The Earth Charter

"The choice is ours: form a global partnership to care for Earth and one another or risk the destruction of ourselves and the diversity of life (The Earth Charter Initiative)."

In the world today we need to focus on the care of the Earth. Not just in our community but all over the world. Everyone in the world needs to help improve the future well being of the Earth. It is going to take everyone all over to help fix the damage that has been done to improve the future. If we do not we will continue to destroy our world and could not have an environment in the future. The efforts to save the world need to be made globally not just in our part of the world. 

[Photo From: http://www.escapefromamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/hands_world.jpg]

"Control and eradicate non-native or genetically modified organisms harmful to native species and the environment, and prevent introduction of such harmful organisms (The Earth Charter Initiative)."

We need to not use genetically modified items. It is controlling our lives because all the foods we buy in the stores is not grown naturally anymore. When you go to a restaurant, they buy foods from all the same places that are all genetically modified. Food stores all buy from the same non natural farms. It is hard to eat healthy foods that have not been genetically altered anymore. There are not many local farms around areas to shop for normally grown fruits and vegetables. I think the world needs to go back to when farms were real farms and not factories. I think it would help the environment and our own well being as long as the animals. 

[Photo From: http://www.customtimeandattendance.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/farm.jpg] 

"Reduce, reuse, and recycle the materials used in production and consumption systems, and ensure that residual waste can be assimilated by ecological systems (The Earth Charter Initiative)."

Reduce, reuse, and recycle has been put in our heads since kindergarten. Most areas all over have been recycling. In my neighborhood, we have recycling pick up come ever other week. I think it is really helpful because there are so many houses and instead of throwing it away it can go to good use. When I am at school, my apartment complex does not recycle. I think it should because there are lots of people that just throw stuff away that could be going to good use. They pick up the trash why not pick up the recycling as well. 

[Photo From: http://www.msdwt.k12.in.us/no/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/reduce-reuse-recycle.jpg]

Healing Earth's Scars: It's Never Too Late

"It tells how irresponsible logging and industrial pollution gradually created a landscape similar to the surface of the moon, and how the citizens eventually determined to do something about it. (Goodall, P.164)"

The construction for houses and buildings has become a huge issue. People have cut down trees all over to make room for a bigger environment for people to live. It always sounds good to have another mall close or bank but it is destroying many animals homes. We are clearing all the land and there is not much left. People now are starting to realize all the destruction that has been going on to make our living better. People have created plans to somewhat help fix the environment. For every tree loggers cut down they have to plant another one. It is important to keep helping the environment to keep it from being completely gone.

[Photo From: http://artragegallery.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Environment-destruction.jpg]

"The pollution of our streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans is one of the more shocking results of the use of chemicals and other damaging agents in agriculture, industry, household products, golf courses, and gardens, since much of the poison is washed into the water. (Goodall, P.165)"

Most products we use outdoors harms the environment. When we clean our cars and the soap goes into the swear drains from trying to keep our golf courses in top condition. The chemicals used to keep gold courses clean is very harmful to lakes and the environment. The household products we use to keep our house clean is very bad for the environment. Keeping crops from the harm of bugs with pesticides destroyes the environment. We need to use more naturally occurring products that are not harmful to keep our environment healthy.

[Photo From: http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/166/cache/article-pollution_16647_600x450.jpg]

"It was decided from the start that there should be clear distinction between land designated for human use, and land that would be most valuable set aside to ensure, for example, protection of the watershed, soil stability, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity.(Goodall, P.169)"

It is important for the future to keep land set aside and preserved. Nature preserves and major landmarks like Yosemite are important to keep the environment healthy. It is great for the environment and for people to be able to see the beauty of the world. I was lucky enough to visit many national parks and I hope in the future and next generations are still able to witness its beauty.

[Photo From: http://cache.graphicslib.viator.com/graphicslib/thumbs674x446/2402/SITours/yosemite-national-park-and-giant-sequoias-trip-in-san-francisco-117263.jpg]

What Is Biodiversity and Why Is It Important?

