Blog Entry #13 - Estero Island Cottage and Matanzas Pass

Historic Cottage & Matanzas Pass Preserve

Estero Island Cottage and Matanzas Pass is a beautiful look back into what Fort Myers Beach "used to be". The cottages, built in 1921, are still standing, and well maintained. The boardwalk leading to Matanzas Pass was also very well maintained. The only part I found strange was the unnaturally yellowed water and the severe mosquitoes. 

Local quality of life is improved in this area because it gives people a 'preserved' area of land, whereas most of Ft. Myers Beach and surrounding areas is relatively developed. Matanzas Pass is a good place to relax and walk the nature trail. 

I grew up in Bradenton, Florida, where there is seemingly constant construction and development. The road that once held only my school and a large field of cows has now turned into several mall plazas and apartment complexes. Five new golf courses have been opened. Several new gated subdivisions have been created. The road outside my house which was once a narrow two lane now spans four to six lanes wide in some places. Quality of life has increased, but at the cost of removing a lot of the trees and natural landscape that covered it when I was younger.


If a developer offered me 300% of market value for my childhood home, I would have to accept it. I'm not personally attached to any of my homes (I moved around a lot as a kid). I'd gladly reinvest the money into a newer, nicer home.


If the county offered me 80% of market value as part of a 20/20 program, I would let them buy my property. As I mentioned before, I'm not sentimental with my property, and it would help the county out, and preserve a piece of history. The 20/20 program is important to create preserves and promote environmental stewardship.

See all field trip pictures here

Conservation 20/20

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Blog Entry #12 - Sustainable Consumerism

see greenwash below

“Sustainable consumerism” is consuming while being aware of the impact that your consumption has on the sustainability of the environment around you. Globalization and capitalism are positive drivers in this phenomenon.Osgood Sustainability Consulting says:

• Fundamentally, sustainable consumerism needs to be about creating opportunities:
• to create and enjoy wealth for more people in more places
• to enable more people to meet their needs
• to foster more satisfaction, connection and wellness for more people
• to relieve and restore our stressed ecosystems.

Globalization helps bring together people from across the globe and enable more people. Capitalism drives competition and lowers costs, but can also drive farmer's markets and smaller "mom-and-pops" out of business. In this respect, capitalism can be a negative driver in sustainable consumption. I personally do not go out of my way to buy at farmer's markets, because they are further away from my house than Target or Publix. I don't generally pay a premium for anything that is labeled as "organic" or "local", unless it looks better to me. I have however purchased a number of gifts from fair-trade stores that were considerably less expensive than similar items in chain stores. I buy fair-trade coffee (sometimes), but it's still packaged by Green Mountain and they make a profit through selling it. Capitalism creates the connection between the fair-trade farmers and myself, and Green Mountain acts as an intermediary.

"Do you prefer to frequent mom and pop stores in downtown Ft. Myers or patronize chain stores at the Gulf Coast Town Center? " 

I had never really even been to any "mom and pop" stores in downtown Ft. Myers until the last field trip to the Southwest Florida Museum of History and Downtown Fort Myers.* I generally frequent the stores in Bell Tower or across the street at Target. I think people tend to use the stores that are most convenient to them. The effects of my behavior are both positive (I save money & gas, which are more sustainable than the alternative) and negative (I'm not supporting local agriculture). If I were to shop locally more often, it could have a slightly positive effect on the income of a local farmer.

"What is greenwashing?"

Greenwashing is a marketing and public relations tactic that is generally deceptive (ie... makes false claims about being green and environmentally friendly). Sometimes companies may make improvements to one area of production while neglecting another, and only advertise the positive changes made to the company. This may be considered greenwashing. More information may be found here.

*See Here For Pictures

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Blog Entry #11 - Downtown Ft. Myers

The word "Downtown" evokes feelings of a big city with lots of cars, lights, and traffic. In the past, downtown was a place that people went to hang out, go shopping, and have dinner. Many downtown areas are being run-down and turned into a crime-ridden, uninviting part of the city. Fort Myers luckily is experiencing what many might call a renaissance. The architecture is clean, yet maintains the spirit of historic downtown Fort Myers. The sidewalks are lined with small cafes, restaurants, shops, and offices. The arts building is a wonderful example of downtown Ft. Myers architecture that has really lasted the tests of time. 

Downtown Ft. Myers is a very pedestrian friendly place. It is organized into neat sections, where you can walk down almost any street, and easily make it back to the center of downtown. There are sidewalks lined with plants and palm trees on both sides of the street. The road is kept clean and inviting. Many parts of Ft. Myers are not kept this way. They are seemingly run-down and forgotten. It's important that historic Ft. Myers, and areas like the River District are well maintained. 

