Entry #8

1. In what ways can we assure that the location of toxic materials does not negatively impact people or the environment? Is there a solution?

I believe that this is a very tough question. I feel like there is no real way to assure 100% that people or the environment are affected by toxic waste. One thing I've learned in this class so far is that everything, no matter how small or large, effects the environment. A possible solution could possibly be to burn the toxic materials in a controlled environment, that way they wouldn't be sitting around some where in a land fill seeping into the ground and contaminating our water supply. The downside to this suggestion, is the noxious gases that could be released into the air. As I said, I feel like there is no fool-proof way to dispose of these toxic materials.

2. Do you think that poor neighborhoods are subjected more to these noxious industries than rich neighborhoods? If so, why?

I definatly think that poor neighborhoods are subjected more to these type of industries than rich ones. Think about how many rich neighborhoods you've driven by that have a power plant next door. None that I can think of. Poor neighborhoods are more vulnerable to this type of business because they have no one with influence to say no to it. In rich neighborhoods, some of the citizens have more money then God and would never allow such an eyesore to be near their homes.

3.
5 polluters:
Munter's Corp
Precision Econowind Inc.
KCS Intl. Shamrock Div.
Action Craft
Polymer Casting (DBA Corinthian Marble)

Munter's Corp is the biggest pollutant in Lee County. It is releasing recognized carcinogens, cardiovascular/blood toxicants, immunotoxicants, liver toxicants, kidney, neuro, respiratory, GI, and reproductive toxicants into the environment DAILY. Munter's is a global corporation that specializes in energy efficient air treatment solutions and restoration services.

Entry #7

1. It takes a lot to get agricultural products to your table. Between farming, transportation, and marketing, most people don't realize the amount of time, effort, and money that goes into this. Let's follow an agricultural product from the farm to the fridge:

Agricultural product (to farm a product, there is a lot of big machinary involved, which means lots of gasoline. Also, lets not forget about pesticides and chemicals used- to spread these, normally a small plane is used. That is more gas) --> Factories (Once the product makes it off the farm, it is sent to the factory to package it. This involves more machinary and more gas. On top of that, there is electricity needed to run the plant.) --> Transportation (After the product has been packaged, it has to be transported to the stores. This takes large semi's that have enormous gasoline bills; especially if they are travelling state to state. Also, some of the produce may need to be in refridgerated trucks. This consumes a lot more energy.) --> In the store (Once the produce FINALLY makes it to the store, it once again is kept in air conditioning [in some cases it is kept chilled] and electricity is being utilized.)

2. Technology has come a long way from the horse and buggy days. Agricultural products benefit from this technology every day. These products are harvested by a variety of machinary and technology, both advanced and simple. Tractors, semi's, planters, transplanters that plant the seeds (may be fully or partially automatic), seed drillers, mulch layers, irrigation systems, backhoes, rakers, mowers, balers, and combines are a list of some commonly used equipment. Not all of these are used in all circumstances, but they are very common. All of this machinary is powered by gasoline.

3. Another factor that plays a role in agriculture/business is climate and the environment. The weather and the environment are two huge factors that can make or break the business. If the soil is too hard, too dry, or too wet, the plants will not flourish like they should, putting a damper on business and the amount of money coming in. The same goes for weather conditions. If the weather is not favorable, crops will not grow.

4. Evironmental issues that may surround this particular location would be the amount of rainfall. In Florida during the summers, we experience a lot of rain, especially if there are hurricanes and tropical storms. The amount of rain could wash away crops, leaving the farmers with nothing. With respect to hurricanes and tropical storms, they not only bring rain, but winds and possible tornados. This could be a horrible fate for the crops if another hurricane like Charlie came through again.

5. I can become more thoughtful by buying local produce. I drive by local farmers markets on the side of the road daily; even on my way to buy the same product at Target or Publix. When buying local goods, it benefits the environment because the local growers and farmers don't use some of the massive heavy machinary that the big companies use, and the transportation is not nearly as far. Local farmers are more eco-friendly because they don't use near the same amount of gasoline and expendable resources as big companies.

6. In ways I do believe it is somewhat sustainable. Agriculture will always be a business as long as we have land to grow products in and water to feed them with. The machinary and transportation is not sustainable because gasoline is an expendable resource. As long as we find other ways to harvest products, the activity is sustainable.

7. Organic means natural. These are products that have not been defiled by pesticides, antibiotics and preservatives. Organic products are more expensive, which doesn't make sense to me because there aren't additives. These products don't go through what Targer and Publix veggies go through.

My Experience at ECHO...

My experience at ECHO was full of newly found knowledge. I knew about ECHO before I visited and toured, but I had no idea all of the things they did there. There are seven different areas of ECHO that harvest different plants, fruits, and veggies. My two favorites were the Hot Humid Lowlands and the Tropical Highlands.

Hot Humid Lowlands contains crops such as bamboo (see picture!), okra, rice,and tropical mushrooms. One crop that I found the most interesting was something called "neem." Our tour guide told us that neem is a huge part of Ayurvedic Medicine (Indian system of healing) and that it is used for several different ailments such as burns, sprains, bruises, headaches, psoriasis, and wrinkles. Another interesting fact about neem is that people in the tropical jungles of India rub the neem oil on themselves to repel mosquitos! Neem would definatly be useful here in Florida for mosquitos!

Bamboo was another plant I found interesting. Our guide told us that bamboo has over 1000 uses! It can be used in building houses, fences, PVC pipe for water flow, and weaving baskets and rugs. During the rainy seasons, bamboo has been known to grow a foot per day!

The Tropical Highlands consisted of crops such as avocados, cabbage, citrus (like mangos!), corn, and surprisingly, coffee. Our tour guide told us that the coffee beans are actually the seeds of berries ripened on a tree. These seeds are a bright red color; who would have thought? This was interesting for me...I always thought coffee beans would be brown.

