Stephen Allerding
ENG 308J
March 18, 2009
Reflective Blog Essay
Never have I ever written in a blog, not including Facebook, before I took this class. When Professor Rouzie told us that all our work would be done and posted into our own blog, I was kind of skeptical. Personally, technology and computers are a weak point for me, so having to figure out how to start a blog and post things to it seemed annoying to me. After actually setting up my blog, everything was pretty easy from then on. It was a very simple process to write something and post it to a blog. Doing this made English 308J a unique class to me, causing interest to see what kind of things we would write about. I was a bit unconvinced about the whole class being based on the environment. I love the environment and try to do my part to keep it clean, but I just don’t find it real interesting to write about. My opinion on that has changed a little though. Over the quarter we have read some fascinating forms of rhetoric and our blogs have accumulated very nicely.
We started out writing about a place we know well. This was nice for me because I was able to reflect on some good memories I have had in the past. This helped lead into our first essay, which was a personal persuasive paper. Writing this essay helped me understand the concepts of writing rhetorically a little better. I was able to put myself in the paper and make it emotional, yet credible.
After our first essay, came some rhetorical readings by George Monbiot and McDonough and Braungart. Monbiot’s writing was very pleasant to read in a rhetorical sense. His ethos, pathos, and logos were especially clear to read and understand. The Cradle to Cradle reading was extremely engaging. Throughout the whole reading the authors are constantly asking the reader questions, making them feel like part of a conversation.
Perhaps my favorite blog posting was the one we did on effective and ineffective arguments of rhetoric for an issue coming up in our next paper. Effective rhetoric is great, but ineffective rhetoric is just hilarious. This exercise was a nice eye opener. Our next paper was my least favorite. I just could not think of an issue that really interested me enough to write a whole essay on it. I did it anyway, but it was one of the worst things I have ever written.
Our final blog post on a reading was about Pollan. This was my favorite reading because it talked about animals. I love animals, but I also love eating meat. The way many factory farms treat livestock is just appalling, making me embarrassed to be called a human. Animals should be free range and treated with respect before we slaughter them for a meal. They deserve that at least.
Extra credit is always a pleasant surprise, which came in the form of a PBS Special about the “Green Economy”. Blogging about this was cool because it was all talking about how much our economy and cities are trying to be more “green” and the unique ways they are accomplishing that.
Our final essay and blog post was about local sustainability. I did mine on Casa Nueva. This was a great assignment because I was able to learn so much about the importance and benefits of buying food locally. I enjoy the beer selection at Casa, but after my interview, the food tasted even better. It’s nice to learn so much about a community I was not a part of before college, but I am a part of now.
Posting all these blog topics enabled us to make our group blogs. All of these group blogs should be very interesting to read, due to the topics and the fact that we all should be blog masters after taking this class. Being in a class based around one blog and then our individual blogs was a very good way to communicate and bring the class together. It was a nice way to teach a class.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Casa Nueva-fixed errors
Around twenty-four years ago, a collection of former restaurant workers decided to create a worker-owned cooperative. According to Casa’s website, “A cooperative is any business organization which is owned and controlled through its members.” These workers decided to dedicate themselves to “Strengthening the environmental, economic, and social well being of their community by promoting wholesome products, democratic participation and responsible business practices” (casanueava.com). The food and ingredients they buy are mostly locally grown, and those that are not are still grown on organic farms around the region. It seems clear that they are trying to respect their mission to the best of their ability.
I interviewed Michelle Wasserman, who is one of the Food Managers at Casa. She is one of people who are responsible for what and where the different foods and ingredients come from. She also helps decide what dishes and items are put on the menu. I asked her why buying food locally is a good thing. She said, “Because it keeps money in the county and community, and gives jobs to others locally.” Michelle also explained that by buying food locally, you know exactly where your food comes from, how it is being grown, and who is growing it. “You build great relationships with people in the community”, she said.
I then asked Michelle how Casa helps promote environmental sustainability. I found out from her and from researching their website that Casa does everything they can to recycle and compost all their uncooked organic waste and egg shells. She informed me that the city of Athens takes plastics 1 and 2, newspaper, office scrap paper, clear and brown glass, cardboard and paperboard. Green glass just recently started being accepted as well, but before that Casa would give all their green glass bottles to Sheri Wilson from Blue Moon Bottles who turns them into stylistic furniture. Nothing seems to go wasted or unused at Casa.
When I asked her how she would like the public to view Casa, she responded by saying, “Organic!” She wants the public to know that what they are eating from Casa is truly organic and grown on local, fresh farms. They don’t buy from huge corporations that claim to be organic. “Casa cares about the local economy and health of the community”, said Wasserman. Currently Casa Nueva buys from thirty-five producers around Ohio and surrounding states.
Finally I asked what the future plans for Casa Nueva are. It is a big goal of Michelle’s and the other Food Managers to bring on one new producer per year. This will keep things diverse and they will be able to continue building relationships with local farmers and growers. She would also like to be able to get more of their grains from right in Athens rather than have to go to Pennsylvania for them. She mentioned how Casa is starting to work with Brandon Jaeger and Michelle Adjaminan in getting more of their grains from a local source. Clearly, Casa Nueva is playing a great part in the sustainability of our environment and local community. They seem to have great goals and a very innovative business plan. I am excited to see what sort of things they can accomplish in the future.
Casa Nueva. 20 Feb. 2009..
Wasserman, Michelle. Personal Interview. 19 Feb. 2009.
1. What was the reason for the start of Casa Nueva? What was trying to be accomplished? What were the goals?
2. What is the mission of Casa Nueva?
3. Who finances Casa?
4. How does Casa promote environmental sustainability? Who benefits from this?
5. Why is buying food locally a good thing?
6. How would you like the public to view Casa Nueva?
7. What are the future plans for Casa?
I interviewed Michelle Wasserman, who is one of the Food Managers at Casa. She is one of people who are responsible for what and where the different foods and ingredients come from. She also helps decide what dishes and items are put on the menu. I asked her why buying food locally is a good thing. She said, “Because it keeps money in the county and community, and gives jobs to others locally.” Michelle also explained that by buying food locally, you know exactly where your food comes from, how it is being grown, and who is growing it. “You build great relationships with people in the community”, she said.
I then asked Michelle how Casa helps promote environmental sustainability. I found out from her and from researching their website that Casa does everything they can to recycle and compost all their uncooked organic waste and egg shells. She informed me that the city of Athens takes plastics 1 and 2, newspaper, office scrap paper, clear and brown glass, cardboard and paperboard. Green glass just recently started being accepted as well, but before that Casa would give all their green glass bottles to Sheri Wilson from Blue Moon Bottles who turns them into stylistic furniture. Nothing seems to go wasted or unused at Casa.
When I asked her how she would like the public to view Casa, she responded by saying, “Organic!” She wants the public to know that what they are eating from Casa is truly organic and grown on local, fresh farms. They don’t buy from huge corporations that claim to be organic. “Casa cares about the local economy and health of the community”, said Wasserman. Currently Casa Nueva buys from thirty-five producers around Ohio and surrounding states.
