Earth Charter

"The resilience of the community of life and the well-being of humanity depend upon preserving a healthy biosphere with all its ecological systems, a rich variety of plants and animals, fertile soils, pure waters, and clean air." -The Earth Charter

The beauty of Earth is hidden behind the veils of disaster that wrap from ecosystem to ecosystem. Each ecosystem fighting it's own battle against human destruction and natural disasters that are different from their evolution of life. Even with these disasters, the ecosystems have an unexplainable beauty that only the species living in that ecosystem know how to maintain. The fertility of soils and biodiversity of species has evolved into the grandest collage that cannot be compared to anything else like it. We should preserve this biodiversity in order to maintain a stable ecosystem. Nothing like it can be created, therefore, we should take care of what we have before it slips from our hands. 

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2010/sep/28/price-biodiversity-species-worth-cop10

"The benefits of development are not shared equitably and the gap between rich and poor is widening. Injustice, poverty, ignorance, and violent conflict are widespread and the cause of great suffering." -The Earth Charter

To know that this is the truth is quite depressing. Not for the reason that there is a large number of rich and poor, but to know that there is a line in between both of these classes. In other words, why should there be classes. Equality can lead us to a farther journey simply because it gives the perspective of humanity to others. Instead of trying to have the best of the best, we should be satisfied with simple things in life. There is no reason to characterize individuals because at the end of the day we are all here to perform the same task in our ecosystem. Therefore, we should stop the suffering by ending the categorization of individuals.

http://www.polyp.org.uk/wealth-poverty_cartoons/cartoons_about_wealth_and_poverty.html

"Recognize that all beings are interdependent and every form of life has value regardless of its worth to human beings."

Everything in this world has value regardless of what actions they perform on this planet. This is something that everyone should take under consideration because the avoidance of this has led to the problems that we face today. To know that everything plays a role in this world helps but complicates things when we are trying to research certain topics. To know that something as simple as a rock, can perform a variety of tasks is eye opening. For example, a rock can be the shelter for tiny insects and can be used for our advantage of crushing or cutting things. Various scientists have witnessed how everything has a role in this biosphere. They have learned to understand this because of the effects that have now been shown in our future from the changes that were performed in the past. We should learn from projects that have failed and learn that it is important to conserve and preserve as much as we can. 

http://www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/p/keep-calm-and-be-a-tree-hugger/

Ted Talk- Stewart Brand: The Dawn of De-Extinction

The proposal of bringing back extinct species is a good proposal but should be reviewed very carefully. I will not lie it is thrilling to know that there is a possibility of bring back extinct species but I do have many concerns with it. I do not think that we should try and bring extinct species back to this biosphere, because it will threaten the act of conserving and preserving current species that are endangered. Individuals would not take action into trying to save the ecosystems and all of our efforts into persuading people to preserve the environment will wash down the drain. Stewart answered the question that was asked, he said, "when these species come back, then they might replace the species that are there." When he said this, I thought well we are doing the same thing already so why should it matter to bring back the species. It is not okay to bring back species because that will cause yet another shift for these animals. It is important to protect the species now and leave nature do it's own job instead of us trying to be nature and do it's job. Yes, we are responsible for some of these extinctions that have occurred but we need to learn from it and not do the same thing. 

http://www.funniestmemes.com/funny-memes-the-true-reason-the-dinosaurs-became-extinct/

Orr

"Third, it was necessary to quiet whatever remaining sympathy we had for nature in favor of "hard" data that could be weighed, measured, counted, and counted to make a profit." -Pg. 189

This quote reminded so much about a previous discussion that we had about the richness of products. As individuals we tend to look for the cheapest products that can perform the same task as an expensive product. Or the other aspect is that as an individual we want to be unique and try to show off our expensive and luxurious products. I am not saying that all are like this but sometimes we do get caught up in the type of products that we buy. Again it all comes down to the price that other professionals place on the object. It is either that they want to profit from this or they believe that they have extent knowledge on the object. Sometimes one may get carried away with the technology that we have today and we believe we know what we should know about objects. However, there has been instances where we find out that useless things play an important role in useful things. It is insane to think about where we have come to and how profit overcomes the natural substance and it's role in the biosphere.