"Human beings are clearly highly ignorant of other members of the Earth Family and, at least in the Western worldview, have thought of themselves as sitting on top of a biodiversity pyramid or tree rather than forming a part of a complex web of life.(Shiva, p.44)"

Human beings place their importances over nature's. If it benefits them even though it is destroying the environment humans will continue to use the damaging products. Humans place themselves on a higher more important level the the environment. We destroy trees to build buildings and water ways to help make living better for us. Humans do not realize the damage they are doing because they are focused on themselves to much.

[Photo From: http://www.allprodad.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/04-22-14-POD.jpg]

"For animals, habitat loss, caused by large dams, industrial plantations, highways and the expansion of human settlements, is the major threat to species survival.(Shiva, p.45)"

We have destroyed many forests and other important habitats for our benefits. Many animals have lost places to live and find food because we needed another industrial plant of neighborhood. This is destroying species environments and not letting them thrive on land and continue to live peacefully. We have put highways in the middle of animals habitats which not only disrupts the environment but we kill them with our cars.

[Photo From: http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/ern/05apr/images/bear.jpg]

"Biodiversity is not just a conservation issue, it is an issue affecting economic survival. (Shiva, p.50)"

The biodiversity is not only about conservation but our economic survival as well. Our economy depends greatly on industries. We are hurting the environment because we need to keep our economy going. We need to find other alternatives to important items we use everyday such as oil to not hurt the environment and keep the economy going.

[Photo From: http://www.uniquetimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Copy_of_green_economy_graph_earth-1.jpg]

The Obligation to Endure

"In this now universal contamination of the environment, chemicals are the sinister and little-recognized partners of radiation in changing the very nature of the world-the very nature of its life.(Carson, p.153)"

Chemicals play a huge part in the destruction of our environment. The chemicals power plants emit of, cars, and even simple hairspray cans can hurt the environment. It is just not as obvious because you can not always see the chemicals. It is hard to be concerned about something you can not see. These chemicals have already changed the environment by destroying the ozone layers. It is just not always on everyones mind because it is not in our faces everyday.

 [Photo From: http://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/Household%20Chemical%20Emergencies%201.2.2.0%20Tab%201%20of%203.jpg]

"The rapidity of change and the speed with which new situations are created follow the impetuous and heedless pace of man rather than the deliberate pace of nature. (Carson, p.154)"

Our world is moving at such a fast pace we are not letting nature take its own course of action. We are to busy trying to fix the environment and make it a better place or us to live we are not letting nature take its own path. We need to let nature fix itself and let it recover and focus on how to not destroy it in the future.

[Photo From: http://www.breakingfree-thebooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/fast-paced-life.jpg]

"We allow the chemical death rain to fall as though there were no alternative, whereas in fact there are many, and our ingenuity could soon discover many more if given opportunity. (Carson, p.159)"

We can eliminate a lot of the chemical problems by finding alternative methods. With how advanced our world is today there has to be different ways than to use the chemicals we do now. We need to find more natural occurring methods to use other than harmful man made chemicals.This can help keep the environment from being damaged by us everyday.

[Photo From: http://mybigfatgreenblog.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/toxic_chemicals.jpg]

A Tale of Two Farms

"Many people fear that ecocide has now come to overshadow nuclear war and emerging diseases as a threat to global civilization.(Diamond, p.21)"

Disease outbreaks have become a major issue in our world today. The way we get our meat and other vegetables makes it easy for outbreaks of diseases. Our food is not coming from farms and more of factors. This makes it very easy for one disease to spread through an entire factory. Many of the foods in grocery stores to restaurants all only use the same few factors. People need to be aware of where there food is coming from and try to use foods that come from real farms. Local food markets are the best way to make sure it is healthy. 

