Description
Use all of the resources provided in this module (textbook readings, e-lecture with embedded links and videos) to inspire strategies you could employ to help the food supply, both at the personal and community level. Then, dig into them with an Internet search. This is where you will find real people making real changes (blogs are useful here). Let me provide an example so you can see the practical level in which I want you to think about these topics…
I feel strongly about the use of certain pesticides, specifically neonics, as these types are harmful to bees. Most people are not aware that bees, and other pollinators, are essential in producing 1/3 of our food supply. We would not be able to grow watermelons without bees! Because I love food and want many foods that rely on pollination to continue to be around for decades to come, I plant plants/flowers around my home that attract pollinators and can provide a home for their nesting. This is one attempt to help keep pollinators thriving. I also teach my children to respect bees and to never step on them. If we see one drowning in the pool, we fish them out and put them on a plant for their wings to dry (personal). I have also hosted a bee meeting for my daughter’s Girl Scout troop to teach them about the value of bees. They planted a pollinator friendly plant at home from seed and took care of the plant to help future pollinators (community level).
I hope this example helps you see the realness I am looking for. Nothing abstract here, only practical things we can actually do.
Your discussion post should include the following:
- Describe a topic that inspired you from this week’s module.
- Explain at least one practical strategy, in detail, that you (or individuals) may be able to implement in daily life to improve either food availability or food accessibility .
- Explain at least one practical strategies, in detail, that the community in which you live, could implement to improve either food availability or food accessibility. Note: you may choose a strategy that has both a personal and community level, like my example above.
Responses to other students should include one of following:
- Suggest slight modifications or enhancements to another student’s strategy that could elevate it to the community level. For example, perhaps if my daughters troop was a little older, they could host a weekend planting party in their neighborhood where the troop provides seeds for pollinator plants.
- Share personal experiences that relate to what a student is suggesting. For example, maybe a student knows a lot more about bees than I do and has a suggestion for something they tried to keep the bee population going.
Given the nature of this discussion, I think it would be most beneficial to have a large class discussion rather than a small group one. This way, we can all walk away with more ideas that maybe we are willing to do.