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The first two weeks of the earth month action plan have gone quite well. The first week I was able to significantly cut down on my energy consumption by turning off the lights in rooms when I was not in them and by not turning on the lights in my bedroom before the sun went down in order to take advantage of the natural light. However, I found that it was difficult to keep the bedroom lights off on cloudy days. Because of the lack of natural light on cloudy days I violated the earth month action plan and turned on the bedroom lights before the sun had set. For the second week, I was able to decrease my water consumption by several gallons by taking quick 5-10 min showers and by turning off the water when shaving and brushing my teeth. I found this task to be easier than the first week’s task and did not violate the plan for the second week. Over the course of the past two weeks, I have learned that it is not overly difficult to cut down on energy and water consumption and that if everyone does it, it could greatly decrease the carbon footprint of humanity on the earth. However, despite the success that I’ve had in the first two weeks, I foresee some obstacles in the future. Firstly, I almost always leave my phone and laptop charging overnight so that they have full battery at the start of the next day. Since I aim to not leave them plugged in during the third week of the action plan, it will be difficult to find time to charge these devices and be able to use them for the entire day. In addition, due to the location of Morrill Tower, many of my classes are far away, so it will be difficult to get to my classes without riding the bus, however, I believe I will be able to do it.

Since Earth Month is approaching, I plan to take part in several actions regarding the decrease of my energy consumption. For each week I plan to do a separate action. For the first week I plan to reduce my electricity consumption in the form of lights by not turning on any lights in my bedroom while the sun is still up and I plan to turn off the lights in the common room when nobody is using it. By doing this, I can significantly cut down on the amount of unneeded electricity I use and rely more heavily on the use of natural lighting. The second week of Earth Month I plan to decrease my water consumption by taking shorter showers and not leaving the sink on when shaving, brushing my teeth, or washing dishes. This action helps to cut down on the amount of water that is rinsed down the drain without being used. If everyone participated in a similar action, thousands of gallons of fresh water could be conserved. In the third week, I plan to turn off all of my electronics before going to bed. This means I won’t leave things plugged in and charging over night such as Bluetooth speakers, my phone, my laptop, or gaming systems. Because these devices charge in under three hours, they consume unneeded electricity when plugged in over night. By unplugging them before going to bed, I will charge them less and thus use less electricity.The last  week I plan to reduce my pollution of the air by either walking or cycling to class instead of using a bus or car. By doing this I will not contribute to the harmful carbon dioxide that is released into the air by automobiles and that contributes to the decay of our planet.

Based on the content the speakers talked about in class, my initial thoughts about the stability of non-profits were changed. Before class, I believed that most non-profits were stable and did not vary often. However, based on what the speakers said, any type of variation of pulling of government funding can completely cripple a non-profit. For example, Slater talked about the metaphorical tsunami of the horizon regarding the funding cuts on his organization that could suspend his company’s plans to aid Linden up to a year. Also, the organization regarding refugees relies heavily on government funding and the speaker talked about how he predicts the new presidency will pull even more funding from his organization and thus hinder their efforts more. Because of this, the non-profits rely on volunteer funding from citizens even more than I previously thought.

In this class section, I found it outstanding how important non-profit agencies are. With how important the issues of refugees and immigrants or access to fresh food for an entire neighborhood is, I would have expected sanctioned government agencies to be trying to tackle these complex issues rather than volunteers in non-profit companies. Because of this, I realized how important it is to volunteer to help non-profits and give direct aid to the struggling people they hope to help.

Personally, I hope to possibly donate or volunteer my time to work for Max Slaters organization. I say this because his non-profit carries out important work delivering basic needs to people around the Columbus area. So, in addition to being relatively close, this is the type of volunteer work I would enjoy doing.

