Open Blog #1

ast week was Earth Week.  Sustainable Carolina had many events planned for the week, including Sounds of Sustainability, a concert type event held in the Green Quad on Tuesday evening.  As part of the Marketing Team, I attended the event to assist as needed, and just be a part of the event.  Anyone was welcome to come, and over the course of the four hours the event was held many different people stopped by to enjoy the activities.  To start of the evening, a few DJs set up and performed.  There two DJs who performed had two unique styles, and both of which were a blast to listen to.  There was a girl and her guitar, performing a nice set of both original songs as well as a few delightful covers.  To finish off the evening, a full band setup and performed, again a nice sampling of both cover songs and original material.  Though the name suggests a simple concert, Sounds of Sustainability had many other activities to enjoy or take part in.  There was an urban artist, doing a live painting while the concert was held.  This was particularly interesting as he setup a canvas and used both spray paint and traditional paint brushes to complete his work.  There was also hoola hooping going on, as well as face painting and snacks and drinks to be enjoyed by all.  Overall I would say it was a great success.

Blog #14

What surprised you about the process of EnvironmentalPolicy? Do you think that the U.S. Senate should have ratified the Kyoto Protocol?Why or why not. Why do you think creatal policyis so difficult locally, nationally, and internationally? Should communities andlocal government do more on a local level to create environmental policy? Whatenvironmental issues would you like to see addressed by policy makers?

It always surprises me how much environmental policy we actually lack at the government level.  I'm equally surprised at how difficult it is to pass new legislation that could help protect the environment. I don't believe I know enough of the facts on the Kyoto protocol to actually make an educated decision about whether or not the US should have signed on.  I do know that whether we sign it or not, we do need some legislation put in place to protect the earth from the utter destruction we cause on a daily basis, mostly in the name of money.  I also think that acting on the local level may be more effective for this movement. Once many local areas have laws and regulations they will form a network of concerted efforts which surely will make a difference.  Additionally, I am a strong believer in education and personal action. We all contribute to the problem, its time for us to realize this and become educated on how we can personally contribute to the protection of our planet.

Blog #13

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

Before I read the articles, I was under the impression that ecofeminism was concerned with associating the oppression of women with the oppression of the environment.   I had heard a little about it in a 'Human Impact on the Environment'  course, and was familiar with it's association of male dominance and environmental destruction, but the topic was only briefly introduced, so after reading the articles I can see how the ecofeminist view fits into real issues like monoculture farming practices.   

I liked the Huffington Post article with Vandana Shiva.  I've actually seen her before in a documentary called 'Dirt'.  I thought it was really cool she decided to leave the academic world because they were only concerned with helping the large farming conglomerates.  The fact that she would stand up for what she believed in and start a business that would assist small farmers is incredibly admirable.

From the second article I found the section on patriarchal dualism to be of particular interest.  I can see that by diametrically opposing two concepts it can lead toward the tendency of viewing one a superior and one as inferior.  I think the concept of the yin yang and it's symbol is some ancient knowledge that purveys the same message.  The yin yang is not to be viewed merely as a static symbol where white and black are divided, but it represents a motion, a swirling vortex where yin and yang are interconnected and one.  When the yin yang spins fast enough it would simply appear as a grey circle to the human eye.  White and black (yin and yang) no longer separate, no longer distinguishable from one another.

Blog #11

My parents are both Christians, and they raised me in a Christian home.  Though I don't consider myself  a Christian in the traditional sense, my personal morals were definitely influenced by Christian values, and I do believe this makes me more receptive to the concept of Spiritual Ecology.  Like I said I don't consider myself a Christian, not do I like to adopt any "religion" so to speak, but  I would consider myself spiritual, and live by a strong moral code I've developed throughout my life.  I think it's incredibly important to feel a deeper spiritual connection, but I feel like a lot of people, even those who subscribe to a religion, are not even concerned with the spiritual aspect of their life.  Some people who don't claim a religion are scared away from spirituality because they see it as the same thing.  This is why I feel like Spiritual Ecology is rather interesting.  It can be seen from a religious, or non-religious viewpoint, and therefore it is not exclusive, but rather inclusive.  

