Sunday, October 24, 2010
3.8 "Other Emerging Efforts"
The Transition movement has an important role that we all need to participate in. In Hilo, some transition efforts are already happening. Small things such as using recycled bags to shop, switching out the light bulbs to energy efficient ones, traveling less/carpooling and buying locally are all efforts. There's even signs up at Foodland so that you are aware which items are local promoting the purchase of the item. Again it's about education. Being able to recycle not only HI 5, but recycling all different materials are big steps that we are already participating in. After taking this class and being aware about more efforts being done in order to sustain our planet, it makes me notice a lot more efforts and it makes me more aware of what I am doing to help out. By my actions and knowledge, I tell others around me and also speak about it at my job too. Books/Bank Statements/Newspapers are all accessible now online which saves paper and trees. There are incentives such as the Gas Guzzling program where money is being offered so that you can buy a cheaper gas efficient car. Ideas of bike programs in Puna are being talked about, collaborations and eco-friendly festivals are being incorporated in our town and even talks about eco housing beginning are all a part of our transitioning into helping out our island Hawaii. There is even a program that we are talking to currently and wanting to collaborate with because of their efforts. Their efforts are geared to creating jobs for the youth to have sustainability jobs; so that they can remain here on the island instead of shipping them off to the mainland. We need to educate our youth because they are our future leaders. We all need to pull together and educate one another. The transition movement can only get bigger if we try and want it enough. We need to start somewhere.
3.7 "When Cultures Meet"
When cultures meet, one unintended consequence may be the misunderstanding of one's culture. That may lead to disrespect and hatred coming from the native. For example, when a "tourist" enters one's own land and uses too much water. The native may feel like the person has not respect. On the other hand, if the tourist new that the land was in a drought, they may try to conserve and not take a 1/2 hour shower. If someone's culture is to say hello out of respect and the "alien-tourist" does not respond, again that creates hostility. The native than may choose to retaliate in another way because they feel offended but is unable to express their true feelings in a polite way. I feel that open communication between tourists and the place/natives they are visiting may be necessary. When people are educated, they are more willing to respect one's traditions than not to. Communication is something that everyone can benefit from. Again both parties need to have an open mind and willing to give and take. If not, it will not work. People need to mindful wherever they travel to and take into consideration what if the roles were reversed? How would I feel? How would I want the other to act? Again, if one does not know, then someone needs to tell them. A lot of times people assume that the other knows, but it is clearly not the case. Communication will definitely improve the situation of tourism between different cultures.
Blog 3.6: Other Traditional Cultures
I read about different cultures including the Karens, The Amazon Conservation Team(ACT), and Amazon International. I chose to talk about The Amazon Conservation Team @ http://www.amazonteam.org/. and its many efforts. The culture of the Amazon Conservation Team is to conserve and meet the basic needs of the indigenous people. They have efforts going in Suriname, Colombia, and Brazil. The fact that some of their livelihood needs are not met, they are focusing on that first. After livelihood needs are met with the indigenous people, then they are able to move forward with sustainable development. The team is helping them on smaller scale projects and in the long run with education and helping with basic needs, they will flourish sustaining their own lands which helps out the planet.
In Colombia, ACT is enabling the indigenous to do small projects with sustainability such as promoting traditional agriculture enhanced by eco-friendly modern systems. In Suriname, they have helped the indigenous people preserve and use their own medicine practices. They encourage them to sustain their healing methods and help one another. Also they have a land management plan in effect for the Suriname people in order to maintain sustainability on their ancestral lands so that they are not easily taken away. They also have a Shamans and Apprentices program where they teach the indigenous people how to take care their land and increase knowledge on sustainability. The team has also enabled and help indigenous people in Brazil to generate income by shelling and husking Brazilian nuts. They are involved with peppers also. The Amazon Conservation team have been involved with so many sustainability projects within Brazil and areas that they have recently won the Tech Awards Laureate: one of 15 global innovators recognized each year for applying technology to benefit humanity and spark global change. This is a great site to check out. A lot of effort being done around the world to protect it. It's refreshing to visit other cultures and different sites to see what they are involved with.
