Paper #1
How effective is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in terms of environmental policy and practice? Based on your research findings, should the EPA, as some suggest, be eliminated? Explain.
Background
Because the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is under the Executive Branch of the government, the EPA policies are at the whim of the White House administration, conservative and liberal.
The White House – any White House – doesn’t want to hear a terrible lot from the EPA. It’s not an agency that makes friends for a president. – William K. Reilly, former administrator for the EPA.
Paper #2
Research (scholarly sources) articles about household chemicals. Seek out and make a list of chemicals and toxins you have in and around your home. Share your findings (with honesty) in discussion with the class. Are you surprised at the results? Are there items that could be disposed of and not missed? How much is being stored just because “it is not all used”? How would you safely dispose of these chemicals?
Background:Did you know there are 16 specific Biblical references to natural occurrences to poisons and their effects? Chemical and biological poisons, for example, are mentioned in Jeremiah 8:14 and 8:17. Venoms (asp) and plants (grapes) in Deuteronomy 32:24 and 32:34. And my personal favorite is Numbers 5:11-31 where bitter water was used as a test of fidelity on a wife who was suspected of being unfaithful.
We all have and use chemicals for various reasons – both natural chemicals and synthetic. However, most of us do not really do a good job of inventorying what we have under sink cabinets, kitchens, bathrooms, garages, attics, basements, sheds, etc.
Paper #3
An estimated 50% of the world’s wetlands have been lost to urbanization and urbanization. But “so what,” states one of your friends. “Who needs wetlands when we could use more food and urban neighborhoods?” As an environmental student, discuss the importance of wetlands.
Paper #4
1) View the videos, “Guerrilla Gardener” at – A guerilla gardener in South Central LA
Optional: – Break out of food prisons.
2) Based on the video, pick one or more topics from the entire course of study and discuss how urban gardening addresses your chosen topic(s).
Background:
Gardens in Biblical times are pivotal to human survival – from the Garden of Eden on. Note that gardens are attached to places.
“I will bring my exiled people of Israel back from distant lands, and they will rebuild their ruined cities and live in them again. They will plant vineyards and gardens; they will eat their crops and drink their wine.” – Amos 9:14;
“Build houses and live in them; and plant gardens and eat their produce.” – Jeremiah 29:5.
