One vs. The Whole

Believe me, I like the idea of having my own independent thoughts. I am fully aware that I am not a lone entity, but part of something more. Our actions effect others, while theirs effect us. A person decides to jump into the subway tracks after their new iphone, we'll be on the receiving end of the delays due to his recklessness. If another person donates $5 million dollars to a children's center, they will alter the course of several children's lives. Because the center could now afford computers, a new generation of software programmers are born.

Society works much like a well oiled machine. Each individual, role, and action form a part of its inner workings. The key concept here, however, is that it works as a whole. It is not a phenomena that social roles seem to reproduce themselves generation after generation. Each person has their part.

We are all interconnected and the "world" is incredibly small. How to explain this connection, and oh yes, interdependency? Well, for one, I wouldn't have the clothes I was wearing today. Someone had to invest in the clothing company, build the factory, work in it, distribute the clothing and deliver it to the store where I initially bought it from. Obviously, this process did not take just one person. Hmmm...I should whip out the Thank you cards.

Although I could walk to school in about twenty minutes, I chose the train, which evidently turned out to be a bad decision. The train was thirty minutes late, and the second train was going Express, so I would have to transfer in order to return. This was horrible, because it was only a stop away in the first place. From the top: I would not have the option of taking mass transit if no one had laid down the tracks, constructed the train cars and if there were no conductors. I was so upset that the train was late, I never even thought to appreciate the people who made this all possible.

I do not have a printer at home, so I have to use the LaGuardia library's printers. Because I was late to school, printing my homework would make me later to class. Personally, I commend the school's extensive lab services. There are easily five times more computers available in the LaGuardia E building alone, than in my old high school. I am indebted to the people who provide those computers through funds, and donations. They were literally investing in our futures. I take full advantage of these facilities and tell all of you, my fellow students, to do so as well. The library printers have served me for countless assignments, and for that I will be forever grateful.

I also had lunch with my friend, who happens to be involved with the student government. I was invited to his birthday party, along with my boyfriend, and he told me how he will be sending a mass text message to 400 students from the campus to join in the festivities. So I will be taking part in a celebration comprised of students that must pass me in the hallway all the time, that I may have class with, and who I may have stood between on the cafeteria line. =) Who knows? 400 people, 400 possibilities. This invitation isn't only a fun idea because I haven't been to a party in ages, but develops a connection between the host and his invitees.

Lastly, on a chivalrous note, I would like to mention that after buying a bag of dog food, I was walking toward the door when a stranger rushed up to it, and opened it for me. I actually looked up, and paused for a moment. I said, " Thank you.", and went on my merry way. I guess what got to me most was that he wasn't even going into the store. It was just a random act of kindness.

This brings me to this quote:
"...we enshrine the self as the unit of ethical account, separate and distinct not just from the natural world but even from a sense of obligation to others--not just others in future generations, but increasingly even to others in the same generation." - Al Gore Earth in the Balance, pg 241

Drawing from these examples, try to explain why is it that we instead "enshrine the self as the unit of ethical account" (basically, what "I" consider "right" or "wrong" originates with what "I" want only), and forget all the people to whom we owe our lives?

I think that we as humans are not only selfish creatures but fearful ones. Many fear the thought that we alone can cause great change. That our actions have consequences. Well, I guess it could have alot to do with denial as well. Thoughts of,"What I do doesn't matter" or "Oh, c'mon. What's gonna happen?", spring to mind.

It makes me think of the philosopher, Jean-Paul Sartre and how he argued that a free man was entirely responsible for his actions and should understand that his decisions effect others around him. This idea uncovers the great connection that we all share. That our decisions correlate with others decisions.

Having the power to effect others is not something many people want to hold up to. You would have to take into account that what are considered "ethical values" have been badgered into you by your society, and that you have the choice to follow them or not; that others livelihood are literally in your hands. It would call for humanity to be more united. To put aside race, gender, religion, and preference.

