Open Blog

For my open blog, I wanted to take a moment to discuss how many new things I have learned and been exposed to from taking this class. As a senior, I heard about Sustainable Carolina a few times but I never knew how to get involved. Poli 477 afforded me the opportunity to get involved with an awesome organization.  I had no clue I would gain such a deep appreciation for green values and re-assess the way I look at certain things in the world. I also loved getting to work with the Campus Planning team. It really allowed me to see just how Sustainable Carolina really worked. Our class became such a community. I actually got to know my classmates on a personal level and have real conversations. I really never thought that would happen. Our day at the State House was so much fun. I am a poli sci major and I have never had another class do that. Getting to see how lobbying works was such a rewarding experience. This class has been a wonderful way to close out my time here at USC. I would recommend this class to anyone I know who wishes to take a class and truly learn something new.

Green Values and a House

I previously wrote about applying green values to my life through something as simple as purchasing stamps. However, I now have a larger venue to apply my green values. My fiancé and I just bought our first home. We are renovating and buying new appliances from the home. When purchasing our washer/dryer, refrigerator, and other appliances, I was constantly searching for appliances that were labeled as eco friendly. Our washer and dryer both have eco friendly setting that I use regularly when washing our clothes. Our refrigerator is low energy in comparison to the energy guzzler that was left behind in the home we purchased. The kitchen is one of our biggest projects but I have decided that being green minded meant using what we already had and not wasting the perfectly good cabinets that just need lots of love. My green values have also been demonstrated in simple things like insulating the windows a second time to make sure we are not wasting electricity. Being green has actually helped make certain aspects of our home improvement more cost efficient. It has also helped me to expose my fiancé to a lot of the new values I’ve learned this semester.

Green Values in My Life

After taking Poli 477, I try to incorporate green values into my daily life. Just the other day I was at the post office to buy stamps. The post office now has a new line of stamps that donates all profits to an organization dedicated to green values. The stamps also had pictures of various activities that the receiver could incorporate into his or her life.  I decided that spending a little bit extra on the stamps was well worth it if I could spread green values to those who would otherwise never receive exposure to the values. Funny enough, the stamps are going on bridal shower invitations for a close friend of mine. All the recipients will be receiving a small education on the importance of green values.  I never practiced green values because before this class I honestly never had any exposure to the values. This class has helped me gaining a greater appreciation for values that I think are unfairly stereotyped as hippie ways. Respecting the earth does not mea have a “hippie” belief, I think it what makes sense as a human being. I would think that the green movement would be a little larger in the south because many of the values coincide with the values laid out in the bible. However, I think the stereotyped name keeps people away. By using the stamps, I hoped to show people that there is so much more to green values than the misconceptions that people often have.

EcoFeminism

Before doing any readings, I really had no idea what EcoFeminism entailed. From the name, I naturally assumed it was a branch of green values that empowers feminist values. After reading, I realized that the it was in fact a movement that aimed to connect feminism with ecology and those values. I did not realize that women felt a connection with nature due to the nature of oppression both have suffered throughout the course of history. Within the movement, modern science is viewed as nothing more than a projection of men's values. This only furthers the oppression that women suffer. Ecofeminism suggests that modern science should be reviewed because all scientific decisions have been made by men for the most part. Some criticize this connection ecofeminist feel to nature as more of a mystical connection than reality. However, Ecofeminist feel they have a connection in their daily life with nature that is often ignored. The concept is completely new to me and I don't know that I completely agree with the movement. However,  I do think we live in a male dominated world. For example, something as simple as my name. Often time people assumed I'm a male because there is a famous male movie star with the same name. In theory Ecofeminism is working towards a great goal, however, some of the concepts of the movement don't coincide with what I agree with.

Blog #11-Spiritual Ecology

    I grew up in a Methodist Church and the Methodist church believes we are responsible for the way for use and abuse the earth. The earth and all she provides are valued because they are God’s creation not because they are useful to human consumption. We are to be God’s stewardship of his creations and this responsibility should not be taken lightly. We are to protect God’s creations through love and respect. This responsibililty is becoming even more imperative with all the new developments humans are making and threatening the environment.
    The Gia hypothesis offers a valid point. I think it is totally plausible to think that our day to day actions affect the atmosphere of the earth. If we meddle too much then we could potentially meddle right to our demise. This is a striking opinion that should wake up people to the reality of the consequences their actions have. 
    I do think our culture is hypermasculine. I think we have made significant improvements in the last few years; however, the masculinity still exists. I also think that depending on where you are in the world, this hypermasculinity exists in greater power. Time will be the change. There are still too many people who remember a time when women served no other purpose than to do housework. One day people will look at that and laugh rather than feel like that’s how things should be.

Blog #10-Social Ecology

Social ecology is a movement that stems from the constant and ruthless exploitation of the planet. This is attributed to the constant desire to market and make money in our economy. Social ecologists disapprove to the free market because they feel it devalues the existence of natural items that come from the earth. Grow or die is the only way people not of this movement view the earth, according to the movement. Social ecology is essentially a critique of current social and ecological trends.   
    This is new concept to me. I have never really viewed society in this way, but this view does seem to go along with what others who support a green living lifestyle have to say as well.
    The hierarchical modes of organization are to blame for the situation in which we find ourselves. According to social ecologist, individual action is not enough for to fix the hierarchical problem in our society. More radical democratic thinking is the answer. Mutalistic social structures are the answer to this problem. The hierarchies we currently have are not natural and will only further the social and political problems the social ecologists are trying to fix. Interesting reading to further think on.

