Group 2 Project Evaluation and coarse wrap-up

I wasn't sure if each member had to post separate project evaluations, so i posted the group's evaluation again to make sure that Dr. Becker is aware of all the members who contributed to Group 2.

On November 30th, my group (group two) presented our project “Plant It Forward” at a booth in campus center plaza on-campus. We gave away free plants (beans, corn, tomatoes, chives and native trees that we grew) as well as a gardening starter kits. Inside the kit were seeds, information on how to plant and care for them, as well as composting tips and tricks, pete moss, information on risks of genetically modified plants, community resources and our mission statement and what we wanted to see happen with our project. The idea of “Plant It Forward” is to encourage members of our community to sustain an organic garden and passing on plants from their garden to people they know so they too can promote sustainability through gardening.

We gave away 25 kits and spoke to people who visited our booth about growing their own food and to help promote sustainability by encouraging them to “Plant It Forward” after starting their own gardens. We had students as well as faculty visit our booth who praised our goals as well as showed excitement about our idea and mission. We explained that we have a website (www.plantitforward.wetpaint.com) that discusses our mission and goals to start a discussion and to share their personal experiences with us about how their gardening experience has been since receiving their starter kits. We collected email addresses from all the visitors of our booth so in the future we can contact them to see how our project has impacted them, as well as to encourage them to continue gardening by showing our progress through our group website.

Our group was able to communicate with people on-campus interpersonally during our event to promote a cultural shift to live a more sustainable life. We also felt that by creating our website, that we could contact these people in the future to track their progress. At the same time, we thought we could reach out to a larger population that may stumble upon on our site to see how a group of university students can, and has made a change in our community and to encourage others in their location to do the same. Since we are living in a time where online communication is a cultural aspect and priority for many people, we thought to use it to our advantage by promoting social change on a large scale. I feel that our project was a total success and I am thrilled to have worked with Curtis, ‘Alohi, Patrick, Robbie and Jessica. We utilized leadership skills from our “Beyond You & Me” readings, as well establishing conflict management strategies to ensure group success.

Podcast

The PODCAST

Ecovillage questions and Dr. Becker's teaching.

After listening to the podcast i enjoyed hearing that living in an ecovillage was a nice balance between privacy and community. Being in harmony with nature and gardening has been a positive aspect of living in a sustainable community. Taking part in cooking and sharing the responsibilities of cleaning helps to establish community. Gardening and eating locally develop a bond between community members. I have witnessed this form of social bonding during times like Thanksgiving diner. Everyone comes together and contributes to making a large family meal and it can be a very positive uniting factor.

Even the children get to take part and learn from the other community members. They become friends with the other young people and are able to watch out for each other while hanging out naturally.

Post-graduate sustainability classes may be found in the Northwest United States. Oregon and Washington have made efforts to support the education of sustainability. Another option to further your knowledge of sustainability is by taking part in an actual ecovillage. Some universities allow you to use this experience as part of a masters program. There are many ecovillages that allow people to come visit with out having to buy property.

It can be difficult to keep up with a sustainable lifestyle when having to also maintain work, school, and family. Dr. Becker admitted to having a hard time giving up her car. She thinks the county should have a better public transportation system. Andreava said that she had a problems eating healthy in the winter. One benefit of living in Hawaii is that fresh fruits and vegetables are available year round.

Dr. Becker plans to come back to Hawaii and create a connection with the big island, ecovillage, and Cornell. More development is needed and the people of hawaii have a good opportunity to be sustainable, but the only way it can happen is if the students of UHH and our generation take the initiative.

Questions on teaching seemed limited to the summer class. The answers the students give in our responses to the modules are supposed to reflect our understanding of the readings. That is why we have 3-4 paragraph response to asses the students without testing. Dr. Becker is not sure whether she prefers online or in class teaching. There are positive and negative aspects of having an online class. I would also prefer a high bred or mix of online and in class learning structure.

My questions for Dr. Becker are:

Was it hard to keep up with the over 250 blogs that were posted on the Fall sustainability class's blog-site? Would you have started with the individual blogs from the beginning? Did the class run into problems posting blogs?

Thanks for the opportunity to be part of your class.

PLANTITFORWARD.WETPAINT.COM Plant Give away!!!

On November 30th 2009, The members of Plantitforward had a table on the Campus Center Lanai at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, giving away free plants and sustainability kits. These kits included seeds, pete moss, information on sustainability, instructions of how to grow vegetables, the mission statement of the organization, homemade pots, labels and more. The plants were given as a head start for recipients in started or building their own garden. The event was a success. All of the plants and kits were distributed and a list of over 22 names was collected. These people are the next step in the plantitforward process. Great work GROUP 2!!!!!