http://sppiblog.org/tag/coral-reefs

"Proper use requires gratitude, humility, charity, and skill." -Pg. 192

The proper use of the environment requires all of these characteristics because they all have something in common, patience. The reason this is mentioned is because one must be patient because some species may take longer than others to reach it's full potential. The processes of nature are to be left alone because through their years of evolution the species know what it has to do in order to survive through a rough climate. The environment is humble because it does not take more than what it needs. Species only take what they need in order to survive for the season and then they go on and find something else. They have the skill to know what actions they need to take in order to survive from all types of disasters. Like the environmentalist from the Naples Preserve mentioned that when there is a fire and a tortoise needs to get across then it will follow the fire all the way down until there is a break in the fire and then passes through. Its amazing how they have developed the ability of knowing little things like this. A species knows what's best for themselves, therefore, individuals should not try to manipulate this  because they want to "help" the species out. Instead we should be grateful and thank them for the things they do, because without them we wouldn't be where we are today.

http://kids.discovery.com/tell-me/animals/mammals/big-bears

"Jay Gould (1991), "We cannot win this battle to save species and environments without forging an emotional bond between ourselves and nature as well--for we will not fight to save what we do not love"(p.14). -Pg. 197

Reading this quote allowed me to understand exactly what I have been trying to figure out this whole time. It is the bond that allows one to care for others that will allow one to protect what they love. A connection that is unexplainable and that allows one to feel the escape of all negativity, in other words, their sense of place. It is that connection that proves to the person that they would do anything to protect it. It is just like in the book A Land Remembered, how Zech cried when his parents property was remodeled. This event allowed Zech to open his eyes of what Toby felt when he found out that Zech had tore down the custard apple forest. It's events like these that allow us to realize what we truly love. We fight for what we love and there is no stopping us. We should consider this and learn to love nature because without it we won't be able to survive.

http://www.bewallpaper.com/free-nature-love-desktop/

Field Trip Reflection

The field trip that made the biggest impression on me was the CREW field trip. The field trip expanded my sense of place and confirmed it because it reminded me so much of Mexico. Certain areas that were green and full of life and some areas were dry and brown. These different areas reminded of my favorite parts of Mexico, which is my hometown Zimapan, Hidalgo and my uncle's hometown, Guadalcazar, San Luis Potosi. As I stepped on the property, I felt this rush through my body in which I felt safe, relaxed, and happy. A feeling in which I was in a completely different world, away from all technological devices, media, and negativity. As we walked through the trail, I was fascinated to learn about the environment such as the prairies, swamps, and cypress domes. Observing my surrounds I saw all the small characteristics that are not usually seen in the city. Looking at all of the snake holes, or the way each plant species adapted and showed its natural beauty that can be seen as soon as one takes a step back from that fast life that most individuals now live. The experience led to an understanding that life's beauty is simple and can be the most exotic. The simple life is seen as the environment itself as it can sustain itself without the assistance of humans. Meaning that it does not need the new technologies and modifications of environmental genetics for it to live. This impacted me in various ways for both the present and future. In regards with my present, this allowed me to confirm that my sense of place is being near the environment. It soothes me and comforts me by being surrounded by nature and all the living species around me. It has helped me open my eyes that we should preserve our environment because without it then we will make our life harder. For example, cellular respiration and photosynthesis work hand in hand. Without one, the other will not be able to function. Well if we are without the environment then we would not be able to survive or we would struggle to survive. This allowed me to act now to change certain ways of my life in order to save and preserve the environment. In regards with my future, it allows me be more open and teach the future generations the same things that I have been taught. Another addition is that whenever I feel stressed or living the "on the go" life I can go to these areas and take a step back and enjoy nature as it soothes and comforts me. There is no need of staying at five star hotels or a resort in order to feel relaxed. On the contrary with a simple run on a nature trail or watching the sunset on a vast land full of wildlife and the natural surrounds tops all of these luxury resorts. It just amazes because before this field trip I was trying to be someone I am not. Someone that was interested in brands, fine dinning, and having luxury items. When I stepped on these grounds, it was brought to my attention that I am not that type of girl. All of these luxury items have no meaning and they come and go. Unlike the simple natural things that can be cherished for years to come. The simplicity of life makes things less complicated and allowed me to fulfill the emptiness that I have been carrying for the last year. This brings a thought to mind that Goodall had mentioned in regards with the chimps. She has said that they had to thank the chimps because of them they were able to make the life changes in the villages. Well in my case, I would like to thank my mother's struggle, because without that I would have not transferred universities and I would have not taken University Colloquium. Without this class, I would not have found my sense of place and I would not have had the opportunity of me taking a step back and appreciating the simple life that I once lived.