Finally I asked what the future plans for Casa Nueva are. It is a big goal of Michelle’s and the other Food Managers to bring on one new producer per year. This will keep things diverse and they will be able to continue building relationships with local farmers and growers. She would also like to be able to get more of their grains from right in Athens rather than have to go to Pennsylvania for them. She mentioned how Casa is starting to work with Brandon Jaeger and Michelle Adjaminan in getting more of their grains from a local source. Clearly, Casa Nueva is playing a great part in the sustainability of our environment and local community. They seem to have great goals and a very innovative business plan. I am excited to see what sort of things they can accomplish in the future.
Casa Nueva. 20 Feb. 2009.
Wasserman, Michelle. Personal Interview. 19 Feb. 2009.
1. What was the reason for the start of Casa Nueva? What was trying to be accomplished? What were the goals?
2. What is the mission of Casa Nueva?
3. Who finances Casa?
4. How does Casa promote environmental sustainability? Who benefits from this?
5. Why is buying food locally a good thing?
6. How would you like the public to view Casa Nueva?
7. What are the future plans for Casa?
Monday, March 2, 2009
group ideas
I'm not exactly sure what I would like to do, but I know I would like to do something involving animals and their safety or protection. Anyone, please let me know if you would like to help me expand on this somehow.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Casa Nueva
Around twenty-four years ago, a collection of former restaurant workers decided to create a worker-owned cooperative. According to Casa’s website, “A cooperative is any business organization which is owned and controlled through its members.” These workers decided to dedicate themselves to “Strengthening the environmental, economic, and social well being of there community by promoting wholesome products, democratic participation and responsible business practices” (casanueava.com). The food and ingredients they buy are mostly locally grown, and those that are not are still grown on organic farms around the region. It seems clear that they are trying to respect their mission to the best of their ability.
I interviewed Michelle Wasserman, who is one of the Food Managers at Casa. She is one of people who are responsible for what and where the different foods and ingredients come from. She also helps decide what dishes and items are put on the menu. I asked her why buying food locally is a good thing. She said, “Because it keeps money in the county and community, and gives jobs to others locally.” Michelle also explained that by buying food locally, you know exactly where your food comes from, how it is being grown, and who is growing it. “You build great relationships with people in the community”, she said.
I then asked Michelle how Casa helps promote environmental sustainability. I found out from her and from researching their website that Casa does everything they can to recycle and compost all their uncooked organic waste and egg shells. She informed me that the city of Athens takes plastics 1 and 2, newspaper, office scrap paper, clear and brown glass, cardboard and paperboard. Green glass just recently started being accepted as well, but before that Casa would give all their green glass bottles to Sheri Wilson from Blue Moon Bottles who turns them into stylistic furniture. Nothing seems to go wasted or unused at Casa.
When I asked her how she would like the public to view Casa, she responded by saying, “Organic!” She wants the public to know that what they are eating from Casa is truly organic and grown on local, fresh farms. They don’t buy from huge corporations that claim to be organic. “Casa cares about the local economy and health of the community”, said Wasserman. Currently Casa Nueva buys from thirty-five producers around Ohio and surrounding states.
Finally I asked what the future plans for Casa Nueva are. It is a big goal of Michelle’s and the other Food Managers to bring on one new producer per year. This well keep things diverse and they will be able to continue building relationships with local farmers and growers. She would also like to be able to get more of there grains from right in Athens rather then have to go to Pennsylvania for them. She mentioned how Casa is starting to work with Brandon Jaeger and Michelle Adjaminan in getting more of their grains from a local source. Clearly, Casa Nueva is playing a great part in the sustainability of our environment and local community. They seem to have great goals and a very innovative business plan. I am excited to see what sort of things they can accomplish in the future.
Casa Nueva. 20 Feb. 2009..
Wasserman, Michelle. Personal Interview. 19 Feb. 2009.
1. What was the reason for the start of Casa Nueva? What was trying to be accomplished? What were the goals?
2. What is the mission of Casa Nueva?
3. Who finances Casa?
4. How does Casa promote environmental sustainability? Who benefits from this?
5. Why is buying food locally a good thing?
6. How would you like the public to view Casa Nueva?
7. What are the future plans for Casa?
I interviewed Michelle Wasserman, who is one of the Food Managers at Casa. She is one of people who are responsible for what and where the different foods and ingredients come from. She also helps decide what dishes and items are put on the menu. I asked her why buying food locally is a good thing. She said, “Because it keeps money in the county and community, and gives jobs to others locally.” Michelle also explained that by buying food locally, you know exactly where your food comes from, how it is being grown, and who is growing it. “You build great relationships with people in the community”, she said.
I then asked Michelle how Casa helps promote environmental sustainability. I found out from her and from researching their website that Casa does everything they can to recycle and compost all their uncooked organic waste and egg shells. She informed me that the city of Athens takes plastics 1 and 2, newspaper, office scrap paper, clear and brown glass, cardboard and paperboard. Green glass just recently started being accepted as well, but before that Casa would give all their green glass bottles to Sheri Wilson from Blue Moon Bottles who turns them into stylistic furniture. Nothing seems to go wasted or unused at Casa.
When I asked her how she would like the public to view Casa, she responded by saying, “Organic!” She wants the public to know that what they are eating from Casa is truly organic and grown on local, fresh farms. They don’t buy from huge corporations that claim to be organic. “Casa cares about the local economy and health of the community”, said Wasserman. Currently Casa Nueva buys from thirty-five producers around Ohio and surrounding states.
Finally I asked what the future plans for Casa Nueva are. It is a big goal of Michelle’s and the other Food Managers to bring on one new producer per year. This well keep things diverse and they will be able to continue building relationships with local farmers and growers. She would also like to be able to get more of there grains from right in Athens rather then have to go to Pennsylvania for them. She mentioned how Casa is starting to work with Brandon Jaeger and Michelle Adjaminan in getting more of their grains from a local source. Clearly, Casa Nueva is playing a great part in the sustainability of our environment and local community. They seem to have great goals and a very innovative business plan. I am excited to see what sort of things they can accomplish in the future.
Casa Nueva. 20 Feb. 2009.
Wasserman, Michelle. Personal Interview. 19 Feb. 2009.
1. What was the reason for the start of Casa Nueva? What was trying to be accomplished? What were the goals?
2. What is the mission of Casa Nueva?
3. Who finances Casa?
4. How does Casa promote environmental sustainability? Who benefits from this?
5. Why is buying food locally a good thing?
6. How would you like the public to view Casa Nueva?
7. What are the future plans for Casa?
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Green Economy
This show was about the new green evolution. Many businesses are starting to go green, and it seems to be a growing trend. Recycling is a $238 billion dollar business in the US and has more employees than the auto industry. Chicago is becoming one of the greenest cities in the US thanks to Mayor Dailey. The city has started trading carbon and other greenhouse emissions. Trading carbon tops $1 trillion dollars worldwide. About 5% of the US population uses 25% of the worlds fossil fuels. Many hybrid prototypes for cars have been coming out. India and China are starting to catch up to the US in carbon emissions. Prices of corn have doubled due to the high demand in the US. Many people in the world dont have conventional energy so some organizations are trying to bring them solar power. Amory Livitz is trying to reduce energy use by using solar power grids in homes and businesses. Venture capitalists around the world are trying to make the world healthier and greener. They are trying to make safer water treatment facilities through their funds. Also, demand for organic food has been rising in recent years.
