William McDonough

Entry # 21

Extra Credit?

:)

4-14-12

        I greatly enjoyed the video Cradle to Cradle Design featuring William McDonough. The video was very thought provoking and informative. He touched on a number of topics with such passion and enthusiasm I could not help but be drawn in. He made a number of great points. For example, he urged everyone to think about tomorrow and build with an eye towards the future. He unveiled cutting-edge building designs which took countless hours of meticulous planning. These structures were designed to disturb the surrounding ecosystems as little as possible. For example, the roofs of the buildings were used to grow grass. This was a practical way to replace the grass that was lost due to the laying of the building’s foundation. Another part of the video I found very interesting was when he spoke about all the chemicals that are in so many of our household products. For instance, I was mortified when he mentioned what chemicals make up a rubber duck that a child would play with. I had never even thought of that until he pointed it out. I know I don’t want my kid potentially putting something in his mouth that was made in a lab of unnatural synthetic material. I definitely think we need more regulation and better explanations about the ingredients in materials we buy. Manufactures should be mandated to put clearer descriptions of ingredients. It does the buyer no good to read labels if he doesn’t know what the words mean. I was glad to see Mr. McDonough was so respected in his field. I hope his innovative ideas spread and are applied all over the globe. He demonstrates a clear understanding of what measures we must take to responsibly co-exist with nature.

Corkscrew Swamp

Entry # 20

2-12-12

(Almost forgot to include this one)

     I enjoyed the trip to the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Having lived in Florida most of my life this trip brought back memories from my childhood. My mother used to take my brothers and I there. My favorite part of this trip was seeing the towering cyprus trees that were hundreds and hundreds of years old. To be able to put your hand out and touch something that old has a deep intrinsic value; which I can't adequately describe. I also enjoyed seeing the abundance of different types of animals sharing the same lush ecosystem. The call of many songbirds could be heard all throughout the trip. I saw several alligators both big and small, several large wading birds like blue egrets and herons. I also observed turtles lazily sunning themselves. When I was able to break off from the group I also had the pleasure of observing a wild rabbit. It almost felt like I went back in time. It made it much easier to in vision the Florida which the MacIvey's lived in. Being so deeply immersed in undisturbed nature was really an eye-opener. It lies in sharp contrast to the hurried, very technologically-centered lifestyles that we are currently caught up in. It made me wonder if we haven't lost something very valuable by leaving the simpler times of yesteryear behind for our current lifestyles. This was a very engaging and thought-provoking experience.

 

Simply be Grateful

Entry #19 

4-9-12

      I have many things that I am grateful for in my life. First and foremost would have to be my family. I belong to a very loving and funny family who is always there for me when I need them. I am also grateful that I live in America where food, shelter, and drinking water are in abundance. As this course has taught me, that is a precious luxury that many people all over the world can not enjoy. Furthermore, I am grateful to be born in America. While, I will be the first person to say the United States isn’t perfect, it is defiantly a privilege to be born here. It is unquestionably the land of opportunities.
      I am grateful to have fiercely loyal friends who provide me with unlimited laughter and love. I am also grateful for being born in America because I probably would be dead if I were born elsewhere. I was born three months premature, weighed 2lbs, and have cerebral palsy. If it wasn’t for the advanced technology of New York hospitals I likely wouldn’t have made it. Similarly, I had an operation when I was four called a dorsal rhizotomy which helped lessen cerebral palsy’s grip on my body. The surgery allowed me to have a normal life. 
     In conclusion, I am immensely grateful for my family and friends, and for always having a roof over my head and food in my stomach, and for all of the wonderful benefits that are associated with being born an America.

