Permaculture Video

4/22

Permaculture is an ecological design system for sustainability in all aspects of human endeavor. Permaculture teaches us how to build natural homes, grow our own food, restore diminished landscapes and ecosystems, catch rainwater, and build communities.

Permaculture allow us to take care of the earth, and to take caare of the people. Permaculture is the new up and coming tool to help make our earth more substainable.

This semester we learned what kinds of food and hormones are being fed to the meat we eat, and the different pesticides being put into our soil. We think we are going to see a big trainsition towards permaculture. Permaculture is the only way people can make sure our food, soil, and water is all natural.

Our group thought learning about permaculture was very interesting and will soon be the way of life.

Field Trip to Lee County Waste and Energy Plant

4-15

      Over the past 20 years , Lee County has developed one of the country's most successful and sustainable recycling and solid waste management systems.
      Recycling containers and wast are collected from Lehigh Acres, Alva, and Fort Myers. The waste and recyclables are taken to the plant and turned into energy. Recyclinng reuses products that would become trash. Recycling saves raw materials, water, and electric energy used in the production of new production.
      The conversion to single stream recycling collections made recycling more convenient for Lee County residents.
      Lee County has consistently reported from 35 to 42 percent of documented recycling activities for more than 12 years and was named Florida's top county for recycling success in 2008.
      Our group really enjoyed the trip to Lee County Waste and Energy plant. We our very proud and excited that Lee County has exceeded Florida's 75 percent recycling goal. Programs like this our great way to keep our environment clean for future generations.

Waste being dumped into the bin to start converting into energy.

Control Panels in the plant.

In class Presentations/ Healthy people, Healthy Planet

4/8/13

Bowden:10 fruits, 236-253, 254-265
Healthy People, Healthy planet

Presentations:

The presentations in class covered different fruits we can incorporate into our diet. The group talked about how the fruits are beneficial to our health, and how to make healthy, nutritional meals with the different fruits. The end of the Bowden book described the common bugs and diseases that can be found in a garden. The chapter described the different disease and insects and ways to prevent them from taking over your garden. The presentations we're well given. Overall, our group thought that out of all the books we read in class this semester this book was the most interesting and enjoyable.

 

Healthy People, Healthy Planet:

After presentations we discussed healthy people, healthy planet. Our group really enjoyed the class discussion. It's always interesting to hear other peoples points of views and have group discussions. Our group feels that we learn more about the topics when they are discussed as a group.

 

 

ECHO Field Trip

4/1 Field Trip To ECHO

                                                                    Bamboo Tree
Bamboo is in the grass family. The stems of the bamboo tree are hollow and the vascualr bundles in the cross section are scattered throughout the stem. Bamboo is the fastest growwing plant in the world. The Bamboo tree is popular in Southeast Asia for building materials,  as food sources, and as a versatile raw product.

                                                                            Ducks

                                                                   Garlic Chives
Garlic chives are a perennial herb. The herb grows great in the sun. A garlic chive can grow to be about 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Garlic chives are used to add some flavor to soups, meats, and other dishes.

Aloe Vera "true aloe"

There are about 500 different species of Aloe. Aloe is native to Africa. The Aloe plant has rosette of large, thick fleshly leaves. Back in the day aloe was often used as an herbal medicine. Today aloe is used to relieve pain from minor cuts and sunburns.

 

 

Neem Tree

The Neem tree is the legendary medicinal tree of India. The Neem tree is currently one of the world's most researched trees. It is a tree that can help solve global environmental and health concerns.

Banana Plant

The banana plant is often mistaken for a tree. The banana plant is tall and sturdy. What appears to be a trunk is actually a false stem. Leaves of banana plants are composed of stalks. Sheaths support the plant. The banana plant is the largest herbaceous flowering plant.

Star Fruit Tree

Star fruit trees thrive in subtropical and tropical climates. A star fruit tree can grow to be about 12 to 13 feet tall. Star fruit trees grow best in full, direct sunlight. It is best that the star fruit tree be sheltered from wind. The tree grow a delicious fruit that is enjoyed by many!

Surinam Cherry Tree

The Surinam cherry tree can grow to be about 25 feet tall. It is an edible-fruited Eugenia species. The tree has slender, spreading branches with lots of foliage. The fruit that is grown on the plant is called a cherry. The skin of the cherry is thin, the flesh orange-red, melting and very juicy; acid to sweet, with a touch of resin and slight bitterness. Often 1 fairly large, round seed found in the cherry.