I think its awesome that so many businesses are trying to go green. Ultimatley it will save us energy and money, which will hopefully help boost our economy a little bit. I hope the venture capitalists keep up the good work they are doing. Recently my mother has been buying more organic foods and milk. I appreciate this very much, because not only is it healthier, but it tastes better as well.
I think its awesome that so many businesses are trying to go green. Ultimatley it will save us energy and money, which will hopefully help boost our economy a little bit. I hope the venture capitalists keep up the good work they are doing. Recently my mother has been buying more organic foods and milk. I appreciate this very much, because not only is it healthier, but it tastes better as well.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Pollan
I really enjoyed this chapter. Personally, I love meat with every ounce of my heart, but this chapter did make me think a little. It seems that Pollan really isnt telling us not to eat, rather he is suggesting that we respect the meat more that we do eat. I am appalled at the way many animals are treated before they are slaughtered to be food. I do believe they should be treated with respect before their death. Humans have hunted and eaten animals since the beginning of man. It is a very natural part of our heritage and lives, but I believe we could do it with a little more class and respect. Native Americans hunted and killed many animals, but they respected their prey and appreciated the animal. I think we could do something similar. Before eating meat we could take a little time to appreciate the life, whether how short or meaningless, that the animal lived. I will probably never stop eating meat, but I will stop unnappreciating what I do eat.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Death of Man-Overpopulation-Revised!
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6…6.5 billion! That is how many people call Earth their home. That number is projected to rise to 9 billion in 2050 (Connor). The human population has more than doubled in less than 50 years (Connor). This rapid growth is creating a problem for the environment and for our resources. This problem has been dubbed Overpopulation. According to Wikipedia; Overpopulation is a condition when an organism’s numbers exceed the carrying capacity of its habitat. It is determined using the ratio of population to available sustainable resources. Wikipedia says:
“If a given environment has a population of ten, but there is food or drinking water enough for only nine, then in a closed system where no trade is possible, that environment is overpopulated; if the population is 100 individuals but there is enough food, shelter, and water for 200 for the indefinite future, then it is not.”
This is a good example of what is happening in the world. With the rapid growth of population we are starting to see a steady decline in our most important resources including; water, food, land, energy, and fossil fuels. I am going to take a look at different causes, effects, and solutions in regards to the global problem of overpopulation.
Things causing overpopulation are sometimes good and sometimes bad, when speaking about them in other contexts. Decline in the death rate, rise in the birth rate, and improvements of public health are all positive things, but not when it comes to the issue of overpopulation. Due to advancements in medicine and improvements in public health care, doctors and scientists have found cures to previously fatal diseases. These new inventions in medicine have brought in many treatments for most of the life-threatening diseases, resulting in an increase in life expectancy for individuals. Inevitably, this leads to an increase in population. Fighting disease and preventing death is a very good thing, but not when we look into the overcrowding of earth.
Another effect of advancements in medicine is the increase in fertility rates of human beings. Certain medicines today in some nations can boost the reproductive rate in humans. This too, is a great advancement and a miracle for many couples, but is a negative cause to overpopulation.
Immigration has also caused a stir in the overpopulation category. Obviously if people from one country travel to another country to set up a residence, then that area is certain to endure the effects of overpopulation. If a nations emigration rates don’t match their immigration rates, then overpopulation is bound to happen (Oak).
Lack of education is probably one of the largest causes of overpopulation. People lacking in education fail to understand the dangers ahead of us if we keep overcrowding the planet. The lack of family planning is very common in illiterate parts of the world. Some countries just do not have the resources to dish out this kind of knowledge, and then you have some countries who are just plain ignorant to the whole idea.
Along with causes, come effects and consequences. One of the biggest concerns is the lack of fresh water. A water crisis like this will only get worse with the increasing population. Lawrence Smith, President of the Population Institute said, “If the water goes, the species goes.” Even though we are surrounded by water, only 3 percent of it is sustainable freshwater and the other 97 percent is saltwater (CNN.com). Desalination of saltwater can be used to create freshwater. This is a very energy-intensive process. There are a good number of nuclear powered desalination plants around the world, but the high costs of desalination make it unfeasible to transport large amounts of desalinated saltwater, especially in poor third world countries (Wikipedia.com).
According to the United Nations, “about 850 million people are malnourished or starving and 1.1 billion people do not have access to safe drinking water” (Wikipedia.com). Only a small percentage of the world is wealthy and those nations have the majority of the safe drinking water. The United Nations Development Program was quoted saying “The scarcity at the heart of the global water crisis is rooted in power, poverty and inequality, not in physical availability” (Black). Japan and Cambodia under go the same average amount of rainfall per year, which is about 160cm. An average Japanese person uses 400 liters a day, but the average Cambodian only gets one-tenth of it (Black). Better water seems to favor the more prosperous nations and over-look the more poverty stricken ones. Technology could be one of the reasons for this.
As the world population grows, so does their hunger. “Agriculture accounts for about 70% of water use around the world” says Richard Black, “and extra consumption for growing food is likely to reduce the amount available for those basic needs of drinking, cooking and washing.”
This overcrowding of Earth is taking a toll on our environment. Increased levels in air pollution, water pollution, soil contamination, and noise pollution are slowly eroding away our healthy environment. The need for land is causing deforestation, which causes a loss of ecosystems, which is aiding in the cause of mass species extinction. Extinction rates are becoming as high as 140,000 species lost per year (Primm, 1995). Overpopulation can affect other life forms besides human beings. The time is way over due to start finding solutions to this problem. Governments and nations have to start acting on this immediately.
There are many suggested solutions to this problem, but some are just a little unrealistic. In the 1970’s the Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi implemented a forced sterilization program (Wikipedia.com). Men with two or more children had to agree to sterilization. I don’t think something like this would work in today’s world. Other people propose that governments should stop funding on child-vaccination because children should have to survive naturally. This idea is interesting, yet mean and sinful. Only an insane government would agree to do something like that. These are solutions that I would personally not go for.
There are two ideas that I believe would help in the assistance of controlling overpopulation. One would be reforming tax laws in a way to promote couples to have no more than two children. They would still be able to have as many kids as they want, but the tax code would no longer subsidize more than two (grinningplanet.com). Finally, the best solution to overpopulation is more access to family planning services. If countries could make family planning education, condoms, and birth control easily affordable and available to their public then that could be a great start to the downfall of overpopulation. It all could start with a little education. Arnold Joseph Toynbee once said, “We have been God-like in our planned breeding of our domesticated plants and animals, but we have been rabbit-like in our unplanned breeding of ourselves” (grinningplanet.com). If this rabbit-like approach continues, then this overpopulation will surely be the death of mankind.