There are many non-profit organizations involved in renewable energy. Some of these organizations include, ACORE, InWEA, and AREED. ACORE is the American Council On Renewable Energy. This is a national, non-profit organization that focuses their efforts on progressing the availability and efficiency of renewable energy. The organization itself encompasses a multitude of other, smaller non-profit organizations along with marketing experts, engineers, and researchers. The organization holds annual conferences in Washington, D.C., New York and San Francisco. At these conferences, experts have the opportunity to converse with other professionals about recent developments and plans in the renewable energy industry. InWEA stands for the Indian Wind Energy Association. This non-profit working out of India aims to increase the popularity of wind energy in India along with working to make wind energy a viable primary source of energy for the country. AREED is the African Rural Energy Enterprise Development. This non-profit organization based out of Africa provides preliminary funding to entrepreneurs looking to start a business involving clean, sustainable energy. They also provide Services including training and hands-on business development assistance. Furthermore, they attempt to push other organizations to fund promising entrepreneurs who are looking to start a company in the renewable energy sector in Africa. There are multiple ways to get involved with non-profit renewable energy organizations. One could donate money towards the cause to help sustain the company and allow it to progress towards its goal. Also, one could volunteer their time to become a member of the organization and personally help advance the company. However, one issue with helping this way, is that many of these non-profit organizations are based out of foreign countries and therefore it may be difficult to find the time or money to participate in the company fully. When thinking about renewable energy and non-profits, it is important to remember that many of the renewable energy non-profits are working towards bringing sustainable renewable energy to lesser developed countries in the world.

On the first level of citizenship, many people are donating money to these non-profit companies but are not personally participating in the company’s efforts. On the second level of citizenship, people are volunteering their time and money to personally work for these non-profit organizations as volunteers. On the justice-oriented citizenship level, companies (such as AREED) are considering why renewable energy is not more popular in their country and are finding ways to support the incorporation of renewable energy into everyday life.

The TedTalk I chose was, “Let’s go all in on Selling Sustainability” with speaker Steve Howard. In this TedTalk, Howard talks about the necessity of renewable energy due to the state of pollution of our planet. Without a switch to renewable energy, our planet will continue to decline until it is uninhabitable. Howard himself aims to provide materials to customers that are eco-friendly and use eco-friendly business practices. Furthermore, he calls on other companies to provide the world with eco-friendly materials, planet-safe business practices, and sources of clean, renewable energy to preserve our planet.

Based on what the speaker said in class, I realized that it was more difficult to start up a business or social enterprise than I previously thought. With all the paper work and permits required to start a business, it can take far longer and cost more than expected to get into social enterprise. Because of this, one should plan extensively in order to open their business in the most efficient amount of time. As i continue to research my topic, it is important to consider the most effective way to participate in renewable energy. Due to the complexity, and funding required for social enterprise, it may be better to contribute to renewable energy in alternative ways. My biggest takeaway from this class was that social enterprises provide opportunities for people to participate in working towards a cause that they believe in. Personally, I would like to participate in the issue by possibly volunteering some of my time towards working for a social enterprise.

Social enterprise is an organization that improves human and environmental well-being through the use of commercial methods that maximize social impact. There is a plethora of businesses and projects that have been started in recent years that aim to use renewable energy to improve the lives of various communities of people across the globe. Some of these projects are Solarkiosk, Makani-Energy Kites, Pollinate Energy, Bio-Bean, and SunCulture. Solarkiosk is a project operating in parts of Africa that builds small kiosks in places without an electrical grid. The kiosk is self-sustainable and gains energy through solar panels. The kiosks themselves offer citizens a place to charge any electrical device. Makani-Energy Kites provides island communities with electricity through the use of an airfoil kite. The kite is a form of wind turbine that flies 1000 feet above the ground using wind currents. Another project I looked into, Pollinate Energy, provides sources of renewable energy to the poor in urban India. These sources include solar powered lights and cooking appliances. Bio-Bean is a company based in London that uses coffee ground waste to create biofuels that provide an alternative, renewable source of power. The final company I researched, SunCulture, created a drip irrigation system that runs on solar power called the “AgroSolar Irrigation Kit”. This kit gathers water from any available source and then drips small amounts of the water onto the roots of crops in an efficient way that requires far less water than other methods. The company’s main goal is to end world hunger and this project helps to do that. There are various ways I can get involved with renewable energy through supporting social enterprise. By donating to the companies, I could help to give them the means to produce their goods at a decreased cost so that they can remain accessible by the poor in third world countries or others that need them. Furthermore, I could volunteer my time to work with the companies to go to other countries and distribute the projects and services created. Some challenges with the success of these projects are that they require a lot of funding in order to be able to provide their services to struggling people for free. Furthermore, many under developed countries have political unrest and war. It would be difficult to distribute the projects and have them be self-sustainable in these conditions. When viewing renewable energy under the lens of social enterprise it I important to realize that renewable energy sources will be necessary across the globe in coming years. Because of this, there are a plethora of projects in social enterprise companies aimed at bringing renewable energy to the world.

