Week #6

February 11^th, 2013

As usual, Marie Selby is a wonderful place to visit and I was really looking forward to finding about their agriculture initiative. After being handed off from person to person, I landed in front of the desk of the Horticulture Manager/Director, Mr. Mike McLaughlin. Unfortunately Marie Selby does not participate in any crop agriculture such as ECHO, aside from some fruit trees on the grounds.

I had a wonderful time regardless of my disappointment. I did learn they utilize cisterns to collect rain water which they recycle constantly and run through a sprinkler system set up sporadically throughout. The tubes are run up instead of through some of the trees instead of through the ground to cover a larger radius. Mr. McLaughlin touched upon the use of pesticides as well. They do not treat the grounds regularly but only at the onset of a problem, which on the topic of pesticides this week seems to bode well for them! They also use non-toxic pesticides versus utilizing non-organic.

I must say I am on the fence in regard to them being “sustainable.” Yes, they use recycled rain water and non-toxic pesticides but have not begun to use organic pesticides for whatever reason, perhaps cost is a major factor. Unfortunately no, I don’t believe their work is relevant in the developing world as they do not have a central focus on it like ECHO does. It feels though their mission is to continue Mrs. Selby’s dream of sharing her passion of nature with others.

As far as service learning goes, I would enjoy volunteering but it wouldn't be applicable to the course objectives. I would rather use my efforts toward preservation or conservation than being a tour guide.

On an unrelated note, I sat down and watched the short movie they play and learned that Marie Selby has the largest orchid and bromeliad collection in the US – over 20,000 species!!

Week #5

February 6^th, 2013

Again for me, I equate a negative connotation to anything dubbed as “sustainable” or “organic”, even farming. Although the premise may be genuine, I cannot get past government involvement and the fire and brimstone environmentalists that have created widespread panic and fear.

That being said let me get to the root of the questions here. Sustainable farming basics are less pesticides and a more efficacious way to grow crops and utilize water better. Ecological principles are the very premise in organic farming. With the population on the rise on a finite space we are running out of room and resources to be able to feed the world properly. Organic and sustainable farming is trying to reach out to traditional farmers and have them re-think the way they farm to make safer food more effectively and still be profitable. 

This way of farming keeps people and the environment in mind and shows how to utilize water better, try safer pesticides on crops (which are safer for human consumption and for the land and water as well), and create healthier fruits and vegetables for consumers.

I don’t buy organic or “naturally” labeled food as I believe the movement is a fallacy. The only part I liked out of the three videos was the second one - Food and You when Dr. Bruce Chassy said “there is no evidence that organic food is healthier, nutritious, safer, or sustainable.” Again, this very statement goes back to something I have mentioned before – the science isn’t there. It seems to me that facts are twisted to suit theories because some side wants it to fit their agenda. That being said, I do not deny the fact that we could use better farming techniques and utilize our resources better, but on volition, not government intervention and regulation.

In all honesty, I don’t know what “feeling connected to the food system” means. I shop weekly at Wal*Mart or Publix and buy food we enjoy eating. But to answer the question – sure I am connected to the food system because I need sustenance in order to survive.

If there were space on campus for a garden I would not participate. Not because I am a poor sport but because my husband has the proverbial “green thumb” and finds value in growing a garden for us as a family.