Communication, media, and social change

"Communication, Media, and Social Change."

After i looked through the leadership web-sights like the new leaders initiative that awards young people who are making significant differences, I thought about how i can integrate this kind of positive reinforcement into my project. I want my group's web-sight, plantitforward.wetpaint.com, to grow and eventually become a source that is referenced in a sustainability class.

I personally love independent publications like Adbusters and television forums like Democracy Now and Link TV to inform myself. These sources are illuminating without the agendas of advertisers contaminating the information. Movements like "Buy nothing day", OBEY, and cultural jamming are growing in popularity. Also, Media Study Links provides access to the honest results of different research studies about media sources.

Web-sights like greenplanetfilms.org that have lists of hundreds of non-profit films and distributers that can educate and not be subjective on the wide. These films are generally promoting nature, wildlife, and indigenous people. The green list is another positive and progressive way to acknowledge companies and organizations that are trying to make a difference.

Since Michael Moore showed the world that making films to inform people could be profitable, it has become an excepted form of free market artistry. In this digital age, the most influential forms of media for the average American are film and television. Documentaries can have a lot of impact on a person who normally does not read or keep themselves informed on controversial issues concerning the world.

Now that only five major companies own the world's media industry, the consumers must be aware of the agenda of the entertainment and information that they consume. It is nearly impossible for the average person to be able to find out all the dirty little details that most of these corporations are hiding. These corporate conglomerates have teams of lawyers making sure that they have control over their information and public relations groups that focus on mixing the message the public receives. That is where watchdog organizations become important. The public owes a debt of gratitude to the people around the world working hard to make sure that the "gatekeepers" and social elite do not get away with deceiving the public with obvious misinformation.

Finally, one of the most controversial issues "showing face" lately in the public eye is genetically modified organisms or food (GMO). By altering the genetics and specifically engineering food the farmers/scientists produce higher volume of food that becomes less susceptible towards disease and pests. Although that may sound like a good idea, we are unsure of what the long term effects of this unnatural technique may be. Another major concern is that these mutated creations are unlabeled and untested. We as consumers must demand more independent scientific testing and address the concerns that GMO products have aroused but most importantly, eat organically to show the GMO companies that the American citizen are aware of their practices and do not support it.

Sustainability & Education

"Sustainability and Education"

"The challenge of sustainability may be viewed as a major threat/opportunity to existing cultural systems." Stephen Sterling

Education is a major part of our existing cultural system. The success of future generations is defined by what is taught to the children by parents, schools, and the media.

Schools like Kua O Ka La and the presentation, Huaka'i Aina Ho'oilina is the first step in a much needed paradigm shift. We need more focus to provide what the public needs to know about sustainability from food to civil defense. WE should take a play from the playbook of members in the community who already have businesses that support and exercise the fundamentals of sustainability. They will have to be the leaders who teach the other community members that sustainability can be profitable and rewarding in the long term. Learning centers like Dragon's Eye can provide educational experiences with hands on cooperative and sustainable farming and economic awareness.

The Big Island is a place with a unique opportunity. With one of the most diverse environments and people, there is a real possibility that this island could set the precedent and high standards of sustainability. Being so isolated from the rest of the world, Hawaii has already been sustainable and independent at one point in history and could be again. Through acknowledging traditional cultures in the islands and educating the next generations of leader, sustainability is obtainable. This is great because sustainability is inevitable for the future of human survival.

Sustainability and diversity

Sustainability & Diversity

Part of a movement that is grassroots is the new fight for human rights and true democracy. There are over 130,000 organization who work for social justice. In every country and culture in the world has made attempts to maintain the earth and its inhabitants. Ideologies have been ruining the world and we have the chance to make a change.

Spiritual crises that leads to the economic and ecological meltdown. What happened to the respect for our resources. Green economy has to be the next step in sustainability. If we can create jobs and profit through alternative energy we will have a fighting chance. "Fight poverty and pollution at the same time." Justice in government needs to be addressed. Thats why we have to be the change we are looking for. We are all born for a reason, it is time for the sensitive people to rise up and save the planet from the current macho-centric war mongering leadership. The youth has to be able to use the technology we know as tools to progress and make changes. This new America is the most diverse and courageous. We need to have gender equity in the movement including native people including Hawaiians. Americans should start using the wisdom of all of our immigrants. We have to give people a 2nd chance like we do recycling. This is the time to come together and make changes in politics. Will our work be a curse or be a blessing on the planet.