Matanzas Pass

Entry # 18

4-6-12

     I enjoyed the recent trip to Matanzas Pass. Mrs. Hughes was a gracious host who offered us cookies, crackers, lemonade, and sea grape jelly. I was hesitant to try the sea grape jelly because I thought it was going to be salty. However, the fact that it wasn’t sold in stores gave me the courage to try it. It was very sweet and tasty. I enjoyed hearing about the past events that shaped Fort Myers Beach. For example, the church and school houses were erected in the 1930’s. Interestingly, I had no idea that matanzas meant massacre. Matanzas Pass is the site that marks the bloody battle between the Caloosa Indians and the Spanish. Another story she shared was about how the fishermen lost their livelihood due to legislation enacted by uninformed politicians. They outlawed the use of dragnets because of the death of a small amount of dolphins. Mrs. Hughes explained that dolphin deaths were few and far between and posed no threat to their existence.Another fact that struck me was how bad the mosquitoes must have been growing up on Ft. Myers Beach before the invention of mosquito planes and bug spray. Also, I had no idea the population of FMB shrinks from 60,000 to 6,000  from winter to summer. Learning about the Koreshans was also interesting because I had no idea we formally had cult-like people here in Fort Myers. Lastly, I enjoyed seeing all the mangroves and sea grape trees. Being amongst this largely undisturbed habitat was very refreshing. It made it easy to envision the type of lifestyle the Caloosa Indians had in years passed. This was a very informative trip. On a side note, I hope I age as well as Mrs. Hughes. She appeared to be in great shape and her mind was still very sharp. This was undoubtedly my favorite of all class trips.

Reflect on Colloquium

Entry #17

4-4-12

      To be completely candid, I enjoyed colloquium more than I had anticipated. For example, I found the principles of direct-attention fatigue and the restorative environmental effect to be very interesting. As a social work major I could defiantly use the nature as a tool for helping to calm clients with ADHD as the text illustrated. Before taking this course I didn’t think I would learn anything that could be applied to my field of study. I enjoyed the trip to ECHO and learning about the ways they help the down-trodden, this is an issue that is very near and dear to my heart. Also, doing my ecological footprint was a great way to quantify how my actions directly impact the planet. I’m glad that every student FGCU has to do one. It is a great tool to help spread change and awareness. I also enjoyed some other aspects of this course but I fear I am being repetitive, because I mention them in earlier journals. So I will answer the question of,”What would you change.” One thing I would change is making the class periods shorter when we spend the entire time in the classroom. No disrespect, but it is practically impossible to pay attention for that long when the majority of the material is videos. I feel the students would learn more and pay attention better if briefer videos were shown. Also, this may be impossible, but since the course is mandatory I feel it should be cheaper. Part of the student body’s resistance to this course is the price tag it caries. We begrudgingly pay for our core classes because we know they will help us in our future professions. Lastly, more clearly defined writing assignments would be helpful. I felt there was some vagueness about what was expected and it caused me to get a lower grade than i would have liked. I felt I had a clear understanding of what was expected but apparently I was wrong. In conclusion, I enjoyed Colloquium more than I had expected and think with some slight modifications it can be an even better course.

Florida Panthers

Entry #16

4-4-12

Source: http://news.discovery.com/animals/florida-panthers-texas-rescue.html

      In the 1970’s Florida’s panther population was thought to be extinct. However, after receiving a tip, a scientist found approximately two dozen panthers in southern Florida. Unfortunately, they were not healthy. Such ailments included: poor sperm quality, low fertility, undescended testicles, heart valve defects, and kinked tails. These issues led scientist to believe that rampant inbreeding took place due to the lack of panther population. In 1995 scientist introduced a similar species of cat from Texas. The introduction was successful and the Florida Panther is doing much better. It is estimated that 90 panthers inhabit Florida. Also, these mixed panthers are much healthier than their predecessors. The article states, the hybrids have twice the genetic variety and far fewer of the genetic defects that were known in Floridian panthers before the introduction. I am glad to know that the Florida Panther is growing in numbers.Also I am happy to know that some of the funding came from Florida residents donations and license plate purchases. We often only hear about how tax dollars are being wasted, so it was nice to hear about people doing something good for a change. 

Alligator Poachers Arrested

Entry #15

4-2-12

Source: http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2010/sep/17/2-arrested-after-36-poach-alligators-truck-glades/

        Two men were arrested after being pulled over in Moore Haven. When the deputy approached the vehicle he observed that 35 dead alligators were stacked in the truck bed. Upon further inspection, 19 alligator hatchlings were also found. The men were immediately taken into custody. As the article explains, American alligators are protected under state law. It is unlawful to kill, injure, capture or possess, or to attempt to kill, injure, capture or possess an American alligator without authorization from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The hatchlings were reintroduced to the wild. However, without a mother I imagine their rate of survival decreases greatly. In my opinion, these men deserve to serve time in jail. The American alligator is a keystone species and integral part of maintaining the proper homeostasis for life in southwest Florida. It is clear these men weren’t just hunting to live; they wanted to make a profit off a protected animal. This reminded me of the wading birds who were killed in grossly irresponsible numbers just to provide decoration for women’s hats. We must learn from this past mistake and try our best not to repeat it. If rampant poaching continues we may see the extinction of animals whose ecological impact will have a devastating ripple effect on the environment. I am glad these men were arrested to send a message to potential poachers about the seriousness of their crime.