Sustainable architecture is especially important these days. In a world where durable goods are seemingly turned into non-durable "throwaways", we need to focus directly on construction that will last. We need to build structures with the latest architectural technology, but by maintaining the natural landscape as much as possible, and using responsible materials. Many cities in America are restoring their downtown areas to a place where everyone wants to visit again.

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Blog Entry #10 - Ecofootprint

Ecofootprint Calculator

According to the EcoFootprint calculator, my footprint is 5.0 earths, which is above average. If everyone lived like me, we would need 5 planet earths to provide enough resources. My footprint is mostly made up by Services (@ 40%) and Food (@ 30%). It takes 22.2 global acres of the Earth's productive area to support my lifestyle.

Some things that would change my ecofootprint are:

1. Reduce animal-products I eat by half - 4.6 Earths
2. Purchase products with less packaging and/or made out of 100% post-consumer recycled content material - 4.2 Earths
3. Plan a local vacation rather that flying this year -  4.1 Earths


By simply changing three things in my lifestyle, I can lower my footprint by 0.8 Planet Earths!

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Blog Post #9 - Is Energy Too Cheap?

Energy is too cheap. There is an obvious need for the way that we consume energy (ie... gas, fossil fuels, coal, etc...) The unfortunate thing is that as energy prices drop (which, right now they are the lowest that they have been in a while), the incentive to find an alternative energy source is lessened. 


Conservation isn't a dirty word. Some ignorant people who believe that there isn't anything wrong with what we are doing to the environment and the natural world because they don't see the effect their behavior has on it. Without an active effort for conservation of our earth's natural resources, the world will be over-harvested and polluted.


Jimmy Carter's effort to reduce energy consumption while broadcasting to millions of viewers was great. He wore his cardigan during his famous "fireside chat" because he was lowering his consumption by keeping the heat turned down.


I think it is up to private investors to increase the use of alternative energy. The government can regulate consumption and require standards for technology, but the process is just so slow. By the time the government intervenes and passes laws, damage has already been done. If the prices of oil went up drastically enough, it would cause gasoline consumption to fall, and cause people to invest in alternative energy. 


Nuclear energy is our best bet for renewable energy. While the short-term costs are high, the benefits in the long-term (I believe) outweigh them. Nuclear power plants can power huge areas , unlike other popular alternatives like wind and solar energy. Huge solar fields are required to power any substantial area (especially vs. nuclear). 


I can take a lot of steps to reduce my carbon footprint in the upcoming days and years. I can reduce my water consumption by taking shorter showers, and decrease my power consumption by unplugging appliances and lamps and telephone chargers, and decrease my fuel consumption by driving less. In the longer-term, I plan on building an environmentally friendly home, and drive a fuel efficient car. I hope to live relatively close to work so that I can even further decrease my energy use. This will not only save me money, but help takes steps to a better environment.

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Blog Post # 8 - Climate Change

I think that global climate change is both antropogenic AND natural. History shows a cyclic trend of heating and cooling. However, since the onset of the industrial revolution, there has been a MUCH steeper increase in the rate of warming. (See below, it has risen to levels MUCH higher than in the past.)

A few good sources of climate information are NASA Earth Observatory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.


I think that climate change is over-dramatized by some media outlets and under-dramatized by others. There seems to be no "happy medium" when it comes to opinions on climate change.

The effects of climate change on future generations will be a decreasing availability of natural resources and natural beauty. It will also effect the way that they live everyday life. I don't think my children or grandchildren will have the luxury that we (and previous generations) have had with being able to consume at such a high level. They will have to monitor energy consumption much more carefully (fossil fuels WILL be nonexistent someday, it's inevitable). Technology will need to advance at a level as fast or faster than the rate of global climate change, or it will be very difficult for future generations.

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Blog Post #7 - ArborGen

Eucalyptus trees are native to Australia, beside inland bodies of water. The tree is subject to regular flooding in its natural habitat. These trees live hundreds of years. They are not native to Southwest Florida. If genetically modified eucalyptus was to be planted at FGCU, it would encroach on the natural species that currently inhabit the environment. According to The Heartland Institute however, scientists have "inserted a gene that prevents the cold tolerant eucalyptus trees from pollinating." Intrinsic concerns include the alteration of the natural species, causing unknown effects on other aspects of that species (IE... the cold resistant gene may cause a deficiency somewhere else). The life-cycles of surrounding environments will change because of the introduction of this new species. The only benefits of the introduction of this alien plant species are short term. They will have a positive effect on the paper and eucalyptus product industries in colder climates/seasons, but at a much larger cost to the environment, by disrupting the natural ecosystem.