We used to a nation of farmers. We have forgotten how to grow our own food. This 12,000 year old evolution is in decline. We must teach each other how to farm organically and not use nitrogen based fertilizers. Nerve gas was the bases to make most industrialized insecticides. This new "deadly" products led to more produce but they didn't know how to do it naturally with out changing the markets, now even our food variety has become generic and limited because of the capitalizing of the food market. Now with genetic engineering the problem has gotten worse.

Social and Environmental Justice in Hawaii

Social & Environmental Justice in Hawaii

Hawaii is a great example of what can happen when a culture is taken over and exploited for financial gain. Native Hawaiians are facing poverty, education and a health catastrophe. The country was overthrown, and still is one of the most militarized places on earth. What is the cost benefit of long-term destruction of the culture? Their language banned and the treaty failed. This proves that Hawaii was essentially kidnapped. An apology bill is not enough they need the land back. More nuclear weapons are found in Hawaii more than anywhere on the earth. Even the military admitted that they have ruined many parts of each of the islands.

The Hawaiian independence movement did not end with just Bill Clinton’s apology. The Akaka bill has been introduced but the native people are not ready to be able to take on their own governing. Modern money will not allow the people to become sustainable like it was in the past. It is time to reclaim the Hawaiian’s nation by not taking part in western, competitive, and capitalistic impacts. Hawaiians can do this by not buying products from Wal-mart or eating at McDonalds. To truly fight the hated American lifestyle, then they must be wiling to convert their habits and allow their hard work to dictate the markets.

The most powerful occupation of a culture is in the minds of the children. This is a devastating thing that can happen to a culture’s future generations. Once they have lost their language and general social cultural norms, which have been dictated by US profit driven media, than the revolution will never be able to challenge the powers that be to get their way of life back. The only way to live a healthy sustainable life, one that is not constantly teetering on the verge of collapse, is to be independent from the uncertainties of greed.

Sustainability, health, and healing

Our health is the most important aspect of sustainability. Without it, we are unable to provide any of the valuable resources each of us posses. Self-responsibility is the core of a healthy person, but i do think that education and reinforcement through the support of corporations and the government is necessary.

After watching Michael Moore's documentary, Sicko, and looking at the fact sheet supporting the document, i felt like my fears had been confirmed. However, i was not surprised that Michael Moore did his research before an international wide release of a controversial film. It is scary that he has the facts correct and If anything, Moore was playing it safe and using the low-end estimates.

Here are some interesting facts i learned while watching this documentry. 18,000 people should not have to die simply because they cannot afford healthcare. There is something obviously wrong with a country that spends more of their GDP on healthcare then any other country but still rank 37th international in quality and over 54 million Americans are left uninsured.

The most disturbing part of this problem is that the healthcare system is failing because of corporate greed, which seems to be the problem with every large business. This reoccurring theme will be the eventual downfall of modern American culture. Once the average citizen can not carry the financial burden of living in a "free market" is when we will have to go back to living in sustainable community. I do not see a significant shift in this hegemonic culture, seeing that Hillary Clinton, a former leader in health care reform, recently accepted campaign contributions from insurance and pharmaceutical lobbyists. It is has become apparent that the corporate conglomerates are in control.

The World Healing Institute's mission statement says through awareness of environmental issues, children's growth and healing, or cutting-edge healing modalities, they are able to harness the creative imagination.

On the web-sight www.healingourisland.com, there are many ideas for maintaining our health and well-being. Also, public service announcements and information for the people that are the foundations of creating a community. This teaches people take care of each other and themselves inevitably becoming more sustainable.

Personal Story

Personal Story

I appreciated reading more about Dr. Becker's personal life. There are many aspects of her life that i could relate to. In particular, was her experience with looking for guidance from the earth. There has been a few specific times in my life i have asked the cosmos, "what should I do with my life," and have received undeniable signs from nature. One night i was having a hard time making a very important decision, when i asked the earth if i should do something, right then the most beautiful, green tinted shooting star instantly flew through the clear night. I knew then, that i was to make the right choice.

Another part of Dr. Becker's story that i related to was the need to move out of Puna. Even though i was accomplishing my goal to be on solar and catchment, the drive to Hilo 5 or 6 times a week was just too much. It is truly a big island and i made a conscious decision to limit the time i was going to be in the car. I found Papaikou just far enough out of Hilo and just close enough for me not feel like i was wasting two hours of my waking day in commute. Although i did find a new appreciation for books and text books on CD/MP3.