Aging and the Outdoors

Entry #14

4-1-12

 

        As we grow older we typically spend less time outside then we did as children. I feel this happens for a number of reasons. For instance, when we age we tend to lose our sense of wonderment. I feel that is one of the greatest causalities of aging. When we were younger woods and lakes held unlimited possibilities for fun. However, this enchantment typically doesn’t last. We often prefer the mall to a tree-house and a pool over a pond. Also, with the increases in technology, the allure of gaming consoles like XBOX and Playstation has grown increasingly stronger. Furthermore, with the invention of the Nintendo Wii many people are simulating former outdoor activates like tennis and golf in the comfort of their living rooms. Another milestone that has an impact on the amount of time one spends in nature is obtaining a driver’s license. Before one had the freedom of the open road at their fingertips, they were likely confined to the neighborhood to entertain themselves. That’s when games like tag, hide and seek, and touch football, were at their apex. Another factor which likely limits the time one spends outside is when they begin working. Maintaining a part-time or full-time job drastically cuts down the amount of leisure time one has at their disposal. With the demands of work it is understandable that many people choose a sedentary form of recreation to help them unwind. Lastly, I think puberty is also a contributing factor. Exploring the possibilities of love with another person is way more exciting than exploring your neighbor’s woods. In conclusion, I feel aging, gaming consoles, puberty, the ability to drive, and works stressors, are all factors which decrease the time one spends outdoors as they age.

Youth and the Outdoors

Entry #13

4-1-12

      I have chosen to reflect on some of the outdoor activates which were a large part of my entertainment throughout my childhood. I am the youngest of three brothers, so we always had a friend to play with. Growing up in San Carlos Park in the late 80’s and 90’s provided us with ample places to enjoy the outdoors. Furthermore, we own 5 acres of wooded land. We would often engage in long battles of “Manhunt”. We called it that because it sounds way cooler than hide and seek. Manhunt is always played in the woods, never indoors. You could find a great hiding spot in the dense palmettos, cover yourself with leaves and pine needles, or even climb a big cypress or paper tree if you were brave enough. Also, we would just spend time exploring the seemingly endless expanse of trees. Looking back it is funny to think that my brother Garrick and I found a place we named “Fern Mountain.” We must have been really young because I have no idea what small lump of soil we declared a mountain. We also enjoyed setting empty cans and bottles on tree branches and sharpening our aim with BB guns. My brothers also engaged in catching snakes and lizards for fun, but I was too scared to participate. Another staple of my childhood was wiffle ball. You can’t start a game of backyard wiffle ball without first clearly defining which tree is designated as a foul pole and which tree defines a home run. Although it is somewhat morbid, I feel these are the fond memories I will reflect back to when I am at the end of my life like Solomon did from A Land Remembered. They were simple times filled with the laughter and love of my family

Heifer

Entry  #12

4-1-12

http://www.heifer.org/ourwork/success/africa/malawi-a-brighter-future-for-two-boys-in-malawi

     Heifer is a great organization which my family and I donate to. The cornerstone of the organization is to promote sustainability and to share the aid you have received with others. I wholeheartedly support those goals. Heifer teaches impoverished people about how they must think long-term as opposed to living for the day. In the past farmers have used the land irresponsibly because they were unaware of how their actions would impact them. As a result they would eventually cause their own hardships. Heifer is educating their clients about principles including: plant and animal production practices, enhance environmental quality and natural resources, and to make the most of on-farm and renewable resources. Once the clients are equipped with this knowledge they can begin to make poverty a thing of the past. As I mentioned earlier, Heifer clients are also required to share their knowledge and tangible goods with those who are in need. This attitude of peer mentoring and compassion can have a revolutionary change in impoverished areas. I would like to share a Heifer success story. A grandfather who lived in Malawi had two malnourished grandchildren who depended on him. He only was able to save $14 a year from his potato farming. Once they received a cow it began providing the children with life-giving milk. Also, the grandfather was able to make $100 a month selling milk! Furthermore, the manure the cow provided made his potato farm produce twice the yield. Once he had enough money, he purchased a new cow and gave his away to a family that was struggling so they can erase poverty in their lives.  Heifer is teaching principles of sustainability and compassion while saving lives, I commend and thank them.