The Gaia hypothesis is pretty damn cool in my opinion.  I mean, I've always kind of viewed the Earth as a mother, ever since I was young I've been kinda romantically attached to the spiritual idea of Mother Earth.  It just always made sense in my mind that the earth supports us, and a mother supporting her child is just a microcosm of this same idea.  Now here with the Gaia hypothesis, we have James Lovelock, a highly educated former NASA employee who's saying the same thing, only backing it up with science. I think whether or not you agree with it, you have to admit, its pretty interesting.

Blog #10

Social ecology is quite interesting, and it follows similar lines to deep ecology, though not quite so "deep".  Like deep ecology, social ecology sees life on earth as an interconnected web, where all life is interdependent.  It sees hierarchy as an unnatural system of control, and views our entire society as hierarchical, and as so, problematic.  I can kind of relate to this.  I feel like hierarchical systems are divisory by their very nature, yet what are we dividing?  Dividing parts of a ecological system that we're also a part of.  It is this very system that allowed us (humans) to come into existence, yet, we see it as imperfect, and something that can be divided and destroyed without consequence.  I think a much better quality of life can be had by all if we worked together, instead of viewing everything as a competition.

Blog #9

I would have to say I agree with the 7 principles of Deep Ecology. I've always felt all the knowledge gained by the scientific world is only useful if it means something in the big picture. I mean, I would have to believe that the scientific mind originally sprang from mans attempt to understand the world on a deeper level, yet through time it has become quite compartmentalized, and an attempt at a synthesis of information and a "what does this all mean" questioning attitude has been pushed to the back burner. 

To combine a few popular aphorisms; if knowledge is power, and with great power comes great responsibility, then we have the responsibility to be concerned with the big picture. We can use the information we've gained to further isolate ourselves from the rest of the living world, or we can use it to bring us closer to an understanding of the interdependence of all things.

Genetic research has allowed us to take a closer look at DNA. There can be two different views of this information. One sees the incredible similarities of all living things, and does not feel so different from other forms of life. The other sees man as superior, and wonders what differences in our coding makes us "better" or separate from the rest of the natural world.

Take a look at quantum physics, and what it is saying about how the world operates. If the mere act of observation affects the outcome of any phenomena, what does this imply about connection in the world around us. A deep ecologist sees this as evidence of the interconnected nature of reality, and realizes that nothing is separate no matter how different it seems. If matter and energy are equivalent, then everything is just energy. Everything is everything. If the big bang occurred as theorized, it automatically implies that everything in the universe is the same thing just stretched out and interacting. One point of energy expanded.

Now for personal experience that has increased my sensitivity to the idea of deep ecology. I had an epiphany one day, standing on my porch, observing the world. It was a beautiful day. The kind of day that just makes you feel grateful to be alive. I was standing on my porch, looking up at the sky, when I noticed a hawk flying over head. It was just riding air waves, circling my area, effortlessly, peacefully. So much so I began to wonder if it were possible to discern where the wind ended and the hawk began. I began to wonder what the hawk was thinking, what does it feel like to be a hawk? I imagined trading consciousnesses with the hawk, imagining I was that hawk, flying in the air. What I felt was an incredible peacefulness. It is absolutely amazing, to be up so high with such an omniscient viewpoint, being so powerful, yet, only using its power to feed itself what it needs to survive. To live and be, and have that be enough. The hawk at any time could swoop down and slash a human with its fierce talons then back into the sky, yet he doesn't. He doesn't even think like that, even though it could be argued we would deserve it if it were to happen, for the atrocities we've already brought upon the earth. All these thoughts went through my head at the time.

After I went inside I contemplated the experience for a moment, and realized its significance in my life. Sounds kinda crazy I know, but I'd recommend everyone try it at some time, when you're feeling receptive and open to the experience. I've come to do it, more and more, and always enjoy it, even if only for the fun. After all, if you're not having fun, you're doing something wrong.