Works Cited
S.L. Pimm, G.J. Russell, J.L. Gittleman and T.M. Brooks, The Future of Biodiversity, Science 269: 347-350 (1995)
"Overpopulation." Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. 31 Jan. 2009..
Hoevel, Ann. "Overpopulation could be people, planet problem." CNN.com. 29 Jan. 2009.
Connor, Steve. "Overpopulation 'is main threat to planet'" The Independent. 1 Feb. 2009.
Oak, Manali. "Causes of Overpopulation." Buzzle.com. 2 Feb. 2009..
"World Population Growth." Grinning Planet. 29 Jan. 2009.
.
Black, Richard. "Water- another global 'crisis'?" BBC News. 9 Feb. 2009..
“If a given environment has a population of ten, but there is food or drinking water enough for only nine, then in a closed system where no trade is possible, that environment is overpopulated; if the population is 100 individuals but there is enough food, shelter, and water for 200 for the indefinite future, then it is not.”
This is a good example of what is happening in the world. With the rapid growth of population we are starting to see a steady decline in our most important resources including; water, food, land, energy, and fossil fuels. I am going to take a look at different causes, effects, and solutions in regards to the global problem of overpopulation.
Things causing overpopulation are sometimes good and sometimes bad, when speaking about them in other contexts. Decline in the death rate, rise in the birth rate, and improvements of public health are all positive things, but not when it comes to the issue of overpopulation. Due to advancements in medicine and improvements in public health care, doctors and scientists have found cures to previously fatal diseases. These new inventions in medicine have brought in many treatments for most of the life-threatening diseases, resulting in an increase in life expectancy for individuals. Inevitably, this leads to an increase in population. Fighting disease and preventing death is a very good thing, but not when we look into the overcrowding of earth.
Another effect of advancements in medicine is the increase in fertility rates of human beings. Certain medicines today in some nations can boost the reproductive rate in humans. This too, is a great advancement and a miracle for many couples, but is a negative cause to overpopulation.
Immigration has also caused a stir in the overpopulation category. Obviously if people from one country travel to another country to set up a residence, then that area is certain to endure the effects of overpopulation. If a nations emigration rates don’t match their immigration rates, then overpopulation is bound to happen (Oak).
Lack of education is probably one of the largest causes of overpopulation. People lacking in education fail to understand the dangers ahead of us if we keep overcrowding the planet. The lack of family planning is very common in illiterate parts of the world. Some countries just do not have the resources to dish out this kind of knowledge, and then you have some countries who are just plain ignorant to the whole idea.
Along with causes, come effects and consequences. One of the biggest concerns is the lack of fresh water. A water crisis like this will only get worse with the increasing population. Lawrence Smith, President of the Population Institute said, “If the water goes, the species goes.” Even though we are surrounded by water, only 3 percent of it is sustainable freshwater and the other 97 percent is saltwater (CNN.com). Desalination of saltwater can be used to create freshwater. This is a very energy-intensive process. There are a good number of nuclear powered desalination plants around the world, but the high costs of desalination make it unfeasible to transport large amounts of desalinated saltwater, especially in poor third world countries (Wikipedia.com).
According to the United Nations, “about 850 million people are malnourished or starving and 1.1 billion people do not have access to safe drinking water” (Wikipedia.com). Only a small percentage of the world is wealthy and those nations have the majority of the safe drinking water. The United Nations Development Program was quoted saying “The scarcity at the heart of the global water crisis is rooted in power, poverty and inequality, not in physical availability” (Black). Japan and Cambodia under go the same average amount of rainfall per year, which is about 160cm. An average Japanese person uses 400 liters a day, but the average Cambodian only gets one-tenth of it (Black). Better water seems to favor the more prosperous nations and over-look the more poverty stricken ones. Technology could be one of the reasons for this.
As the world population grows, so does their hunger. “Agriculture accounts for about 70% of water use around the world” says Richard Black, “and extra consumption for growing food is likely to reduce the amount available for those basic needs of drinking, cooking and washing.”
This overcrowding of Earth is taking a toll on our environment. Increased levels in air pollution, water pollution, soil contamination, and noise pollution are slowly eroding away our healthy environment. The need for land is causing deforestation, which causes a loss of ecosystems, which is aiding in the cause of mass species extinction. Extinction rates are becoming as high as 140,000 species lost per year (Primm, 1995). Overpopulation can affect other life forms besides human beings. The time is way over due to start finding solutions to this problem. Governments and nations have to start acting on this immediately.
There are many suggested solutions to this problem, but some are just a little unrealistic. In the 1970’s the Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi implemented a forced sterilization program (Wikipedia.com). Men with two or more children had to agree to sterilization. I don’t think something like this would work in today’s world. Other people propose that governments should stop funding on child-vaccination because children should have to survive naturally. This idea is interesting, yet mean and sinful. Only an insane government would agree to do something like that. These are solutions that I would personally not go for.
There are two ideas that I believe would help in the assistance of controlling overpopulation. One would be reforming tax laws in a way to promote couples to have no more than two children. They would still be able to have as many kids as they want, but the tax code would no longer subsidize more than two (grinningplanet.com). Finally, the best solution to overpopulation is more access to family planning services. If countries could make family planning education, condoms, and birth control easily affordable and available to their public then that could be a great start to the downfall of overpopulation. It all could start with a little education. Arnold Joseph Toynbee once said, “We have been God-like in our planned breeding of our domesticated plants and animals, but we have been rabbit-like in our unplanned breeding of ourselves” (grinningplanet.com). If this rabbit-like approach continues, then this overpopulation will surely be the death of mankind.
Works Cited
S.L. Pimm, G.J. Russell, J.L. Gittleman and T.M. Brooks, The Future of Biodiversity, Science 269: 347-350 (1995)
"Overpopulation." Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. 31 Jan. 2009.
Hoevel, Ann. "Overpopulation could be people, planet problem." CNN.com. 29 Jan. 2009.
Connor, Steve. "Overpopulation 'is main threat to planet'" The Independent. 1 Feb. 2009.
Oak, Manali. "Causes of Overpopulation." Buzzle.com. 2 Feb. 2009.
"World Population Growth." Grinning Planet. 29 Jan. 2009.
Black, Richard. "Water- another global 'crisis'?" BBC News. 9 Feb. 2009.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Paraphrase activity
The Source: “The new inventions in medicine have brought in treatments for most of the dreadful diseases.”
Mine: “These new inventions in medicine have brought in many treatments for most of the life-threatening diseases, resulting in an increase in life expectancy for individuals.”
Corrected paraphrase: “These innovative findings in medicine have brought about many treatments for the majority of life-threatening illnesses, resulting in an increase in life expectancy for individuals."
Mine: “These new inventions in medicine have brought in many treatments for most of the life-threatening diseases, resulting in an increase in life expectancy for individuals.”
Corrected paraphrase: “These innovative findings in medicine have brought about many treatments for the majority of life-threatening illnesses, resulting in an increase in life expectancy for individuals."
