"Broadening the Ecovillage Movement." Module 3.3

Local, Bioregional & Global Outreach:

Bioreginal Outreach pg.230

While reading Alliances at the Edge, I learned about the PASSIONATE feelings that exist for Agnieszka Komoch, the author. Just as I am passionate about my Hawaiian Culture and Practices so is Agnieszka Komoch about protecting the Ecovillage of Lebensgarten. Her case study on the Ecovillage of Lebensgarten proved her motivation to save and protect the area. She was wholehearted in this project to conserve and defend this ecovillage from destruction in the process of creating a motocross park.

Global Outreach: Showing the West to the East pg. 260-261

The second thing that I learned from Showing the West to the East; The Cult of the West in Media is that “every day, they see incoming tourists spending money as much as $1,000 – the equivalent of a visitor to the US spending $50,000 a day.” Also, “in industrial society today, we actually spend more hours working than people in rural, agrarian economies”. I had no idea! I agree that the media has had and still continues to impact our social lives and psychological perspectives, however was unaware of the cultural impacts. For example,“ many (Ladakhis) choose to abandon the old ways of their parents for the siren song of a Western material paradise”. This is a perfect example of how a culture is lost. In regards to the Hawaiian culture, the language has faded and the percent of Hawaiian blood in individuals has decreased. I learned that there isn’t any specific culture that is targeted by this “white man influence” and we need to put more effort in preserving our culture.

Global Outreach: Local Solutions to Global Problems

To conclude, the last thing that I learned while reading Local Solutions to a Global Problem by Vandana Shiva, was the word Shakti, which means the creative principle. This word describes the process of plants and living things renewing themselves, for example “the water cycle going on without any human help. This tremendous activity is the creative force of nature”. The first thing that came to my mind was the Hawaiian word Mana, or power. This Hawaiian word is used to describe the powerful, strong spirit in humans, animals, plants and any forms of life. In ancient Hawaii, the land and plants would provide the Mana needed for human survival. Both the word Mana and Shakti is a clear example of a cultural connections with globalization. We need to reinforce the importance of the relationship of the land and the people whom reside on the land.

“A Virtual Visit to an Ecovillage/Green Education” 3.2

“A Virtual Visit to an Ecovillage/Green Education”

The ecovillage I choose was Ecoversidade and Ecocentro IPE located in Brazil. The reason I decided to choose this ecovillage is because of my interest in their culture and its beautiful building structures. As I was exploring the website I noticed that they offer semester and summer programs. I would definitely take that opportunity to live at this ecovillage for a semester if the chance arose.

I also choose this ecovillage due to their application of sustainability, “Ecocentro IPEC presents practical solutions with over 15 ecological buildings, composting toilets, water treatment system, ecological gardens, food forests and renewable energy system on a site that is less than 10 years old!” This is an amazing way to reconnect with nature and practice sustainability.

In addition to the main campus Econcentro IPE, the “Ecoversidade is IPEC's educational arm and is dedicated to education for sustainable living by fostering a profound understanding of the natural world, grounded in direct experience, that leads to sustainable patterns of living”. Providing this type of education for the youth is such an excellent idea and a wonderful example of how to re-use, recycle and reduce.

A specific aspect of the ecovillage that I would like to incorporate into my lifestyle is starting an ecological garden and building a renewable energy system for my home or purchasing a hybrid vehicle. These aspects are reachable and realistic!

The program from the Green Education link that I was most drawn to is Master of Science in Renewable Energy :Institution: University of Jyväskylä Location: Jyväskylä, Finland Accreditation: Ministry of Education, Finland.

“Program description: The Master’s Degree Program in Renewable Energy provides education in the renewable and distributed energy production in order to promote the utilization of sustainable energy sources. The program provides students with a thorough insight into sustainable renewable energy technologies and an understanding of socio-economic factors.”

This interests me because of the simple learning tools that this program has to offer pertaining to sustainability. Everyone has room to learn tips on how to use energy efficiently. We need opportunities like this to learn new behaviors, new information and a new life style. Not only will these new ways provide for our families and friend, but also the environment and at large the earth!