In Colombia, ACT is enabling the indigenous to do small projects with sustainability such as promoting traditional agriculture enhanced by eco-friendly modern systems. In Suriname, they have helped the indigenous people preserve and use their own medicine practices. They encourage them to sustain their healing methods and help one another. Also they have a land management plan in effect for the Suriname people in order to maintain sustainability on their ancestral lands so that they are not easily taken away. They also have a Shamans and Apprentices program where they teach the indigenous people how to take care their land and increase knowledge on sustainability. The team has also enabled and help indigenous people in Brazil to generate income by shelling and husking Brazilian nuts. They are involved with peppers also. The Amazon Conservation team have been involved with so many sustainability projects within Brazil and areas that they have recently won the Tech Awards Laureate: one of 15 global innovators recognized each year for applying technology to benefit humanity and spark global change. This is a great site to check out. A lot of effort being done around the world to protect it. It's refreshing to visit other cultures and different sites to see what they are involved with.
Module 3: Assignment 4 HAWAIIAN CULTURE AND SUSTAINABILITY
Dr. Burrows says that Hawaiians have a connection to the land and a spiritual ecology.? Have you observed this connection? Describe.
Yes, I feel that the Hawaiians have a close connection to the land and spiritual ecology. Being born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, we were brought up with the same Hawaiian values. My grandma was 100% of pure Hawaiian ancestry and has always showed in her actions the true quality of Hawaiian Values. When you grow up with values instilled and are shown the importance of these values, it becomes a part of life. The connection that a Hawaiian has with the land and with spirituality is deeper than words can express. It's a feeling that only the individual can feel and cannot be fully expressed in words.
Do you feel a connection to the Hawaii? If so, when or where do you feel most connected to the land? Do you have a scared place? If you do not mind sharing, where is this place and how does it make you feel?
I feel a connection to Hawaii and always will. The ocean, the mountain, and my home is my sacred place. Also when I am in, near, or around a religious sacred place such as a heiau or a gravesite of my ancestor, I feel at ease. The ocean and mountain has always provided me with food, peace, and a sense of belonging. These different sacred places make me feel connected to our land and it makes me realize that Hawai'i is my home and I wouldn't want to leave ever.
Why is indigenous ecology not just a new fad?
Indigenous ecology has been around for hundreds of years. We need to take care of what is left.
Dr. Burrows mentioned that Hawaiians evolved from the landscape. In what ways did they do this?
Hawaiians evolved from the landscape through plant and animal forms. We are connected to the land and every plant, animal and human have spirit. We are equal and we should take care of one another.
How could Hawaiian religious and spiritual beliefs connect to sustainability?
By realizing the importance that we are all connected to our land and one another, we will take on a different approach. An approach to take care of our ancestors and give back. We have been given so much and we need to return the appreciation and take care of one another in all needs. In this day of age, people forget including myself what we have been given and blessed with. We take a lot for granted. When we are focused and give up time for our religious and spiritual beliefs, it is then that everything will fall into place including sustainability for our planet.
Do you believe that Hawaii is more sustainable than the western world? Why or why not?
I believe that Hawai'i has always been more sustainable than the western world. The ways of Hawai'i has always been to take care of the land, people and its resources. The western world has taken over in my opinion with larger scale modern equipment, technology and have given up on basic needs. The western world has taken over and processed in bulk. It's more about money and power it seems nowadays. We use more resources than ever before and we are close to depletion. We need to go back to old Hawaiian traditions and work more on the issue of sustainability although easier said than done.
What ethic or value to do most resonate with and why?
Marion Kelly's 4 guiding principles were great and I would like to follow them.
I feel that I resonate the most with "Always Sharing." I feel that if everyone shares with one another regardless of expecting something in return; we will be okay. For example tangible items or services do not need to be exchanged for money all the time. If we go back to basics and use our strengths we can get our needs met. If I am a fisherman and you are a hunter- we can share our meat and fish. If I am a mechanic and you are a plumber- we can share our services. The simple fact of sharing has gone away, I feel. If we are able to grasp that concept we can save on our natural resources too.
