Space! (presentation)

The space presentation was particularly interesting to me. Several suggestions on how to cope with our decreasing space caught my attention because it's been done before...in scifi shows. Gene Rodenberry's idea's for Star Trek have been turned into reality. Instead of going through all of them I'll give you this fun link: http://www.pcworld.com/article/164195/star_trek_tech_we_use_today_almost.html

The presenting group suggested habitating the moon, which has been done many times on Scifi shows. Whose to say this won't happen? Allie did mention that this is just dealing with the consequences and not fixing the source but by the time we have the option to habitat the moon it may just be too late for the planet at the rate we're going.

I just want to mention Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. DS9 is a space station where people live full time and supplies are regularly coming in. This seems entirely possible to me. Now, I don't know a thing about the technology that would go into this but we've already explored space and continue to go up there. One of these days those trips are going to get longer, the ships are going to get bigger, and we'll have ourselves a space station!

Water Presentation

Today we had the water presentation. The part that I found most interesting was the students essay on defecating in our drinking water.  We only have so much fresh water suitable for drinking on this planet and we're using it quickly when we flush toilets or take long showers. While it's true we can de-salinate water I've heard its a long process and one day we won't have that time. I'm doing a research project for environmental anthropology on Antarctica and it brings to attention that icebergs are made out of fresh water. Someone mentioned that the icebergs are melting, so its a good time to exploite that water. However, you have to take into account the environmental cost of transportation and of extracting the water. One day I'm sure we'll need to go there, I'm just not sure now is the time. Water is something we, in America, take for granted though I can't see anyone doing anything more than switching to low-flow toilets. A pee bucket was suggested in my group and that would be a great idea but it would also be a hassel people aren't willing to deal with.

Ever heard the phrase "if it's yellow, let it mellow"?

Green Building presentation

In the Green Building presentation that my group did I forgot to mention a bit on a new type of sustainable sewage system called Reed Bed. Below are my notes from my power point presenation:

§Reconstructions of freshwater wetland ecosystems to treat wastewater. Used with pre-existing settling or septic tank to treat liquid waste

§Land-intensive but highly energy efficient, inexpensive, low maintenance, aesthetically appealing and create natural habitat for wildlife

§Clean water can be used to water landscapes or crops but is not suitable for drinking water

§A typical cost for single house is between 3,000 and 7,000 pounds