Beyond You and Me:Reading Response 1

“Beyond you and me: Reading Response 1”

Reading “Children Need 100 Parents” I learned that living in a co-housing community provides a healthy life style, which benefits every member whom lives in it. Co-housing is a type of living situation that includes many families living in the same household and sharing the same values, responsibilities and beliefs. I was amazed how the families in this story began as an experiment and came out with such a positive outcome for everyone. For example, “we all learned a lot about conflict resolution, about love and solidarity. Co-housing communities offer an alternative way to solve social problems without involving public institutions”. I also learned that they appreciated the land, the animals and utilize nature to survive. For instance, they raised chickens and horses and tended to a vegetable garden. “Relationships to the animal and plant world allow them to gain the respect and understanding of beings other than themselves”.

I would love to see a co-housing community in action here in Hawaii. This story provided great insight for me to learn about the co-housing life style and its positive outcomes and opportunity. The elements in which this little community built is what our society should realize and begin for future generations.

COM 344: Scavenger Hunt

Com 344: Scavenger Hunt

Trisha Binyan- “Everyone needs to realize that it is not about color, economic status or power. It’s about change.”

This quote that Trisha wrote agreed with my own personal opinions. This issue of global warming and sustainability should be of more concern to the world. Everyone has become accustomed to expensive and stylish clothes, the biggest homes and the most luxurious cars. Despite the fact that the earth is dying, no one is educated enough to make the connection that those things are not going to save our environment or re-connect ourselves with Nature. I would enjoy working with her in a group.

Anon Shine- “I am elated to see that there is a forum for discussing and valuing wisdom aimed at sustainability! I am also relieved that there are avenues through which I can connect and expand my own wisdom and ability to contribute!”

Through Anon’s writing, I was energized to hear her positive attitude and motivation to start making a difference towards the environment. Her encouraging words and eagerness to learn attracted me to her personality and willingness to work. I would also like to work with Anon Shine in a group project.

Jackie Alvarez- “I previously took a Environmental Policy and Politics class last fall with Mr. Belt. In the class we learned about different treaties, act, policies, and learned and discussed different approaches for environmentalism to be spread throughout the world. We took field trips to the recycling centers, Puna Geothermal Venture, and a sustainable farm”.

I was interested in Jackie’s experience with her previous class, Environment Policy and Politics. She has familiarity with sustainability and is also concerned with the issues relating to the environment. In addition to contributing her experience with her previous class, she can provide a geological perspective to my group. I would be happy to be in a group project wit Jackie Alvarez.

“After the Crash”

Module 2: Assignment 4

After viewing the CRASH COURSE, I would not change my commitment to eating less meat, but would modify it by adding an additional behavior. This behavior would be to start a fruit and vegetable garden of my own and to save more money in case of an emergency. It is better to be prepared for a situation whether or not it may occur.

I found it lectures insightful, interesting and helpful. I was fascinated with the four suggested steps on how to prepare for a crisis: 1. Decide to take action: wanting to do something about a situation or actually taking the step towards doing something about the situation. 2. Assess your position: self-assessment for financial situation, foundational and physical needs. 3. Rank the possibilities: time, impact, or likelihood of the situation/crisis. 4. Prioritize: important to least important.

I have decided to alter my behavior with meat consumption in my daily diet because “global demand for meat has multiplied in recent years, encouraged by growing affluence and nourished by the proliferation of huge, confined animal feeding operations. These assembly-line meat factories consume enormous amounts of energy, pollute water supplies, generate significant greenhouse gases and require ever-increasing amounts of corn, soy and other grains, a dependency that has led to the destruction of vast swaths of the world’s tropical rain forests” (New York Times: “Rethinking the Meat-Guzzler. Bittman, Mark) This is a start to my contribution towards helping our environment.

“Behavior Change”

Module 2-Assignment 3:Global Kuleana

Calculating my Footprint, I would need 5.1 Planet Earths to provide enough resources. To support my lifestyle, it takes 22.6 global acres of the earth’s productive area, 23.1 tons of carbon dioxide. To conclude, the one behavior that I would be willing to commit to change during this term is eating fewer animal-based foods.

“Gaia Experiential Learning Activity”

Module 2: Listening to and Reconnecting with Nature

There is room for much creativity and flexibility with this module. Learning could be as simple and enjoyable as taking a mindful walk through Nature. It could include poem or writing and written personal reflection. It could involve a “close encounter with a tree”, seeing it as more than a log and branches and perceiving its total function with the landscape. It could mean creating a ritual or ceremony in honor of Nature or our-selves, either individually or in a group. It could mean sitting still for a while at the forest edge and practicing observational skills. It could mean taking on the voice of another living creature, say a frog or a river, and telling the group what the world looks like from that perspective. It could mean doing a Feng Shui or Vastu analysis, or setting up an earth altar to the four directions. In all cases, an emphasis on fun and celebration, food and fire as the center of the earth, will help to consummate the experience.

