Plan B Ch. 10 / Earth Charter

Plan B Ch. 10

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"In effect, we are in a race between political tipping points and natural tipping points" (Brown, 243).
I agree with the text that in order for action to take place, people are more inclined to wait until resources reach their tipping point. The fine line between the political tipping point and nature's tipping point can be catastrophic if the issue goes unaddressed. Society should make a stronger effort to alleviate its negative impact on the environment before the effects become irreversible. If we tackle the major tasks of reducing our carbon footprint, seeking alternative energy technology, and eliminating fossil fuel consumption, we can begin to positively impact the Earth and its sensitive ecosystems.


Earth Charter
1. Respect and Care For the Community of Life

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"Recognize that all beings are interdependent and every form of life has value regardless of its worth to human beings." This principle ties into the class discussion on which organisms are valuable to the Earth and which ones are not. Just because we can't visually observe the effect of one organism doesn't mean it lacks value to the surrounding environment. Also, the biodiversity pyramid that we observed several times throughout the semester illustrates how organisms are dependent upon one another in order to thrive and be successful in nature. As you go up the pyramid only 10% of the energy is obtained by the organism, 90% is recycled into the environment in the form of heat.

2. Ecological Integrity

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"Reduce, reuse, and recycle materials used in production and consumption systems, and ensure that residual waste can be assimilated by ecological systems." This principle is related to Ch. 4 of Plan B and was discussed in the group presentations. LEED certification systems recognize buildings that are  constructed with recycled materials and awards them levels of distinction based on a scoring system that accounts for energy consumption, transportation, construction materials, and energy efficient appliances. Ecological integrity holds everyone accountable for their actions towards the environment.

3. Social and Economic Justice

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"Recognize the ignored, protect the vulnerable, serve those who suffer, and enable them to develop their capacities and to pursue their aspirations." This principle tied into my experience on our field trip to the Coalition for Immokalee Workers. That was one of my favorite trips this semester because it was such an eye opening experience to hear the stories about oppression and slavery taking place only 20 miles away from FGCU. This experience strengthened my knowledge of consumer buying power in relation to choosing organic or locally grown produce that benefits the workers instead of large corporations.

4. Democracy, Non-Violence, and Peace

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"Treat all living beings with respect and consideration." This principle is related to in-class discussions as well as the Naples Preserve service learning project. Everything on Earth has a purpose for its existence. We may not understand the significance of every organism but when viewed at a larger scope it's clear that all living things should be respected. The Naples Preserve is home to various native plant and animal species that are present on the threatened or endangered species list. This organization strives to encourage community members to observe the beauty of Florida ecosystems. The location of the preserve is on the busy corner of U.S 41 and serves as example of how plants and animals can live in a protected environment within footsteps of urbanization. 

Plan B Ch. 3

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But today's oil-based civilization is heavily dependent on a resource whose production will soon be falling (Brown, 56).

The United States is extremely dependent on coal and natural gas to the extent that it is one of the country's largest imports. Recent studies have shown that fossil fuel consumption is both inefficient and harmful to the environment. Over the timespan of the twenty first century, dependence on fossil fuels has increased dramatically. The human population is consuming fossil fuels at such a high rate that will leave the likely deplete the source by 2050. In order to address this issue, society needs to reduce their consumption on fossil fuels and shifts towards a cleaner and more efficient alternative.

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Considering carbon emissions, water requirements, local water pollution, and the overall environmental devastation from processing billions of tons of tar sand or oil shale, civilization would be better off if this oil were simply left in the ground (Brown, 73).

If oil were left in the ground and never discovered, our society and environment would be drastically different. The lifestyles of many individuals would be changed and industries wouldn't be as prevalent. It's eyeopening to observe the effects of fossil fuels on the environment and imagine a world without the consumption of oil. Civilization would be more oriented on the environment and its resources rather than focused on money and GDP. Hopefully society can change its habits and realize that it is best to leave oil and natural gas untouched underground. This will force the population to pursue natural sources of energy.