Work is being done on all three levels of the citizenship model through renewable energy social enterprise. On the personally responsible level, citizens are donating money to and buying shares in these companies that aim to provide the world with renewable energy. On the participatory level, many individuals are creating new social enterprises involving renewable energy each year. Lastly, on the justice oriented level, companies such as Makani-Energy Kites explore the reasons that these regions are unable to get power and then design projects to supply energy while getting around these challenges. For example, islands lack lots of space required for traditional wind turbines and thus don’t receive power. However, with the Energy Kite, less space is required and it still uses the island’s powerful winds to generate electricity.

The TedTalk I found is titled, “A Reality Check on Renewables” by David Mackay. In this video, Mackay explains some of the limitations of renewable energy by using mathematics. Developed countries require a large amount of power per area. However, most renewable energy sources have a low power per area except for nuclear energy. Because of this, to power highly developed countries, renewable energy plants would take up a substantial fraction of the country’s land. But, for under developed countries such as Africa or parts of India, social enterprises working with renewable energy are very feasible and helpful for the country’s development.

Three categories have stood out to me because of how they relate to the Three Pillars of Sustainability. These three categories are sustainable energy, climate change, and access to clean water.

I chose to look into sustainable energy because of my interest in the environment and the fact that I am majoring in mechanical engineering. Because of these things, there is a good chance that I may have a hand in designing something related to sustainable energy such as solar panels or wind mills in the near future. Sustainable energy also greatly impacts the Three Pillars of Sustainability (People, Profit, and Planet). Sustainable energy can greatly impact the lives of everyone on earth. Currently, the most commonly used source of fuel is fossil fuels. These fuels are fairly inefficient compared to the newest forms of sustainable energy and also produce toxins that kill the planet. If these sources of fuel are continued to be used then over time, the planet will be unable to support life. Already, people in large metropolitan areas such as Beijing feel the wrath of fossil fuels and non-renewable energy. Renewable and sustainable energy sources reduce pollutants and are becoming increasingly more efficient to the point that citizens who would invest in these sources of energy would save money in the long run. With this increased spending power, citizens would be able to purchase goods and services that they may not have been able to when they were purchasing fossil fuels. Also, many citizens would feel accomplished to have a small biological footprint while also being able to live a comfortable life. Furthermore, sustainable energy has the greatest positive impact on our planet. Sustainable energy such as solar panels and wind mills are, for the most part, self-sustaining except for occasional maintenance meaning that once they are built, they should continue to generate energy without interference. Also, sustainable energy sources produce far less pollutants and thus far less greenhouse gas. This would help to stop the rapid climate change that the planet is experiencing. Also, sustainable energy sources take advantage of renewable energy and thus, the sources of this energy will never run out. Furthermore, no harmful drilling or fracking is necessary to take advantage of renewable energy sources such as wind or the sun. Lastly, renewable energy sources will be more cost effective in the long run. Currently, fossil fuels are slightly cheaper than renewable energy. However, in the past five years, renewable energy has dropped to two fifths of its original price and is currently only 1/150 the price that it was in 1970. This trend is expected to continue over the coming years as fossil fuels continue to decline. Over the semester I plan to research this topic more heavily and find ways to incorporate sustainable energy into everyday life.

Climate change also greatly impacts the planet, profits, and people. The most noticeable effect of climate change is its destruction of the planet. Due to severe temperatures across the globe, many ecosystems are being destroyed due to climate change. Ecosystems that are most impacted are those near the poles that rely on thick ice to provide shelter and a place for animals to traverse. Because of climate change, these sheets of ice are melting, which not only destroys the polar ecosystems but also causes the sea levels to rise across the globe, causing flooding on islands in the ocean. Fluctuating temperatures also cause other natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornados which can completely destroy entire communities. These severe natural disasters can also impact the economy in a negative way. By destroying entire cities, it becomes extremely expensive to rebuild the cities and surrounding areas while also attempting to help those affected by it. Furthermore, these disasters cause delays in which people will not be able to work which in turn causes a loss of money. Lastly, these disasters may force a mass migration of people if their home becomes unlivable. This can throw off the economy greatly in the area to which they migrate. Also, climate change can adversely affect people. The natural disasters caused by climate change have claimed the lives, homes, and jobs of countless people all over the world.