It would mean that we would have to accept and appreciate one another more. Acknowledge that our quality of living would not be the same if others were not on some invisible plane manning the switches. This truth is too hard to collectively accept just yet. The world is not ready...no, its people are not ready to break barriers, admit dependence, and take responsibility for their faults.

Jocelyn =) Mind your manners boys and girls.

Whispers to Screams

Hmmm…One of the questions posed in the Inconvenient Truth is , “How will you follow your passion?” Well, lucky for the world, the environment is my passion . Being of Wiccan faith, I believe humans and nature are one. This religious perspective and my love for this world, fuels my everyday life because without it, I would not exist. Therefore, I am driven to protect and serve it. Now, how do, or will I continue to do so you ask? I already rant to all those who will hear me, about our recklessness, our wastefulness, our cruelty to both man and creature, alike. I spread the word about global warming. I freak people out telling them how “our world” will come to an end possibly in our lifetimes, if no changes are made. How storms, flash floods, quakes and drought will take over one after another. I take pictures of the world I see around me everyday, hoping to open eyes. I read articles and write about my concerns, but sometimes it seems my pleas fall upon deaf ears. I teach children at the local community center about protecting the environment, caring for animals and maintaining gardens. At home, simple things like reminding family members and visitors to recycle, and conserve water and energy. These things I will continue to do, full of passion and conviction, until my voice grows hoarse and there is no longer air left in my lungs. The second question asks, “How will you use your education to make the world a better place?” For one, I plan to go into the Environmental Sciences, and hopefully, although undecided, gear off into an area of Forestry, or Wildlife Conservation and Rehabilitation. Hence, my education will not only help my get into the field but, once inside I can make more of a difference than I could without the advantage.This type of field gives me access to top notch scientists, information and not to mention, opportunities to do some real work. Working in Forestry, for instance, I can plant a tremendous amount of trees and maintain the ones that are currently living out their lives. I can start programs to get more people involved, and campaign against deforestation. As a figure in the field, hopefully my chances of being heard shoot up some eighty percent. =) Meanwhile, taking a swing at Wildlife Conservation and Rehabilitation would put me more in the middle of the action.=) I would be able to interact with and save endangered species. I would be able to travel and see parts of the world tourists do not venture to. Interesting enough, wildlife conservation organizations, like that of the World Wildlife Fund, are actually working with humanitarian organizations that help people who have fallen victim to natural disasters. I could not only make a difference in the natural world, but with these people too. But come to think of it, we are the natural world. Why do we draw this imaginary line? Are we so suprerior that we must separate ourselves in such a way? Are we so intelligent? That has yet to be justified…if we were, we wouldn’t be screwing with our home this thoughtlessly, would we? I originally tried to browse this site Home Energy Savings Checklist from the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, but it did not work. Personally, I find checklists very interesting and I believe that when presented to a large population, like that found on the world wide web, they appear to be more appealing than articles. I then tried Consumer Federation of Americas checklist of Ten simple ways to cut energy costs: This site presents the concept of “10 bright ideas to promote energy efficiency”. It seems geared at audiences of all ages, and has an overall “fun” presentation. Its tactics are full of examples of companies or people who’ve saved and they throw crazy amounts of savings at you, 10 billion, even 70 billion! They offer fact sheets, which are always appreciated =) and even have interactive groups if you wish to share your concerns. The EnergyStar logo sits in the corner, and the benefits to switching to their equipment are mentioned. The words, “Save money…save the planet…use less energy.”, seem to be the main campaign idea. Its like, “Don’t worry, saving the planet won’t burn a whole in your pocket.” But hey, the people eat it up. Consume Less, Conserve More: Ideas On How to Pare Down: I was surprised to see that this site includes Annie Leonard’s “The Story of Stuff” video. The concept of the site revolves around the “new” American dream. A dream that doesn’t give the environment the short end of the stick. The Homepage breaks up into different areas: Live consciously, Buy Wisely, Make a Difference. I think that the category titles alone make you think. You are offered consumer guides, readings, ways of saving money and saving the earth…which seems to be a common element in various advertising approaches. There is even an “Alternative gift registry”, where you can buy or receive gifts that wouldn’t be considered traditional, but are environmentally friendly, like secondhand items, or even, nonmaterial wishes. Lastly, there is even a way that you can become a member and network with other “dreamers”. Benefits of Using Refillable Beverage Containers: Ha! The advantages of a refillable system are finally exposed! The site even states that it is the only website promoting these ideas as well. I say this so enthusiastically because I recently wrote about rhe refilling system in Costa Rica. Well, the content is genuinely interesting and in some parts doesn’t make you feel too optimistic. Unfortunately, because the plastic, “throw-away” bottle was introduced in the later nineties, the refilling plants were closed in the United States, and are suffering in parts of the world where the system once dominated. Personally, I’m hoping for a comeback for everyone’s sake. It really is good page, check it out. Jocelyn =) Now I would of picked more, but you guys would possibly skip my Blog for it being soo long, so I’ll stop here. See you in class. Check out the sites. Enjoy!! =)