[Photo From: http://postgrowth.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/ecocide.jpg]

"We are much more conscious of environmental damage now than we were a mere few decades ago.(Diamond,p.24)"

Today people are very aware of the damages being caused to the environment because it is all around us. When we go to public restrooms, watch TV, or anywhere has advertisements to save water. People are more aware of the destruction of land, ozone layer, and water. This makes people more conscious of their actions. Before people did not pay attention to the damages they caused. Now there are many ways people can help prevent more damage in the future. 

[Photo From:http://nimbuseco.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Deforestation-Amazon.jpg]

"In fact, climate may become hotter or colder, wetter or drier, or more or less variable between months or between years, because of changes in natural forces that drive climate and that have nothing to do with humans.(Diamond, p.28)"

The climate changes every year. The summer and winter temperatures change over time. This has nothing to do with what people are doing it is a natural occurring change. It will always be constantly changing and people will have no affect on what will happen next. All we can do is our part to save the environment everyday by recycling,not using as much water, or keep planting more trees. 

[Photo From: http://why-sci.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/climate3.jpg]

Plan B 4.0

"Climate change also threatens food security. After a certain point, rising temperatures reduce crop yields.(Brown,P.6)"

The climate today has been changing so much especially with global warming. It has been super hot and makes growing crops harder because the temperature has been so hot. It changes the climate in the ares that crops are grown. This makes it difficult to grow certain crops. The extremes of hot and cold can damage the growing processes of crops. It is difficult to grow crops with a constantly changing weather patterns. In todays world we rely on farmers to grow our food and keep it clean.

[Photo From: http://i.livescience.com/images/i/000/065/801/iFF/climate-change-140506.jpg?1399415333}


"The integration of walkways and bikeways into urban transport systems makes a city eminently more livable than one that relies almost exclusively on private automobiles. (Brown, P.154)"

I think today the world has been designed so that if you do not have a car you are stuck. There are buses but even in some areas it is hard to get on buses. I think they need to design new areas so that it is possible to ride your bike to work or walk to the store. Where I grew up it was a challenge to ride our bikes to the gas station to get slurpees. That was far and everything was farther than that. In future growing areas should design buildings and houses more bike and walking friendly.It will also help to keep people more active instead of rely on sitting in cars.

[Photo From:http://urbanvelo.org/wordpress/wp content/uploads/2014/03/east_bay_bike_path1.jpg]

"Restoring the earth will take an enormous international effort, one far larger and more demanding than the Marshall Plan that helped rebuild war-torn Europe and Japan.(Brown, P.193)"

Restoring the earth will take a long time and a huge effort on everyone's part. Many forests have been destryoed which has affected many animals homes. We are too busy worrying about hurting the environment for our own benefit. It is not just Europe and Japan like the Marshall Plan, it is the entire world that needs help. Emissions from cars, power plants,and other industrial places destroy the environment.It will take a long and continuous effort to restore the environment and everyone needs to keep helping.

[Photo From: http://media.nola.com/tpphotos/photo/2011/03/9422173-large.jpg]

A Land Remembered

Briefly describe the character and their role in the novel.

Zech is the second generation of the MacIvey's and is Tobias' son. He is the father of Solomon and Toby Cypress. He grew up riding horses and became very experienced with guns. He was taught by his father how to live off the land and survive.

How does the character relate to their environment and the natural world?

Zech has a very close relationship with the environment because that is how his family survived and how he was raised. They grew up herding cattle across the state of Florida.Herding their cattle across the challenging swamps of Florida was what he was used to.  He had a close relationship with his two dogs and his horses.Their family also needed to rely on the land to grow their oranges.

Where does the character feel a sense of place (to what place do they feel an emotional attachment) and why?

Zech feels a sense of place the most riding Ishmael, his horse. He feels a natural comfort and is naturally skilled at ridding his horse. His sense of place is in the open plains of Florida. He is used to being outdoors herding cattle and being in the scrubs of Florida. Riding his horse comes easy to him and he feels a sense of comfort.

What legacy did the character leave behind for the next generation?