Mexico Trip on January 23, 2014. Zimapan, Hidalgo. Taken by Jennifer Trejo. 

Mexico trip on January 23, 2014. Zimapan, Hidalgo. Taken by Brianda Martinez.

CREW Field Trip on February 26, 2014. Taken by Brianda Martinez

Guadalcazar, San Luis Potosi. 

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=368972&page=23

Goodall

"Before I left Sudbury, I had the joy of releasing a brook trout into the clean water of a stream that had, until recently, been dank, poisoned, lifeless." -Pg. 165

Reading this quote I pictured a grey lifeless area that magically turned to color as soon as the brook trout was released. It's a beautiful thing to look at a positive change that was once thought to be impossible to do. This story of Sudbury, Ontario shows how logging and industrial pollution can degrade the biodiversity of life. From the producers to the consumers, there was a destruction that was not reversible until one person decided to make the change. This shows how powerful an individual can be with regards of change. This example can show others that they should not be afraid to try and change the ecosystem for the better. It is hard to change towards an eco-friendly life but in the long run it shows that it does change things. Therefore, one should change certain ways so they do not deplete their ecosystem just like the case in Ontario.

http://www.themiraclejournal.com/2011/08/06/shifting-to-a-new-space/

"And there is hope for wildlife, too. It was decided from the start that there should be clear distinction between land designated for human use, and land that would be most valuable set aside to ensure, for example, protection of the watershed, soil stability, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity." -Pg. 169

The theory of setting aside land for both human use and the natural ecosystem is a great proposal. When planning land for human use and biodiversity the consideration of population increase should be considered. For instance, if we have land for human use and then the population expands then we would take the land that was once set aside for biodiversity. Therefore, the proposal of population control is something that should be taken under consideration. This does not mean to prohibit someone from pregnancy, but educate both men and women about family planning and show them ways to protect themselves if they do not wish to have a child. This is just like the following section that speaks about The Importance of Women. However, just because we show them does not mean that we ourselves should not follow the same tasks. At the end it comes down to stability and balancing everything out. So as a population we should take these precautions.

http://conservationbytes.com/2013/12/16/work-life-balance-can-academics-achieve-it/

"And," I said, "we must remember to thank the chimps. It was because of them that I came to Tanzania--and see what it has all led to!" -Pg. 172

It's incredible that the unknown has a journey that is thought to be intended for something else. Goodall would have never thought that this random project would have brought her to save the villages that were in dire need of help. She went there because of the chimps and she resulted with assisting villages. Who would have known that this would have transformed her life. Her journey was thought to be only assisting chimps but she performed something more grand than that. Therefore, we should learn that just because we want something to happen does not mean that destiny will play the same role. At times, we just have to go with our instinct and help with our first instinct.  Don't hold yourself back because sometimes your journey is meant to be something that you never thought would happen.

http://authorjenniferchase.com/2012/02/01/taking-the-journey-down-the-green-path/

Carson

“Then foxes barked in the hills and deer silently crossed the fields, half hidden in the mists of the fall mornings.” –Pg. 150