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A business-as-usual energy policy is no longer an option (Brown, 71).

In regards to the text, I believe the policy over energy efficiency and fossil fuel consumption is not a black or white issue. This scenario affects both the business aspect of society as well as the environmental side. In order to address the concerns over energy, a new system needs to be tested and slowly implemented to observe its effect on society and the surrounding environment. Although businesses account for the majority of energy consumption, the human population as a whole wastes copious amounts of energy through residential use. In order to initiate change, there needs to be participation among the entire population.

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In addition to coal's disproportionate contribution to climate disruption and damage to human health, it also is the most easily replaced of the three fossil fuels (Brown, 75).

If coal is such an easy resource to replace, why haven't we done so already? The biggest obstacle for the energy industry is fear of change among the population. In terms of alternative energy, we should invest more time and money towards natural energy resources that will eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels. The problem with alternative energy is funding and getting enough people to approve the implementation. Majority of people live by the saying, "If it's not broken don't fix it." This phrase cannot be used in comparison to sustainability because our current system may not be broken, but it sure isn't working effectively. There needs to be a way to rally up support for clean energy before its too late.

Plan B Ch. 2

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Without irrigation water, and with sparse rainfall, the highly productive land owned by these farmers is wasteland (Brown, 43).

I agree that the significant decrease in irrigation water levels and the prevalence of dry season has negatively impacted the agricultural industry. The average field of grain requires thousands of water annually to allow for proper nutrient development and growth. Without an ample supply of water, the crops will lose their nutrients and die.The thousands of acres of land reserved for farming would become desert-like. The soil would be infertile and little to no plant life would be able to grow. Farmers would have to relocate to another area of land because the soil would need time to regain the proper nutrients needed to support crops.

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The shrinkage in cropland per person not only threatens livelihoods; in largely subsistence societies,  it threatens survival itself (Brown, 44).

The shortage of cropland results in an overall shortage of food. This affects the surrounding community because food and water are essential for life. Crops are directly dependent on water for both growth and nutrition. The increase in population throughout the world continues to make it harder to provide adequate amounts of food. Both land and water supplies cannot grow at the same speed as population growth to sustain life. In these cases, grains must be imported from other parts of the world to supply the population with adequate supplies of food.

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Overgrazing and overplowing are converting grassland and cropland into desert, putting farmer and herders in a war for survival (Brown, 45).

The key to successful land usage for agriculture is balance. Farmers and herders should never engage in overgrazing or overplowing because these practices negatively affect the fertility and sustainability of the land. Overplowing removes the vital nutrients that plants and animals use to grow. Another effect of overplowing is the increase in erosion. This leads to soil instability, which can result in flooding or a dust storm. Overgrazing depletes the land of its nutrients at a rate that is too fast to be replenished naturally. In order to eliminate this, herders should practice rotational grazing. This allows the grass and other plants sufficient time to regrow.

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Disagreements over the allocation of water among countries that share river systems is a common source of international political conflict, especially where populations are outgrowing the flow of the river (Brown, 47).

In times of crisis, countries with opposing ideas or political issues should set aside their conflicts in order to reach a solution that benefits everyone. Since the river is accessible to various members of the population, its resources should be shared by all. When it comes down to survival, everyone should be treated equally. Just like how animals come together to drink at the pond or lake, humans should be able to share the luxury of water with one another. In areas where the population has exceeded the carrying capacity, alternative sources of water should be accessed in order to support the need of the growing population. Keep in mind that this solution is only temporary.

Food Inc.