Yes, I feel that the Hawaiians have a close connection to the land and spiritual ecology. Being born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, we were brought up with the same Hawaiian values. My grandma was 100% of pure Hawaiian ancestry and has always showed in her actions the true quality of Hawaiian Values. When you grow up with values instilled and are shown the importance of these values, it becomes a part of life. The connection that a Hawaiian has with the land and with spirituality is deeper than words can express. It's a feeling that only the individual can feel and cannot be fully expressed in words.
Do you feel a connection to the Hawaii? If so, when or where do you feel most connected to the land? Do you have a scared place? If you do not mind sharing, where is this place and how does it make you feel?
I feel a connection to Hawaii and always will. The ocean, the mountain, and my home is my sacred place. Also when I am in, near, or around a religious sacred place such as a heiau or a gravesite of my ancestor, I feel at ease. The ocean and mountain has always provided me with food, peace, and a sense of belonging. These different sacred places make me feel connected to our land and it makes me realize that Hawai'i is my home and I wouldn't want to leave ever.
Why is indigenous ecology not just a new fad?
Indigenous ecology has been around for hundreds of years. We need to take care of what is left.
Dr. Burrows mentioned that Hawaiians evolved from the landscape. In what ways did they do this?
Hawaiians evolved from the landscape through plant and animal forms. We are connected to the land and every plant, animal and human have spirit. We are equal and we should take care of one another.
How could Hawaiian religious and spiritual beliefs connect to sustainability?
By realizing the importance that we are all connected to our land and one another, we will take on a different approach. An approach to take care of our ancestors and give back. We have been given so much and we need to return the appreciation and take care of one another in all needs. In this day of age, people forget including myself what we have been given and blessed with. We take a lot for granted. When we are focused and give up time for our religious and spiritual beliefs, it is then that everything will fall into place including sustainability for our planet.
Do you believe that Hawaii is more sustainable than the western world? Why or why not?
I believe that Hawai'i has always been more sustainable than the western world. The ways of Hawai'i has always been to take care of the land, people and its resources. The western world has taken over in my opinion with larger scale modern equipment, technology and have given up on basic needs. The western world has taken over and processed in bulk. It's more about money and power it seems nowadays. We use more resources than ever before and we are close to depletion. We need to go back to old Hawaiian traditions and work more on the issue of sustainability although easier said than done.
What ethic or value to do most resonate with and why?
Marion Kelly's 4 guiding principles were great and I would like to follow them.
I feel that I resonate the most with "Always Sharing." I feel that if everyone shares with one another regardless of expecting something in return; we will be okay. For example tangible items or services do not need to be exchanged for money all the time. If we go back to basics and use our strengths we can get our needs met. If I am a fisherman and you are a hunter- we can share our meat and fish. If I am a mechanic and you are a plumber- we can share our services. The simple fact of sharing has gone away, I feel. If we are able to grasp that concept we can save on our natural resources too.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Module 3: Assignment 3 Broadening the Ecovillage Movement: Reading
Joining politically and gaining power to get what you want so that it can benefit our world; Defining steps for successful local outreach in our communities and International Soliditary were topics that I gained interesting information from.
The concept of bioregionalism described by Capra Carriba is a very inviting way to go about politics and bringing everything together. In Damanhur they call themselves Damanhurians. Damanhurians are people from Damanhur which is an eco society that Capra was writing about. It is based on ethical and spiritual values that was awarded by an agency in the United Nations. My understanding is that they needed to include or find a political party or movement in order to bring their aspects to light in their community. So that is where the damanhurians came about. Even though wanting to share very specific ideas about their eco-society; they needed to join the green party in order to get their ideas out and into a larger population. That is how they are working on getting it from a local level to the national level. We can do that also, one step at a time.
Defining steps for successful local outreach shared a few steps to begin moving forward. I work in the same community that I live in and there are a lot of things that need to be done in order to accomplish this "coming together" goal. First of all, it needs to come from within. We must look at ourselves first. If we don't believe the dream and feel like it is impossible, then it will be just that-impossible. But if we believe in our goals to become sustainable and help out our world, then it will be just that- possible. We then need to find leaders in our areas. We always come into contact with people on a daily basis. We need to ask others also, who is a leader and contact them. After the leaders come together, then we will go out and get the community involved. Listening and patience are very important too. Everyone has something to add.
