It was interesting to examine different objects — CO2 and trees — through the text this week after completing my own situated project on Japanese biofuels. I really like being able to focus in on a certain object because it allows for more depth into a particular topic. Our discussion on CO2 explored CO2 as […]
Consumerism and Constructing Nature
After discussing our political economy, I got very frustrated with the state of consumerism in our society. Last semester in my economics class, we learned about planned and perceived obsolescence, and since then I have seen it everywhere. It’s heightened presence in the rapidly expanding world of technology is extremely prominent and problematic. For example, […]
Decisions: Who Should Benefit?
Yosemite holds a special place in my heart. After spending 12 days backpacking the most pristine, beautiful landscapes in Yosemite’s backcountry, I feel the need to protect and preserve it so other people can experience the same sublime beauty. However, as the text states, there used to be a smaller, although equally beautiful, valley […]
Environmental Economics
Before beginning to read chapters from our brand new textbook, Environment and Society, we took some class time to discuss why we use this specific text over others. Although there was some criticism about judging a book by its cover, I think it was a valuable experience that legitimized the text. It was also a helpful […]
Choosing my Situated Project
After being selected to go on the 2014 Mt. Fuji study abroad program, I realized I didn’t actually know very much about Japan and was determined to change that. During our orientation sessions, we briefly discussed different aspects of the area we would be studying: water filtration, forestry, religion, cultural values, historical uses of land, […]
Words from the Wise
After wrapping up this unit and reviewing for the midterm, students from ENVS 400 came to talk to us on Friday. They led a discussion about Love Your Monsters by Michael Shellenberger and Ted Nordhaus, then answered questions we had about being an Environmental Studies major or minor. My group discussed “Evolve,” which deals with issues about […]