Blog #8

I believe the only true precondition necessary for using consensus decision making in a group, is the willingness of the group to participate in making a consensus decision. Depending on the situation a facilitator, or someone to help follow the process and make sure everyone is fairly heard. The willingness, however, is the real precondition. Everyone has an opinion on the matter, and by hearing everyone, only then can a consensus decision be made, but this also means participation is required. The strengths are numerous, as decisions that the whole can support are often come to. It is empowering to people, to have their voice heard, and to be part of the process, actively and equally. Another huge advantage would appear to come with time, in that it would bring a group closer together, as by the mere act of participation people would get to know each other on a much more intimate level than merely “neighbor” or “coworker”. The only weakness I can see to the principle comes in on the large scale, where it could potentially take a long time to come to consensus, or if you had a number of people unwilling to participate in a fair manner, and instead becoming negative.

Blog #6

Deep ecology is exactly what the name suggests. It deals with the ramifications of the science of ecology at the global and arguably universal level. It is not merely concerned with facts, or even merely concerned with human environmental issues. It takes a philosophical approach, and is concerned with every facet of life as we know it (and as we don't). To see yourself as seperate from nature or the universe itself is to divide a whole, and its this very divisory nature that leads to most of the worlds problems, be they political or environmental in nature. To help people feel a part of the whole, you must help people relate to nature, which can be difficult depending on their personal life experiences. Showing vast examples of mutualism in nature, connecting people back to the source of their food, and looking at history from an ecologically concious viewpoint are all valuable ways to connect people to the world around them. Understanding that diversity and individuality do not imply a separation between people, but that instead should strengthen our bond with eachother and the environment.

Blog #5

The whole concept of a Green Learning Community is rather new to me, however, I don't believe it's too difficult to grasp.  What you must do is question the traditional methods we've been conditioned to blindly accept as "the way", and look at learning as an egalitarian community process, as opposed to the hierarchical structure and "lecture/regurgitation get a bullshit A when you really didn't learn anything" methods we've unfortunately come to embrace.  Of course the green learning community focuses on green learning (i.e.: sustainability, equality, ecological competence) and does so in a truly democratic manner, which blurs the line between teacher and student.  

I think it would be very easy to know a Green Learning Community if you saw one.  However, I'd argue, it would even  be easy to know a GLC without sight.  If you were blindfolded and placed in a green learning classroom, you would find it very difficult to distinguish the teacher from one of the students.  The discussion based democratic class flow allows everyone to be involved in the class operation.  In a traditional class, I doubt you would sit blindfolded for more than 3 minutes without being able to point out the teacher from the rest of the people in the room.

Blog #4

So, how do I feel about green values you ask?  Well, overall, I would have to say I agree with green values.  I think for anyone who already has a passion for the environment they would feel the same way.   Unless you support environmental destruction, you can’t help but feel some connection to the green movement.  I’ve said it in a previous blog, but Deep Ecology is one of the beliefs that I can really support.  I’ve pretty much had already decided all of its core principles on my own over the course of my life, and it really is surprising the similarities.  Honestly, I feel like a lack of belief in Deep ecology is at the root cause of our current problems. 

I would have to say, the most surprising part of the readings were the “10 Key Values” of the Green Party of the United States, as listed on their website.  I would find it hard for anyone to argue against these 10 values presented here.  They are also more like guidelines, rather than rules; and the website even offers a subtext alerting you to this which states, no authoritative version is offered.  This allows any subchapter to use the key values as needed in their situation, without being confined without action by an overly rigid set of rules.  Sounds legit to me.