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One of the most eye opening scenes within the film Food Inc, was the segment on Tyson and Purdue chicken farms. Tyson and Purdue together make up the largest meat industry within the United States. Scientists and engineers have genetically redesigned chickens to grow larger breasts in almost half the time. Antibiotics and other supplements are put into the feed to localize most of the muscle and fat growth of the chicken around the breast meat. The demand for larger chicken breasts in many American households is driving this trend. On average, chickens currently live a little over a month before their breasts become too heavy for their legs to support. In theses case, chickens typically cannot walk so they remain seated in their own feces and urine. Growers have no voice when it comes to the treatment of industry raised chickens. One grower named Carroll stated, "It's like being a slave to the company!" Many growers have no choice because they risk losing their contract or being sued by the billion dollar meat industries of Tyson or Purdue. After Carroll's interview she was terminated by Purdue. I agree that chicken plays a key role in the diet of many Americans including myself. The demand is extremely high especially for larger cuts of meat. However, I think chickens should be grown in a clean outdoor environment and fed naturally without hormones or antibiotics. 

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Another alarming scene of the movie was the segment on E. coli  O157: H7, which is the cause of Enterohemorragic Gastrointestinal illness. Symptoms include nausea, abdominal cramps, and bloody diarrhea. This strain of E. coli is transmitted to humans with the consumption of contaminated food with feces. Within the cattle industry, cows are fed corn and antibiotics. This leads to large inorganic piles of feces that need to be relocated. Many farms fail to remove the feces so eventually the cows become covered in it. Runoff can cause the E. coli in the feces to spread to surrounding soil that is used for agriculture. This can inoculate fruits and vegetables leading to an E.coli epidemic. When it comes time to slaughtering, the E. coli can contaminate the meat if proper sanitation procedures are not followed. Since E. coli is naturally found in the gut flora of cows, the best way to keep this organism under control is to feed cows natural grass. The grass cleanses the lining of the intestines and nutrients from the feces are recycled into the soil. I think the problem of E. coli can be greatly reduced if meat farms took the time to keep their facilities clean. Also, if cows were fed naturally in open land the significance of Enterohemorrhagic E. coli would be reduced. 

Plan B: Ch.1

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"With business as usual, I see a combination of the projected growth population, the planned diversion of grain to produce fuel for cars, spreading shortages of irrigation water, and other trends combining to push the number of hungry people to 1.2 billion or more by 2015." (Brown, 4)

I agree that uncontrollable population growth and shortages of freshwater irrigation are going to continue to spike within the upcoming years. The poor and hungry are the first socioeconomic class of individuals that are affected by these changes. Over time, more and more people succumb to the shortage of resources and are forced to be without food and adequate supplies of water. This trend directly affects the entire Nation because there is no way to be both environmentally and economically efficient when poverty is present. Even leaders in market and trade are experiencing hardships. Homelessness is becoming a serious issue within the United States and continues to worsen over time. 

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Paul Hawken, author of Blessed Unrest, puts it well: "At present we are stealing the future, selling it in the present, and calling it gross domestic product." (Brown, 15)

The countries of the World are focused more on gross domestic product instead of the consequences that will greatly affect future generations. The effect of these actions will continue to negatively harm the Earth and the economy unless everyone actively participates. Most people choose against sustainability because they are doubtful of its success. Change will not occur overnight nor will it happen over a few years. The Earth has taken a beating from human civilization for over two-thousand years so it's going to take a substantial amount of time and effort to restore the damage. This issue needs to be addressed promptly before it's too late to salvage vital resources.

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"The market does not respect the sustainable yield thresholds of natural systems." (Brown, 16)

I think the market is slowly coming around and beginning to focus more on environmental sustainability. More efficient products are becoming accessible to consumers at relatively average costs as opposed to previous years. Companies are also creating greater variations of efficient products for example LED light bulbs. When this technology first came out only a few manufacturing companies took the risk of producing these appliances. Now in 2015, almost all electrical lighting companies (GE, Sylvania, EnergyStar, etc.) are actively producing LEDs on a large scale. In terms of natural thresholds, the government has taken action by regulating fishing/hunting seasons to allow animals to repopulate and flourish. 