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Blog Post #6 - ECHO Nursery

ECHO was an eye opening experience. It's hard to think that there are that many people in the world that have as much trouble finding clean water or enough food to eat. It's great that there is an organization like ECHO to be able to teach people in developing nations how to grow their own food and care for their own goats and rabbits and ducks. They were able to raise ducks over the top of the lake, and their waste creates an algae which the Tillapia can feed on.

It was interesting to me that they have started echocommunity.org, which allows farmers to talk to other farmers from around the world, sort of a "social network" for farmers in developing countries. That way, people can learn from the experiences of people at ECHO and other farmers.

The use of "appropriate technologies" means to build what is necessary, with what is available. Seen below is an irrigation system, a type of pump that is made of two drums, a bicycle wheel and some other everyday parts. Using everyday items makes repair easier (you don't need a mechanic to fix the irrigation system), and it's much less expensive.

This is a different type of tool than I picture when I think of American Agriculture. I think of heavy machinery, steel, and gasoline... It's amazing to think of what you can do with just some basic equipment compared to this stuff...

I feel that ECHO's work benefits the developing world in many ways. By developing new ways of doing things can really help people and save lives. I learned about the Neem , which has tons of medicinal properties, and the Moringa, which also has medicinal properties. Moringa is even used in the fight against HIV/AIDS in African communities. The plant alleviated the symptoms of HIV in patients.

I would love to volunteer or even do my service learning hours at ECHO, but it's a bit far from my house... The experience looks great, and I feel that I'd learn a lot of useful things. More Pictures on the field trips page.

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Blog Entry #5 - Sustainable Farming

What are the major elements of "sustainable" farming? How are ecological principles woven into this framework? Do you buy organic or "naturally" labeled foods? Why or why not? 

I buy organic foods from Fresh Market because they seem fresher, better, for some reason… I don’t like the look of target’s pre-packaged 1lb meat containers, because they look too perfect to be made in the store. I don’t argue the fact that one could live a completely healthy life on inorganic foods. There is NO reason that organic farming cannot be synonymous with sustainable farming with the rapid expansion of technology and the growing market for organics worldwide. Large organic companies are lowering prices and entering Wal-Mart, Target, etc… making more money, and remaining organic, while being able to be “healthy for consumers, does not harm the environment, is humane for workers, respects animals, provides a fair wage to the farmer, and supports and enhances rural communities.” The only real issue I see that organic farming faces is the lower yield vs traditional farming and higher prices. I certainly don't buy everything organically, because it costs too much. Obviously, not all places are suitable for growing food, so not all cities can produce their own, and have to buy it from a distance. Organic food CAN be sustainable, it is not necessarily sustainable.


Do you feel connected or disconnected to the current food system? If there were space on campus, would you be interested in growing your own vegetables (or, if the thought of vegetables makes you wince, fruit instead)?


I feel nearly completely disconnected from the current food system. I NEVER see where my food comes from. I don't buy from farmer's markets that often, but even when I do, I have never actually put my hands on the fruits or vegetables at the farm. If there was space on campus, I still would probably not farm my own produce. I simply don't have the time to drive to campus to grow and tend to my own vegetables, and then harvest them. I may consider growing a small plot of produce for myself when I move into a house of my own, where I can tend to the garden nearby. 

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Blog Entry #4 - Environmental Issues

The most pressing global environmental issue facing us today is global energy consumption. We are simply consuming too much, while producing too little (or having the inability to produce more altogether, as is the situation of fossil fuels). There are numerous different methods of power generation, from coal to natural gas, wind power to solar energy. All of these things have effects on the environment, some worse than others. I feel that this is the most pressing global issue today because of the numerous issues that are caused by our (over)consumption. Another huge environmental issue is global climate change. I don't think that this is the most pressing issue, simply because we cannot combat it without first improving our ways of fuel consumption. 

If a wealthy benefactor like the Rockefeller Foundation gave me $100 billion to address a global problem, I would first invest in alternative energy. Without some private investment in the alternate energy sector, the cost of this alternative energy will cost too much. By driving investment, technology will improve, lowering cost of production, and lowering end cost to consumers. This will have an immediate (and long term) effect on the global environment. The next investment I would make would be into environmental education. Without education, people will never change wasteful behaviors because many of them will never realize that they are being wasteful! Classes like colloquium, and classes that can expose younger students to their local environment would create a long-term change for the better. If students know that they SHOULD be taking care of the environment, they will make a more active effort to preserve it. 

