Hydrophonics

This was a great presentation.  They really put a lot of thought and effort into it by creating the vertical hydrophonic planter.  It is amazing how many plants you can grow in such a small amount of space.  The idea of a vertical hydrophonic planter is very efficient because it saves space, saves water, and it saves nutrients.  I was very inspired with the fact that you can create such an efficient planter on your own at your own house.  I would like now create my own hydrophonic planter and grow my own foods in the convenience of my own home.  Great presentation!

Electic Car Shuttles at FGCU

I thought that would be a brilliant idea for FGCU to start using environmentally friendly shuttles.  After all the school focuses on being more environmentally friendly.  Although the initial cost would be larger the school would benefit and save over time. Not only will they be saving money they will be saving the environment.  This was a great presentation, the group should propose it to the school.

FedEx

FedEx was formed in 1998 and over the past few years it has become one of the leaders in global air and water distribution.  For such a large company I was surprised to find out that they are not very energy efficient.  They run their warehouses on gas, and use mostly non fuel efficient vehicles.  They re largest priority is fast high cost shipping.  In times like these FedEx need to be thinking more about the environment.  Luckily they are trying out environment friendly ideas such as delivering more by foot and bike.  They are working on producing a more fuel efficient vehicle for delivery.  Even with these changes there are more they need to make.  During the presentation the group pointed out a good effort for FedEx would be to switch to electric powered warehouse rather than gas powered.  Even though they have a long way to go it is good they are starting to make changes toward having an environmentally friendly business.

Rain Barrels

I really believe this is an awesome idea for reducing the amount of water we use.  It is simple but genius to collect rain water to use in a very efficient way.  An average barrel can hold up to 55 gallons of water.  This water can be used to water lawns in times of drought.  I was very happy to find out that Lee County provides classes on rain barrels and is encouraging our county to use new ways to conserve water.  This was a very informative topic and a great presentation.

6 Degrees to Change the World

Global warming is really happening.  We need to change the pace of it's effects.  It only takes 6 degrees F to turn our world into a extremely harsh, unlivable environment.  We need to change the way we eat, live, travel, and use power to stop global warming.  The main cause is CO2 being released into our atmosphere.  Almost every day all over the world we are releasing large amounts of CO2 causing global warming to happen quicker than ever.  Ways we can slow this phenomenon are drive less, use less power, eat less meat, and practice a sustainable lifestyle.  If we can change our ways we can slow the impact of global warming around the world.

The Power of the Community

When the peak oil crisis hit Cuba the population was forced to change their ways to survive.  The peak oil crisis caused a major economic crisis in Cuba because they were no longer importing enough oil to support their population's lifestyle.  A change was needed and that's what Cubans did.  They began urban agriculture and produced their own foods utilizing organic farming.  They used less vehicles and rode more bikes.  They basically learned how to survive with very little reliance on oil.  I believe this is a blessing in disguise for the country.  A peak oil crisis will eventually happen on a global level and everyone will be faced with living without oil.  Luckily Cuba will have already had the opportunity to adapt to that extreme lifestyle and are able to live sustainably.  Globally we need to learn from Cuba.  Countries around the world especially the United States need to start preparing now by decreasing their oil use and teach their communities sustainable lifestyles.  A peak oil crisis is inevitable, why not learn sustainability now and protect what oil we have left.

Service Learning Reflection

I completed my service learning hours at the FGCU Food Forest.  While I was volunteering I helped build and smooth berms and pathways.  This was a great experience to work first hand with nature and transforming it into a sustainable piece of land.  This food forest will benefit the campus and community alike.  The FGCU Food Forest is available to everyone!  The FGCU Food Forest will be unique because it will be grown completely organic with no use of outside pesticides or chemicals.  During this process I have learned the importance of creating an area that is perfect for plant growth.  We had to make the berms at a perfect angle to make sure the trees and plants get the right amount of water and sunlight.  We also had to make the pathways wide enough for a comfortable stroll through the forest. 
Everyone is welcome to come volunteer at the FGCU Food Forest and I recommend it for a great experience!
This is the official FGCU Food Forest Website:  http://fgcufoodforest.weebly.com/index.html

Here are some pictures I took when the FGCU Food Forest was just getting started.








The FGCU Food Forest has come a long way since then...