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"In addition to ignoring indirect costs, the market does not value nature's services." (Brown, 17)

The market doesn't necessarily ignore indirect costs, it just chooses to present consumers with a competitive price that encourages them to buy. Over time, the profit made from consumers allows for the market to reach equilibrium. As a Nation, the entire trade market is centered on the use of nature's resources. Land, water, air, and solar energy have served as the foundation of civilization on Earth. We continue to thrive on these resources because they are easily accessible. In terms of value, the market continues to thrive on environmental resources shared across the globe. 

Biodiversity

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"Humankind is one among millions of other species. It does not have a right to push other species to extinction, or to manipulate them for greed, profit and power without concern for their wellbeing." (Shiva, 40)

I think humans have a sense of dominance in the world that makes us feel like the alpha species. We have taken up most of the useable land for civilization and have destroyed many ecosystems along the way. I agree that humans have led to the endangerment or extinction of many plants and animal species that were once prevalent on Earth. Just because we are the largest species on the planet doesn't give us the right to infringe on the lifestyle of other living organisms. They were here centuries before the beginning of the human race. As a society, humans need to learn how to live in equilibrium with surrounding wildlife to preserve the Earth's biodiversity. Once a species becomes extinct there is no way to bring it back. Our goal should be to prevent further animal/plant extinction because everything on Earth has a purpose.

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"While industrial civilization uses the the gifts of biodiversity, it abuses the living richness of our world." (Shiva, 55)

Our world is focused on commercialization and monopolization as opposed to the wellbeing of our planet and its ecosystems. We attribute most of our success from the resources of the land; however, we rob the environment of its nutrients with no intent of replenishing it. When it comes time to relocating our water products, we turn to the land as a place for containment. Doing so pollutes the surrounding air and soil, which directly affects all living organisms. If we continue to abuse our resources the thriving biodiversity that took centuries to develop will be destroyed.

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"As biodiversity disappears, the poor are further impoverished and deprived of healthcare and nutrition that biodiversity provides." (Shiva, 50)

I think the quote takes on too much of a hasty generalization in terms of biodiversity and the poor. I can see how a lack of biodiversity can make some resources harder to attain, however, I don't believe it is the root cause of poverty. Healthcare is also something that only minimally ties into biodiversity because most of the drugs used in society are synthetic as opposed to natural remedies. A reduction in biodiversity can make it harder to cultivate health remediation plants, but there are plenty of alternatives that are widely accessible.

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"The emerging trends in global trade and technology work inherently against justice and ecological sustainability." (Shiva, 56)

Since this text was published in the year 2000, I think that over the course of a decade our ideology on sustainability has greatly changed. The current trend in society is taking an eco-friendly approach geared towards slowly reducing our dependence on non-efficient energy sources. As a nation, we have come to the realization that our actions on this Earth have dramatically altered the environment in a negative way. New technology and higher government standards on efficiency are helping to reduce our carbon footprint. Given the circumstances, immediate change will not be observed because the Earth has endured centuries of human destruction that will take decades to overcome.

Silent Spring

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"The most alarming of all man's assaults upon the environment is the contamination of air, earth, rivers, and seas with dangerous and even lethal materials." (Carson, 153)

I agree with this quote because most of the pollution that results from urbanization leads to contaminating air and water. Carbon emissions from factories and vehicles contribute to smog and  acid rain, which deplete the Earth's ozone layer and poison the atmosphere. Contaminated air affects all living organism on Earth, not just humans. Plants too are affected by fossil fuel byproducts and they serve as an indicator of how healthy the atmosphere is. When trees and plants begin to die, there is definitely something wrong with the surrounding environment. The use of pesticides allow toxic chemicals to enter our waterways in the form of runoff, which can lead to health risks and red tide. 

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"To adjust these chemicals would require time on the scale that is nature's: it would require not merely the years of a man's life but the life of generations." (Carson, 154)

If the entire world were to start from scratch and eliminate the use of non efficient resources, the Earth would not show immediate signs of improvement. It took two thousand years for the accumulation of pollutants on Earth to occur so it should take at least double the amount of time for the Earth to recuperate and begin to flourish. Although present day civilization will not be able to observe the overall effect of living more environmentally friendly, future generations will be able to appreciate the impact of a cleaner environment. 