African Land Deals

Entry #11

3-26-12

     I was shocked and saddened to learn about the exploitative land deals which are taking place in some of the World’s poorest countries. In Africa foreign investors are being sold massive plots of land for cheap, or in exchange for promises of infrastructure, job opportunities, and other industrial necessities. Tragically, the African government is making these exploitative deals without getting the input of their fellow countrymen. What is worse is that the greedy governments are oftentimes selling land right out from under the rightful owners. In most of these cultures land deeds don’t exists because everything has historically be done through word of mouth. Furthermore, research has shown that the promises by foreign investors to end poverty and create jobs happens on a minute scale, if at all. These poor nations are in severe need of help. They receive billions of dollars in aid and yet a third of the population is malnourished. It would be in the best interest of Africa and those who provide monetary support to see Africa reach its full potential. In my opinion, the finical support needs to be tied to the country making strides to becoming self-sustaining. Currently we often hear stories about how the corrupt government keeps the food and money and gives it to only a select few. Inadvertently, we are supporting the oppression of the people we are trying to help. I think countries who receive aid should have to show proof of fledgling gardens, or the support would be scaled back or cut. While drastic, I think it would be an efficient motivator. If Africa is given the chance to reach its potential it will not only help that nation, but the world. 

Lee County Waste to Energy

Entry #10

3-23-12

The trip to the Lee County Waste to Energy facility was really an eye-opener. I’ve lived in Lee County most of my life and I had no idea such a cutting-edge facility was built in 1994. It made me feel proud to see the many progressive things our county was doing to lesson our collective footprint on the planet. For example, Lee County has had the highest amount of recycling (35- 42%) then any other County in Florida for over 12 years. Also, the integrated resource recovery system used at the facility is a wonder of modern technology. By burning garbage the facility can generate fire, which in turn creates steam. The steam is then harnessed to make electricity. In essence they are turning trash into gold. For every ton of garbage burned they create the same amount of energy as a $105 barrel of oil. Similarly, the facility generates a profit by selling the excess electricity it generates to the Seminole Indian Electric company for $1.5 million dollars a month. Also, the facility collects and sells about $200,000 worth of steel a month. By utilizing these methods the plant has paid for itself several times over. In addition to making fiscal sense, this type of recovery uses 90% less space then the average landfill. In my opinion this is the most valuable aspect of the facility. Hopefully the success and practicality of the Lee County Waste to Energy system will become the standard for solid waste collection.

Climate Change

Entry #9
3-20-12

      Climate change (formerly known as global warming) is a hotly debated issue. Historically, those who are more right-leaning in their political beliefs tend to believe that it is a naturally occurring phenomenon. However, those with more liberal beliefs typically feel it is occurring because of a direct correlation of man’s impact on the Earth. Since the ideologies are divided by party lines, it is often hard for Congress to come to agreements about policies which impact Mother Nature. I won’t pull up articles citing numerous facts that show a correlation of human’s impact on the planet because there is a wealth of information and misinformation which can point the finger at either side. However, just using some common sense tells me that human’s play a large role in climate change. For example, more people are on Earth than ever before. After measuring my ecological footprint and seeing how devastating my impact is, no scientist could convince me that we don’t attribute to climate change. In my honest opinion, I think the reason why there is such staunch resistance to exploring alternative sources of energy and a more Planet-friendly lifestyle is that Big Business is terrified to see even the briefest shrinking of their huge profit margins. This type of thinking is very short-sighted. If Big Business wants to continue its love affair with money, it should do everything it can to ensure that the Earth will survive. What good is it to make money now if our irresponsible life style leads us to extinction? For the sake of the Earth and my fellow man I hope everyone can begin to see the importance of a more sustainable existence. 

Who Killed The Electric Car?