For this assignment I have chosen Module 2: Listening to and Reconnecting with Nature as my activity. As I read through the activity the piece on creating a ritual in honor of Nature immediately caught my attention. I have been a hula dancer for 12 years and one ritual that our Halau ( Hula Halau o Kou Lima Nani e) would always practice is chanting. At the time of Hula competitions, we would travel through the forest in Kaumana and Kalopa in search of the liko lehua and palapalai ferns for our garments. Before entering such a rich and beautiful sacred places in the forest, we would practice the ceremonial chant, E Laka E. In our chant, we would ask Laka, the goddess of Hula for permission to pick the flowers and ferns needed for our adornments.

“E Laka E”

E Laka e Oh goddess Laka

Pupu we'uwe'u, e Laka e Wildwood bouquet, Laka

E Laka I ka leo Laka, queen of the voice

E Laka I ka loa’a Laka, giver of gifts

E Laka I ka wai wai Laka, giver of bounty

E Laka I na mea a pau Laka, giver of all things

Ano ai ke aloha e I greet you with love

To complete my activity I went outside, faced the forest, took a deep breath and began to chant. As I was chanting, I was speaking to all the plants, ferns, animals and insects throughout the forest. It provided a time for my soul to connect with the life of Nature. After the chant was over, I just stood there and listened. Listened for a response, the wind, the animal voices, anything. I just simply closed my eyes and listened. It was very relaxing and soothing.

In conclusion, I felt very fortunate to have this knowledge of chanting. I am proud to continue the practices of the Hawaiian Culture as well as being able to apply if towards this class. Chanting is such a great tool used to communicate, practice rituals and ceremonies and is utilized for language. I was able to make a personal connection to nature from completing this activity. I developed an open mind to the concerns of Nature and the motivation to participate in saving our plant.

Revised Behavior Change

If I were to describe theses films; The 11^th Hour, Awakening the Dreamer and Collapse in three words it would be informative, appalling and constructive. Summarizing the trailers, related sources and the films, I have come to the conclusion that it focuses on our current status (as humans and the earth) and how we got here. I was shocked to find the amount of information that I was oblivious to. Numerous amounts of research and data collection has already been done pertaining to global warming. There is factual evidence that the earth is suffering!

The 11^th Hour provided great insight on the issue of global warming and how our culture conformed to consumerism. I remember one of the scientists stating that our culture has developed a relationship separate from nature. Our cultural beliefs and practices have changed, now concentrating on new technologies and ourselves. We have ignored and taken advantage of the free resources that nature provides for us as human beings, for example plant and flower pollination and the tress converting carbon dioxide into oxygen. If we estimate the amount of money it would take to replace nature, it would cost us 35 trillion dollars a year. But, the economy could only support 18 trillion dollars a year. This means that we would not be able to support ourselves nor be able to disregard the natural resources. Nature is key for survival!

In Awakening the Dreamer, I was moved by the metaphor that is used to describe the idea for this film. Emphasizing the shared visions that our culture expect for our children, seems to be fading as the world remains as consumers and continues to increase in wasteful products/rubbish. We are raised to appreciate the beauty of nature and learn how to function with nature as one. For example, planting native plants on our UHH campus, chanting/singing for the Hawaiian Language Studies and providing Hawaiian Clubs like Kipuka. Through this film its obvious to recognize the disconnection between the human race and nature.

The film Collapse caused a little nervousness in me. Thoughts of human extinction are extremely worrisome and fearsome. However, Michael Ruppert, did provide very convincing factors that are believable to the possible extinction of the human race.

I have learned that our relationship with nature and our culture must be reconnected. Our cultural norms and values are to be re-evaluated and re-directed. I have also become aware of where we are in the fight against global warming. Current and future decisions are vital to sustain our environment and to provide suitable living conditions for future generations. This change begins at the government level then on to the individuals here on earth.