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As Albert Schweitzer has said, "Man can hardly even recognize the evils of his own creation." (Carson, 154)

I don't believe that humans aren't aware of their poor sustainability habits. Many people feel like it's easier to look in the opposite direction instead of having to face an issue. I think that we as citizens are able to recognize our destructive behavior and the negative impact it has on on our environment. We simply choose to ignore the effects of our wreckage and try and find an excuse to condone our behavior. Many people also believe that their individual actions have no effect on the greater society, which is not true. What everyone needs to do is come together and work towards creating a long-term solution. 

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"We train ecologists in our universities and even employ them in our governmental agencies but we seldom take their advice." (Carson, 159)

I disagree with this claim because I like to believe that higher education and research help create well-rounded professionals who care about the success of the greater population. As citizens, we tend to be fascinated by new technologies and have a great respect for science within society. In terms of ecologists, the government is extremely selective when it comes to creating collaborative groups of scientists to research and analyze current environmental issues. Credentials and experience are taken into consideration as with any professional occupation. For many years scientists have explained the risk of climate change and advocated for better alternative energy sources and materials. These messages have not gone unnoticed, the only obstacle is getting support from the population to implement change. People are very much influenced by scientist, however, they fear change when it directly affects their daily routine. 

Nature of the Everglades

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"Then the marching wet will start again the next day or so, hissing and leaping down in narrow sharply defined paths as the clouds are pushed about here and there in the bright sky." (Douglas, 114)

I found this sentence extremely vivid and almost story-like. It painted a clear image of a stormy afternoon over the vast wetlands of the Everglades. Douglas included strong adjectives like "hissing" and "marching" that made the rain appear powerful and mighty. As a native Floridian, I have grown accustomed to the frequent storms that prevail during the wet season. I admit that sometimes the rain can fall like heavy white sheets leaving the surrounding areas flooded with reduced visibility. During the wet season it rains almost everyday, sometimes even more frequent. With regards to the Everglades, the wetlands depend on the rain from the wet season to provide water for the inhabitants of the surrounding ecosystem.

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"The whole system was like a set of scales on which forces of the seasons, of the sun and the rains, the winds, the hurricanes, and the dewfalls, were balanced so that the life of the vast grass and all its encompassed and neighbor forms were kept secure." (Douglas, 121)

This sentence made me reanalyze the natural elements and put them into play with the conditions of the Everglades. One of the most important organisms that are prevalent throughout the Everglades is saw grass. This species of grass proliferates in the wetlands and is used by many other animals in the surrounding ecosystem as food or shelter. Too much sun can dehydrate the grass and cause it to dry. Too much rain can flood the surrounding plains and reduce dry lands. Too much wind can rip up the grass and blow down tress. In order for the Everglades to be a successful ecosystem, there needs to be a balance between the natural elements and living organisms.

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"Where the grass and the water are there is the heart, the current, the meaning of the Everglades."(Douglas, 108)

Most of the inhabitants of the Everglades survive on the grass and/or the water. They either use it as a source of nutrition or as a form of shelter. This sentence reaffirms the importance of both water and grass in terms of useful resources for the Everglades. The "heart" of the Everglades is where both resources can flourish and supply their nutrients to the surrounding environment. The survival of the Everglades depends on the sustainability of the saw grass and water supply. If one of these resources break equilibrium, the result affects the entire ecosystem and can take years to fix.