Monday, February 2, 2009
Death of Man-Overpopulation
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6…6.5 billion! That is how many people call Earth their home. That number is projected to rise to 9 billion in 2050 (Connor). The human population has more than doubled in less than 50 years (Connor). This rapid growth is creating a problem for the environment and for our resources. This problem has been dubbed; Overpopulation. According to Wikipedia; Overpopulation is a condition when an organism’s numbers exceed the carrying capacity of its habitat. It is determined using the ratio of population to available sustainable resources. Wikipedia says:
“If a given environment has a population of ten, but there is food or drinking water enough for only nine, then in a closed system where no trade is possible, that environment is overpopulated; if the population is 100 individuals but there is enough food, shelter, and water for 200 for the indefinite future, then it is not.”
This is a good example of what is happening in the world. With the rapid growth of population we are starting to see a steady decline in our most important resources including; water, food, land, energy, and fossil fuels. I am going to take a look at different causes, effects, and solutions in regards to the global problem of overpopulation.
Things causing overpopulation are sometimes good and sometimes bad, when speaking about them in other contexts. Decline in the death rate, rise in the birth rate, and improvements of public health are all positive things, but not when it comes to the issue of overpopulation. Due to advancements in medicine and improvements in public health care, doctors and scientists have found cures to previously fatal diseases. These new inventions in medicine have brought in many treatments for most of the life-threatening diseases, resulting in an increase in life expectancy for individuals. Inevitably, this leads to an increase in population. Fighting disease and preventing death is a very good thing, but not when we look into the overcrowding of earth.
Another cause of advancements in medicine is the increase in fertility rates of human beings. Certain medicines today can boost the reproductive rate in humans. This too, is a great advancement and a miracle for many couples, but is a negative cause to overpopulation.
Lack of education is probably one of the largest causes of overpopulation. People lacking in education fail to understand the dangers ahead of us if we keep overcrowding the planet. The lack of family planning is very common in illiterate parts of the world. Some countries just do not have the resources to dish out this kind of knowledge, and then you have some countries who are just plain ignorant to the whole idea.
Along with causes, come effects and consequences. One of the biggest concerns is the lack of fresh water. A water crisis like this will only get worse with the increasing population. Lawrence Smith, President of the Population Institute said, “If the water goes, the species goes.” Even though we are surrounded by water, only 3 percent of it is sustainable freshwater and the other 97 percent is saltwater (CNN.com). Desalination of saltwater can be used to create freshwater. This is a very energy-intensive process. There are a good number of nuclear powered desalination plants around the world, but the high costs of desalination make it unfeasible to transport large amounts of desalinated saltwater, especially in poor third world countries (Wikipedia.com).
This overcrowding of Earth is taking a toll on our environment. Increased levels in air pollution, water pollution, soil contamination, and noise pollution are slowly eroding away our healthy environment. The need for land is causing deforestation, which causes a loss of ecosystems, which is aiding in the cause of mass species extinction. Extinction rates are becoming as high as 140,000 species lost per year (Primm, 1995). Overpopulation can affect other life forms besides human beings. The time is way over due to start finding solutions to this problem. Governments and nations have to start acting on this immediately.
There are many suggested solutions to this problem, but some are just a little unrealistic. In the 1970’s the Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi implemented a forced sterilization program (Wikipedia.com). Men with two or more children had to agree to sterilization. I don’t think something like this would work in today’s world. Other people propose that governments should stop funding on child-vaccination because children should have to survive naturally. This idea is interesting, yet mean and sinful. Only an insane government would agree to do something like that. These are solutions that I would personally not go for.
There are two ideas that I believe would help in the assistance of controlling overpopulation. One would be reforming tax laws in a way to promote couples to have no more than two children. They would still be able to have as many kids as they want, but the tax code would no longer subsidize more than two (grinningplanet.com). Finally, the best solution to overpopulation is more access to family planning services. If countries could make family planning education, condoms, and birth control easily affordable and available to their public then that could be a great start to the downfall of overpopulation. It all could start with a little education. Arnold Joseph Toynbee once said, “We have been God-like in our planned breeding of our domesticated plants and animals, but we have been rabbit-like in our unplanned breeding of ourselves” (grinningplanet.com). If this rabbit-like approach continues, then this overpopulation will surely be the death of mankind.
Works Cited
S.L. Pimm, G.J. Russell, J.L. Gittleman and T.M. Brooks, The Future of Biodiversity, Science 269: 347-350 (1995)
"Overpopulation." Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. 31 Jan. 2009..
Hoevel, Ann. "Overpopulation could be people, planet problem." CNN.com. 29 Jan. 2009.
Connor, Steve. "Overpopulation 'is main threat to planet'" The Independent. 1 Feb. 2009.
Oak, Manali. "Causes of Overpopulation." Buzzle.com. 2 Feb. 2009..
"World Population Growth." Grinning Planet. 29 Jan. 2009.
.
“If a given environment has a population of ten, but there is food or drinking water enough for only nine, then in a closed system where no trade is possible, that environment is overpopulated; if the population is 100 individuals but there is enough food, shelter, and water for 200 for the indefinite future, then it is not.”
This is a good example of what is happening in the world. With the rapid growth of population we are starting to see a steady decline in our most important resources including; water, food, land, energy, and fossil fuels. I am going to take a look at different causes, effects, and solutions in regards to the global problem of overpopulation.
Things causing overpopulation are sometimes good and sometimes bad, when speaking about them in other contexts. Decline in the death rate, rise in the birth rate, and improvements of public health are all positive things, but not when it comes to the issue of overpopulation. Due to advancements in medicine and improvements in public health care, doctors and scientists have found cures to previously fatal diseases. These new inventions in medicine have brought in many treatments for most of the life-threatening diseases, resulting in an increase in life expectancy for individuals. Inevitably, this leads to an increase in population. Fighting disease and preventing death is a very good thing, but not when we look into the overcrowding of earth.
Another cause of advancements in medicine is the increase in fertility rates of human beings. Certain medicines today can boost the reproductive rate in humans. This too, is a great advancement and a miracle for many couples, but is a negative cause to overpopulation.
Lack of education is probably one of the largest causes of overpopulation. People lacking in education fail to understand the dangers ahead of us if we keep overcrowding the planet. The lack of family planning is very common in illiterate parts of the world. Some countries just do not have the resources to dish out this kind of knowledge, and then you have some countries who are just plain ignorant to the whole idea.
Along with causes, come effects and consequences. One of the biggest concerns is the lack of fresh water. A water crisis like this will only get worse with the increasing population. Lawrence Smith, President of the Population Institute said, “If the water goes, the species goes.” Even though we are surrounded by water, only 3 percent of it is sustainable freshwater and the other 97 percent is saltwater (CNN.com). Desalination of saltwater can be used to create freshwater. This is a very energy-intensive process. There are a good number of nuclear powered desalination plants around the world, but the high costs of desalination make it unfeasible to transport large amounts of desalinated saltwater, especially in poor third world countries (Wikipedia.com).
This overcrowding of Earth is taking a toll on our environment. Increased levels in air pollution, water pollution, soil contamination, and noise pollution are slowly eroding away our healthy environment. The need for land is causing deforestation, which causes a loss of ecosystems, which is aiding in the cause of mass species extinction. Extinction rates are becoming as high as 140,000 species lost per year (Primm, 1995). Overpopulation can affect other life forms besides human beings. The time is way over due to start finding solutions to this problem. Governments and nations have to start acting on this immediately.