When i followed the links that were highlighted in the blog i found a lot of interesting ideas and experiences. Nature Deficit Disorder is a very real and underestimated consequence of the modern world, not only for children but for people of all ages. With an overwhelming amount of instant entertainment in America has led to a digital age, where most of our time is spent inside and by ourselves. This is not healthy both psychologically and physically. Humans benefit from sunshine and activity with others. Children who live in inner cities have less accessibility to nature and safe outdoor environment for them to play and reflect. There needs to be more focus on making sure people spend time out in nature.

Eating local and organic is also very important for the peoples' health and the local economy. I think that a law should be passed to banned any corporate fast food chain from having a restaurant within 5 miles of Hilo town. Just having McDonalds 5 miles outside of town would deter those people who really don't want fast food but are in a hurry and poor. Then local diners could attempt to make more affordable menus because they would have more customers. This would be a win win situation.

Systems Theory

The three systems that Cornell’s sustainability site connects to sustainability are Energy, the Environment, and Economic Development.

The video “The Story of Stuff” explained how we are using a linear system in a finite world. This is not a sustainable method of consumtption.

Not only the products we buy become wasted but also the people who are part of each step of the materials economy are wasted too. Being forced to leave environments that have sustained their cultures for years and moving into overpopulated urban areas and working in unhealthy industries is a negative result of our consumer culture.. The whole system is being exploited to keep prices unrealistically low. We are a nation of consumers and judge our success by the amount of material goods we have. Over %90 of products are no longer in use only years later.

This way of life is not an accident but rather was planned by the government, corporations and economists. Planned obsolescence and perceived obsolescence are the ideas that we need to purchase the new and improved, partly because the products are designed to break fast and also because the media tells us through advertising that we are not consuming enough..

Recycling is not enough because the waste we create is only a small percentage of all the waste from the industries. So, the only way to really slow down the destruction of the planet is by changing each step of the materials economy.

The environmental justice video clip is a unique way to express some very serious issues. By making a video that is not aggressive, many people will be more susceptible to listening to the message being expressed. Using a simple method to express a complex situation can make the solution seem more obtainable.

Group 2 Contract

Sustainability

Group 2 Contract

The Plant it Forward organization promises to uphold the mission established. This mission states that the members of our organization works by, “Promoting sustainability by creating a movement that teaches others to grow their own food and medicine and pass it forward.”

To have the time to organize and discuss the best ways to approach our mission we have agreed to meet every Thursday at 3:30 p.m. in a designated and private location. Meeting normally last an hour and allow for all members to contribute.

Also, as a group of co-workers we have exchanged personal contact information. This allows the other members of Plant it Forward to have access to each other in case there is any discrepancy or problem that needs instant resolution.

This is a social contract not binding by law.

Plant It Forward members:

Fleming, Patrick M. x_________________

Gronquist, Katherine x_________________

Meier-Mcgrath, Robbie x_________________

Neck, Curtis L. x_________________

Rapholz, Jessica M. x_________________

Group 2 minutes # 2

Meeting minutes 02

October 8, 2009

Start Time: 3:44pm

I. Discussion on what is included in packets

1. Information on sustainability

a. Mission Statement (AG)

b. Purpose of Package (AG)

- The purpose of this package is to provide you with the first step to becoming sustainable through growing your own food and medicine.

c. Information about the plant

- History (website links) (CN)

- Ideal growing environment (CN)

- How to cultivate (PF) – “From seed to compost” include website links

d. Seeds (PF)

- Cherry tomatoes

- Green Beans

- Lettuce

- Citronella

- Spices

e. Plant starts in 4” pots (PF)

- 5 of each variety

f. Homemade pots (AG)

- Instructions on making pots

- Bag of soil, peat moss, labels (AG, RM)

g. Sign-in sheet (CN)

II. Promotion

1. Posters (JR)

2. Radio (PF)

3. Newspaper (PF)

4. Fliers (JR)

5. Table (PF)

III. Uploaded pictures

TEAM MEETING 2 OUTCOME QUESTIONS:

What are you interested in doing? Why?

Promoting sustainability by creating a movement that teaches others to grow their own food and medicine, then passing it forward.

How will you do it?

- Create an instructional packet with seeds and one start (plant)

- Info about sustainability, the plant and uses, directions about seed start and care, composting, how to pass on their product

- Give away starts to grow your own food, promote passing on their starts to more people

Who will do what?

Said in minutes above (initials)

What form will your final project take?

Our final project will be a record of what we did to do this project.

Length? Method of Delivery?

