During Fordham’s earlier years, the school lacked sufficient funding due to it being recently opened. This lack of money of course affected the budget for a variety of things such as food. Providing all students with food was a bit complicated. However, to overcome this obstacle, the school decided it would just as efficient and less costly if they produce their food on the campus. Fordham was considered a working farm up until the beginning of the 20thcentury. Apparently a few crop that were produced ranged from potatoes, corn, apples, pears etc. Not only was there production of crop, but the campus also has livestock. Beef and pork were considered the same protein used to feed the staff and students. What is considered today, the college cemetery was then a vineyard used to produce wine for. Interestingly enough, the production of all these foods was in plain sight. Students who remained in Cunniffe House to study or dine were able to see the farming system on the campus.
As Fordham continued to grow and develop, many of these farming systems on campus were not longer needed. However, there has been attempts to hold on to Fordham’s history with farming. St. Rose’s Garden remains as an attempt to keep that part of Fordham’s environmental history with farming. This is an important part of my practicum, simply because the environmental club I was in aimed to find ways to convert Fordham’s campus into a more sustainable environment. Besides the maintenance of the garden, my practicum work involved group meetings (Students for Environmental Awareness and Justice club) that discussed the importance of spreading awareness to students on campus about environmental issues. Besides discussing environmental issues on campus, we discussed solutions to these problems. This may include small acts such as introducing more recycling bins, or more sustainable methods of food containers.
As previously stated, I am currently a member of the Students for Environmental Awareness and Justice club (seaj club). I attended the club meetings were every Thursday for about an hour. At these meetings, we primarily focused spreading awareness to our peers on campus. In other words, by planning and hosting events, the club aimed to spread environmental awareness. Transforming Fordham into a more sustainable campus is very important, but it first starts with the students. Informing the students was essential in order for students to understand the importance of sustainability before we attempted to change the campus as a whole. Besides hosting events for students to learn more about the club and our goals, we discussed new methods of sustainability that can be incorporated into places such as the dining hall or academic buildings. For example, many buildings and classrooms lacked recycling bins. In addition, many dining halls lacked containers that minimized their plastic waste.
Besides being a member of the Students for Environmental Awareness and Justice club, I volunteered at NYC Parks. I participated every other Saturday for about three hours. These volunteering experiences were more hands on. Most of the events I attended encouraged us to learn how to take care of the trees in our neighborhoods. For example, we were taught how to remove the litter or waste by the trees in order to avoid further soil contamination. Afterwards we would make sure the soil was fertile, and then we added mulch which helps retain moisture for the growing tree. This allowed volunteers to learn the importance of street tree care. Besides street tree care, tther events were based on the importance of identifying invasive species in locations such as trees. With this particular event I was guided through a discussion that informs volunteers about invasive species, and how to safely remove them without causing harm to the other plants.
Being new to Environmental Studies, I was able to learn really grasp and understand the material being presented in class. Through course discussions, and textbook material, I was able to truly understand the detrimental effects human activities have on the environment. Through lessons and class discussions, my interest in Environmental Studies expanded. Being an individual who was raised in the city, I was never exposed to the detrimental impact humans have on the environment. With the Courses text, I was able to discover the true impact humans have on the environment. As my interest grew, I began to develop an interest in sustainability while encouraging myself to life a lifestyle that will not have such a negative impact on the environment. With the use of the textbook, I was able to acknowledge and study my ecological footprint while also attempting to reduce my footprint. The text required for class always suggested interesting and simple ways of getting involved in with the environment.
One lesson I remember vividly was the discussion based on the production of meat. After watching the documentary assigned for that class, I completely changed my diet. I completely removed all forms of meat from my diet. By watching this film, I was able to acknowledge the reality of the meat production in this nation. As my interest grew, I began doing my own personal research on documentaries. Due to this class I found it essential to learn more about the horrendous impact humans have on the environment along with how we treat other living things.
By joining the Students for Environmental Awareness and Justice club, I was able to learn about a variety of different things that I can incorporate into my everyday life. In other words, by attending this club I was able to change little everyday actions that can minimize my ecological footprint. For example, I have become more conscious of the amount of plastic I use and waste; therefore, I have become more cautious when I purchase food, drink, or groceries. I make sure to significantly minimize my use of plastic. After our lesson based on water waste, I felt responsible to share this information with the people I live with. I ensured that using the water hose should be used with caution and a limit. Lastly, through the volunteering opportunities with NYC Parks, I was able to realize the importance these small acts have on the well being of the environment. I began to use what I learned with NYC Parks, and I applied these lesson into m everyday life. Seeing as I live in a suburban like area, I became conscious of the amount of trees in my environment. Therefore, I applied what I learned about street tree care, and I became involved with nurturing the trees in my everyday environment. Also, I became more involved in assisting my father with gardening. This of course directly affects the biodiversity in my environment. As the class progressed, I realized my position as a steward of the environment. I found it my responsibility to perform any small act that can make a huge difference in the environment. Not just performing, but I have valued the importance of spreading environmental issues to those who are around me.
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