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"Time moves again for the Everglades, not in ages and in centuries, but as man knows it, in hours and days, the small events of his own lifetime, who was among the last living forms to invade its shores." (Douglas, 134)

This sentence was eye opening in that it illustrated how human civilization has swarmed the Everglades and forced it to the southernmost tip of Florida. The Everglades used to be a large thriving  ecosystem encompassing around one fourth of the state of Florida. Now, the Everglades is receding to a smaller area due to the proximity of surrounding civilization. As humans, we measure change in terms of hours and days like Douglas mentioned. However, the Everglades have been established for centuries before mankind. It has survived the dramatic changes of the Earth, but it appears as though humans are beginning to suffocate the rich environment of the Everglades.

A Land Remembered

                                                            
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 Briefly describe who the character is and their role in the novel
Through reading this novel, I was able to put myself into the shoes of one notable character, Tobias MacIvey. Tobias was a middle aged man who traveled from Georgia in 1858 to Florida because of the War. He was accompanied by his wife Emma and their six year old son Zech. The MacIvey family created settlement in an oak hammock up near Gainesville, FL. Tobias chose to live in the woods to seek refuge from the ongoing War between the Federal and Confederate Armies. He built a cabin, a smokehouse, and a barn in a little over a year. Tobias was an experienced farmer in Georgia, however, the Florida soil proved to be a challenge with cultivating crops. Tobias relied heavily on his axe and shot gun to provide meat (squirrel, deer, coon, and beef) for his family. Tobias played a beneficial role in this book because he lived one with the land and taught his family to appreciate it for its value. Tobias was also a very humble man who put others first. He saved two seminole indians named Keith and Bird, saved Skillit, and offered jobs to Frog and Bonzo. Tobias exemplified a man with great character who had a passion for welcoming people with open arms.

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What is the relationship between the character and their environment and the natural world?
Tobias referred to the Land as a gift from God. He once stated, "The Lord put it here for everyone to use." While traveling to Punta Rasa, Zech asked Tobias why people haven't purchased the vast land on the prairie or fenced it. Tobias was quick to reply that no one should ever be allowed to fence such a majestic piece of land. Tobias relied heavily on the land because it served as shelter, food, and water. His livestock was also dependent on the resources of the land because the MacIvey family did not have excess corn or water to supply the herd. The trees were used as shade from the penetrating sun, the heart of palm was food, and the leaves were bedding. Tobias and his family survived in the middle of no where and used the land as a primary resource. The appreciation Tobias had for the land was evident in his words and actions.  

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Where does this character experience a strong sense of place and what legacy will/did they leave behind for others?
Tobias experienced a strong sense of place on the prairie trails where he and his family herded wild cattle across the land to Punta Rasa. During this endeavor, Tobias was able to appreciate the characteristics of the land and its surrounding environment. He payed attention to the fast changing weather and the wild animals. He was able to spend time to himself and think about the world, his family, and his future. It was during this journey that Tobias's love and appreciation for Emma grew. The MacIvey family also appreciated Tobias's efforts and they knew that his best interest was to create a better future for each of them. The sacrifices that Tobias endured helped shape a legacy for Emma, Zech, and even Skillit. Emma learned to become independent, strong, and selfless. Zech developed into a strong young man with a good sense of nature, and Skillit gained the love and experience of a true family.

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How do you relate to this character?
I think Tobias and I share the same quality of putting others before ourself. Many times I find myself in situations that do not directly benefit me, however, it benefits those around me and that helps me feel useful. Tobias was also an amazing role model to Zech, but also to everyone he came in contact with. I hope that in the future I can also take on that responsibility of being a mentor and use it to instill good values in others. In Tobias's eyes family was the center of the universe. Everything he did was to benefit his family. I too am very family oriented and understand the importance of a structured family.

Land Ethics

In today's society, the ethics of the land has changed from a conservational approach to a form of economic l wealth and value. The Earth and soil are viewed as tools to cultivate and make money instead of as living ecosystems that sustain life. With the idea of ethics as preserving something that is valued, understood, and loved; it is shocking to see that the environment has little if any ethical value to 21st century humans.