Buried Six Feet Under...but still breathing.

Well, I am kind of continuing my second Blog. I thought that some people may be scared off by the sheer volume of my response to the homework question, so I thought that a little rant about things that annoyed me this week should appropriately have its own section. It gives your eyes a break as you move from part one to part two lolz =) I posted the homework part a few hours ago and no one has commented so I suspect I might have gone overboard =/ (let me know) Well, first off the homework assignment about collecting our trash for a day and a half. Professor Gallardo said it was only about ten bags of garbage, and when we went into M-111 to separate the waste from the recyclable, the results were disappointing. Some of the things we thought could be reused couldn’t be…the more to throw away. There was more garbage, including the bags they were in, than what could be recycled…and it was only a day and a half. We, Americans, just seem to waste so much and replace so easily. Never take into account the consequences of our actions, or uphold our responsibility to the environment…I was walking to the QueensPlaza station looking at all the garbage that lined the fence and gutters. I realized I had my camera and took a few photos of what it is we do with our garbage. Most of it was paper and plastic. Would it have hurt the person to have put it in a blue bin? No. A rose bush’s branches has also become home to a Pepsi bottle, someone must have found that very amusing. Why? It is really upsetting. One great example was last Sunday, I had decided to stay in bed for a little while longer than usual. I saw a dark shape move along the top of the tree outside my window, so I sat up to see if it was a large bird. Much to my dismay…it was a rather large plastic bag. The wind kept it going along the roofs…my only hope is that it doesn’t end up in the ocean like countless others before it. There they are confused with jellyfish by porpoises, who readily devour them. http://www.k12.nf.ca/swiftcurrent/gei/opollution.html Then, the next I watched as the printer in the school library went haywire and began spewing out paper at the students standing beside it. While my friend found the scene quite amusing, all I kept saying was, “What a waste of paper.” That is why he has renamed me “Super Hippie”. =) I mean what is the point of printing out a Power Point presentation? If it consists of your class notes, then you should have written it down or copy down what you missed. Or if you really, so desperately, need that Power Point, put it on Microsoft Word and resize the slides to fit many on a page, while still being legible. I find myself minimizing the font to size 8 when printing out research, in order to save more paper. I just feel that we do so many pointless things…like the Professor said, “Humans are not logical.” Even looking through the newspaper this week, further disappointed me in my own species. The article about global warming is on page four about 2” x 3”, while an article about a woman who had her skin become fused to a toilet after remaining on it for two years, is on page two about 7” by 5”. Our priorities are beyond screwed up and we need someone or something to make us straighten them out(unfortunately). Maybe the new president could do something…*sighs* One could only dream. (-_-) Maybe something can be done about our escalating gas prices. My best friend commented to me yesterday that he never thought he’d see the day when gasoline would cost more than milk…but hey in some parts it’s here, in others it’s coming. As gasoline prices skyrocket, agricultural products also increase. Milk included. How much are we paying now, like $4.25...it is absolutely unbelievable. We need change. We have to change. If not, we have nothing else to do but rot away with the earth around us. Jocelyn=) A little bit of difference, goes a long way. It starts with YOU. (and you, and you, and you too!)

