleanse it self from all the pollution and polluters. After all, the Earth is the most magnificent living organism that we know of.
Personally, I’ve lived thru various Hurricanes. Since I immigrated to Southwest Florida from Mexico, I’ve experienced close to six hurricanes. The most “memorable” ones being Andrew and Charley. It never ceases to amaze me how a peaceful and serene region like Southwest Florida can become a deadly place to inhabit when nature unleashes its fury.
Although nature provides for us all the necessary natural resources that we as humans need to survive, at times it can also provide us with a natural disaster capable of destroying humanity. I am not a meteorologist or geologist, however, I believe that this natural disasters that are currently occurring, are the product of nature attempting to heal itself form all the damage that we’ve caused. Just as our own bodies produce white blood cells capable of killing bacteria and viruses that could destroy our bodies; maybe, in the same way, nature is producing this natural disasters in order to cleanse it self from all the pollution and polluters. After all, the Earth is the most magnificent living organism that we know of.
Week: March 15-21:
After completing my assignment for The State of the World Forum, I began thinking about the unique human characteristic of Resiliency. My assignment had to do with how people in the Sudan are solving the problems that the climate change in the region has prompted. After the Sudan region experienced severe droughts during the 1980’s, the people came together in order to come up with new agricultural methods that would permit them to solve the problem.
My assignment made me think that this environmental crisis is just one more crisis that humanity needs to experience in order to emerge stronger from it. Thanks to the extraordinary human characteristic of Resiliency, humanity has been able to overcome extraordinary catastrophes in the form of famines, bacterial and viral epidemics, and countless wars. And thru it all, humanity still exists.
The present environmental crisis represents a world wide problem that can only be solved by the union of all the nations in the world. All nations need to come together and find a solution to this problem. From an optimistic and maybe even naïve point of view, maybe this environmental crisis will serve to bring the nations of the world closer together. I really liked the way all the nations came together to help out Haiti.
My assignment made me think that this environmental crisis is just one more crisis that humanity needs to experience in order to emerge stronger from it. Thanks to the extraordinary human characteristic of Resiliency, humanity has been able to overcome extraordinary catastrophes in the form of famines, bacterial and viral epidemics, and countless wars. And thru it all, humanity still exists.
The present environmental crisis represents a world wide problem that can only be solved by the union of all the nations in the world. All nations need to come together and find a solution to this problem. From an optimistic and maybe even naïve point of view, maybe this environmental crisis will serve to bring the nations of the world closer together. I really liked the way all the nations came together to help out Haiti.
Week: March 8-14:
After completing my assignment on the Earth Charter, I began thinking more seriously about the role that FGCU is playing to make the earth a more sustainable place to live in. I’ve come to realize that I am fortunate to be at a school which is at the forefront on the issue of Environmental Sustainability. I am proud to be enrolled in this course. Thru this course, FGCU plans to educate America’s future generations about the need to protect and conserve the environment. I hope that in the future, the state university system will also acknowledge FGCU’s efforts and begin incorporating similar courses in all the state’s universities.
Also, although I am only a student and I did not take any part in FGCU’s solar plant project, I am very proud of the fact that the university is setting an example for all academic institutions in the United States about Environmental Sustainability.
Also, although I am only a student and I did not take any part in FGCU’s solar plant project, I am very proud of the fact that the university is setting an example for all academic institutions in the United States about Environmental Sustainability.
Week: Feb. 15-28:
After completing my assignments this week; I began to question my role and commitment to making the world a more sustainable place to live in. After finishing the second paper on challenges; I realized that there are people that do not care about the environment at all. Terrorist are willing to destroy the earth in order to accomplish their selfish goals. On the other hand, after finishing my article summary, I realize that there are people that are willing to sacrifice their freedom and even their lives in order to save nature.
I personally do not fall under either one of these extremes. I believe that by successfully completing this course, I will become educated on the complex issues of Environmental Protection, Conservation and Sustainability. For now I will just keep doing my small deeds like: recycling, conserving water, conserving electricity, not wasting gasoline, taking care of the flora and fauna in my parent’s home, and caring for the environment in general in every possible way that I can. I am glad that we had the opportunity to submit an electronic journal; every little helps.
I personally do not fall under either one of these extremes. I believe that by successfully completing this course, I will become educated on the complex issues of Environmental Protection, Conservation and Sustainability. For now I will just keep doing my small deeds like: recycling, conserving water, conserving electricity, not wasting gasoline, taking care of the flora and fauna in my parent’s home, and caring for the environment in general in every possible way that I can. I am glad that we had the opportunity to submit an electronic journal; every little helps.
Week: Feb. 8-14:
After reading Mr. Orr’s “The Problem of Sustainability,” I would like to comment on the following question that he posses: “Is there knowledge for which we are unwilling or unable to take responsibility?” (Orr, pg. 100)
Yes; I personally believe that humanity is unwilling or unable to take full responsibility for Nuclear Energy. I do not think that humanity was ready to receive Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. Humanity turned something that could have help us solved our energy crisis, into the deadliest weapon mankind has ever witness and experienced. In this fact lies the difference between nature and humanity. Nature used nuclear energy to create the Sun, so that the Sun can provide all living things with energy. Humanity used nuclear energy to destroy itself.