The legacy Zech leaves behind is a hard work ethic. He understands the amount of effort and work it takes to raise a family. He also leaves behind a care for the environment. He understands how important the environment is and how it needs to be respected. He is one of the last ones to understand the importance of the land. His son Solomon does not understand the respect for land as much as Zech and his father Tobias had. 

Why did you select this character and how do you relate to them?

I selected this character because he grew up first understanding how important the environment is to be respected. As he gets older the respect for land changes to who owns it and how is it going to benefit the future. He sees how the world is changing. I can relate because our generation is different and changing because of the influence of technology now. 

Endgame

"There are no airports situated on the border of national parks in America; the Everglades is the last place to consider changing that.(Grunwald, P.98)"

This quote is a very true statement. I have been to many national parks such as Yosemite, Yellowstone, and many others. National Parks are to be persevered and not destroyed by airports and other tourist places. The same should go for the Everglades. It is a different kind of National Park, it is unique and should be treated like the other Parks around the country. Most of Florida has been developed so we should keep the Everglades preserved. It is an important aspect in what makes Florida its own state. It is also important to a lot of wildlife because it is their habitat.

            [Photo From: http://www.nykola.com/images/busyairports.jpg]

"Restoring the Everglades would preserve aquifers and promote ecotourism, but Graham really wanted to restore the Everglades because it was singular, because it distinguished south Florida from other sprawling concatenations of tract homes, strip malls, CVS, and KFC.(Grunwald, P.99)"

Helping preserve the Everglades is very important for animals along as us. It also helps preserve the aquifers. This is important to our water supplies. It is also important to preserve the land because animals live thrive there and people are building to many strip malls everywhere. There is no need to have a CVS and Walgreens on every corner. It is important to help save our environment so we can continue living and not destroy our world. Today many people are not focused on the environment because they are focused on electronics and what is the next in item to buy. No one focus on how important it is to preserve the environment especially the Everglades.

[Photo From: http://www.culturalweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/strip-mall.jpg]

"It was too late to change the Nader votes of South Florida's environmentalists, but the Everglades had dodged another bullet. It was a reminder that money doesn't always talk. People talk, too.(Grunwald, P.101)"


This is one of the biggest problems the environment faces today, money. Money is the only thing that seems to talk today. Even how FGCU was built is a perfect example of how money talks over the concerns for the environment. Also, politics can be a major issue with the environment because it is not for what is the best. People need to take a step back and focus on the big picture how important we need to preserve the environment. Money is the only drive for most people today. The environment is over looked because we do not think it is going anywhere. Money should not be the only focus in life.

[Photo From: http://s3.amazonaws.com/rapgenius/filepicker%2FgkTHRLQsyzS3MggKloYA_money.jpg]

The Nature of the Everglades

"Often the rainy season finds its terrible climax in September or October, in the crashing impact of a hurricane, the true cyclonic storm of the tropics.(Douglas, P.118)"

This quote is very true it is always very rainy in the months of September and October. Especially hurricane season has a big impact on people's lives here in Florida. People have to plan around them a lot because they can damage so much. It is not as big of a deal to me now because I have lived here for so long. A lot of times now you can get a good deal on cruises during hurricane season. People from up north do not feel safe and less people book them during hurricane season. It is always fun to have family come down because they have never been through a hurricane and it is always interesting to hear their concerns and what they think.

"The small brown Florida deer step neatly at the edge of pine forests like these. (Douglas, P.136)"

Most people do not associate deer as a problem here in Florida. I grew up in a very nice neighborhood with many houses. It is a very populated area and not many woods near my house. However, in my neighborhood in the very small patches of trees many brown deer's live. This seems like a nice idea being able to see deer in your backyard in such a populated area. Until, I started driving. The night after I got my license, I hit a deer leaving my neighborhood. We still to this day have an over population of deer in the neighborhood. It has definitely changed my view on deer.  