We also need to change our focus from technological progression and consumption to sustainability, culture and communication. Realize the cultural connection to nature and every forms of life. For example, farming on the land as a tribe or being able to trade and exchange food as the Hawaiians did in ancient times. Although we caused this situation of global warming and a cultural gap with nature, we have the capabilities to reconvene toward a new life style that is sustainable for humans, animals, and forest and at large, the atmosphere.

Ps: Treat Nature a Little More Gently

2.2 Blog Assignment: Carson, Becker and Me

2.2 Blog Assignment: Carson, Becker and Me

As a child, I remember crossing the street from my family home in Waimanalo to the beach every summer day. My cousins and I awoke with the sun each morning to get the full days worth of the ocean, the sand, the playing time and the feeling of just being outside. As the sun grew tired in the late afternoons, we would cross the street again and would look forward to tomorrow. We also played hide and seek in our clubhouse that our grandfather built for us, climbed trees and got dirty. Sadly, as each summer would pass the activities became fewer. It wasn’t obvious to me that the sun had begun to awaken without us, because we were too busy playing with our new Nintendo game system. Our parents began buying us toys that were made for inside the house. Young as we were, we went along with the new toys and gadgets that were given to us. Our time spent in doors began to increase and no one was eager to cross the street anymore. When I became a teenager I realized the importance of crossing the street and waking up with the sun. My childhood memories were mostly created outdoors and getting dirty. Being conscious of this as I arrive in Waimanalo each summer, I ignite the excitement for my younger cousins to cross the street.

The Nature Deficit Disorder link is an “eye opener” pertaining to the outside. This link provides valuable information on the importance of children/teens and their connection with “outside play” or “Nature Play”. A concept of encouraging playtime that is free for the individual to explore, imagine and create. It has been proven that children today spend far more time indoors than outside. Its not to say that children need to join a sport or participate in two sports but to allow the children/youth to attend camping trip, to build a forts in their back yard or to simply create a trail in a small forest. Just being outside is the message.

The Composting Toilet link automatically triggered a sharp memory of mine. Not exactly using a composting toilet ,(which is a toilet systems that treats human waste by composting and dehydrating it to make a useable end-product that is a valuable soil additive), but something along those lines. Living with in your means and having things that you need is important to realize and accept. Let me tell you my story.

As an elementary student, I can sharply remember taking a bath outside, brushing my teeth outside and using a bucket to flush the toilet. When my father first started building our home, it was from scratch. Literally. When he and my mother decided to move to the Big Island from the O’ahu, their goal was to own their own home and build it together. That is exactly what happened. My parents made an outside shower and sink before the pluming was finished, they refilled the bucket with water whenever my sister and I had to use the bathroom and slowly but surely built our home. Now that I think back on the experience I am able to laugh about it and realize that sometimes you do with what you have and appreciate the hard work that parents are willing to do for their children. Love the simple things in life.

My name is Tawny Kehaulani Souza. I am majoring in Kinesiology and Exercise Science to become a Physical Therapist. I am currently volunteering at the Hilo Medical Center in the PT Department as well as Lehua Physical Therapy, an outpatient care facility located in downtown Hilo.

I am aware of global warming to the extent that, the ozone layer is diminishing caused by the pollution here on earth as well as a few recycling tips. However, my knowledge is very limited concerning sustainability and other issues concerning the environment.

My connection to Hawaii is my birth place and through the Hula. I have been a resident of the Big Island for 22 years and dancing Hula for 6 years.

I reside in the Kaumana district on the Big Island. Originally, I was born in Honolulu, O'ahu. At this time, my father was a construction worker who built homes on the big island with my grandfather. After building beautiful homes, he decided this was a great place to raise a family. He and my mother moved to Hilo and built our home of 16 yr.

Sustainability, Environmental Awareness and methods on saving and re-using energy efficiently is the topics or ideas that I would like to learn about in this class.

My course work is physical therapy. I am working towards my bachelors degree as well as completing the requirements for the Physical Therapy Program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. I have experience in this field from being a volunteer at the Hilo Medical Center, Big Island Physical Therapy, Lehua Physical Therapy and being an aid in a research project concerning factors and the relationship between athletic performance while in pre-season and during the season.

I am interested in traveling, the outdoors, the human anatomy and physiology and trying new food. I love to eat!

The one behavior I would change in my life to limit my impact on the environment is being more efficient with recycling. For example, separating rubbish in my home, purchase re-usable grocery bags and energy saving light bulb and continue to be engaged with the environment and its concerns after this course.