We will- create a wiki, promote sustainability, create a blog to encourage sustainability and document how we started our project to show our progress

- Promote “Plant It Forward” on UH radio station

- Have a table on-campus promoting our project (library lanai) with seed packets, plants, educational and instructional pamphlets

How will you know if your project is a success?

It will be a success if the project continues exponentially.

Group 2 minutes # 1

Group Meeting #1 Minutes

Date: 10/01/09

Time: 3:45 pm

Members Present: ‘Alohi, Robbie, Patrick, Curtis

Brainstorming:

- facilitate a dialogue (group discussion in class, table at library lanai)

- becoming involved with the Boy’s and Girl’s club

Group Project Agreement:

- “Plant It Forward” (url: planit.it.forward.wetpaint.com)

Mission: Promoting sustainability by creating a movement that teaches others to grow their own food and medicine, then passing it forward.

Plan:

- Create an instructional packet with seeds and one start (plant)

- info. about sustainability, the plant and uses, directions about seed start and care, composting, how to pass on their product

- Give away starts to grow your own food, promote passing on their starts to more people

Promoting Project:

- Create a wiki, promote sustainability, create a blog to encourage sustainability and document how we started our project to show our progress

- Promote “Plant It Forward” on UH radio station

- Have a table on-campus promoting our project (library lanai) with seed packets, plants, educational and instructional pamphlets

End Time: 4:25 pm

Other Traditional Cultures

The cultures i choose to discuss are the indigenous tribes of the Amazon. Native people of the Amazon have lived in that area for over 20,000 years. All of the tribes in the Amazon have learned to live in harmony with nature and maintain a sustainable community. They also live in communal houses made from natural materials. Sharing is very important to survival for the indigenous people of the Amazon. In an "open" culture like this, people help each other to succeed accomplishing the goals they need to survive. This is the essence of a natural and sustainable community.

Carolyn Baker Interview

The Carlyn Baker interview focused on the idea that The United States is not going to recover from the depression as has been previously told to us by the government. Instead of trying to go back to the wasteful ways of our past we should learn to be a more sustainable country. Groups like Ecovillage Ithaca are examples of communities that are working in the right direction to help in the economic and environmental recovery.

One of the most important aspects of the interview was facing the recession/depression as a permanent change in American culture. Growth is not always a good thing. We have to learn how to prepare for changes mentally and spiritually as well as financially. Now we are seeing a positive paradigm shift towards becoming more frugal society and teaching each other how to conserve energy and resources.

Also, we are now realizing that the public school systems are failing and we need to find an alternative for the next generations. This reality along with the fact that we are at peek oil productions and will soon run out, allows Americans to make informed decisions concerning the future.

If we all make a point to transition our society into sustainable communities than we have a chance to recover from the financial and environmental collapse.

Leadership

Leadership

The world right now is in a period of chaos. Corporations have become the most powerful entities in the world. This fact makes it the first time in history that the dominant force is not responsible for the benefit of anyone or anything except themselves.

After reading Alisa Miller’s biography I choose to watch her video. She is the CEO of Public Radio International and spoke on how little news sources actually report news on the media. She reminded me that the United States is the leader in news coverage and how distorted the view Americans have concerning the importance of the news from other countries,

To become more of an active leader in my community I plan to investigate and report on local news. By creating an independent news source, I can inform the community and help people to be more aware. Many Americans in my generation do not trust the media. Gallup polls show that only 39 percent of Americans feel the mainstream news are moral. If the people had a news source they can depend on, then they will be more willing to pay attention to the problems and help to find solutions. Education is the key to creating citizens who vote and make confident decisions about their community.

The major obstacle I would face could be the depth of misleading and lies that the American people have absorbed over generations. It is hard to uproot such deeply embedded beliefs. Some other barriers I can foresee in my pursuit in the truth would be the generic right wing, conservative people who watch FOX television. They have become the epitome an audience who chooses to belief what ever the media spoon-feeds them. This is altering the way America thinks and how the rest of the world views the United States.

My allies in supporting independent media would be anyone who believes that media practitioners have an ethical duty to expose the truth. Open minded people with a strong belief that Americans are smart enough to handle the responsibility of knowing the truth and acting accordingly. Other allies could be influential members of the communityh who trust the mission is just and worthy of their support. With more allies would naturally bring resources. The power of connections, and financial backing are essential and will come in time when the right people are motivated.

Other Emerging Efforts

Co-housing is a type of sustainability that Hilo could take part in. Residents of Hilo and other parts of Big Island would have to make a few sacrifices, but would be able to incorporate co-housing locally. The first and most important thing to realize as a community considering co-housing would be that the residents have to actively participate. All the residents would put forth effort to build each other's homes and social playgrounds. This style of communal building takes place on some level with the Habitat for Humanity.