I certainly do not think that Iran and North Korea are ready to take on the responsibility of possessing nuclear weapons. And I am certainly happy that the United States and Russia have decided to reduce their nuclear arsenal. I wish all the nuclear-armed nations of the world would have the decency to gather all their arsenals and sent them to the Sun to be destroyed.
Orr, David W., “The Problem of Sustainability,” from Ecological Literacy: Education and the Transition to a Postmodern World, in IDS 3920 University Colloquium: A Sustainable Future, (United States of America: Copley Custom Textbooks, 2009),100.
Yes; I personally believe that humanity is unwilling or unable to take full responsibility for Nuclear Energy. I do not think that humanity was ready to receive Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. Humanity turned something that could have help us solved our energy crisis, into the deadliest weapon mankind has ever witness and experienced. In this fact lies the difference between nature and humanity. Nature used nuclear energy to create the Sun, so that the Sun can provide all living things with energy. Humanity used nuclear energy to destroy itself.
I certainly do not think that Iran and North Korea are ready to take on the responsibility of possessing nuclear weapons. And I am certainly happy that the United States and Russia have decided to reduce their nuclear arsenal. I wish all the nuclear-armed nations of the world would have the decency to gather all their arsenals and sent them to the Sun to be destroyed.
Orr, David W., “The Problem of Sustainability,” from Ecological Literacy: Education and the Transition to a Postmodern World, in IDS 3920 University Colloquium: A Sustainable Future, (United States of America: Copley Custom Textbooks, 2009),100.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Week of Feb. 1- 7, 2010
Perhaps a crucial step in healing the earth would be to identify the origins of humanity’s destructive nature. I myself don’t know; however, I wonder if:
Humanity’s destructive nature stems from the way in which we are brought into the world. As we all know, the last step in the classic process of natural child birth involves the act of the doctor grabbing the baby by his ankle, holding him upside down and then spanking the baby. From this act, we can conclude that the first emotion experienced by a person, who was received into the world by this process, would be that of Pain and Disorientation. Because Pain and Disorientation were the first emotions experience by this person; then perhaps it is these two emotions that influence and shape the person the most throughout his lifetime.
Or perhaps, is the fact that one can argue that Darwinism is Humanity’s true religion. As all other religions in the world, Darwinism also explains humanity’s origins, existance and purpose for living. Not only it does this; but, it also negates the existence of all other religions. If so, it is no surprise why it’s Credo: “Survival of the Fittest,” perfectly describes humanity’s violent history.
As I’ve said before, I don’t know, I can only imagine.
Humanity’s destructive nature stems from the way in which we are brought into the world. As we all know, the last step in the classic process of natural child birth involves the act of the doctor grabbing the baby by his ankle, holding him upside down and then spanking the baby. From this act, we can conclude that the first emotion experienced by a person, who was received into the world by this process, would be that of Pain and Disorientation. Because Pain and Disorientation were the first emotions experience by this person; then perhaps it is these two emotions that influence and shape the person the most throughout his lifetime.
Or perhaps, is the fact that one can argue that Darwinism is Humanity’s true religion. As all other religions in the world, Darwinism also explains humanity’s origins, existance and purpose for living. Not only it does this; but, it also negates the existence of all other religions. If so, it is no surprise why it’s Credo: “Survival of the Fittest,” perfectly describes humanity’s violent history.
As I’ve said before, I don’t know, I can only imagine.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Week of: Jan. 25- 31.
The readings from Mr. Dewey’s “Experience and Education” have made me reflect on my own educational experience. As an immigrant, I’ve had the privilege of being educated in two different countries.
My educational experience began in Mexico. I completed kindergarten and elementary school in Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico. As far back as I can remember, I was a very happy child. I remember that the learning environment embraced me as one of their own. I was considered an asset, not a burden.
All I can say for my educational experience in the United States is that I’m grateful for the knowledge that I’ve been taught by my teachers and professors. I am truly grateful for all that I’ve learned. However, I would of much rather stayed in Mexico and completed my academic career there.
My educational experience began in Mexico. I completed kindergarten and elementary school in Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico. As far back as I can remember, I was a very happy child. I remember that the learning environment embraced me as one of their own. I was considered an asset, not a burden.
All I can say for my educational experience in the United States is that I’m grateful for the knowledge that I’ve been taught by my teachers and professors. I am truly grateful for all that I’ve learned. However, I would of much rather stayed in Mexico and completed my academic career there.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Journal Entry: Week of Jan. 18-24.
I believe that it is time for humanity to finally grow up and put an end to its egocentric mentality. As far back as written history can testify to, humanity’s actions prove that our ancestors believed that the earth only existed to serve our needs. Our egotistic mentality blinded us to the truth; that as humans one of our purposes for existing on this earth is to ensure its survival. Lets begin to think of ourselves as the earth’s white blood cells, before the earth creates more Natural killer (NK) cells in the form of viral and bacterial diseases (such as cancer, AIDS, etc.) that could wipe-out humanity.
