Sustainable consumerism

Sustainable consumerism doesn't exist to the extent that it should. Greenwashing has a major effect on the items that the sustainable consumer buys. People can now feel guilt free about buying items that are maybe not so good for the environment yet they say they are.

Estero Island

This was an incredible field trip and not just because of the mosquitos. I've always been a fan of southwest Florida history and this was certainly a great place to do so. I also love the water and fishing and this pace is known for its fishing history. Good thing that conservation has come such a long way or else all the fish and crabs might be gone. My home town is right down the road in Naples. This place has changed tremendously since I was kid. I remember Naples being so much quieter and accessible but that has long since changed. I feel like there is no sense of community and that is why i would take an offer on my childhood home if I'm offered way more than the market value. I think thats what happened to Naples and Marco Island. Property values in Naples were so high that any person in their right mind would sell out their community just to make a buck and in turn they kill the environment by developing sensitive lands and destroying natural habitat.

ecological footprint

It would take 4.6 earths if everyone lived like it. I find this almost hard to believe because I thought i was a little more sustainable. No way of supporting the population with the way I live.

renewable energy

Is energy to cheap? Yes, what reason do we have to look for renewable energy when gasoline is so cheap and convenient. If energy came with a higher price tag people would look for cheaper energy which also might not be renewable. At this point people will only be interested in new fuels if fossil and carbon based fuels disappear. Conservation isn't a dirty word, I am a conservationist. Environmentalist is a bad term. Government has cut in or else noone is going to look for new energy. I'm into hydrogen as an alternative source but all alternative sources are better but never cheaper.

downtown

I've always been a fan of downtown especially fishing downtown and looking at all of the buildings. Thats probably why I enjoy downtown because I have a such a connection to the tarpon and snook that roam the commercial and residential docks. Downtown Ft. Myers is a good area to see a land area that is trying to make the best of a dirty situation. The way that old buildings are refurbed to meet environmental standards while preserving other land by using land that is already destroyed. The coral used in the old government building was really an incredible feature especially since it came from Key West. This is certainly not the most sustainable but certainly captures the spirit of the people. The economics of downtown has grown tremendously, it attracts lots of tourist because of the beauty and history surrounding it.

climate change

I am convinced that climate change is certainly affected by humans but not entirely created by humans. The paving of green lands and the destruction of natural plants that sequester CO2 can certainly lead to increased temperature and it can only be magnified when the planets climate is already changing. I would not consider popular media to be a good source of information on climate change because there can be such a bias, but through some searching through academic articles you can find solid science on the much criticized issue. I f climate change is occurring at the rate the media portrays it I do fear for future generations and that is enough to make me change some of my ways. I care to much for the environment to see it disappear and noone be able to enjoy it.

Hypothetical

The benefits of a cold tolerant eucalyptus can outweigh the negatives but is it possible to conclude that research to date is enough to move forward with the genetically modified plant. Although these plants are used to make a variety of medicines whose to say that the oils from the dried leaves won't be affected hindering them damaged. It's a pressing subject yet I personally believe that this is a bit extreme because we could introduce another exotic species in regions that are all ready damaged.