Also, residents would have to be willing to live in a tightly nit community. Neighborhoods would be designed to encourage social contact and individual space. This form of living is similar to how the sugarcane workers would live in at the turn of the 20th century. By eliminating racial tension is the sole way any mixed race co-housing would be realistic here in Hawaii.

When Cultures Meet

There are many unintended consequence when two cultures meet. In the case of tourism, the interaction can be either positive or negative. Although it is known to help economically, that is not always the case. Countries like the bahamas earn fifty percent of their gross national product through tourism, but larger industrialized countries depend on tourism much less. Tourism is a low-wage industry that exploits poor native people for the benefit of a small wealthy population who actually have the means to travel.

When cultures meet may also have a positive cost benefit. Historic monuments, homes and gardens do well with more visitors. Organizations like Wildlife foundation have helped to save animals and lifestyles all over the world. Also, international travelers can take interest and expose injustices in countries that do not have freedom of speech and access to the world media, allowing informed people to make changes to help the indigenous people of a specific area.

When both sides of the, "when cultures meet" issue are reviewed, we are able to make a wiser decision on the effects of tourism and choices on the value of our own desire to travel to new places. But ultimately, the effects of tourism are summed up by Dr. Koson Srisang, former executive secretary of the coalition, tourism as currently practiced, when he stated "does not benefit the majority of people. Instead it exploits them, pollutes the environment, destroys the ecosystem, bastardises the culture, robs people of their traditional values and ways of life and subjugates women and children in the abject slavery of prostitution.... [It] epitomizes the present unjust world economic order where the few who control wealth and power dictate the terms."

Other Traditional Cultures

The indigenous tribes of the Amazon are very connected to the study of sustainable lifestyles. The communication needed to maintain that level of communal living is crucial to any group's survival. The tribes have developed ways of using the land to build shelter and supply nourishment to its people. This form of harmonious living is the foundation to creating a sustainable community.

Ceremonies are used to bring the tribes together and help to communicate culture and heritage. This is a very important element of tribal living. Sharing is the back bone of an open culture like the natives in the Amazon. Only until recently have tribes begin fighting for territory, but until now were able to maintain a century of peace.

Broadening the Ecovillage Movement

After reading Robert Gilman's interview I have realized that building a sustainable ecovillage comes down to a few different ways of communicating and spreading the understanding of why the ecovillage movement is important. As the eco community gets larger, growing from neighborhoods, to towns and villages, various networks of leaders and communicators must emerge. Leaders should form a easy to follow guide of how to communicate with others in your community. This is the first step in maintaining a healthy ecovillage.

The second major step I have learned is that instead of building ecovillages from the ground up we can retrofit an existing community. This 'menu' they have made provide different levels of commitment and personal needs to change. When people make the decision to change on there own, it is much more powerful and probable that they will be more prone to continue and teach others.

Lastly, as I read the interview I really enjoyed the basic wisdom from Jeff Bercuvitz. His advice was to create a simple 5 step plan. The steps make sense and can be easily followed. From thinking big, stating small, take stock of assets, have fun, ripple out and what i thought most important was "just doing it."

A Virtual Visit to an Ecovillage

The ecovillage I choose was Ecocentro IPEC and Ecoversidade from Brazil. This ecovillage interested me the most because I was born very close to Ecocentro IPEC in Brazil and would have a better perspective of what to expect. Also the educational system they have put into place is called Ecoversidade, and I am able to study that education in Portuguese and English to gain an understanding of the curriculum and the natural world.

I would enjoy spending some time in that part of Brazil with the intention of staying to learn the basics of the ecovillage and be able to write an informed article for a newspaper or magazine shedding light on this futuristic way of life.

The talent quest really struck me as an interesting aspect of a community. I found that to be the most interesting. Also, I enjoyed the addition of Capoiera and other traditional Brazilian dance and artwork.

Early morning meditation and Portuguese language lessons would be the most connected to my life. I would really enjoy learning how to speak perfect Portuguese. Meditation, Yoga or just practicing breathing is a fantastic way to start a day. I would like to incorporate more of these actions into my lifestyle

Beyond you and me: Reading Response 1.

I have been a firm believer in family values and the foundation of society via the family. To find other people to live and work with is the most natural instinct humans have. This has been the survival method that has been the most effective for the last 30,000 years.