As responsible humans, it is time to assume our responsibility to care for the earth. It is time we heal the earth from all the damage that we’ve caused to it.
As responsible humans, it is time to assume our responsibility to care for the earth. It is time we heal the earth from all the damage that we’ve caused to it.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
"Home" Field Trip
Eusebio Moreno’s Electronic Journal Entry # 1. Week of Jan. 7 - 17, 2010.
I am currently living in my parent’s home. The house was built in 1977 and is 33 yrs old. The house is a rectangular, one story house with three bedrooms, two baths, and one car garage. The house’s foundation is made of concrete slab. The roof’s frame is made of wood and aluminum and the roof’s surface is made of asphalt and shingles. The foundation walls are built from concrete, the exterior walls are made of stucco. The interior walls are made of drywall and have a trim finish of wood. The widows and screens are made of aluminum. The interior floors have ceramic tile and carpet.
In terms of its environmental efficiency, the house’s insulation was rated average by the appraiser. The energy appliances received a standard rating. The house has an FWA Heating system and a central air conditioning unit that received an average rating.
The house is built on a lot with dimensions of 75 ft. by 100 ft. with a total area of 7500 Sq. ft. However, the house itself only measures 29 ft. by 34 ft. for a total area of 986 Sq. ft. Currently there are four persons inhabiting the house: my father, mother, brother and I.
The house is located an approximate distance of 40 miles from school.
The house has a landscaped area of stone cast pavers of approximately 2000 Sq. ft. The yard measures an approximate 4000 Sq. ft. of grass. We do not employ any chemicals to maintain the yard. The yard is watered once a week for a period of one hour with the house’s sprinkler system. The only gasoline power equipment required to maintain the lawn is a lawn mower that uses an approximate of 5 gallons of gasoline and 1 liter of oil per year. The house does not have a pool. Only household cleaning chemicals and agents are kept in the house. They include chemicals such as bleach, laundry detergent, bathroom and toilet cleaners, tile and carpet cleaners, etc. and they are kept in a cabinet located in the laundry room.
Within the house’s garden, we have a variety of living organisms. The flora include: two oak trees, a gumbo limbo tree, banana tree, mango tree, lemon tree, aloe vera, cactus, and grass. The animals include: insects, small reptiles such as lizards, and occasionally we are visited by squirrels and birds and on rare occasions by water snakes.
I believe that my parent’s home is a combination of a natural and unnatural environment. It is natural in the sense that it is made mostly out of materials that come from the earth; however, it is unnatural in the sense that these materials were procured and manipulated in a way that nature might not have intended them to be used.
I believe all of humanity is part of nature; we are one and the same. In the same way that we need nature to provide us with the necessary things to survive (such as food, shelter, energy sources, etc.), the earth now needs humanity to heal its wounds in order for it to survive.
I am currently living in my parent’s home. The house was built in 1977 and is 33 yrs old. The house is a rectangular, one story house with three bedrooms, two baths, and one car garage. The house’s foundation is made of concrete slab. The roof’s frame is made of wood and aluminum and the roof’s surface is made of asphalt and shingles. The foundation walls are built from concrete, the exterior walls are made of stucco. The interior walls are made of drywall and have a trim finish of wood. The widows and screens are made of aluminum. The interior floors have ceramic tile and carpet.
In terms of its environmental efficiency, the house’s insulation was rated average by the appraiser. The energy appliances received a standard rating. The house has an FWA Heating system and a central air conditioning unit that received an average rating.
The house is built on a lot with dimensions of 75 ft. by 100 ft. with a total area of 7500 Sq. ft. However, the house itself only measures 29 ft. by 34 ft. for a total area of 986 Sq. ft. Currently there are four persons inhabiting the house: my father, mother, brother and I.
The house is located an approximate distance of 40 miles from school.
The house has a landscaped area of stone cast pavers of approximately 2000 Sq. ft. The yard measures an approximate 4000 Sq. ft. of grass. We do not employ any chemicals to maintain the yard. The yard is watered once a week for a period of one hour with the house’s sprinkler system. The only gasoline power equipment required to maintain the lawn is a lawn mower that uses an approximate of 5 gallons of gasoline and 1 liter of oil per year. The house does not have a pool. Only household cleaning chemicals and agents are kept in the house. They include chemicals such as bleach, laundry detergent, bathroom and toilet cleaners, tile and carpet cleaners, etc. and they are kept in a cabinet located in the laundry room.
Within the house’s garden, we have a variety of living organisms. The flora include: two oak trees, a gumbo limbo tree, banana tree, mango tree, lemon tree, aloe vera, cactus, and grass. The animals include: insects, small reptiles such as lizards, and occasionally we are visited by squirrels and birds and on rare occasions by water snakes.
I believe that my parent’s home is a combination of a natural and unnatural environment. It is natural in the sense that it is made mostly out of materials that come from the earth; however, it is unnatural in the sense that these materials were procured and manipulated in a way that nature might not have intended them to be used.
I believe all of humanity is part of nature; we are one and the same. In the same way that we need nature to provide us with the necessary things to survive (such as food, shelter, energy sources, etc.), the earth now needs humanity to heal its wounds in order for it to survive.
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