Big Sister Costa Rica

Two years ago, I had the pleasure of returning to my mother’s native country of Costa Rica. I refuse to believe that its true beauty can be captured in a photograph, for it is a serene ambiance that drives the people there. The rainforest, the mountains, and the wildlife is simply amazing.

We have a tendency of returning every couple of years, but this was the first time I went by myself and bounced around from relative to relative. I think that because I had no parent setting everything up behind the scenes, no leader to follow, I became the victim of frequent culture-shock. Just going to the store...no, wait...ever since I woke up, there was already an array of things going on. I obviously recognized the fact that I was in a different country, but I began to notice an important cultural aspect I had somehow missed on my prior visits.

There are some huge differences in how they consume, and as you will read, with their disposal and reuse. As for advertisements, you see a few bill boards on the major highways and cities. There was this huge electronic billboard when you were driving to the airport. It led to equally huge disputes because it caused so many accidents. The people were being distracted and the result was sometimes fatal. I also noticed billboards on the sides of trucks. I see another dispute coming... At home, the commercials just seemed to be mostly about food, video games, maybe one/two about vacationing, and others promoting television programs. There were no commercials concerning clothes or any type of fashion. Nothing about cellphones or ipods, computers or appliances. Its not that they don't exist, I just guess those advertisements are geared toward "touristas" in hotels, or people who get satellite television.

Ahh, leisure time is usually spent going to the park, having picnics, visiting friends, taking up a hobby or simply watching television. My cousins spend all their free time playing with the Playstation we sent them, while my aunt prefers to knit. The people there tend to go outdoors alot more, and take advantage of the sights around them. I can't say I blame them either.They walk almost everywhere, but that is also because not many can afford a car. When I come to think about it, some people have been here in New York City all their lives and have never been to the Empire State Building, or the Museum of Natural History (by themselves, not class trips =P). Costa Ricans have a different approach to life, conservation, consumption, and hey, happiness. I swear there is something in that air. They even have laws and fees to keep in practice the process that propels their everyday lives.

And so it begins...at 6:30 in the morning...the vendors would sweep the streets, calling out the fruits they had in stock for breakfast. I watched as my aunt paid the man and then just grabbed what she wanted. No plastic bags to throw out, and right to your door. Talk about convenience, right? Well, I am just getting started. As we got ready to shower, it was another story. The people of Costa Rica pay for water, EVERYONE pays for water. Also, very few people can afford a water heater, hence cold showers are customary. For us uptight Americans a freezing cold shower in the morning is not very appealing.Oh and I do mean freezing, because the water comes directly from the mountain rivers. So, while my cousins took cold showers, I had to have my water boiled. But I was only allowed one barrel, which in time, I learned was actually more than enough. Although this need to save water is in order to save money, it is in turn conditioning the people to waste less water. They wash dishes by hand and usually laundry too. In some parts, some do not even know what a dishwashing or washing machine is!

Anyway, back to the subject, following our morning rituals, breakfast was either bought fresh or was yesterday's leftovers. If we were sent to the store for bread, we were also sent with the empty two-liter Coke bottle. Why you ask? Because in Costa Rica you refill the bottle at the store. Unless you have alot of money, or some damage comes to the bottle itself, people simply reuse plastic and glass bottles countless times again. This applies to beer, soda, anything in a glass or plastic bottle, except milk. (Oh by the way, except in resorts, there is NO bottled water either.) For one this is cheaper, because glass is very expensive in Costa Rica. Interestingly enough, although I don't know why, the brown glass is actually more expensive than the clear glass. You also have to recycle all metals and cardboard. Summing this up, this fortunately leads to less waste being produced.