Entry #8
3-18-12

Who Killed The Electric Car was an eye-opening film. I had no idea that the car company’s had made such an efficient electric car years ago. In all honesty the film made me furious at the greed which runs rampant in today’s society. In my opinion there is NO reason EVERYONE shouldn’t be driving electric cars today. These are facts which should end anybody’s argument against the electric car: they are quieter, cleaner, and cheaper to run than gas-powered cars. However, big business has a vested interest in keeping the electric car off the market. They want top dollar for oil, if electric cars were readily available they would no longer enjoy humongous profit margins at the hands of hard-working people. With a struggling economy, unemployment soaring, and an ever-shrinking supply of oil, big businesses should be ashamed of there lack of enthusiasm in exploring alternative energy sources. Sadly, we live in a society where the value of money far exceeds the intrinsic value of the Earth and one’s fellow man. In fear of sounding like I am trying to suck up, I fully intend to buy a newer more efficient car when I have the funds to do so. The money I save in gas will in essence make the car pay for itself. I hope in years to come we see more electric cars on the road and less close- mindedness to the research and implantation of alternative energy. 

Ecological Footprint

Entry #7
3-16-12

It was defiantly an eye-opening experience when I took the “What is your ecological footprint?” assessment. I was very surprised to learn that if everyone lived like me it would take 4.9 Earths to support the world. Before doing this assessment I would have never imagined my ecological footprint would be so high. Like most problems, this activity highlights how educating people about a problem’s existence is the first step in solving it. The site advised me I could lessen my impact on the Earth by making a few practical changes. For example, lowering my intake of meat would help because of how much land, energy, and resources are needed to produce meat. Another example would be to buy my food at local businesses who sell the fruits, vegetables, etc, themselves. I had never considered this option. Another suggestion was that I vacation locally instead of flying multiple times a year. Since Florida does have so many beautiful landscapes that is a practical solution. Lastly, the site also suggested that I carpool more. This is a possibility since several of my friends and family members also attend FGCU. This exercise was definitely educational and a good reminder of the interrelatedness of all of our actions. While I won't radically change my lifestyle as a result of finding my ecological footprint, I will strive to make some minor adjustments which will positively impact the planet. 

A Land Remembered

Entry #6

3-12- 12

     A Land Remembered by Patrick Smith is a book I enjoyed very much. I was surprised to learn that my parents and my brother have already read the book. I felt Mr.Smith did a great job of bringing the characters to life in this old Florida novel. For example, Tobias was an honest man whose values were years ahead of there time. He wasn’t racist like most people of his generation. He accepted, and cared for African-American Skillit and loved Seminole Indian Twanda Cypress because they were kind and honest people. I was also surprised by the many twists and turns in the book. I never would’ve expected Glenda and Frog to be killed so gruesomely and abruptly. However, I feel their deaths added to the authenticity of the story. Life in years passed was inherently more dangerous because one was often at the mercy of nature. The story has several morals which if everyone followed the world be a better place. For instance, the importance of being an honest businessman is stressed. Tobias collects cows from Lowry and other men and he seals the deal with a handshake. Even though they lose some cows along the way, he deducts the losses from his profits and pays the men in full. Another moral which is stressed is to respect the land. Solomon is stricken with guilt after he realizes that the land deals he made were detrimental to Florida and the Earth. The concrete jungle which he helped found is a disgusting reminder of his greed which sickens him. Lastly, the moral of loving and enjoying one’s family is also stressed. While Solomon ends up filthy rich, he spends his last days in the scrub. He keeps family heirlooms close by reminiscing on years passed while thinking of his lost loved ones. A Land Remembered was a great story I am glad to have read, I can thank this course for that.

Time Outside

Entry #5

3-10-12

      My parents own 5 acres of wooded land behind our house, so I spent time outside lying in the hammock. I love to read, so naturally I brought a book with me. Lying in the hammock is very relaxing. I could hear many sounds of nature: the wind in the tress, the rustle of leaves on the ground made by tiny footsteps of unidentified creatures, the neighbor’s dog barking and the call of birds. I believe there is an intrinsic calming effect created by nature. You always hear about how people feel calm at the beach or camping. You rarely hear how someone feels relaxed in the hustle and bustle of urban life. When I read Richard Louv’s “restorative-environment” effect it was encouraging to know that someone had the same thought as me (obviously his idea was more developed than mine). When I began to feel tired I put the book down and began to look at the sky and the clouds moving lazily overhead. I definitely need to take advantage of this nice weather, because the heat is often to oppressive for me to enjoy this domestic luxury. I think I will make an effort to spend more time outside in the hammock.