"A blue racer, the snake that moves across the cleared sand like a whiplash, will with one flick destroy the smooth, careful cup of the ant lion in the hot sand. (Douglas, P.138)"

Snakes have also been a problem especially here in Florida. When my parents first started building our house it was the first one in our neighborhood. They had cleared all the land to start building our subdivision. This was cool at first because we were the only house. However, because they cleared all the land all the animals that used to live in the woods had nowhere to go. This created a problem in our house because the snakes started coming in our pool area and into the house. My mom used to find them in cabinets and under her bed. I am terrified of snakes so my mom would never tell me because I would never sleep. I used to play around our house and run right over them with my bare feet. Ever since I have hated snakes.

"Like the otter, raccoons are everywhere about the Everglades, but here in the south by the mangrove they have lived in thousands. (Douglas, P.147)"

When I was younger we used to have a pop up camper and went on camping trips all over Florida. It was always fun to stay at different camping sites especially in the keys and even Fort Wilderness in Disney. The only bad part about our camper was that we did not have a bathroom. So if you had to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night you had to walk outside to the public restrooms. At first, I did not think about the animals that would be walking around. One time I went to the bathroom alone and got freaked out because I ran into a bunch of raccoons. I was younger and I did not realize what the animal was at first. But, this helped me realize there are definitely lots of raccoons here in Florida.

Love It or Lose It

"The manifestation of biophobia, explicit in the urge to control nature, has led to a world in which it is becoming easier to be biophobic. (Orr, P.190)"

In our world today electronics control our lives. Many people think that because of all the advances in technology, that's what is preventing people from going outdoors. I think people are not becoming biophobic they are just choosing to not be outdoors. People would rather play on the computer or watch TV than go outside. It does not help that kids are introduced at a young age to iPads, iPhones, and gaming consoles. This is not letting kids run outside with their friends and play hide and seek but rather stay inside and play angry birds. It is not the people who are becoming biophobic but rather the people choosing to live a biophobic life.

[Photo From: http://www.gamehavenclassic.com/images/GameSystems.gif]

"I think we can safely surmise that biophilia, like the capacity to love, needs the help and active participation of parents, grandparents, teachers, and other caring adults. (Orr, P.200)"

Biophilia is something felt by a person regardless of other peoples influences. A person loves nature on their own. It does help if parents make kids go outside and play rather than letting them sit inside on gaming systems.  It also helps if teachers make sure their students go outside for recess. I think the influences of others help to bring out the love of nature.  However, the love is always there it is just how much the person chooses to act on it. A kid will either love or hate nature on their own. It is just the experiences they have that helps shape their love or hate for nature.

[Photo From: http://mypages.valdosta.edu/asmccoy/Great-Mountains-mountains-and-waterfalls-10022592-1680-1050.jpg]

"We have every reason to believe that love and biophilia alike flourish mostly in good communities. (Orr, P.201)"

I think this quote is very true because communities have a big influence. Communities, their location and how well kept they are is a big influence on how much people love the outdoors.  A child that grew up in Detroit and one that grew up in the suburbs will have very different views of the outdoors. When you associate the outdoors with violence a child would be less likely to love the outdoors. A child that grew up in a nice neighborhood with access to a nice park will love the outdoors more. Good communities help children to start loving the outdoors at a young age and show them how much fun playing outside is.

[Photo From: http://www.agents4homebuyers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/LAFAYETTE-PARK-PARK.jpeg]

Restorative Environment

"In the era of test-centric education reform and growing fear of liability, many districts considered recess a waste of potential academic time or too risky.(Louv, P.1)"

In elementary schools today recess is being phased out. Many kids do not get to have a break during class to go out and exercise. Teachers are expected to keep on track to prepare the kids for the standardize tests to pass the grade they are in. Therefore, teachers are viewing recess as a waste of time when they could be teaching them more information. It is important for children to be able to go outside and release energy. Children need to let energy out because they are sitting inside all day. Being able to play on a playground helps to exercise and release energy to go back in the class and focus again. Recess is very important and should not be phased out.