The waste that is produced, however, is usually food scraps, napkins, and I guess, items that they are unable to reuse. The garbage is picked up two times a week, if the truck comes around both times, that is. I saw only one landfill there, but obviously there has to be more. There was not much litter in the streets, but the deep gutters where the water runs into the sewers sometimes has some garbage in it. The people usually sweep in front of their homes and keep the street clean so their children can play. My stepfather does that in front of our building here. More people should do it here, because if everyone did just a little, I bet the streets would be nicer to look at. =)

Another aspect of home life, is that it is not uncommon to be in a home without a refrigerator. Due to this, many people do not buy in bulk. Also in all my time there, I never saw or heard of a store that resembled our BJ's or Costcos. I guess those types of stores might never make any money over there. As for the supermarkets, which were like one in every town (sometimes we had to take a bus), we are expected to bring our own plastic bags or better yet, a cloth bag. If you "forget" like most Americans do, (my first time) you have to pay 150 colones a bag, equivalent to about 20 cents here. Ok, my mom had just given my aunt a refrigerator...so I was stocking up...after a couple of bags, those 20 cents stack up. I know that we are trying to do the whole "bring your own bag" thing here, but why not add a 10 cent penalty for "forgetting". I commend the Costa Rican people for enforcing these rules.

So I'll finish this answer with this funny anecdote.The street vendors, similar to our hot dog stands, have their own way of doing things too. I was sightseeing with my uncle and it was an incredibly hot day, so we headed over to a vendor. I was happy to see a glass bottle of Coke in the ice box. I grabbed it, put it up on the counter and started scrounging in my bag for the money. I glanced up once when I heard him open it, and I thought, "What good service!" When I finally looked up again, the man was handing me a Ziploc bag with a straw in it. I don't know what face I must have made, but my uncle couldn't stop laughing. I paid the guy, took the bag, and asked my uncle what the hell was going on. He explained that vendors refill their glass bottles, so when you buy a drink they put it in a "baggie" =). (This was before I knew about the refilling system.)

"The Environment and Me"

Oops! You forgot to turn off the coffee-maker, again. Now, you are running late because of your forty-five minute shower. On your way to the subway your eating a granola bar...Oh, wait, now your finished. No garbage can in sight. Oh, what the heck, you drop the wrapper and continue on your way. You may feel there was only a couple of hours of energy waste, a few extra gallons of water have literally gone down drain, and hey, "It was just one wrapper." No harm done. But what if a million other people were thinking the exact same thing? One wrapper would rapidly become one million. Everything we do effects the world around us. Day after day, we leave our mark.

This morning, for example, brushing my teeth, taking my shower, and making my coffee, were all forms of water consumption.Blowdrying my hair, turning on the hall light, and using any other appliances involved using energy. I changed the newspaper in my bird's and possums' cages. This paper, obviously, cannot be recycled. Then, I printed out about four different homework assignments, which led to further paper consumption. Typing this out now, is yet another example of energy use. Although I take part in roughly the same morning rituals as many other Americans, I try to reduce the amount comsumption as best I can.

My family does their best to be "eco-friendly". My stepfather, for instance, took on the responsibilty of sorting out and bagging all of the recyables in apartment building. We save energy by unplugging all the appliances, unless they are in use. We conserve water by shutting off the water while brushing our teeth, and by taking showers in increments: Turn on the shower, wet body and hair; next, turn off water, shampoo and lather on body wash; then turn on water again; the same for conditioning and so on. These countermeasures might seem small, but we try to do our part and hope others may also be doing similar things.

My feelings toward the environment are not only inspired by concern but also by several religious aspects. I believe that we are interconnected with nature, and we must understand that if we do nothing in order to maintain it, who will? Will our children be able to enjoy the great outdoors, or be greeted by barren fields? Will they be able to see polar ice caps, or will they be taught that they are a thing of the past?

The signs for change are there, but it seems that they are not yet enough of a push to make a dramatic transition. Only collectively can we make an impact. If not now, then when?