Blog #3

First off, I got a little gripe with the Sustainable Carolina website.  Now, I'd like to preface this by saying I am in not a web designer, and I in no way suggesting I could design a better page, BUT, I feel like the site is quite difficult to navigate.  For each heading (About us, Get involved, Academics and research, etc...) there are several subheadings that lead to a static page. To get to a different subheading, you must click back on the main heading, and select your desired subheading.  I feel like once I choose a subheading, there needs to be quick links to the other subheadings within that heading.  Additionally, it would be nice to see a listing on one page of all available team meeting times.  This would make it much easier than clicking the "get involved" tab and choosing a subheading 17 times.  End rant.

So, its not all bad, and Sustainable Carolina is obviously doing a lot to get involved and make an impact on campus here at USC.  Thank you for all your efforts.  The team I find most interesting would undoubtedly be the Recycling Team.  I have always been interested in recycling since I was young.  I find it very wasteful to keep pulling the same resources out of the Earth, when we already have mined up most all we would need to live a sustainable life, if only we were more concerned with recycling.  The Japanese have a sayin, g for this, Mottanai culture, which means basically "don't waste" culture.  I remember reading Japans aluminum recycling rate is the highest in the world.  They realize how important it is not to waste, and how could they not, supporting a world competitive economy with just a tiny land area, 70% of which is mountainous! Surely, they understand.  Anyways, got a little of tangent, but yeah, Recycling Team interests me most from Sustainable Carolina's website.

From the AASHE website, I must say that their STARS campus rating system was rather interesting.  It's kind of like a green audit of your school.  You can choose to to it as a reporting school, without publishing your results, or you can "compete" with other schools, and get your results ranked and published.  I feel like this is an important first step for any school, and a valuable assessment tool.  It's always important to have a baseline for comparison when you have a goal for progress.  The STARS program offers schools this tool.

One question for Margaret Bounds:  How many people are involved in Sustainable Carolina?  And if I can get a follow up, then of those people how many are students?  I couldn't seem to find this information of the site, but would be interested to know the answers.

  

Blog #2

I was born April 6, 1984, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  All I can remember is green carpet, probably due to the fact that we moved away when I was three.  My family moved to Columbia, SC, where, as most who are reading this probably know, I currently attend USC to major in Environmental Science.  For the past 13 years, I've been working on cars, mostly Japanese imports.  I've owned 6 Honda's, and currently have two of them, an '89 CRX Si, my project car; and an '01 s2000.  I also race an '06 s2000 in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) South East division Solo Autocross.  Most people ask me why I don't work on cars for a living, and I tell them all the same thing.  I don't want to kill my personal passion for motor sports by making it my career, plain and simple.  I love animals, and have a cat, Aeris, and a dog, Keichi Linda Gomez. I would love to get job working for the National Park Service, or a field job in the USGS, really anything that can keep me outdoors.  I'd much rather come home sweaty and bug bitten than get carpal tunnel from sitting at a computer all day. And well, that's me in 200 words.  Be good.

Me in an '06 s2000 at Carolina Motorsports Park in Camden, SC

My serious face, at the SCCA SCR Banquet.

Blog #1

After coming to class for the first meeting, I must say the class is much different than what I had expected.  This was actually a nice surprise, as it seems to drift away from the standard lecture or even standard discussion oriented course format.  Really, I have no presuppositions about what I'm going to "get" out of the class.  I suppose I could say that hopefully in such a community oriented class, we all learn new ideas, and new ways to communicate those ideas to other people.  I'd say that a personal goal of mine is always to discover how to help people connect with nature.  To feel a part of the natural world, and not something separate.   I feel like we are at a point in human existence where we have more technical knowledge of the environment than any previous time, and yet at the same time, we (people as a whole)  feel more disconnected from the natural world now, than ever before.  I feel that if everyone felt more connected to the environment, this change in the collective consciousness would manifest itself in reality as positive changes in the way we treat the environment.  I'm really interested in the sections of the course pertaining to deep ecology, and ecofeminism.  I'm familiar with both topics, but would really enjoy hearing more.  I feel like I can really relate to the ideas of deep ecology, the more I learn about it, the more I'm amazed at it's similarities to my own personal beliefs.