Inspirations from the Semster

I do not remember which reading this came from, but it has always stuck out in my head. "We do not inheret the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children," a Native American proverb. I love this quote because it is so much more eloquent than the academic literature we've been reading, and it evokes such passion.

Another one of my favorite quotes was from Cradle to Cradle, "Negligence is described as doing the same thing over and over even though you know it is dangerous, stupid, or wrong. Now that we know, it's time for a change." This quote is a great way to sum up the semester. We have spent so much time examining the problems facing the environment this semester, but it all points to the same issue. We know that we are causing problems and now it is time to do something.

It has been great blogging with you all this semester. Have a great summer!

Cradle to Cradle

Cradle to Cradle was one of the more inspiring books we read this semester. Most of the books and article we have read have spelled out the problems the environment were facing, but few attempted to offer up solutions. The most refreshing part of their vision was its innovation. We have read other authors who discussed environmentalists versus industrialists, referring to the latter very negatively. However, McDonough and Braungart are inspiring in the fact that they attribute the consequences of manufacturing to awareness and public sentiments of the time, instead of malicious intent.

I think they are heading in the right direction with their optimism. They make change seem more accessible to the average Joe. Instead of saying, “there is so much we need to change and Americans aren’t ready to give in,” they really try to initiate reactions. What is particularly interesting is how they make environmental solutions seem more creative and fun. We have done so much harm to the environment is such a short amount of time that it is nice to think of us having an equal opportunity to do some good.

I love nature...naturally!

When I used to live in California, I used to go surfing as often as I could. One day, I was just sitting on my board when a single dolphin jumped out of the water right next to me and our eyes met. We lingered for a moment, just staring at each other, until he dipped back into the water. There were no other surfers in the water, the sun was shining on my face, the dolphin and I had a moment, and I felt so connected with the ocean and nature.

I love traveling and one of the most beautiful places I have ever been is Kailua Ranch in Hawaii. There are rolling, lush green hills and fields stretching as far as the eye can see. If you look the other way, there is the bluest ocean and the brightest sunshine. I felt so peaceful and at ease. I just lay there in the grass and absorbed in nature.

These two experiences taught me how precious nature is. When I look back at those experiences, I only think about how happy and in awe I was. I appreciate that I am able to enjoy nature, especially when I am able to leave the concrete jungle I live in now. I think it is important for us to preserve nature. I do think, in a way, that it should be one of the chief concerns of environmentalists. All of life and nature is so interconnected that I don’t think you can focus on one problem without working on others at the same time. We can try and preserve nature and work on keeping clean rivers, thick forests, and a functioning nitrogen cycle.