International Solidarity is real and it is becoming a reality according to Leila Dregger. We need to come together and realize that regardless of our skin color, economic status or Iq; we all have feelings. It does not matter where we come from or what nation we grew up in. "What happens to any human being on earth may happen to me too, and in a way is happening to me. We are all man, animal, plant, victim or aggressor, enemy or friend-part of the same larger whole." (p.263)
Again, it makes us look at ourself. What can we do from within in order to change and make this world a better place. We need to be part of the solution- not the problem.
The concept of bioregionalism described by Capra Carriba is a very inviting way to go about politics and bringing everything together. In Damanhur they call themselves Damanhurians. Damanhurians are people from Damanhur which is an eco society that Capra was writing about. It is based on ethical and spiritual values that was awarded by an agency in the United Nations. My understanding is that they needed to include or find a political party or movement in order to bring their aspects to light in their community. So that is where the damanhurians came about. Even though wanting to share very specific ideas about their eco-society; they needed to join the green party in order to get their ideas out and into a larger population. That is how they are working on getting it from a local level to the national level. We can do that also, one step at a time.
Defining steps for successful local outreach shared a few steps to begin moving forward. I work in the same community that I live in and there are a lot of things that need to be done in order to accomplish this "coming together" goal. First of all, it needs to come from within. We must look at ourselves first. If we don't believe the dream and feel like it is impossible, then it will be just that-impossible. But if we believe in our goals to become sustainable and help out our world, then it will be just that- possible. We then need to find leaders in our areas. We always come into contact with people on a daily basis. We need to ask others also, who is a leader and contact them. After the leaders come together, then we will go out and get the community involved. Listening and patience are very important too. Everyone has something to add.
International Solidarity is real and it is becoming a reality according to Leila Dregger. We need to come together and realize that regardless of our skin color, economic status or Iq; we all have feelings. It does not matter where we come from or what nation we grew up in. "What happens to any human being on earth may happen to me too, and in a way is happening to me. We are all man, animal, plant, victim or aggressor, enemy or friend-part of the same larger whole." (p.263)
Again, it makes us look at ourself. What can we do from within in order to change and make this world a better place. We need to be part of the solution- not the problem.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
"A Virtual Visit to an Eco Village/Green Education"
The Eco Village/Green Education that I chose to visit is in Costa Rica. http://www.livingroutes.org/programs/p_costa_rica.htm
The reason that I chose this site to visit is because it is in Costa Rica. I always wanted to visit Costa Rica and have always heard of its beauty. After reading about beautiful orchids, quetzals and monkeys; I'm there. I want to learn how to speak Spanish also.
I would like to visit only. Even though I hear of its beauty and all the great sustainability aspects of this beautiful place, I would like to go home. My home and heart is in Hawaii where I was born and raised.
The main part of this eco village that I was intrigued by had to be the experientially based course of study that looks at sustainability in all aspects. Service learning projects and learning to speak Spanish in a new country is pretty intriguing.
A specific aspect that I would like to incorporate in my lifestyle would probably be the farming style of the community where family values and community solidarity are above all else. Even though I live in a farming community, I don't even know my neighbor's first or last name. I also have never attended a community meeting. Although it is highly encouraged, I heard that not more than 5 people attend.
The program (if any) that I would try might be: The Master of Science Post Graduate Diploma(MSc/PgDip) Renewable energy. http://www.reading.ac.uk/Study/courses/taught/mscrenewable.aspx
This program draws in a mix of people from a variety of backgrounds and it encourages lively interaction leading to solutions. It also gives a better understanding of renewable energy problems. It always seems when an idea arises, someone will find problems with it that needs to be analyzed and that is already in effect. It's the way of the world.
The reason that I chose this site to visit is because it is in Costa Rica. I always wanted to visit Costa Rica and have always heard of its beauty. After reading about beautiful orchids, quetzals and monkeys; I'm there. I want to learn how to speak Spanish also.
I would like to visit only. Even though I hear of its beauty and all the great sustainability aspects of this beautiful place, I would like to go home. My home and heart is in Hawaii where I was born and raised.
The main part of this eco village that I was intrigued by had to be the experientially based course of study that looks at sustainability in all aspects. Service learning projects and learning to speak Spanish in a new country is pretty intriguing.