[Photo From: http://www.njplaygrounds.com/blog-n-photos/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/crim_2.jpg]

"Critics charge that often-prescribed stimulant medications such as methylphenidate and amphetamines, though necessary in many cases, are overprescribed, perhaps as much as 10 to 40 percent of the time. (Louv, P.3)"

Many people feel that medications for ADHD are over prescribed. Many people also feel that mediations are not the answer to solve ADHD problems. I feel that medication prescribed in the right way is very helpful. My brother has ADHD and it is very obvious when he does not take his medication. Without his medications he can not focus in school, sit still, and is very distracting to teachers and other students. Therefore, the medication helps him to do better in school.  ADHD medication is prescribed by weight and doctors prescribe it based on evaluations to specific needs of each person. I think it is not over prescribed just more people are aware and have ADHD on different levels.

[Photo From: http://70.32.92.106/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Prescription-Drug-Addiction-Treatment.jpg]

"If it's true that nature therapy reduces the symptoms of ADHD, then the converse may also be true: ADHD may be a set of symptoms aggravated by lack of exposure to nature. (Louv, P.11)"

I think this is true because with schools taking out recess students that have ADHD can not release their energy. Students with ADHD need the time to run around. Being able to go out side and have the freedom to go where they want and play where they want is important. Keeping kids with ADHD trapped inside and making them sit still all day will not help them deal with their ADHD. I do not think it is nature alone that helps reduce the symptoms but being able to choose to play and do what the feel help reduces the symptoms.

[Photo From: http://img2.timeinc.net/health/images/gallery/condition-centers/causes-of-adhd-400x400.jpg]

The Land Ethic

"We can be ethical only in relation to something we can see, feel, understand, love, or otherwise have faith in.(Leopold, p.68)"

This statement is false because we can be ethical to things we cannot understand.  We do not have to love or feel something to care about or make a difference.  Everyone has a conscious and cares about the environment to an extent. There are just different levels for each person as to how much of an effort they make. Little kids may not understand the importance of why they need to help the environment but they are taught in elementary school. There are different extremes of how much a person tries to help better the environment. Another example would be Police Officers. They may not love or understand the people they are trying to help. However,they make the ethical decision everyday to do their best to help people in danger.

[Photo From: http://www.eurostemcell.org/files/resources/ethics_road_sign.jpg]

"It is inconceivable to me that an ethical relation to land can exist without love, respect, and admiration for land, and a high regard for its value. (Leopold, P.75)" 

This statement is very true because you have to respect the environment to have high regard for its value. Farmers live off the land and have a respectful relationship because it helps feed their animals and helps grow their crops.  Natural creeks help provide water for animals. Rain helps keeps their crops alive which provides food for the animals. Grass is helpful for animals to feed and helps keep the grass cut. Without the help of nature, animals such as cows could not produce dairy, which is a base in a lot of our foods. Farmers have to care, respect, and love their land to keep it growing and their animals alive.

[Photo From: http://www.earthtimes.org/newsimage/farmers-anger-land-law-delay_226.jpg]


"Perhaps the most serious obstacle impeding the evolution of a land ethic is the fact that our educational and economic system is headed away from, rather than toward, an intense consciousness of land. (Leopold, P.75)"

The educational and economic system is starting to no longer focus on the importance of how much our actions are destroying the environment, and how to help it. Schools used to start teaching kids in elementary school how important it was to save water, keep lights off, and recycle. I remeber when I was in kindergarten and had to listen to a speaker talk about wasting water. Now they do not have time for the speaker because it 'wastes' too much time from education to teach kids how to treat the environment.

[Photo From: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDPwQHYc_JXU60epOxBpwF38pvfakteGoMSOJrRe0aDZVlGHPBtawPssWMBNUkadjK7hMyMuJPm0k-k_0iIs0kIKAY5N5Zuf5Hh07EZ8N3oBBVUcHFGbSkiLPKJk37b4cdbyAUUizqgv8/s1600/water.jpg]