As I read this quote I pictured this scene and began to think about this beautiful scenery. Being a nature girl, I thought about how beautiful the surroundings appear and the sounds of purity fill the vast air. This scenery is not like the beach locations that surround Florida. This type of environment is located in the northern parts of Florida. It’s amazing to recognize the different types of ecosystems and how they each play the same role in one’s life. I say this because no matter where one may be located one feels the tranquility around them. The natural surroundings allow one to get away from the chaos and all of the network communications. Therefore, this gives the opportunity to be free and feel peace by the soothing sounds of nature. For instance, the cricket sounds, birds chirping, and the sound of the wind brushing in between the leaves. As well as feeling the air brush across one’s face and feeling the rays from the sunlight hit their skin. All of these sounds are like paradise and it is. It is located all around us and we should take advantage of it.

http://www.lbah.com/word/northern-michigan-wildlife/

“As Albert Schweitzer has said, “Man can hardly even recognize the devils of his own creation.” –Pg. 154

I have placed a lot of thought into the quote and it makes complete sense of our actions. As humans, we have the power to act according to what we think is best. Various times we are caught up in trying to act in the correct way and do not see the negative outcomes that may be taking place. It is an instinct for us to take care of what we love and treasure. Therefore, if it is threatened by anything our response is to protect it. For instance, a farmer loves his or her crops and will do anything to protect it. So if they have an infestation of pesticides they will act by killing off the pesticides. The pesticides will be killed but then they may become immune to the toxins which will lead to the farmer using higher doses. These chemicals would cause damage to other living organisms or may even leak into the aquifers. Hence, we do not notice that we are damaging ourselves in the long run. Once we notice that damages we do not take fault or we try to blame it on something else. Essentially I am trying to say that we need to realize what we are doing and take responsibility of our actions. It is something that will help in the long run and cause less damage.

http://www.change.org/petitions/tell-the-epa-stop-letting-pesticides-kill-honey-bees

“We train ecologists in our universities and even employ them in our governmental agencies but we seldom take their advice.” –Pg. 159

We seldom to take the advice of people who we train, because we prefer to go with our own beliefs. In order for us to completely understand this we must realize what we do ourselves. It is a process that involves two people to listen and to take each other’s advice. However, it is not mandatory for us to take the advice that is given. Even though it is not mandatory I feel like we should listen to the advice, because it may trigger another thought. The trigger could result in the ability to find distinct ways to approach the situation. However, I do not understand why one would not consider the advice that was given. Majority of ecologist have been taught by ecologists themselves and they do not take the advice that is given. It sounds redundant since they do not listen to the advice but yet they were the ones who are giving it. Therefore, one should listen and consider the advice so it can help in the long run. 

http://ninapaley.com/mimiandeunice/category/advice/

Shiva

“Biodiversity means the diversity of life—the richest diversity of life forms on our beautiful planet.” –Pg. 38

Biodiversity is the key that fits our whole planet together. Every species, action, and natural resource allows everything to come together and work as one. This unity is so fragile that with one simple change it will affect everything. It’s like a game of jenga. If one moves the wrong piece everything will tumble down, but the removal of a correct piece will allow stability. However, if one takes a step back and they open their eyes to the natural beauty that surrounds them it is incredible. The various colors of plants, animals, and natural resources are exquisite and nothing like it. For instance, there are various landscapes in the world that seem to be surreal. Examples of these landscapes are the Tunnel of Love in Ukraine, Antelope Canyon in Arizona, or the Japanese maple. All of these are gorgeous and to know that they arose from biodiversity is amazing.

http://www.naturepicoftheday.com/archive/2008-11-05

”Native Americans refer to other species as brothers and sisters.” –Pg. 40

Native Americans have been known for caring about their ecosystem as if it were a part of their family. This quote reminded me of the book A Land Remembered, because of the character Keith Tiger. Keith would take care of his land by not overusing his resources. Therefore, he would not deplete the natural resources around him. If it were a family member it is essentially the same concept. A family member is there when assistance is needed, however if one takes advantage of the member then he or she will no longer assist you. In regards with the species, if one uses it then their numbers will drop and cause possible extinction- in this case the species will no longer be able to assist one due to the possible extinction. Hence, one should not take advantage of the resources.