A specific aspect that I would like to incorporate in my lifestyle would probably be the farming style of the community where family values and community solidarity are above all else. Even though I live in a farming community, I don't even know my neighbor's first or last name. I also have never attended a community meeting. Although it is highly encouraged, I heard that not more than 5 people attend.
The program (if any) that I would try might be: The Master of Science Post Graduate Diploma(MSc/PgDip) Renewable energy. http://www.reading.ac.uk/Study/courses/taught/mscrenewable.aspx
This program draws in a mix of people from a variety of backgrounds and it encourages lively interaction leading to solutions. It also gives a better understanding of renewable energy problems. It always seems when an idea arises, someone will find problems with it that needs to be analyzed and that is already in effect. It's the way of the world.
"Beyond You and Me: Reading Response 1"
After reading the first 40 pages of Beyond You and Me, I felt that I may need a Vision Quest. I learned about different inspiring individuals and how they feel and how they have followed their visions/ideas. I learned about eco villages and the outcomes of such projects. People of the community shared of some setbacks and also why it may be difficult to build a new community with old tools. I learned about a vision quest and how we all should take one. I pondered on a specific thought after the readings and such quotes and thoughts stuck in my mind. Here are a few: " We have begun to mistrust the goodness of humans which equals a paradigm that breeds violence instead of peace." When I thought about simple sayings such as these; it made me think about myself and my own actions. Where has all my trust gone? When was it that I/we began judging others and looking at the weaknesses instead of strengths? We all have something special to offer, but we tend to forget about that and just look for flaws.
Our spirituality is important. We need to understand ourselves before we are able to connect with community, ideas or visions. After we understand what is really going on; that is when we are capable of putting our ideas into action.
Our spirituality is important. We need to understand ourselves before we are able to connect with community, ideas or visions. After we understand what is really going on; that is when we are capable of putting our ideas into action.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Test Questions 1-10
10 Questions
Comm 344. Due October 4, 2010
1. What Symposium did the Pachamama Alliance create and when did they begin their efforts?
A. Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream-- 1995
B. Teaching Your Children to Dream,--1992
C. Wake Up and Live-- 1991
D. Get Up, Stand Up—1981
( A, Sustainable World Sourcebook, Pg. 1)
2. T/F If we continue on our current trajectory of rapid fossil fuel growth over the next century, the “perfect storm” of population growth, resource depletion and climate change will have catastrophic results.
(True, Sustainable World Sourcebook, Pg. 7)
3. T/F By Late 20th Century, citizens in low income communities had begun to feel themselves surrounded by what environmental historian Samuel Hayes has termed” the toxic sea” around us.
(True, 2.1: The Environmental Communication Book, Pg. 171)
4. What are some highlights listed from the guide sheets for citizens through the Everyday Green Practices?
A. Choose better body care products
B. Pick Plastics Carefully
C. Filter your tap water, do not use bottled water
D. Do not heat plastics in microwave
E. All of the Above
(E, Sustainable World Sourcebook, Pg. 67-68)
5. Which one of these below can help you to lower your consumption and save the earth?
A. Power Down!
B. Pass up the Fast Food Joint.
C. Recycle Your Trash.
D. All of the Above
(D, Sustainable Sourcebook, Pg. 71)
6. According to the World Clock 2010: Our National U.S. Debt was between:
A. 11-12 Trillion Dollars
B. 12-13 Trillion Dollars
C. 13-14 Trillion Dollars
D. 14-15 Trillion Dollars
7. According to the World Clock 2010: The Extinctions to Date are:
A. More than 5,000
B. More than 10,000
C. More than 15,000
D. More than 20,000
8. What does the 3 E’s stand for in the Crash Course written by Chris Martenson?
A. Energy, Ecosystem, Entertainment
B. Economy, Environment, Energy
C. Electricity, Energy, Environment
D. Ecovillage, Environment, Ecosystem
9. T/F “Spirituality is the core essence, the sustaining life force infusing and giving direction, meaning and purpose to a cultural system.”
10. T/F The Prefix ‘eco’ originally meant ‘home’—not in the limited sense of ‘house, ‘but rather referring to the surrounding and supporting local environment.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)