Field Trip to ECHO

            Our Colloquium class’s field trip to ECHO (Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization) was certainly one rich in learning and creative sustainability. Located only 20 miles from the campus of Florida Gulf Coast University, ECHO is an organization designed to find innovative and sustainable ways to fight world hunger. Their focus is specifically in the area of agriculture and the use of appropriate technology. They have a saying, “use what you have to make what you need,” which sums up the idea of appropriate technology beautifully.

            While on the tour, we were guided through a maze of numerous varieties of trees and plants. The Neem tree, for example, can also be known as the “village pharmacy” because its oils can be used for up to 40 cures and even cleans teeth. The Cranberry Hibiscus is a tasty plant that can be used for food and is great for sustainability because it stays healthy through the dry seasons. Chaya is another edible plant, which is also known as tree spinach. It seems to be something of an indestructible plant because it also stays alive through droughts, bugs do not tend to bother it, and it can even be sent through the mail to be planted elsewhere. Its only red flag is that its leaves contain cyanide and must be cooked prior to being eaten. Moringa is a healthy edible plant that contains ample amounts of vitamins, calcium, potassium, iron, and protein. It can even be used to purify water.

            ECHO also demonstrated various ways to water their plants. These include the rope and washer pump, which are built with recycled supplies, and the drip-irrigation bucket, which uses gravity to push water from a bucket and through a drip tape to water the crops. We were also taken through a demonstration of a variety of useful household items, such as a rope maker, more safe and sustainable ovens, and a corn husker.

            Because ECHO’s aim is to teach impoverished countries sustainable ways to grow and maintain their crops, we were shown a side-by-side comparison of rice being grown. With the traditional method, four to five seeds are planted together and the ground is flooded all year. ECHO’s dry method, the SRI (System of Rice Intensification), requires only one seed to be planted (rather than a grouping) and is only kept moist. This produces a 50-100% better yield.

            Also on our tour, we were shown the various innovative ways ECHO keeps its crops growing. For example, they were able to plant miniature gardens in things like old tires. They also made the most of their animals by using their manure as fertilizer – even going as far as placing their cages above the plants so the droppings would fall exactly where they needed to end up.

            All in all the trip to ECHO was extremely beneficial. Not only was it an excellent learning experience, but it was also very eye opening.

 

Word Count: 486

My Neighborhood

This past August, I was excited to move into a house near Florida Gulf Coast University, here in Fort Myers, Florida. Prior to this, I lived in an apartment, so having a nice yard, scattered with pretty trees and plants is a great new addition to my housing situation. Displayed in my front yard are several palm trees, along with a number of shrubs. The same can be said for most other homes along my street, which house mostly young families and other college students.

            One thing I love about my house is the back porch. It is a nicely sized screened in area that I use as my window to the outdoors. I enjoy sitting on the patio furniture while working on homework or studying for an upcoming exam. Sometimes I even like to go out there to simply sit and embrace a brief moment of escape from reality and all the responsibilities that go along with it.

 

            It is great because it is as though it is a small compartment of the world set aside just for me, so that I can safely observe the rest of it. From my quaint table and chair, I can subtly survey the surrounding portion of my neighborhood. Often the young neighbor kids are in their backyard, excitedly playing on the new tree fort their father built for them or earning their afternoon bath by driving their dump trucks through the dirt. There is also ample opportunities to befriend a passing lizard, and occasionally, even a slimy salamander. Further in the distance, a hawk might be surveying the ground from his nest in the tall trees across the street.  I strain to get a clear view, but my gaze is distracted by a small yellow butterfly dancing through the air toward a flower pot in the neighboring yard.

From my small compartment I commonly call my back porch, the activity of the world – or more specifically, my neighborhood – is opened up to me. I am so thankful to have a place where I can unwind after a stressful day and simply take in the ever changing scene that surrounds me.

 

Word Count: 358