One major element that I learned reading this part of "Beyond you and Me" is that the original community of humans is not the family, but the tribe. The family is part of a sacred matrix and an integral part of human social existence. This tribal living continued naturally until 7,000 years ago, when the Kurgun people invaded and systematically killed communities. Then again in the 17th century when the Native Americans were killed off by European invaders.

Now most groups in America and all over the world in the 21st century fell apart because of their inability to deal with conflicts that at one point were naturally part of the tribal community, like love power, money and being recognized.

Profile Description

My name is Patrick and I am a communications major at UHH. I intend to build a career in broadcast journalism focusing on radio. I also want to continue working in a news gathering organization such as a newspaper or magazine.

Since moving to Hawaii in 1999 I have become very aware of my relationship with sustainability. I am an adamant recycler. I propagate orchids and various fruit trees. I grow my own vegetables, herbs and spices and try to eat from my garden every day. I compost all natural waste.

I consciously changed my driving habits and sold my gas guzzling V6 truck and bought a four-cylinder environment friendly car.

My connection with Hawaii begins with my moving to the United States. I was born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil and moved back and forth to the US during my childhood. I returned to Miami after I finished my 11^th year of high school in Brazil. I graduated and went on an eight-month trip around the United States. I eventually found my self in the North West, living in places like Portland, Oregon and Olympia, Washington. In 1999 my oldest sister met and married a man in Colorado who was from Waimea, here on the Big Island. I attended the wedding in Oahu. The bachelor party turned out to be a camping trip and hike through Waipio Valley. I fell in love with Hawaii and made the islands my home soon after. I originally moved to Kaua’i and earned a massage license. I lived on the east side of Kauai and worked as a massage therapist and a chef at a very popular restaurant for 5 years. In 2004 I moved to Big Island to pursue a career in media and earn a degree in Communication from UHH.

My physical location is sitting at my dinner table looking out big bay window towards the ocean. I finally found a great house in Papaikou.

I would like to achieve a clearer understanding of sustainability and how I can organize and implement it in this culture here in Hawaii and help me during my experiences dealing with the Brazilian culture.

As the Editor in Chief of the university newspaper I try to motivate students to investigate and expose what they feel is newsworthy within there own community. I push them get involved and not depend on mainstream media. I have recently been hired for the position of assistant program director for URH, the UHH radio station. I am interested in independent music and promote local musicians as much as possible. I train students who are inspired to produce their own radio shows.

The 11^th hour reminds me of the power I have as a consumer. I will try to research the companies I support and become more conscious of the products I am purchasing.Also, as a citizen of two different countries I need to always take part in the election processes. I will continue to spread the word on corporate control over the energy crisis and maintain a high standard of conservation for my family and me.

The first step is to convince the major players in the financial world that reducing the strain on the planet can be a profitable and rewarding venture for a long-term business strategy.

Write an analysis of how Carson used the media and her skills as a writer to achieve her goals.

Rachel Carson was ahead of her time.Through eloquent writing and well thought out reason, she was able to motivate a public that was uninformed. Through diligent study she was able to have the knowledge, experience, and open mind to really expose a potential danger. It was her passion to understand the earth, specifically the ocean that had lead to Carson becoming a beacon for environmental protection. If it were not for her ability as a writer and the popularity of her book than the EPA potentially would not have been created and inspired to make serious changes.

Thanks to enlightened humans like Rachel Carlson we now have a window to the future, revealing how scientists and writers will need to pursue to gain the attention of the public.

The United States is in a position of power world wide. We as a country need to realize and use wisely our control over media and understand our position economically to become better leaders on a broader perspective.

The passage from Rachel Carson’s blog explains her impact on the environment the clearest was, “Carson and her most famous book, SILENT SPRING, are credited with no less than inspiring the modern global environmental movement.”

Behavior Changes

I have become increasingly aware of my behavior concerning sustainability living here in Hawaii. I will consciously change my attitude towards the oceans and the animals that live with in it. I have slowed down my fishing since i realized how endangered a lot of those reef fish are. I make sure not stand on the reefs or pollute the beach. I also try to remind my friends and family to be aware of the effects we all have on the ocean and the planet. I will continue to change my behaviors and help to inform others of the impact we have on the planet.

Beyond You and Me: Reading Response 1

Humans have an innate desire to form communities but for years we have been taught that individuality and collective society are not compatible. This false understanding of independence has made us weary of conforming into what used to be considered the natural community. We must sacrifice some personal freedom to enjoy the security of a family and community. When humans are able to trust each other and the system than a mature community will blossom.

