WEEK 6

I was really glad we got to have the class discussions about genetic engineering. It is clearly a hot topic and I think, very important in today’s news and technology. I originally took the side of ‘pro” genetic engineering but actually at the time was not really partial to either side. As the talk went on I began finding myself relating more to the side I was on and gaining stronger feelings. I thought my side did a good job of displaying a lot of evidence about where genetic engineering could take us because there is a lot of theory out there already. I began to realize that with the help of genetic engineering, great things could be accomplished. One of the main points that I thought really sold our side was the fact that genetically modified crops could possibly grow in marginalized lands and areas that were once useless. This means there is more room for crops and food to grow, which clearly helps hunger issues, but also another point that deals with local sustainability for farmers. Because new crops will be able to grow in more areas and have better chances of surviving, farmers would be able to supply more food for their local area rather than depending on distribution. This would then feed the people but also stimulate the economy.
A few other important points that support genetic engineering are that different vitamins and nutrients can be added to crops which of course would lead to a possibly healthier populations. One more point that I think is important to note is the fact that some genetically engineered plants will need less pesticides because of things that can be added to the crop and therefore less pesticides will go into the environment.
Although these are some very positive outcomes from genetic engineering, it would not be right of me to be all “pro” at this point. There were debates in the class about how the farmers would acquire these seeds and how they would afford new seeds especially with at the patenting going on. A good idea was thrown out about donators and non-profits providing seeds instead of food directly to communities and that would be great, but there is definitely no guaranteeing this. Another main issue that I think would be in many American’s concerns are the questions regarding safety. Genetic engineering in the large picture is relatively new and we might not be able to see the negative effects (if any) for many years possibly. Most people don’t want to be guinea pigs for scientists and run at the label “genetically modified” on their foods. To be honest I don’t blame them to a certain extent.
I am sure that there are many foods that I have eaten over the years but not known it. I called the Campbell’s soup people and they wouldn’t give me a straight answer, it was a little frustrating but when I called the ORGANIC soup people that I also had in my pantry they gave me a clear “no” and said everything was completely natural. I honestly would like to see a label on the foods that are genetically modified, and I am surprised it hasn’t been forced to happen yen but I do understand how there might be an unnecessary fear or negative connotations that could go along with these labels. I think until the public has a right to know what they are eating but if they are more educated and informed about it they might not look at it in such a negative light. I also think that “genetically engineered or genetically modified” does sound completely unnatural and almost offensive so maybe a better label could ease people into the idea. An average American might snicker at the label of “genetically modified rice” that is only different because there is an added vitamin then continue on shopping and pick up a box of Oreos that they know and trust. Ironic huh?
After discussing the genetic engineering arguments we learned about soils and all that goes into this one important thing. I certainly indirectly impact soil by consuming agricultural goods that come from the soil. It seems like everything I use, wear, live in and more have some relations to the soil and so it should be taken very seriously. I try to by organic foods because it comes from a natural place and is healthier not only for the soil but the rivers, oceans, entire environment and me. I followed the directions in the journal questions about tracking some of the inorganic materials I use. To start off the day I took a shower and used non-organic shampoo that ran down my drain and out into the world. That honestly was something I had never stopped and thought about. Then I put on a little make up which is made up of who-knows what and headed to work. On the way I put in a cd that is not organic (ha ha) and comes in a plastic box. I work as a barista at a coffee stand. At my job I deal with coffee that unfortunately is not organic and milk that isn’t either. I place the drinks in paper cups with plastic lids and send them out the window over and over again. After today and tracking all the waste and non-organic things I deal with I thought about quitting my job and moving to an island where I would live as hunters and gatherers with no electricity and where I would not manipulate the earth. This didn’t exactly happen despite my feelings but lets just say I felt a little guilty for the day and got the picture. ☺

WEEK 4/5

This week we talked a lot about biodiversity and the impacts that humans have. I impact biodiversity in many different ways. I use many things that effect animals and their habitats from the home I live in to the amount of pollution I contribute to. These things lead to habitat loss and degradation or destruction. I also may indirectly support acts that are dangerous to species from overkill. I eat things like Sushi or seafood that may be improperly caught. It would be smart of me to look into where my food comes from and be knowledgeable about its history. Learning about how different species are introduced in non-native places was really interesting. It’s funny to see that blackberries were not a native plant in the U.S. yet it has grown rapidly across the country. Learning about how disease is introduced is interesting but also somewhat scary. It makes sense that this would be a factor that would lead to the depletion of species. It is important for me to understand these contributing factors that influence biodiversity so that I can do my best to try and use and/by products and goods that come from a healthy and safe place.
Species extinction is unfortunate but also a natural piece of the world to a certain extent. It occurs when things are off balance and the environment does not match it’s living organisms. Despite nature’s ability to cause some necessary extinction, humans have played the biggest role in causing species extinction. Often it is a result of human abuse on the environment and it’s resources and this should be definitely focused on. We should do our very best to try to not cause any more extinctions in the world because as we know every organism is important in biodiversity and holds a necessary niche. Humans need to try to reduce their impacts on biodiversity and the environment as much as possible.
I was able to get Kamut at PCC, which I had never tried before. I thought this tasted pretty good and it seemed healthy for me. Eating new and different types of food are helpful to maintaining biodiversity because it widens the amount of choices that I can eat from. It comes from a different place and different plants and helps balance the options and choices for foods.
Zoos can be very beneficial to animals and bio diversity. People can take animals from the wild that are in need of help and treat them. Zoos can also be helpful connectedness where animals can reproduce and then set back into the wild. A good point that was brought up in class that I had never thought about was about how people form a connection with the animals they see at zoos and tend to care more for the animals. A downside to zoos could be if the animals are not given proper habitats and are unhappy with their lives or if they are not taken properly care of. I think for the most part though, zoos are great and helpful and the animals really do benefit from being there.