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Blog Entry #3 - Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary was awesome. The two mile trail took us through the pine flatwoods, the wet prarie (which was not very wet at the moment), the ponds and the grass ponds, cypress forests, and a marsh ecosystem. I saw several different animals, from birds to spiders to lizards to alligators. The "ecosystem services" that they provide are sheltering and providing food for the animals who inhabit the area. Birds nest high in the trees, where they can catch bugs and build nests. Alligators stay near the wet, marshy area where larger, more nourishing food resides. 


Conservation and stewardship aren't the same thing, but they do share a lot of commonalities. Conservation is the active maintenance of an ecosystem or an environment by the whole community effort whereas stewardship involves individuals or groups investing in a cause, and acting as stewards (paving the way) for other conservation efforts. Like minded people can instigate change because they can combine "forces" and strengthen their individual voices. Civic engagement factors into this because without active community participation, conservation and stewardship is a futile effort. If communities can band together to create a cleaner, more environmentally conscious society. The purpose for preserving Corkscrew Swamp was initially to save birds that were being slaughtered. 


The Audobon society continues to maintain the area not only for the preservation of these birds, but also for the preservation and conservation of other species, like the alligators and other animals in the different ecosystems. From an ecological perspective, bulldozing and building condos would not only cost a fortune in the short run, but would be an ongoing cost to the environment (increased waste & pollution), and to the Audobon society (they would lose one of their most precious sites). Government's role in environmental protection should be as limited as possible, but still fit the needs of the environment. Private investment and non-profits will drive the real productivity when it comes to conservation of natural resources. We need to stray from our wasteful ways, and the only way to do that is to cut final costs by increased investment into new, innovative technologies. 




From my discussion forum post:
Preserving places like this are vital to the environment. With the increase of rapid development of residential neighborhoods and commercial buildings, more of these places are falling by the wayside. It not only provides a safehaven for the many species of birds, reptiles, and other animals from the dangers of the world (humans in their case), it also provides jobs (for the people working for places like the Audobon society) and creates a great place to relax and show younger generations what the rest of the world looked like before asphalt and smokestacks.


See all the pictures here

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Blog Entry #2 - Campus Walk

Your musings on the campus walk...

Here's the sign upon entering the Nature Trail at FGCU.

Here is a picture of the canopies of a few palm trees.

I took Biology of Southwest Florida, which was very similar as far as topics and field-trip locations as this one. We learned about the "Air Plant" in that class, and I knew I had stumbled upon one here.

Here is some of the wildlife we saw that day!

You can see more pictures HERE

 and the selection of this site for the FGCU campus...


I think from an environmentally conscious standpoint, the school chose a great location for the university. We have nature trails and wooden bridges built over wetlands and solar powered garbage compactors!

Is it consistent with the “eco-empowerment” mission of the university? Or is it entirely incompatible? Why or why not? Does your particular background predispose you to a certain viewpoint?

Eco-empowerment is all about controlling decisions based on their impact on the environment. Florida Gulf Coast is the most environmentally conscious, "eco-empowered" school I have ever known. I have taken classes, like Biology of Southwest Florida, that have made me more aware of the ecosystem that surrounds me. From the dorms overlooking the beaches to the frisbee golf course through the woods, FGCU is focused on their footprint on Earth.

Even the main page at the school website has this kid holding a plant!

I don't think my background gives me a viewpoint on eco-empowerment because it is just really about being aware of your impact on the environment, and realizing that everything that you do has an impact on the environment.

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Blog Entry #1 - Introduction

What are your expectations for this class?
My expectations for this class are that I will learn new things about the environment around Southwest Florida through field trips and interactive assignments. 

In your own words, what is sustainability?
Sustainability to me is "being able to be maintained for a long period of time".

How does sustainability (or ecological sense of place) relate to your chosen field of study?
My chosen field of study is Computer Information Systems, or more specifically, computer programming. Computers are the present, and they are the future. Sustainable computing could refer to our power consumption (which is being reduced by less power-hungry cpus, LED powered monitors, etc...) In my field, we gather the data needed to create new software that will work as the "brain" for these new advances in technology, which can lower emissions or power something with a fraction of the energy as before. 

Can you identify any personal behaviors and/or attitudes that are unsustainable?
Driving to and from school, work, friends, etc... is unsustainable in the long run, because I am burning fossil fuels (which are in limited supply). Also, I tend to leave things plugged in/powered on for far too long (Xbox, PC), when I am not using them. This is over-consumption, uses more energy than is necessary. An interesting list can be found HERE of things that are considered "Unsustainable" by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It includes things like ski runs, building materials, railroads, golf courses, etc...

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