Once trust has been broken in a relationship it can never be fully restored. This is true for any alliance from a one on one connection to complete and complex communities. “If an organization is good or bad depends on the trust of its members.” (Duhm, pg. 6)

The first step in developing a healthy sustainable community is building and maintaining trust between the children, their parental figures and role models. Through experiencing good and bad situations together, children have the opportunity to bond, relate and have a feeling of belonging within their family and communities.Nurturing children and supporting them while developing their natural gifts is essential for positive growth.

Along with encouraging the youth we must respect and regard our ancestors. They can be a source of inspiration, knowledge and guidance. Our ancestors can help us through times of sorrow and feelings of being alone. Humans must deal with issues in the past before creating a healthy present and future.

The feeling of vulnerability is the primary reason people are isolated and scared of each other. In the modern world we tend to not show any weakness. Only when we are able communicate openly and express our fears and anxieties is when a deeper emotional understanding is reached. This enlightenment will help to end war and violence in the community.

One thing is for sure, to create a fully sustainable society there must be a vision, a process, and core relationships amongst the members founded on trust and feeling connected to our community.

Gaia Experiential Learning Activity

I was inspired by the activity on page 17. I sat next to the river near my home, performed a breathing exercise and wrote a poem.

Maybe you should.....

Develop your stand up for self.. army.

Intelligent weapons designed hardly to the grind of that grandfather clock

and it is a machine it should never stop.

tick tock

Rabble, rabble

leave that city in some rubble

white hungry hippos worry about economic bubble.

Pop!

Works two jobs for the one almighty God dollar

political violence takes rocky path o logical dead end

religious income

and mom you can't stop this

Rah!

Born into racism and scorn!

God!

you wore out your welcome to welcome war!

Jesus!

you can't expect me to believe this bullshit

(No More)

A well designed degenerate persian crusader turned assassin savior

Loves cash money and the warmth of my gun

My son

Mask me for some ransom

wearing out some souls like some loose leaf

moves me to build your combust-able lovable life... style.

And it is good ol' haunted house slash hunting lodge

Gas chamber comfort could pass for grandma's loving arms

Throw back that little tantrum baby

and let it grow and maybe develop into a full blown head case of craziness

one day

and you catch me saying i know and i told you so

I'm sorry darling.....

After the Crash

This statement that was most the valuable to me in this presentation and summed up the lesson was, "It is time, quite simply, to return to living with in our natural and economical budgets. We need to set priorities and set a budget and stick with both."

I was captivated by the Crash Course presentation. Although some of the information seemed bleak the importance of its contents is paramount. Chris Maetenson exposed an enormous can of worms. The difficulty will be attempting to shift the American paradigm. Consumers like you and me are the last line of defense for protecting the economy, environment and future of the United States.

After viewing the Crash Course, I feel like my goal is to be a responsible world citizen. By purchasing less oil based products i can play a small part to slow down the negative cycle. Understanding the connection between society, energy, and money along with the theory of exponential growth, allows the public to make some informed decisions. "Energy is the source for all growth and complexity." I must not take energy that I use for granted. I will teach my children to be very aware of their roles as energy consumers. We must all share what we've learned about how money is created and saved wisely.

The population and the world's energy supplies are in direct conflict. It is not logical to think that renewable energy will be able to fill the voids that the lack of oil will leave us with. That is why we must change our habits from the level of consumers. The next 20 years will be different from the last 20 years and my generation and my children's generations are on the chopping block.

Extra Credit: Cornell Climate Plan

If The University of Hawaii Hilo wanted to, we could follow the example Cornell University have given by planning a long-term goal of reducing carbon emissions and ultimately saving hundreds of millions of dollars.

The project would need the effort of the entire school and the community. Student leaders and organizations for sustainability would have to really work hard to get the student to sacrifice time, energy, and sometimes their own personal comfort.

Grants and support from the state could get the project off the ground and eventually those items, “would bear no cost or will have a positive payback to the University.” Said Kyu Whang, co-chair of the climate implementation committee at Cornell University.

Awareness is the first step in convincing a group to consider future rewards for action they may take now. Faculty, staff, and students must have pride in their school, which would motivate them to make changes in the present knowing that the effects may not be seen for decades after they would have graduated.

My personal contributions would be to have all phases of the plan covered in the University newspaper. I would help to inform members of the school were petitions were being signed and what they could do to help the project advance.

The largest obstacle will be to make advancements on the building that is already having major problems. UHH has to first meet the standards the board of regents put into place before we can upgrade the university’s energy grid. Also because we live in Hawaii the UHH carbon footprint is the same all year round, so saving energy in the winter though alternative heating is not an option.