We unfortunately got rained out (go figure) and had to go inside early. The guide presented us with a video (the photo above is of the video room after everyone had left) that explained ECHO's mission, values, and purpose of its existance. Overall, I had a very good experience at ECHO. In the future I may plan to complete some of my service learning hours there. Everyone was very knowledgable and friendly. I had a great time and left with a ton of interesting information!

The photos above are of myself in the giftshop buying okra seeds. I was inspired to try and grow my own okra (I LOVE okra) since it likes hot climates. I spotted the butterfly in the Tropical Highlands portion of ECHO; this represents just one of the animal species that enhabit ECHO. The bamboo was my favorite, so I took a picture with it :)

Entry #6

Items handled in past 24 hours and packaging:
pen- plastic
laptop- cardboard/plastic/styrofoam
plates- cardboard/styrofoam
cups-cardboard box
silverware- cardboard box/plastic bags
books- cardboard box
birthday cards- paper
soda can- cardboard box
tv remote- plastic case
clothes- cardboard box/plastic bags
blanket- plastic bag
toilet paper- plastic bag
towels- plastic bag
paper towels- plastic bag
car keys- cardboard
perfume- cardboard box
trays- cardboard box
plastic containers- cardboard box
glasses- cardboard box
food- cardboard boxes/ plastic bags
check presenter- cardboard/plastic/foam

Food ate in past 24 hrs, packaging, & calories:
tortillas (2)- plastic bag- 360 kcal
cheese- plastic bag- 220 kcal
cereal- cardboard box- 250 kcal
milk- plastic bottle- 180 kcal
soda (Pepsi Max)- aluminum can- 0 kcal
water- plastic bottle- 0 kcal
pasta- cardboard box- 400 kcal
granola bar- aluminum packaging- 190 kcal
6 oz. filet steak- styrofoam container- 348 kcal
baked potato- styrofoam container- 278 kcal
French style green beans- plastic bag- 40 kcal
peanut butter and jelly sandwich- plastic bag/ glass jar- 439kcal
Total calories: 2705

Entry #5

This picture is of me at the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island:)

1. Describe your experience and how you feel in this environment.

I had a great experience. It was absolutely beautiful out on the island in this preserve. My boyfriend and I made a day of it; we went out while it was still sunny and walked through the preserve and then cooked out on the beach. I was saying to him how good it was that we have these preserves. I can't even imagine what kinds of commercial hotels would take over if it wasn't for the preserve. I felt very peaceful and stress-free out there. It's so nice to get away from the "city" life.

2. How have the elements shaped the natural surroundings?

The natural surroundings have shaped the land and the environment in this preserve. We walked past an area where you could tell a fire had been started to burn away all the dead brush. Also, the winding river that runs through the refuge have allowed mangroves to grow all along the banks. Since there has been a lot of rainfall out on the island lately, you can see where the plants are starting to bud with new growths.

3. How does the topography (surface features of a place...i.e. positions and elevation) affect the plant and animal species found in the natural surroundings?

The topography of the refuge greatly affects the type and species of animals and plants you will find in the area. Since the water is brackish, you will find freshwater fish, such as bass, and saltwater fish such as tarpon. The land is very flat, so this is a friendly environment to animals who do not climb. Also, the environment is very wet. There is a snaking river throughout the preserve, so this allows for plants such as the mangrove to grow plentifully.

4. Does water management influence the area?

Water management does indeed influence this area. Water quality, quantity, and timing are specific prolems and concerns for the health of this refuge complex. These impacts are being analyzed through the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Project and Southwest Florida Feasibility Study.

5. Share one unique characteristic of this special environment.

In 1926 a hurricane came through and destroyed everything on the island. The environment has been rebuilding itself since.

6. Describe the history of this environment and how it came to be a protected area.

The J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge was created to safeguard and enhance the pristine wildlife habitat of Sanibel Island, to protect endangered and threatened species, and to provide feeding, nesting, and roosting areas for migratory birds.

A political cartoonist with an eye toward conservation, Jay Darling, was instrumental in the effort to block the sale of a parcel of environmentally valuable land to developers on Sanibel Island. At Darling's urging, President Harry S. Truman signed an Executive Order creating this refuge in 1945.

Entry #4

Estero Bay Preserve State Park

To the right is me getting ready to do some kayaking in the preserve :)

1. History:

The land was acquired to buffer the Estero Bay from encroaching development in the watershed. The preservation and protection of Estero Bay's water quality is a primary focus in managing the preserve.

2. Value of the wetlands

Wetlands play a very important part in protecting water quality, maintaining biodiversity, and preserving watershed. Wetlands store water, transform nutrients, aid in the growth of living matter, and promote the diversity of wetland plants. Not all wetlands function the same; size and location are a huge factor. Many factors also determine how well a wetland will perform its functions. These factors include climatic conditions, quantity and quality of water entering the wetland, and disturbances or alterations within the wetland or ecosystem. All in all, wetlands are very important assets to our environment.

3. Value of fire, water, elevation, and climatic events

Fire, water and elevation are valuable when it comes to wetlands. Controlled burns are performed to maintain many of Florida's natural areas. Pine flatwoods burn frequently which is a natural process that opens the habitat and allows plants to seed. Burning helps to rid the habitat of dead plants and debris that would otherwise become thick and smother the living species. Water and sunlight obviously help the plants and trees to grow and be healthy and a benefical addition to the surrounding ecosystem.

4. Wildlife

Estero Bay Preserve is a wetland habitat with different species such as:

gopher tortoises

fiddler crabs

bald eagles

snook

pelicans

slash pines

saw palmettos

live oaks