Final Reflection

     Over the past ten weeks I have been telling you about my journey through FGCU’s University Colloquium class.  I can truly say that I am happy to have taken this class.  I have learned so many things about the environment that have inspired me to want to do my part to make it better.  I have actually made some lifestyle changes that I know are sustainable.  I believe that everyone who takes this class will come out at least being a little more aware of the environment.  Personally, I feel more connected to nature now than I ever have before in my life.  I am glad I took this class because I got to go on so many interesting field trips.  My favorite field trip was to ECHO Farm.  ECHO is such an inspiring place.  I think University Colloquium inspires its students with hope.  The class has given me hope that humans can make a difference in the world.  I believe that all people want the best for themselves, which involves restoring the environment.  With a little education, hard work, and dedication, I believe we can help restore nature! 

Sustainable Actions

Today I found a video online that really gave me hope for the future.  The video talks all about sustainable actions that are taking place in Seattle stadiums.  

Click here to watch the video!

When you think about how much trash is left at stadiums around the world, it can be frightening and discouraging.  The amount of energy and water used can also be quite discouraging.  Most stadiums do not have a system in place like Seattle.  I found it really cool that these stadiums have the same type of water saving toilets that FGCU does!  I think this video is going to really spark the interest of all sports stadiums around the world.  Just think how sustainable stadiums could become if they implement the actions shown in this video! 

Beach Days

I sink in the sand, but I can’t complain,

The silky soft grains seem to hug me.

The crash of a wave brings a cold surprise,

And I meet new, soggy sand below.

My hair flips around as I feel the swift breeze,

And a sharp salt scent pierces my nose.

I step in knee-deep and spy something new,

A small school of fish start to scurry.

Plunging deeper now, the soft waves gently pull me,

As I feel the sun scorch my face.

The salt water stings my eyes, but I wipe them clean,

The mist off the sea-green water helps.

I buoy above the water with the shore at my back,

And embrace the tranquil feeling I receive.

With the sun above me, I look to the sky,

And say, “I just might never leave.”

By Theresa Boyne

Life in Florida

     Today I had the opportunity to spend the day at Fort Myers Beach.  The beach was crowded with people enjoying the July 4^th weekend, and everyone was relishing the nice weather.  As I was lying on the beach I felt so relaxed and at peace.  The noise of the waves crashing on the sand and the birds chirping reminded me of the Colloquium class.  We are so lucky to be surrounded by such beauty.   It really makes you realize how much of nature humans take for granted.  I was especially touched while watching all the families with young children play in the sand and ocean together.  This is a cherished memory from my childhood and it really warms my heart whenever I see other families making the same memories together.  It really makes me want to make sure things like the ocean and white sands are never destroyed or taken away.  We need to do our best to preserve the environment that is always giving back to us. 

Downtown Fort Myers

      Today I visited Downtown Fort Myers for the first time in my life.  Needless to say, I was surprised at how small the city was.  I guess growing up in Cleveland, Ohio might have something to do with it, but I definitely expected it to be bigger and more crowded.  I enjoyed the urban landscape because it reminded me of some of the city streets in Cleveland.  I would have to say that the most energizing part of this city seems to be the River District.  I loved how the shops and cafes were set up along the streets.  I believe this could be a large tourist attraction for the city.  In contrast to the River District, I thought Centennial Park was a beautiful display of nature.  The park was full of open green spaces, with benches to sit, relax, and reflect.  I especially liked how it was located next to the river.  Something about Centennial Park made me feel peaceful and like a little kid again.

      As I was walking around the city streets, I noticed how much space was devoted to parking.  I am not sure who owns more parking spaces, the government centers or retailing businesses, but I thought the amount of parking spaces was a little unreasonable compared to the size of the city.  I did not see how much a parking garage would cost, but there were also parking meters and free parking spots scattered along the road for two hours maximum (known as a zip zone).  One plan that will soon go into action that I find to be interesting is Trinity Village.  This plan involves the congregation of three downtown churches which hope to share one family life center, administrative offices, Sunday school facilities and fellowship hall, but keep separate sanctuaries.  I find this plan to be very unique and feel that it will show a sense of city pride.  I did not notice any mass transit while I was on my tour of the city, but I did observe sidewalks on every street and many bicyclists utilizing them. 

    

Edison House

      I personally think the lifeblood for Fort Myers is the tourism industry.  So much of southern Florida is invaded with snowbirds during the winter months that industries have actually learned to market their business more during the “busy season.”  I have even noticed that more construction and rebuilding occur out of season to get ready for the next year’s busy season.  I think the Edison house and downtown activities have the best chance to increase tourism in downtown Fort Myers.   The development of shopping malls and strip developments along non-core city highways is actually hurting the downtown city.  These malls take the business away from the city shops and allow people easier access to groceries or other goods that may be a closer distance to their residence.  Although this may be hurting the city, I saw many residential living spaces in the city.  Many apartments were above diners and stores which allow for an interesting usage of space.  I also noticed a large Publix near the center of town, which I would assume to be the main grocery store.  Because the city is small and old, I suppose that most of the city’s tax base is used to maintain the city buildings, streets, and shops.  I believe the city is trying to grow with the urban renewal approach.  The city is trying to make people and tourists flock to its attractions.  The River District has many new and exciting events to pull in guests from all over the town.  

      While walking around downtown Fort Myers, I did not notice any graffiti or homelessness.  The city streets were surprisingly clean.  I felt very safe walking around this city.  I would probably not travel here or in any other city alone at night because I am a female and that might not be safe!  I believe tourists would feel safe in this city as well.  Personally, I would not live in this city because I would want to reside in a large, bustling city.    

While walking around, I did not notice many sustainable actions in place.  I did see one recycling can, but that was about it.  I would recommend to the city council to make recycling a priority in the city and advertise it to the people as best as possible.  By visiting downtown Fort Myers, I learned that I do enjoy the urban landscape.    I like to be in the middle of action with a lot of people around, so the River District was my favorite part.  I also enjoyed Centennial Park because I found it to be so open and free.  I think these two places represent the differences between living in a loud, rambunctious urban city and a quiet, green rural area.  It is funny to reflect on the fact that they are located so close together.  I think this shows that one cannot exist without the other.

Picture Perfect

 

This is an original picture from Fort Myers Beach.  I was inspired by the beautiful nature that looked untouched by humans.  I added the quote because I think it is something everyone should live by.

Hope for the future...

     Today while I was eating a new brand of granola, I noticed something on the package that really caught my eye.  The product is called Bear Naked and they have implemented a sustainable packaging project.  Bear Naked is partnered with TerraCycle to help develop a new way in packaging products.  Their goal is to reduce the number of bags that end up in landfills.  They plan on doing this by collecting the bags from customers (after they eat the yummy content, of course) and repurposing them into accessories like umbrella, shower curtains and tote bags.  

     All this information is explained on the back of the package and a website link is also available. Whenever you are done with the product, you can go online, get a form and return it to the manufacturers.  You even get points that can be used towards their recycled products for sending in the bags.  I think this project is really cool!  It actually shows how people are trying to make a difference in the environment.  I believe this project is sustainable and has the ability to start a great trend in the manufacturing business.

Check it out ...  http://bearnaked.com/sustainable.asp