There are many suggested solutions to this problem, but some are just a little unrealistic. In the 1970’s the Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi implemented a forced sterilization program (Wikipedia.com). Men with two or more children had to agree to sterilization. I don’t think something like this would work in today’s world. Other people propose that governments should stop funding on child-vaccination because children should have to survive naturally. This idea is interesting, yet mean and sinful. Only an insane government would agree to do something like that. These are solutions that I would personally not go for.
There are two ideas that I believe would help in the assistance of controlling overpopulation. One would be reforming tax laws in a way to promote couples to have no more than two children. They would still be able to have as many kids as they want, but the tax code would no longer subsidize more than two (grinningplanet.com). Finally, the best solution to overpopulation is more access to family planning services. If countries could make family planning education, condoms, and birth control easily affordable and available to their public then that could be a great start to the downfall of overpopulation. It all could start with a little education. Arnold Joseph Toynbee once said, “We have been God-like in our planned breeding of our domesticated plants and animals, but we have been rabbit-like in our unplanned breeding of ourselves” (grinningplanet.com). If this rabbit-like approach continues, then this overpopulation will surely be the death of mankind.
Works Cited
S.L. Pimm, G.J. Russell, J.L. Gittleman and T.M. Brooks, The Future of Biodiversity, Science 269: 347-350 (1995)
"Overpopulation." Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. 31 Jan. 2009.
Hoevel, Ann. "Overpopulation could be people, planet problem." CNN.com. 29 Jan. 2009.
Connor, Steve. "Overpopulation 'is main threat to planet'" The Independent. 1 Feb. 2009.
Oak, Manali. "Causes of Overpopulation." Buzzle.com. 2 Feb. 2009.
"World Population Growth." Grinning Planet. 29 Jan. 2009.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Effective and Ineffective Rhetorical Aruguments-Overpopulation
http://www.planetpapers.com/Assets/4683.php
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjz2SMH3VQs&feature=related
The above links are examples of effective rhetorical arguments covering the issue of Overpopulation. The pathos in the article is seen in the writers straight forward approach by telling the audience how things should be done to stop this problem. His sincerity is picked up by the reader and makes them think. The logos and ethos is seen in the evidence and data he gives, which gives him some credibility and helps the reader trust him a little more. The pathos of the video is shown through all the images of a poverty strickin world and all the photos of huge, overcrowded neighborhoods. The ethos and logos are the facts of the world that are given, also giving him good credibility by showing factual evidence.
http://www.bio.net/bionet/mm/cellbiol/1996-August/005042.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCk508EaT6w
These links are examples of ineffective rhetorical arguments on overpopulation. The article is pretty offensive and does not make much sense. The pathos appeals to the audience in a very negative way, and I'm sure most people didnt finish reading it because they were offended of its content. The ethos and logos are completely absent. The video is decent but has almost too much logos. It is mainly just mathmatical facts about the worlds overpopulation. Its ethos is very trustworthy, but for me it is lacking all pathos. There is just way too much boring factual information. It doesnt have a good balance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjz2SMH3VQs&feature=related
The above links are examples of effective rhetorical arguments covering the issue of Overpopulation. The pathos in the article is seen in the writers straight forward approach by telling the audience how things should be done to stop this problem. His sincerity is picked up by the reader and makes them think. The logos and ethos is seen in the evidence and data he gives, which gives him some credibility and helps the reader trust him a little more. The pathos of the video is shown through all the images of a poverty strickin world and all the photos of huge, overcrowded neighborhoods. The ethos and logos are the facts of the world that are given, also giving him good credibility by showing factual evidence.
http://www.bio.net/bionet/mm/cellbiol/1996-August/005042.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCk508EaT6w
These links are examples of ineffective rhetorical arguments on overpopulation. The article is pretty offensive and does not make much sense. The pathos appeals to the audience in a very negative way, and I'm sure most people didnt finish reading it because they were offended of its content. The ethos and logos are completely absent. The video is decent but has almost too much logos. It is mainly just mathmatical facts about the worlds overpopulation. Its ethos is very trustworthy, but for me it is lacking all pathos. There is just way too much boring factual information. It doesnt have a good balance.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Cradle to Cradle
Pathos is first established with the reader by initiating more of a conversation with the audience so they feel more involved. They ask the readers questions to make them curious and make them feel more engaged in the discussion. To help the reader a little, they focus on solutions instead of just problems. I thought this to be unique, interesting, and inspiring.
McDonough and Braungart explain tests they did during their research, which introduces logos. By discussing retention rates and testible effectiveness of their ideas, they convince the reader of the attainability of their solutions.
They make themselves credible sources of information by defining their absolute involvment in the designing and testing of buildings and products. Their trustworthiness, as well as credibility, is established by engaging the reader in personal stories in regards to their arguement.
McDonough and Braungart explain tests they did during their research, which introduces logos. By discussing retention rates and testible effectiveness of their ideas, they convince the reader of the attainability of their solutions.
They make themselves credible sources of information by defining their absolute involvment in the designing and testing of buildings and products. Their trustworthiness, as well as credibility, is established by engaging the reader in personal stories in regards to their arguement.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Monbiot
George Monbiot is a British writer who has written many best-selling books and has taught at many universities around the world. He won the United Nations Global 500 award in 1995 for outstanding environmental achievement.
He is very strong when it comes to appealing to the emotions of his readers. In "Heat" he makes the reader feel guilty by explaining how fossil fuels like Carbon Dioxide are a major cause of global warming. We as readers feel guilty because we know we come from a wealthier nation that uses these types of fossil fuels. His Pathos is seen here showing us how the world slowly dying and it is up to us to save it.
His Logos is shown in the evidence he gives the reader by throwing out statistics of global warming, which give him and his writing credibility. The Ethos is shown through his credibility and the trustworthiness of his readers who believe in him and the data he has found and brought to our attention.
He is very strong when it comes to appealing to the emotions of his readers. In "Heat" he makes the reader feel guilty by explaining how fossil fuels like Carbon Dioxide are a major cause of global warming. We as readers feel guilty because we know we come from a wealthier nation that uses these types of fossil fuels. His Pathos is seen here showing us how the world slowly dying and it is up to us to save it.
His Logos is shown in the evidence he gives the reader by throwing out statistics of global warming, which give him and his writing credibility. The Ethos is shown through his credibility and the trustworthiness of his readers who believe in him and the data he has found and brought to our attention.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Not Just a Home for Humans-Revised!
Growing up in a very loving family, I had great respect for my surroundings. My mother and father taught me how to love the world and the things in it, and over the years my love for the world has grown even more. One of my best traits, I feel, is my observation for the things around me. When I was younger I rarely talked, I would just listen and observe what people were saying and what was going on in my surroundings. By taking in all that information, I would be able to decide my opinions and realize what was important to me. Obviously, every little kid loves animals, but I was obsessed with them. This may sound weird, but I felt safer around animals than I did people. I remember telling my mom one time that I would like to punish people who abused animals. Animal abuse is something that still makes me sick to this day. Observing animals, I could easily tell they had emotions and feelings just like any other living being.
