Natural and Environmental Ideas

After reading the article "Can Selfishness Save the Environment?" I realized that we need to have a realistic view of the situation we face today and we need to understand that it is most people will not act just for the benefit of nature. It is discouraging to think that most people do not act with the thought of the environment in the back of their minds, but it is reality. Most people strive to better themselves and their lives and most of the time this does not include striving to better the environment. Therefore, the government should create incentives to, in a sense, force people to act in ways that are not to damaging to nature.

I recently read an article in The New York Times about the new green movement. I have recently noticed the increase in discussion on how to be green- in magazines, commercials, new papers, etc. I am happy to see that there is more of a push to act with more care towards the environment. The article talked about how this surge in green power is directed towards the 95% of people who want to be 5% green, not towards the 5% of people who want to be 95% green. This holds much truth in our society today because most people don't want to hurt the environment but they also don't want to give up daily pleasures, such as driving their cars. This also leads to the idea of the tragedy of the commons- the idea that people, as individuals, don't feel that their actions have an impact on the environment; however, if 95% of people share this viewpoint, the damages add up.

The idea that people will change just for the sake of the environment and future generations is a romantic idea. Yes- there are people who do simply want to save the environment, but most people do not want to give up certain activities to accomplish this. I understand that this is just how our society is today. The article "Can Selfishness Save the Environment?" states that we should use that fact to our advantage and create incentives for people to act to better the environment. This is the realistic way of approaching the issue.

Posted by Allison Couillard at 5:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The discussion between the author and her friend was rather interesting. The author states that men only deal with the physical aspect of life, not the spiritual. She states that it has to do with their loss of intimacy. Throughout the story , the author comments on the difference between men and women and seems to have a very strong opinion on gender roles. Even though she does not make flagrant remarks on the difference, the story, to me, is about the difference between men and women, not just nature.

Throughout the story, the author shows the difference between men and women. For example, most of the men in the story seem to be demanding or not empathetic. The men that she meets in the truck show no sympathy for the loss of owls. Also, she remembers as a child camping with her family. At one point she says how the men would come back anxious for dinner. This illustrates how men demand that the women do certain tasks, such as cooking. The roles of men and women are extremely different. I think that this is why she feels the men only know the physical aspects of life. I feel that the stereotypes of men forces them to act a certain way. It is not as acceptable for a man to show emotion as it is for a woman. Men are supposed to be in control and the ones to protect their family. This does not allow them to be emotional. The author seems to disregard this fact completely. To me, it seems that she is angry with men for "their loss of intimacy" in life. What she does not realize is that it is culture that makes men lose intimacy.

The conversation between the author and her friend glosses over many of the facts that surround the controversy of gender roles. I feel that the way the author portrays men in her story is one sided. The overall story illustrates the connection between women and nature and how the treatment of both have parallels. Men mistreat women just as they mistreat nature. In the story, the men are the ones destroying owls homes and shooting tulips with BB guns, but this cannot be said for all men.

Posted by Allison Couillard at 7:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I love standing on the grassy hill overlooking the lake, it seems to go on forever. The winding path takes me down to the modest shore. The whole place is calm and peaceful. This park is the most beautiful place to me; although, from the surface, it seems to be nothing special. The trees decorating the park seem to protect the grassy area and the circling path. This park is near my house, so I find it comforting. It is like a mini escape. It represents the connection to nature and family and friends. It brings people together. It is a place to play frisbee, watch the 4th of July fireworks and simply enjoy a little nature. It holds a simple beauty. Running along the hill overlooking Lake Michigan and seeing the sunrise is one of the most inspiring moments. The green grass is always welcoming and the vast lake is always soothing.

Posted by Allison Couillard at 7:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

After reading Olson's speech, I realized that preserving nature is important, not only for people today but also for future generations. Nature really help people reconnect with themselves. It is a place to slow down and take a break from busy life. Olson discusses why we have the responsibility to help preserve nature. He states that human dignity is lost when nature is lost. I agree with this strong remark because I understand the power of nature. Nature is connects the world. Olson speaks of how powerful humans connection with nature can be; however, future generations may not be able to experience this connection. With technology and urbanization, nature is slowly being destroyed. It is our responsibility to preserve nature so that future generations can enjoy its power and beauty.

Another person who understands the power of nature is Aldo Leopold. In his writings, he illustrates how interconnected nature is. The deer, the wolves, and the hunter all play a role in how nature functions. I feel that he shows how important it is to help preserve the environment. Humans put stress on the environment and this in turn disrupts natures flow. Leopold describes the death of a wolf and how the green fire within it's eyes fades away. He understands how influencial the death of one living creature is in nature. I think that people today should look at seemingly insignificant occurances in nature as something powerful. This would help people to connect with nature.

Olson and Leopold both show how important it is to preserve nature. It allows for future generations to connect with the environment. If people stop having the mentality that one person's actions will not make a difference, then maybe nature has a fighting chance. Everyone has the responsibility to help maintain the little nature still left. Future generations deserve to be able to enjoy nature, just as we do.

Posted by Allison Couillard at 3:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)