"In short, a land ethic changes the role of Homo sapiens from conqueror of the land-community to plain member and citizen of it." (Leopold, 60)

I agree with this statement because it focuses on the fact that Homo sapiens were primarily interested in colonizing land and cultivating it to demonstrate wealth and power. The more land that one group or tribe conquorered resembled the strength of their leader. Although the mindset of many are very different from one thousand years ago, there is still little change. Today in society, we need to take a step back and focus on being environmentally cautious citizens. Instead of trying to expand as a nation and gather more property, we should be putting efforts into maintaining the land that we currently have now.

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"Land-use ethics are still governed wholly by economic self-interest, just as social ethics were a century ago." (Leopold, 64)

Land is definitely viewed as an economic factor as opposed to a vital life force that recirculates nutrients and energy. Based on the readings, I agree that socially we are still stuck in the mindset of the 90's era of manufacturing. Facilities used for manufacturing require a large chunk of isolated land to store their equipment as well as products. The government is aware that no one wants to live by these facilities so they chose to develop them in the middle of nowhere. This disrupts ecosystems that were once uninhabited and causes stress to the surrounding environment. Farmers who dedicate acres of their land for the cultivation and sale of produce are also adding to the problem. As long as money is involved, the land will continue to receive a beating from humans.

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"In each field one group (A) regards the land as soil, and its function as commodity-production; another group (B) regards the land as a biota, and its function as something broader." (Leopold, 73)

I don't believe this issue is entirely black and white. There are some people who depend on the land for an income, however, they do their best to rejuvenate the surrounding habitat. The same goes for people who feel that land should be untouched and preserved. There needs to be middle ground when approaching this issue because both stances are too drastic.

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"In short, land is something he has outgrown."(Leopold, 76)

Land is not something that the human race has "outgrown" because it's a key element in the survival of the entire species. There is plenty of land that is available, the matter is whether or not to preserve or disturb. Land preservation is important because it creates a protected environment for many species of plants and animals. In terms of use, I feel that society has been wasteful when it comes to demographics and creating housing/shopping complexes. Large property homes and three story shopping malls are not a necessity in terms of living a happy life. Both humans and nature can coexist  in a way that benefits each group.

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Nature's Ritalin

Who would have thought that one of the worlds most prevalent childhood disease can be cured by nature? Before reading this except I was skeptical as to how nature could heal a cognitive disease involving the brain and nervous system. The chemical imbalance in charge of firing off neural impulses is something that can only be fixed with medications like Ritalin, or so I thought. After reading this excerpt by Richard Lou and learning about the substantial research behind this movement, I have gained a better understanding about the relationship between nature and urban life.

"Some of the uninformed public tends to believe that poor parenting and other social factors produce the immature behavior associated with ADHD, but ADHD is now considered by many researchers to be an organic disorder associated with differences in the brain morphology of children." (Louv, 3)

I agree that a lot of people choose to blame parents when children experience behavioral problems associated with ADHD. This quote highlights the ignorance that some parts of society still hold on to and focuses on the scientific background of the disease in itself. Every child is unique in personality, attitude, growth, and even development. In addition, everyone's brain develops at a different rate, is composed of a different mass, and has a different dominance. There is nothing a parent nor doctor can do to speed up the development of the brain.

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"Our brains are set up for agrarian, nature-oriented existence that came into focus five thousand years ago." (Gurian, 5)

I wouldn't exactly say that the human brain is automatically nature-oriented because many people could care less about the outdoors or their environment. Not everyone has the same fascination or appreciation for their surrounding ecosystem. This statement is too bold to assume that all brains are hardwired the same way in regards to agrarian culture. In terms of cultivation, society has taken a drastic turn from using land to harvest food into using land for municipal growth and recreation. Less land is being preserved or recycled for crops as it was hundreds of years ago. I do believe, however, that as human beings we have a relationship with nature; I just don't  think it's a one size fits all approach.