Blog #9

Arnes Naes
1.    This point of the Deep Ecology movement seems to go along with the view of the Green Party which says that man and environment are one. As opposed to the standard view that mans’ needs are more important than the earth.
2.    Biospherical Egalitarianism- Essentially covers the concept of an equal right to live and blossom. It is the reinterpretation of future research involving human crowding. I’m sure this point serves a purpose but it is a bit confusing to me.
3.    Here survival of the fittest is redefined as the ability to peacefully cohabitate and live with others peacefully. The promotes diversity in beliefs in cultures and allows everyone to live as they chose. This is a nice concept.
4.    Anti-Class posture suggests that diversity is a result of explotation. The exploited live differently from the exploiters. I never viewed diversity like this, so I don’t know that I necessarily agree with this statement.
5.    Here the importance of pollution control is discussed. But one struggle the Deeper Ecological Movement faces is that often the goal of pollution prevention gives rise to other evils. Ecologist must focus on all 7 points and make sure all are being met.
6.    Complexity not complication-this is a principle anyone can agree with. The movement wants the beliefs to be complex to address all their beliefs, but it should not be something impossible.
7.    Local Autonomy and Decentralizatoin- here is another principle that is very similar to the green party’s views. The individual should have power. Not some large group that is removed from the cause.
Deep Ecology & Dominant Worldview
    I do think the outline accurately depicts the two differing views. I think the dominant worldview is in fact representative of the average person. Most do not consider the world as an equal but as a never ending supplier to meet his or her needs.

Blog #8

Consensus is a relatively new decision making tool. Individual power has been the force leading many groups and organizations, but it is becoming clear the there is a need for consensus decision making.  Consensus decisions honors all sides of present opinions. It takes into consideration everyone’s ideas and feelings.  Everyone gets to be a part of the decision making. It is necessary to have a facilitator to help move the decision making process along, and help everyone see the common answer that begins to emerge. A weakness to this process can be that it can often take a long time to reach a consensus. Some subjects can be extremely difficult for people to negotiate on. In these instances, reaching a consensus can prove to be very challenging. The strengths are self-evident. No one feels completely alienated or like his or her opinion is invalid. The consensus process allows a group of people help draw out a common opinion that most probably did not even know existed. This process can be used in as small of an environment as household and extend all the way up to a corporate business meeting.  Consensus decision making is a sure to encompass everyone’s opinions.

Blog #7-Culture Jamming

Culture jamming aims to liberate the mental environment from the consumer hungry images constantly blasted in front of peoples’ faces. Those involved in the movement want to propagate ideas rather than advertise products to consumers. Culture jammers have waged war against the very term of advertising.  Culture jamming exists through commercials and billboards. The movement even encourages people to have days of mischief and public art to convey their message. Culture jammers have their own holidays like turn off the tv day and world care free day (now that sounds like a holiday I can get on board with).  The Adbuster’s website offers plenty of examples of exactly what they do within this cultural jamming movement. The specific clip of the Overview effect shows beautiful images of the earth. The images even made me want to take a trip to space, and I’m terrified of heights. But the video’s purpose is to show the beauty of the earth and make people re-think how they value the earth. People often litter and don’t take care of the Earth. This video shows the beauty of this planet that we often take for granted. The video’s purpose is to remind people the importance of preserving the earth and constant consumption is not what is most important.

Blog #5

Green Communities should function as the name suggests.  A unit made up of people providing support for a cause. Based on what I've recently read, the green community is extremely dedicated to the green values. Humans and the earth should exist as one and not two seperate entities. This understanding helps protect the earth and her natural resources. Our green communities should be structured in a manner that represents the views of the green party. Decentralized control and power within each individual should be the model the group follows. It is the green party’s belief that power should not be centered within one powerful group of individuals, the groups should be an open forum for everyone to feel they have power and voice. The community should empower each individual and allow them to help make a difference. Everyone should feel important. Decision making should be the same way. No one person’s opinion should dictate the outcome/projects for the group. Democratic decision making is key. By doing this, everyone should bring a positive and open attitude to the group. Willingness and friendliness should naturally blossom in this environment. Our classroom functions as an excellent model for how a green community should run. The communities purpose is so vital, smooth running is crucial for function.

Blog #4-Green Values, What I Believe In, What Suprised Me

Green Values are a relatively new concept to me. I think it is a great concept of thinking. Thinking about the earth in terms of non-human concern naturally lends itself to protecting the earth and the natural resources available. Nature has its own sense or value that has nothing to do with the value that it offers human needs. I think that is a pretty powerful statement. This one statement helps me understand why those of the green movement find it so important to respect plants and animals. I believe that is important to respect the earth and what it offers not just in terms of consumerism. This is necessary to ensure that the greedy nature of humans are not depleting the Earth's resources too quickly. I was surprised to see that there is actually a whole other political party dedicated to Green Values. There is even a constituion if you will of values that party believes in. The party is very dedicated to the idea that humans and nature are one and not seperate from one another. Another factor that varies significantly from the way society function is the idea of decentralization. The party is commited to removing the power from the hands of a few and moving it back to the local level while still protecting the civil rights of individuals.

Blog #1

I am so excited to be taking Poli 477. This class is a first for me. I have never had the opportunity to work with an organization dedicated so passionately to green values. I think by taking this class I will learn new information and gain a greater sense of responsibility when it comes to taking care of our planet. I am super excited to be working with Sustainable Carolina. This is something I don't think I would have become involved with if it were not for our class. The structure of the class really excites me and I love that we are going to actually build a community within the classroom. Who doesn't love a class that gets to take a trip to the zoo as an assignment? In most classes, I am used to just showing up, taking notes, and going home. I never really build in class relationships so I think this will be a unique opportunity to get to know my classmates. The guest speakers also seem like a great way to become more informed on the policies of being green so I look forward to that. Overall, this class offers me an opportunity to learn something new, and I hope to do so.