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.

Sustainable Farming

Sustainable farming must incorporate several main elements. First, the farm must use as little water as possible while using minimal pesticides and maintain a proper amount of nutrients with the land. Sustainable farming also has to be as local as possible to cut down on the impact that burning fossil fuels have. Ecological principles have to be worked into the framework to remain sustainable. I don't consider all organic produce to be sustainable and therefore I buy no organic produce what so ever. I honestly don't eat enough fruits and vegetables to invest to much thought into sustainable farming. I do however believe that if I grew my own fruits and veggies it would be the most sustainable and I would probably enjoy them more because I grew them.

ECHO

ECHO was a fascinating place even though the time of year we chose to go produced minimal fruit yield. It was still neat to see sustainable agriculture first hand and understanding how these products are used in such a positive way. The work that they do with the developing world is super beneficial, I mean your teaching people how to help themselves in a sustainable way. Teach a man to fish, right? Or teach a man to grow a sustainable garden. Same thing. The methods that they use are so primitive yet so effective, its amazing how far we have come just to be shown that farming in a sustainable and manageable way is better for a lot of people. Probably not all people though, for example the U.S. Our population is to high to be supported on this form of sustainable agriculture for the long term. But the idea is valid and it is a great place.

Environmental Issue

I believe that there is one issue in the world that is more pressing than any other. In my eyes that is the over exploitation of our fisheries. If all things came from the sea why do we abuse it so much. If I had 100 million dollars to spend i dedicate all of the funds to this one issue. One reason for my views is that future generations need to experience the beauty that our waters provide. Also, the economic impact of our fisheries are staggering. Mainly recreational angling. Commercial fishing would have to go just because of the unsustainable practices most commercial boats use. Another reason to allocate finds to the fisheries is the amount of people who live off the goods that are provided by way of the water. So, these three reasons play a major factor in determining what and what not to fund. Certain things I would fund would be water quality, aquaculture, and artificial reef program. These things help provide the world with sustainable fisheries.

Corkscrew

Corkscrew swamp sanctuary was a completely unique experience. The first thing that really caught my eye was the sustainability aspect associated with the area. The living machine was an incredible natural way of cleansing and purifying water. Although the water cannot be used for human consumption it is still a closed sewage system tat continuously replenishes dirty water with clean. Now the natural part of the tour was also a great experience. I really enjoy walking through the swamp and seeing the deepest part of original swamp. Also, understanding the importance of this watershed in our fragile ecosystem is really interesting because it is so close to home. Understanding our home will help us to provide the future with this beautiful land as well as promote sustainability. Its unfortunate that the number of faunal species wasn't higher but it was certainly nice just seeing the beauty of the pine flatwoods and cypress sloughs. Overall, this was a wonderful and ey opening experience.