The last topic I have analyzed is access to clean water. In many ways, the decreasing amount of clean water affects the planet, people, and profits. The world’s oceans are becoming more and more polluted with garbage patches the size of entire countries. This is extremely harmful to marine life and has contributed to the rapid decline of coral reefs across the globe. Also, many people, especially in third world countries, do not have access to clean drinking water and thus, are trapped in a cycle of poverty and have trouble making technological advances and developing their countries as a whole. However, providing access to clean water and cleaning up the oceans is a costly endeavor and may take a toll on the economy. On the other hand, when developing countries have complete access to clean water, they will be able to advance and trade with other countries and may stimulate the economy in the long run.

My favorite experience from the parks and outdoor recreation was being able to overlook the skyline of Columbus from the Scioto Audubon park. The view from this park showed the plausibility of successfully witnessing the beauty of nature and man-made creations in a single, sublime glance.  Wandering the grassy fields to the boardwalk through the wetland, exposed me to the sights and scents of the marshy Columbus terrain.  An owl zoomed overhead and planted itself on the dry earth only feet away from me, before scooping up a small creature and returning to the night sky.

Then, I journeyed to the Franklin Park Conservatory where I wandered through the gardens and explored the geometrically sound pathways.  I surveyed the gorgeous architectural structures of the garden, from the mute fountains to the frosted wrought iron gates surrounding the paths.  I absolutely recommend visiting the Franklin Park Conservatory during any season, and I intend to return to the park during the spring months in order to embrace the full effect of nature within the greenhouses and gardens.

After bidding farewell to the lovely Franklin Park Conservatory, I moseyed on down to the Park of Roses where I wandered down the paths of dying roses under a dusky sky.  The roses, wilting and sagging, reminded me of my own mortality and I reflected on the beauty of the unmerciful cycle of life.  During early September months of next year, I hope to return to the tranquil gardens and visit the roses in their prime, mimicking myself in the blossoming years of my own life.

I completed my park experience at the Topiary Parks, where I overlooked a plethora of artfully-crafted green figures.  The topiary figures lit up under ethereal Christmas lights and I gawked at the still green forms.  The silhouettes of green boats, puppies, and dancing children peppered the enchanting park.  Additionally, I glanced a sign that listed “The Old Deaf School Park” and, after some research, I learned the transfixing park was once home to the Ohio School for the Deaf, until the buildings burned down in a shocking 1981 fire.

After much reflection, I learned Columbus takes great care in maintaining their parks.  The history surrounding Columbus parks is rich, and the grounds of the park are entirely diverse.  I encountered many remarkable terrains during my trip around Columbus nature, from unrefined wetlands to stately rose gardens.  I intend to return to the parks during different seasons, to revel in their beauty.  Additionally, after conversing with my fellow Environmental and Natural Resources scholars, I would love to explore some of the coffee shops on the coffee shop list.  After experiencing the unbridled glory of nature, I’d now love to indulge in the decadence of Columbus’ many coffee shops.

To someone attempting to complete the parks assignment, I would recommend spreading out the trips to the parks.  I tackled the trips in one evening and I wish I had given myself more time to soak in the different parks.  I would also suggest exploring the parks with friends, because you can later discuss your experiences, and the different impressions the individuals from your entourage had about the parks.

This semester, I have chosen to do 5 activities on the Nature and Outdoor Recreation Columbus to do List because I enjoy exploring nature and experiencing the outdoors as much as I can. In this list, I am most looking forward to visiting High Banks Metro Park because of how beautiful the photos I have seen of it are. Through this assignment I hope to greater appreciate nature and to find places where I can get away from the loud and industrial atmosphere of the city. The first experience I’ve had with this list is going on a night walk on the Olentangy Trail with my suite mates. My favorite experience of this trail was how peaceful the Olentangy Trail becomes at night. During our walk, there was far less people on the trail than usual and therefore there was more wildlife. The first thing I noticed that was different on the trail at night than in the daytime was the loud but peaceful chattering of crickets and katydids in the brush lining the river. Also, since the temperature dropped at night, the walk was a very enjoyable 65 degrees or so. Lastly, we even saw a skunk crossing the trail in front of us. The walk itself lasted about an hour and we covered a couple miles of the trail. Overall, I would recommend that people visit the Olentangy Trail if they have the time to. However, I would recommend that they go in late evening or at night to experience the most tranquility and to see the most wildlife.