Daily Waste

I am humbled by the sheer amount of waste that one human can produce. When I get up I brush my teeth and shower. There goes gallons and gallons of water down the drain. Not to mention I flush the toilet around 4 or 5 times a day, wasting more water in the process. I waste large quantities of uneaten food after each meal. I constantly have lights on and burn electricity without even thinking about it. My waste quantities are gigantic and I do not want to even think about my terrible impact on world sustainibility.

The Value of Money

Money means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. For some, money is everything. They dedicate their lives and base every decision solely on aquiring it. For others, money is an afterthought. Those living in third world countries are trying to survive, busy gathering food and water in order to see the next day. What does a dollar do for someone that has no where to spend it? In these cultures a paper dollar bill has about as much worth as toilet tissue. Money will only be valued if people choose to back it up and value it. Economies and political personal need control and respect and the only way they get this is through creating a universal currency.

Jerusalem

       The world has its fair share of breath taking views and sights. There are countless cities that attract millions to their specific geographic regions. Despite the exotic locations, beaches, night life, and physical features, there is one city that seems to trump all others for very distinct regions. The city I am referring to only encompasses 35 acres of land. There is nothing internally that makes it attractive, yet it has unquestionably been the most sought after piece of land in human history. In fact, its ownership is still up for debate to this very day. The city I am speaking of is Jerusalem, Israel. History dates the existence of Jerusalem back to the 4th Millennium BC, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. Roughly forty wars have been fought over her controlling rights. Jerusalem's majestic like nature undoubtedly comes from its rich religious history. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all find their roots within the "Holy City." Islam regards Jerusalem as its third "holiest" city behind Mecca and Medina. Judaism and Christianity regard Jerusalem as the center of the world as we know it. In the Christian Old Testament as well as the Hebrew Bible, the Lord says He will "put His name there," meaning Jerusalem, thirty-seven times. God instructed Solomon to build the first Jewish temple in 960 B.C. on Jerusalem's temple mount. The specific location of the mount has been narrowed down to either Mount Zion or Mount Moriah. With this being said, the temple was where God's presence dwelt at all times. A second temple was built in 516 BC after a period of Israeli captivity and slavery. Christianity prides itself on being the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy. Jesus walked on the streets of Jerusalem, spent time in the temple, and taught his disciples and followers in the city. Both Judaism and Christianity believe that a third temple will be built in Jerusalem in the future. Currently Islam's Dome of the Rock occupies the spot where the first two Jewish temples stood. The book of Revelation mentions that the battle of Armageddon will be fought over Jerusalem and that all nations will gather to her for this final battle. It also mentions that their will be a "new Jerusalem" where Jesus will reign for 1,000 years.
       Currently there is tremendous controversy and tension over Jerusalem. This seems to only reinforce the importance and significance of the city. There have currently been goals set in place to reach an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement by the end of April. It will be interesting to see how the scenario plays out as the eyes of the world are set on Jerusalem. Regardless of what happens, Jerusalem will never lose its grandeur. There have been billions of people who have been forever changed by the messages that have come out of the city. It would be impossible to imagine a world without Jerusalem. 

Rachel Carson was born on May 27th, 1907 in Springdale, Pennsylvania. She is most known for her work as a writer, scientist, and ecologist. Carson studied marine biology at what is now known as Chatham College and eventually received her MA in Zoology from Johns Hopkins University in 1932. Carson worked for the U.S. Bureau of fisheries as a scientist and editor and eventually became editor and chief of all publications for the U.S. fish and wildlife services. With titles such as The Sea Around Us and The Edge of the Sea, her worked taught people to appreciate the wonder and majestic scenery of our natural world. It also served to educate readers about the power they had to change the natural world, for good or bad. Her most famous text was undoubtedly Silent Spring. Written in response to the misuse of pesticides, Carson challenged the agricultural science and farming methods that were commonplace in her day and age. Despite being attacked by many, Carson reminded readers that humans are vulnerable to ecosystem change and often times responsible for negative environmental consequences. Rachel Carson will forever live on as a true environmental hall of famer. Her contributions led to increased government regulations and changed our world for the better.

The future often times brings a since of uncertainty and uneasiness to many on our planet. Poverty, famine, and war have done their best to bring fear in the hearts of global citizens. During our time in class we have highlighted the factors that constitute and contribute to a sustainable future. These factors can be implemented and executed in one of two different types of economic systems. Marxist-Communism is a classless and moneyless social order built upon common ownership to the means of production. In terms of sustainability, the state would decide how to handle various environmental issues. Capitalism is a social and economic system based on individual rights and the free market. As we know, future generations will need food, water, access to adequate housing, and an ability to compete in an ever changing economy. Pollution must also be limited for these things to be accomplished. In my opinion, capitalism provides better methods to achieve future sustainability. Capitalism creates an environment in which new ideas can be developed and shared. Innovations and changes, such as the development of solar and wind energy, can be fostered and funded in capitalistic economies. One demands for environmentally friendly products go up, manufactures will compete in order to meet our needs more efficiently and timely than ever imaginable in a communist economic system.  Technological advancements and development thrive in capitalistic economies. We should devote our resources and funds into supporting Eco-friendly products and forms of energy. When citizens buy into the system, there is no telling the amount of good that could come from an environmentally conscious capitalistic economy. 

     I recently visited St. Thomas during an 8 day Caribbean cruise over Christmas break. While at port in St. Thomas, my family and I visited the stunningly beautiful Sapphire Beach. There are few beaches world wide that can compete with the views you'll see here. With this being said, water and beach pollution will be a huge factor in keeping Sapphire Beach beautiful in years to come. The St. Thomas community and economy thrives on tourism. There must be strict laws that enforce environmental friendly behavior among tourists and locals alike. After visiting this heavenly place I cannot imagine anyone who would willingly want to damage its natural beauty.