EXTRA CREDIT

Exotic cactus Species found in Cuba Havana
6/5/12
http://www.cubaheadlines.com/2012/06/05/35407/exotic

Opuntia Stricta is an exotic cactus found in Cuba and is therefore harming the environment there.

Summary
       Exotic species are organisms who were introduced to new habitats. Invasive exotic species are organisms not native to a region, and whose introduction causes economic and environmental harm or negative effects on human health. Scientists Cuba have discovered an exotic species of cactus called Opuntia Stricta in Cuba. The plant was specifically found in the islets of the Gulf of Ana Maria and near Jardines de la Reina. Jardines de la Reina is known as one of the best marine ecosystems in the Caribbean due to health of coral reefs there. Scientists are concerned about the rapid growth of these species, since they are harmful to native flora and coral ecosystems. Cuba currently has three hundred and twenty-two invasive plant species that can damage the biodiversity, effect soil and water quality.

Opinion/Reaction
         I think this Opuntia Stricta cactus looks like a fruit and has a weird name. I thought cactus's were only located in deserts. I am glad scientists have discovered the presence of these exotic species, before they cause trouble toward the environment and other organisms. I never thought they could do much harm. I think the public needs to be educated about this cactus, since it is exotic. I wonder what would happen if it ever became extinct. This article was very interesting! It reminds me of the time we learned about threatened, endangered, invasive, and exotic species in environmental science class. The discussions and videos we watched were so cool.

Questions
1.  Does Opuntia Stricta benefit anything or anyone? If yes, than pretend it became extinct, what negtaive impacts will it have on anyone or anything ? If no, do you think Cuba should get rid of the Opuntia Stricta?  
2. How can we protect exotic species? Explain.  
3. What are some of the 322 invasive plant species in Cuba? Explain.

ORGANIC FARMING: Local Food Economy
By Megan Reuther
5/23/2012
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/47542600

A family farm that produces fresh, organic foods.

Summary

        Eric Morrison owned and operated an electrical contracting company. Now, he and his wife are two of seven full time seasonal employees working at Grinnell Heritage Farm which was built in 1857. Its a family farm so it benefits small businesses. Andrew Dunham owns the certified farm with his wife Melissa and his Aunt Janet. He started a vegetable farm in 2006. At first, he raised about three acres and sold it at farmers’ markets. Now he has 15 acres. Organic food is grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, chemical pesticides, and antibiotics. They cannot be genetically engineered. Dunham brings organic food in fresh from the farm, places it in a cold water bath and then lets it dry. Then he puts it in coolers, which allows him to harvest produce and take the field heat out. Most California farmers store food like this. His coolers cost more than $50,000, but he says he will save about $6,000 by taking advantage of a loan program typically used by corn and soybean farmers. Investments like this are serious because it helps to grow the local food economy. Dunham food, especially lettuce, is sold at many locations, including Whole Foods.

Opinion/Reaction
        This article was a easy, pleasant read. Family farms that grow organic food are so environmentally friendly, unlike industrial agriculture operations, which pollute communities with chemical pesticides, noxious fumes and excess manure. Family farmers live on or near their land and strive to preserve the surrounding environment for future generations. Since these farmers have a vested interest in their communities, they are more likely to use sustainable farming techniques to protect natural resources and human health. The existence of family farms also guarantees the preservation of green space within the area. Unfortunately, once a family farm is forced out of business, the farmland is often sold for development, and the quality land and soil for farming are lost. I think it would be cool to live in the countryside and go horseback riding. I remember learning about famring methods in the 1990's during environmental science class. I am glad Dunham is helping out small industries and companies, making our economy stronger.m

Questions
1. Do you eat organic food? What is your opinion on them?
2. Which one do you think is better a factory farm or a family farm? Explain.
3. Have you ever been on a farm? Why are many of them running out of money? Explain.  

Smog Exposure Linked to Premature Deaths

http://www.naturalnews.com/024262_exposure_smog_death.html

Back in 2008, before president Obama was in office, there was some controversy on whether or not the White House was in support of preventing ozone destruction. There were high levels of smog, and ozone is one of the main componants in it. When the Bush administration claimed that there were no health risks from smog exposure. However, after tests were done, bad air pollution began to negatively affect people in only 24 hours. This is the reason why we should be trying our best to keep our air at its best quality. Once our atmosphere is destroyed, there's no getting it back. There are many ways for people to prevent air pollution that are simple and effective.

           For one, car exhaust is destructive. The less we drive, the better. Carpooling and using public transportation or other driving alterinitive scan seriously improve how much pollution we release. Another problem is factories and industrial farms. They use fossil fuels and burn them very unsafely. We should be buying from places that enviromentally safe. I hope that all people make their best efforts to keep our world's wonderous atmosphere clean.

Questions:

1. What are other ways of keeping the air clean?

2. What is the biggest problem of air pollution?

3. Why is it harmful for our air to be polluted?

4. Have things imporved since 2008?