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"Those with a window view of trees, bushes, or large lawns experienced significantly less frustration and more work enthusiasm than those employees without such views." (Louv, 6)

I completely agree that having a window with a decent view of greenery can make a boring office space ten times better. The feeling of being a room without natural lighting or any windows is cold and unpleasant. With respect to my apartment, I like that my office faces the direction of a group of large robust oak trees with yards of Spanish moss dangling from the limbs. When I find myself overwhelmed with schoolwork it's nice to be able to enjoy the scenery and relax for a little.

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"To take nature and natural play away from children may be tantamount to withholding oxygen." (Louv, 11)

This statement is a little extreme because it is trying to make an exaggerated correlation between nature deficit and living without oxygen. If a child isn't exposed to nature at a young age, that doesn't mean he/she will not survive. There are plenty of people who choose to stay inside and play video games or watch television instead of enjoying the outdoors. This may not be the best choice when it comes to raising a child but it certainly isn't a matter of life or death. In regards to ADHD, going outdoors isn't a proven form of prevention. To my recollection, people who are not environmentally cautious or eco friendly are still healthy living members of society. I do believe that getting involved with nature at an early age is a great experience, however, I just don't think it's as great of a necessity as is oxygen.

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Biophilia vs Biophobia

In today's society we have come to overwhelm ourselves with technology, city life, and urban trends. We choose to prioritize our selfish wants and needs over the importance of our environment. As a result, many have gained a sense of biophobia, which is a culturally developed form of isolation with nature. This ideology causes people to forget about the world as a living ecosystem and only focus on personal development or success. As inhabitants on this Earth, it is our fault that the natural environment is struggling. Our constant wants for shopping plazas, theme parks, and housing complexes take a large toll on the surrounding natural habitat.

One quote that I found during the reading that caused me to rethink was " 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, 190)

I agree that living in a society where the norm is to be economically successful directly affects the environment. A lot of it has to do with the way people are raised. People who grow up in the city tend to stay in the city and pursue their careers there. Being environmentally cautious can be hard when you live in the city because there's only so much one can do. Many people find it easier to be carefree in regards to the environment and continue polluting because that's how they were raised. Also, it can sometimes be more expensive when choosing to be environmentally friendly. "Green" products are more expensive, which makes it harder for others to contribute.

 

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"Third, 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, 200)

I believe that being environmentally cautious and aware is something that everyone needs to participate in. As a child, going outdoors to parks and playgrounds were always my favorite thing to do before I grasped the desire for technology. My parents and grandparents both made the effort to make me appreciate the environment as well as understand the role that society played in order for its success. Even in school, I would go on field trips to nature preserves during middle school and I would be educated on the Florida ecosystems as well as animals that reside here. Having this experience as a child defiantly helped me to better appreciate my surroundings.  For this reason, I think biophilia is something that can be learned to appreciate.

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"If by some fairly young age, however, nature has not been experienced as a friendly place of adventure and excitement, biophilia will not take hold as it might have." (Orr, 200)

Nature doesn't have to be experienced at a young age for people to appreciate it. There are plenty of people who grow up and work in the city yet choose to retire in a rural area because they want to escape the fast paced lifestyle. They look forward to living a relaxed life and appreciating their surroundings. There are also people who may have never really payed attention to the environment until they themselves had children and experienced as a family. Just because you weren't exposed to nature as a child doesn't mean you will lack biophilia and can't appreciate your environment. 

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"Nor will the wealthy, fed and supplied by vast, complex global networks, understand the damage they cause in distant places they never see and the harm they do to people they will never know." (Orr, 201) 

I think this statement is a little too dramatic in the case of creating direct harm to others. Not to say that this will never happen, I just feel as though it's too much of a generalization. Many affluent individuals are known for their conservative efforts whether in America or overseas on another country. A few to name off the top of my head include: Angelina Jolie, Mark Zuckerberg, and Michael Bloomberg. These are examples of wealthy American citizens who choose to share large portions of their money with those who are less fortunate and otherwise unable to take proper care of themselves. They help raise money to help philanthropy organizations and help to mold small sections of the world into strong communities.

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