25 Happy Things

Entry #4

3-8-12

The place which I will reflect on that makes me happy is the beach. We usually go there as a family on Mother’s Day to watch the sunset and grill food.

1)      I like that we go when the sun is setting because it is less hot and provides for some beautiful scenery

2)      I enjoy that we are all together as a family

3)      Watching my nephew chase the seagulls

4)      The smell of the grill

5)      Throwing the Frisbee with my family

6)      Finding shells with nephew

7)      Reading a book at the beach is one of my favorite things to do

8)      Walking the nature trails at the beach

9)      Finding a turtle on the nature trail that I can show to my nephew

10)  Enjoying the scenery provided by lovely ladies

11)  Getting some color

12)  I enjoy that it is cheap or free entertainment in a period of economic woes

13)   Jogging on the beach because as soon as I get tired I can lay down or jump in the water to cool off

14)  Wrestling with my little cousins in the water

15)  The way my nephew clings to me when I take him into the water

16)  Fishing

17)  Taking family photos

18)  Creating life-long memories.

19)  The sound of the waves

20)  Seeing dolphins

21)  The feel of warm sand

22)   The smell of the air

23)  The comforting silence of nature

24)   Playing with my brother’s dogs at the beach

25)  Throwing a football with my brothers

Sustainability

Entry #3

2-01-12

     Sustainability to me means using resources in a responsible manner to ensure that adequate resources will be available for use in the future. The purpose of this course is to promote awareness about how the current irresponsible uses of Earth’s resources threatens the sensitive balance of the planet. I can easily apply the concept of sustainability to myself in regards to money. Like the Earth, I only have a limited number of resources. If I constantly spend more money than I make, I will soon find myself bankrupt. Similarly, if people and corporations don’t become more pragmatic about how they spend the Earth’s resources, we could find ourselves bankrupt of all natural resources. It is important that I am mindful of my funds and resist the urge to buy things I want now but can’t afford. I must think long-term and delay instant gratification. Sadly, most corporations and people don’t apply this concept to the Earth. They seem to only think of how much money can they make now, and forgo any concerns about the future. Without question, the concept of sustainability needs to be on the forefront of everyone’s mind. If we wait until it is too late all the money in the world can not save the greedy businessmen or the uninformed consumer from their destructive ways.

FGCU Walkabout

Entry #2

1-26-12

Walking around the campus of FGCU and learning of all the steps the university took to become “green” was very informative. I wholeheartedly support smarter building to help protect the environment and become more self-sustaining. I was surprised to learn that FGCU had showers the students can use who decide to bike to school. I also learned that some of the buildings were designed with am emphasis to promote natural cooling and heating. Furthermore, I learned that FGCU uses solar panels which provide electricity to many of the buildings. The air conditioning which is used in some of the buildings is actually provided by cooled water, not traditional A/C units. It was also informative to learn about how the roof and the foundation of FGCU were designed to direct rainwater to more easily flow into the ponds and waterways on campus. Walking through the woods I learned many new facts about native and non-native species. For example, I learned about the protection bark provides to trees. Surprisingly,  I spotted a Florida bobcat. I 'am almost positive my nice professor is going to give me bonus points for my astute observation. I was proud to learn of all the cutting-edge technologies FGCU utilized in its Eco-friendly design. Hopefully with continued awareness of man's impact on the planent FGCU's example with become standard practices for all schools.

ECHO

Entry #1

1-23-12

I enjoyed the trip to the Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization facility. Also know as ECHO. ECHO's main purpose is to provide those who are struggling throughout the world with life-changing equipment and innovative farming strategies. Another thing I commend them for is actively seeking out smaller and struggling organizations and learning if there is anyway they can provide assistance. It was interesting to see the rudimentary yet effective equipment. The various methods of cooking food and purifying water using only sunlight was impressive. I also enjoyed seeing the natural fence; I thought that was very creative and pragmatic. Also, seeing the many different water pumps was an eye-opener. I had no idea it took so little to make an effective water pump. The difference between Americans and other poorer nations is that we regarded the pumps as a kind of novelty, where those in poorer countries would almost worship these life-saving devices. I also enjoyed seeing the urban garden; that is a practical response to the ever-changing industrialized world. My favorite part of the trip was seeing how the pond, ducks, tilapia, and goats all worked together to create a self-sustaining environment. It highlights the brilliance of nature and the interconnectedness of all living things. The trip to ECHO was very fun and informative.