We had woods in the back of my house, and I would always go out there for hours and hours. I would always see deer with their young. Observing them, I noticed the similarities between us and animals. Obviously, they look totally different than us, but they have the same basic instincts. They protect and nurture their young, kill for food (minus the herbivores), and defend themselves when necessary. Also, I was at a zoo in Montana one time and spent a bunch of time watching the wolf exhibit. One of the mother wolves had a young cub with her. An adult male kept harassing the cub, and the mother pretty much fought him off. A human mother would try to do the same thing for her child. I began to realize that humans and animals are pretty much the same, but with some differences. For instance, humans can have a very destructive nature. Maybe we are not trying to be destructive, but we still destroy the environment none the less. We may be advancing our society, but we are ruining something else’s.
One thing I find amazing is how not only can humans raise animals, but animals can also raise humans. There are hundreds of accounts of children being raised by animals in the wild. This should show the world just how similar we are to animals. We are all sharing the same planet. We are all part of the same environment and ecosystem. If we keep the destroying the environment then, in essence, we are destroying ourselves.
Every time I go home, the area looks a little different. Loudonville, Ohio is where I have called home for the last twenty-one years of my life. It is a small town that sits in the Mohican Valley. Many people know it as the “Canoe Capital of Ohio”. It was a great place for a child to grow up. There were hills, cliffs, forests, ponds, rivers, and streams to play in. My imagination ran like a wild horse. I could be anything I wanted. The land we lived on really hasn’t changed much because my parents would not allow it. We still have the woods behind my house, which my niece and nephew love to play in now. But, other areas of the town have changed. There used to be a large field behind my grandfather’s house that I would always play in and pretend to be an Indian warrior or something of that sort. When I was about nine or ten years old, construction for a new housing development began. Needless to say, I wasn’t allowed to play there anymore. It upset me big time. One day I decided to screw the rules and play back there anyway. I saw one of the construction workers trucks and a wave of annoyance and fury came over me, so I decided to chuck some rocks at it. It may have been the wrong thing to do, but it still made me feel better, even though they were just doing their jobs, but I was feeling a little crazy at the time. Now I go back home and I see that development. Sure, the houses are very pretty, but not as pretty as the field that once graced the land. New houses are starting to fill up the hills that overlook the valley. Now the foliage of the rolling hills in autumn are speckled with the annoyance of immense houses. It’s still a beautiful place, but is starting to loose its splendor due to the human race trying to speed up the pursuit of destroying the land and its resources. I am not quite sure what I can do to keep the beauty of my town from turning into another suburb of the world. Probably one the best things I can do is teach my children my views of the world as a living organism and that not only humans are her inhabitants.
There is no doubt we share this planet. Earth is the only thing alive in a dead solar system. And it won’t be for long if we continue what we are doing. Humans have to start viewing this planet as a breathing life form. It has its own pulse just like its inhabitants. Humans have the power to destroy and the power to save or create, so that means we have the responsibility to save our planet. We depend on the resources offered by the Earth. We depend on water, soil, heat, and the animals we raise and hunt. The animals depend on the same resources. RESPECT!, for the animals, the plants, the soil, the water, and the air….needs to be established. We share this world with other living beings. It’s not just a home for humans.
We had woods in the back of my house, and I would always go out there for hours and hours. I would always see deer with their young. Observing them, I noticed the similarities between us and animals. Obviously, they look totally different than us, but they have the same basic instincts. They protect and nurture their young, kill for food (minus the herbivores), and defend themselves when necessary. Also, I was at a zoo in Montana one time and spent a bunch of time watching the wolf exhibit. One of the mother wolves had a young cub with her. An adult male kept harassing the cub, and the mother pretty much fought him off. A human mother would try to do the same thing for her child. I began to realize that humans and animals are pretty much the same, but with some differences. For instance, humans can have a very destructive nature. Maybe we are not trying to be destructive, but we still destroy the environment none the less. We may be advancing our society, but we are ruining something else’s.
One thing I find amazing is how not only can humans raise animals, but animals can also raise humans. There are hundreds of accounts of children being raised by animals in the wild. This should show the world just how similar we are to animals. We are all sharing the same planet. We are all part of the same environment and ecosystem. If we keep the destroying the environment then, in essence, we are destroying ourselves.
Every time I go home, the area looks a little different. Loudonville, Ohio is where I have called home for the last twenty-one years of my life. It is a small town that sits in the Mohican Valley. Many people know it as the “Canoe Capital of Ohio”. It was a great place for a child to grow up. There were hills, cliffs, forests, ponds, rivers, and streams to play in. My imagination ran like a wild horse. I could be anything I wanted. The land we lived on really hasn’t changed much because my parents would not allow it. We still have the woods behind my house, which my niece and nephew love to play in now. But, other areas of the town have changed. There used to be a large field behind my grandfather’s house that I would always play in and pretend to be an Indian warrior or something of that sort. When I was about nine or ten years old, construction for a new housing development began. Needless to say, I wasn’t allowed to play there anymore. It upset me big time. One day I decided to screw the rules and play back there anyway. I saw one of the construction workers trucks and a wave of annoyance and fury came over me, so I decided to chuck some rocks at it. It may have been the wrong thing to do, but it still made me feel better, even though they were just doing their jobs, but I was feeling a little crazy at the time. Now I go back home and I see that development. Sure, the houses are very pretty, but not as pretty as the field that once graced the land. New houses are starting to fill up the hills that overlook the valley. Now the foliage of the rolling hills in autumn are speckled with the annoyance of immense houses. It’s still a beautiful place, but is starting to loose its splendor due to the human race trying to speed up the pursuit of destroying the land and its resources. I am not quite sure what I can do to keep the beauty of my town from turning into another suburb of the world. Probably one the best things I can do is teach my children my views of the world as a living organism and that not only humans are her inhabitants.
There is no doubt we share this planet. Earth is the only thing alive in a dead solar system. And it won’t be for long if we continue what we are doing. Humans have to start viewing this planet as a breathing life form. It has its own pulse just like its inhabitants. Humans have the power to destroy and the power to save or create, so that means we have the responsibility to save our planet. We depend on the resources offered by the Earth. We depend on water, soil, heat, and the animals we raise and hunt. The animals depend on the same resources. RESPECT!, for the animals, the plants, the soil, the water, and the air….needs to be established. We share this world with other living beings. It’s not just a home for humans.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Not Just a Home for Humans
Growing up in a very loving family, I had great respect for my surroundings. My mother and father taught me how to love the world and the things in it, and over the years my love for the world has grown even more. One of my best traits, I feel, is my observation for the things around me. When I was younger I rarely talked, I would just listen and observe what people were saying and what was going on in my surroundings. By taking in all that information, I would be able to decide my opinions and realize what was important to me. Obviously, every little kid loves animals, but I was obsessed with them. This may sound weird, but I felt safer around animals than I did people.