http://electronicvillage.blogspot.com/2010/09/wordless-wednesday-dinosaur-senior.html

“The extinction of a species means not just the loss of that particular species, but also a threat to the other species that are supported by it through ecological processes.” –Pg. 45

As I read further on from the quote a remembered our class discussion of the ecological pyramid. Our discussion involved the importance of each level and the affects of losing a level. Not only that, but we also discussed how the pyramid today seems like it is upside down due to overpopulation. It’s amazing to think that overpopulation can damage our ecosystem. As a growing population, we have been damaging certain levels of this pyramid which has caused a change in other populations. For instance, as mentioned in the reading microorganisms have been underestimated. As the higher species we have had the ability to kill some of these microorganisms, but in reality are we killing them or making them stronger. See, with one tiny microorganism we can become sick or even die due to its viral abilities. However, some microorganisms have the ability to treat us back to good health. This being said, who is the species that threatens? Neither, would be the answer because they all come in unison to live and support one another. Therefore, we should try to conserve species by letting them do as they have been for the past hundred years. We should allow them to live because as soon as we start to deplete a species we begin to alter the ecological pyramid. The alteration of the ecological pyramid could lead to a depletion of our species. 

http://www.googleplussuomi.com/timelinetest.php?googleid=109783903175191665261&limit=800

Diamond

1. “The past offers us a rich database from which we can learn, in order that we may keep on succeeding.” –Pg. 17

             Learning from the past is a way for one to determine whether their actions are correct or not. It is a lock to check whether the key fits, therefore, meaning that their decision was the right choice. However, how does one know whether they are making the correct choice? It is until we receive the result that indicates whether the choice was correct or not. Therefore, this allows me to think about our generation. We have database to learn from but we do not apply it. We have the education to learn how to preserve objects but we find ways to work around it, which end up depleting our ecosystem even more. I feel like we do not learn from our past and we end up causing more problems than what we began with. In certain situations we do not learn from the past but in certain situations we do. For instance, the Everglades are now preserved and before this was not in our mind. Hence, we can learn about the past in certain situations but we should consider them more often.

http://explanationrequired.blogspot.com/2010/07/lessons-learned-from-lion-king.html

2. “If this reasoning is correct, then our efforts today will determine the state of the world in which the current generation of children and young adults lives out their middle and late years.” –Pg. 22

             This quote has allowed me to think about the actions of our past generation and the actions of our present generation. Our past generations have performed mistakes but so has our present and future generation. We have learned and incorporated different eco-friendly tasks into our everyday lives, such as recycling. However, we continue to increase the greenhouse gases or the use of nonrenewable resources. Also numerous developmental plans continue to take place in wildlife areas. It’s scary to think that we are doing all these changes to help our economy, but little do we know that we are damaging ourselves in the long run. For instance, due to these changes future generations will not see the ecosystems that we have nor will they witness species that are soon to be extinct. It’s sad to know that future generations will not be able to witness this and even our present generations do not know much about the species in Florida. For instance, I know there is a lot more that I should know about Florida and I am guilty to have lived here my whole life. As a native Floridian I feel like I should know more than what I know.

http://blogs.trb.com/news/opinion/chanlowe/blog/environment/

3. “Even signs in hotel rooms now invoke love of the environment to make us feel guilty if we demand fresh towels or let the water run.” Pg. 24.

             This quote caught my attention, because in hotels that I have stayed at do have these signs. When I read them it reminds me of a lesson that my mother taught me. That is, to reuse and take care of objects that I have. Therefore, when I stay at hotels I reuse my towels and I do not ask for more than needed. This also brought a flashback with the book A Land Remembered. The scene where Tobias mentions that he does not take more than needed. I feel like more people should try and preserve, instead of trying to have more than required. Either way, I think this is a good idea so the population can remember that we need to limit the use of our resources. By preserving, it will cost less to restore what was depleted, because the damage is not as severe.

http://www.sodahead.com/united-states/do-you-equate-wealth-with-hard-work/question-1984667/?link=ibaf&q=&esrc=s