We had woods in the back of my house, and I would always go out there for hours and hours. I would always see deer with their young. Observing them, I noticed the similarities between us and animals. Obviously, they look totally different than us, but they have the same basic instincts. They protect and nurture their young, kill for food, and defend themselves when necessary. Also, I was at a zoo in Montana one time and spent a bunch of time watching the wolf exhibit. One of the mother wolves had a young cub with her. An adult male kept harassing the cub, and the mother pretty much fought him off. A human mother would try to do the same thing for her child. I began to realize that humans and animals are pretty much the same, but with some differences. For instance, humans can have a very destructive nature. Maybe we are not trying to be destructive, but we still destroy the environment none the less. We may be advancing our society, but we are ruining something else’s.
One thing I find amazing is how not only can humans raise animals, but animals can also raise humans. There are hundreds of accounts of children being raised by animals in the wild. This should show the world just how similar we are to animals. We are all sharing the same planet. We are all part of the same environment and ecosystem. If we keep the destroying the environment then, in essence, we are destroying ourselves.
Every time I go home, the area looks a little different. Loudonville, Ohio is where I have called home for the last twenty-one years of my life. It is a small town that sits in the Mohican Valley. Many people know it as the “Canoe Capital of Ohio”. It was a great place for a child to grow up. There were hills, cliffs, forests, ponds, rivers, and streams to play in. My imagination ran like a wild horse. I could be anything I wanted. The land we lived on really hasn’t changed much because my parents would not allow it. We still have the woods behind my house, which my niece and nephew love to play in now. But, other areas of the town have changed. There used to be a large field behind my grandfather’s house that I would always play in and pretend to be an Indian warrior or something of that sort. When I was about nine or ten years old, construction for a new housing development began. Needless to say, I wasn’t allowed to play there anymore. It upset me big time. One day I decided to screw the rules and play back there anyway. I saw one of the construction workers trucks and a wave of annoyance and fury came over me, so I decided to chuck some rocks at it. It may have been the wrong thing to do, but it still made me feel better, even though they were just doing their jobs, but I was feeling a little crazy at the time. Now I go back home and I see that development. Sure, the houses are very pretty, but not as pretty as the field that once graced the land. New houses are starting to fill up the hills that overlook the valley. Now the foliage of the rolling hills in autumn are speckled with the annoyance of immense houses. It’s still a beautiful place, but is starting to loose its splendor due to the human race trying to speed up the pursuit of destroying the land and its resources. It is just a matter of time before it becomes another suburb.
There is no doubt we share this planet. Earth is the only thing alive in a dead solar system. And it won’t be for long if we continue what we are doing. Humans have to start viewing this planet as a breathing life form. It has its own pulse just like its inhabitants. Humans have the power to destroy and the power to save or create, so that means we have the responsibility to save our planet. We depend on the resources offered by the Earth. We depend on water, soil, heat, and the animals we raise and hunt. The animals depend on the same resources. RESPECT!, for the animals, the plants, the soil, the water, and the air….needs to be established. We share this world with other living beings. It’s not just a home for humans.
We had woods in the back of my house, and I would always go out there for hours and hours. I would always see deer with their young. Observing them, I noticed the similarities between us and animals. Obviously, they look totally different than us, but they have the same basic instincts. They protect and nurture their young, kill for food, and defend themselves when necessary. Also, I was at a zoo in Montana one time and spent a bunch of time watching the wolf exhibit. One of the mother wolves had a young cub with her. An adult male kept harassing the cub, and the mother pretty much fought him off. A human mother would try to do the same thing for her child. I began to realize that humans and animals are pretty much the same, but with some differences. For instance, humans can have a very destructive nature. Maybe we are not trying to be destructive, but we still destroy the environment none the less. We may be advancing our society, but we are ruining something else’s.
One thing I find amazing is how not only can humans raise animals, but animals can also raise humans. There are hundreds of accounts of children being raised by animals in the wild. This should show the world just how similar we are to animals. We are all sharing the same planet. We are all part of the same environment and ecosystem. If we keep the destroying the environment then, in essence, we are destroying ourselves.
Every time I go home, the area looks a little different. Loudonville, Ohio is where I have called home for the last twenty-one years of my life. It is a small town that sits in the Mohican Valley. Many people know it as the “Canoe Capital of Ohio”. It was a great place for a child to grow up. There were hills, cliffs, forests, ponds, rivers, and streams to play in. My imagination ran like a wild horse. I could be anything I wanted. The land we lived on really hasn’t changed much because my parents would not allow it. We still have the woods behind my house, which my niece and nephew love to play in now. But, other areas of the town have changed. There used to be a large field behind my grandfather’s house that I would always play in and pretend to be an Indian warrior or something of that sort. When I was about nine or ten years old, construction for a new housing development began. Needless to say, I wasn’t allowed to play there anymore. It upset me big time. One day I decided to screw the rules and play back there anyway. I saw one of the construction workers trucks and a wave of annoyance and fury came over me, so I decided to chuck some rocks at it. It may have been the wrong thing to do, but it still made me feel better, even though they were just doing their jobs, but I was feeling a little crazy at the time. Now I go back home and I see that development. Sure, the houses are very pretty, but not as pretty as the field that once graced the land. New houses are starting to fill up the hills that overlook the valley. Now the foliage of the rolling hills in autumn are speckled with the annoyance of immense houses. It’s still a beautiful place, but is starting to loose its splendor due to the human race trying to speed up the pursuit of destroying the land and its resources. It is just a matter of time before it becomes another suburb.
There is no doubt we share this planet. Earth is the only thing alive in a dead solar system. And it won’t be for long if we continue what we are doing. Humans have to start viewing this planet as a breathing life form. It has its own pulse just like its inhabitants. Humans have the power to destroy and the power to save or create, so that means we have the responsibility to save our planet. We depend on the resources offered by the Earth. We depend on water, soil, heat, and the animals we raise and hunt. The animals depend on the same resources. RESPECT!, for the animals, the plants, the soil, the water, and the air….needs to be established. We share this world with other living beings. It’s not just a home for humans.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
A place I know well
Ever since I was in 7th grade, there has been a part of my High School that I feel very connected to. I am talking about my High School track. It may seem weird to be so connected to a 400 meter circle of black rubber, but I have always been strangely comfortable there. The smell of rubber and the feel of wind on my face always bring back memories of the past.
I started running track in 7th grade and continued to do so all through High School. Our school used to have a gravel track, until I reached Junior High when we got the rubber one. I saw this as a good omen for myself. I have always been a fast runner, but I felt especially fast on this track. I don’t even want to know how many laps I have ran around that track, but all the hard work I put in there made me a better runner and a better person.
This is where I found my running form and stride. This is where I could break free from the stresses of the world and the monotony of High School drama. Every time I shot out of the blocks a feeling of independence came over me. It was just me and the finish line, nothing else mattered. There was a specific race that I will never forget. It was the finals in the 4x100 meter relay of the Conference championships. My team’s main goal all season was to win this particular race. We were seeded as the second fastest team, but that day no one could compare to us. We ended up beating the number one team by forty meters. The adrenaline from that race still lingers in my legs.
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