You’ll have to excuse me for the title of this blog. I’m lacking creativity at the moment. So let me explain what I mean by a so called healthy people community. Often times you see people, especially in Victoria, exercising in groups or pairs, whether it be biking, running, walking, going to the gym, etc. These people all have one thing in common and that is that they are trying to improve or maintain their health.
These people not only share these activities, but also eating habits and general lifestyles tend to be quite similar. It almost seems to me that there really is a community of these people. They share the same respect for each other even if they do not know one another and always seem to understand each other. Engaging the community could also become easy through word of mouth from say one runner to the next. Not only could this so called community help with engagement, but they generally have adopted more environmentally friendly lifetstyles. These are usually the type of people you would find biking, running or even walking to work.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Engaging the Community Through Mass Media
A community is never easily defined. Would it be possible to consider fans of a particular show, magazine or radio station a community? Why not?! I recently picked up a fresh copy of the Monday Magazine and quickly realized how this Magazine is not only targeted at people such as myself, but also those who are into any style of music, theatre, film, art etc.
So if there are so many different types of people that are targeted through this one particular magazine then this type of media could easily be used for engaging the community. Another benefit of such engagement is that you would get a response from a good representation of the community as a whole. Another possibility is through television and radio advertisements. Since so much of people’s time is spent listening to the radio or watching tv in a given day why not use these resources as a method of engaging these people.
So if there are so many different types of people that are targeted through this one particular magazine then this type of media could easily be used for engaging the community. Another benefit of such engagement is that you would get a response from a good representation of the community as a whole. Another possibility is through television and radio advertisements. Since so much of people’s time is spent listening to the radio or watching tv in a given day why not use these resources as a method of engaging these people.
Is sustainability a revolution?
Can the sustainability movement be considered a revolution? Yes. An excerpt from the book The Sustainability Revolution: Portrait of a Paradigm Shift, describes three main points of the sustainability movement as genesis, critical mass and diffusion. Furthermore, it discusses the five characteristics of the sustainable revolution as: similar intentions and objectives, large and diverse, a range of issues, decentralized leadership and oppositional and alternative actions. This essay will discuss and defend the three main points.
In this article the beginning of the sustainability revolution is said to have occurred at a United Nations Conference that was held in 1972. The result of this conference was a report that outlined ways of protecting the earth’s ecosystems “while taking into consideration the economic and social justice concerns” (A. R. Edwards, 2005). Keeping this in mind, people all over the world are still defining ways of becoming more sustainable, which would suggest that the sustainability revolution may still be developing and not yet fully underway. Thus, the sustainability movement is still in the early stages of a revolution.
In 1992 the Earth Summit brought sustainability to the world’s attention. The world wide use of computers and the internet were also significant landmarks of the sustainability revolution. People of all origins were able to access information on sustainability. From this they were able to form groups and organizations where they brought forth their thoughts and ideas. Ideas are the bases of creation. Each day new sustainable ideas are brought forth which are leading us along the path of a very sustainable future.
Diffusion
Here the author notes that the sustainability movement began in the United States and some European countries, but states that “it has yet to become a pervasive mainstream phenomenon” (A. R. Edwards, 2005). The author speaks of developing countries and describes their efforts to use renewable energy resources such as extracting methane from animal waste. This may demonstrate that sustainable practices are becoming a global affair, however, in some cases it is noted that these practices only came about for economic reasons. This is a clear example that although society may be moving towards a more sustainable future, it may not be due to a passion for the environment. The key point here is that developing countries are also doing their part and recognizing ways of being more sustainable.
A revolution can begin with an overall change of thought and new ideas. Globally countries are becoming more aware of what sustainability means and what part they can play in becoming more sustainable. This may still only be the beginning, however, a revolution needs to start somewhere at sometime. Everywhere you go in the world you see more and more actions being taken in order to sustain our planet, environment, resources etc. The evidence not only exists within individuals actions, but also the actions of society and the world as a whole. For something to create change, in ideas and actions, on such a large scale it must certainly be defined as a revolution!
Please see the following bookfor the article that was used for the information included in this blog.
Edwards, A. R. (2005). The sustainability revolution: Portrait of a paradigm shift. Gabriola, B.C.: New Society Publishers.
In this article the beginning of the sustainability revolution is said to have occurred at a United Nations Conference that was held in 1972. The result of this conference was a report that outlined ways of protecting the earth’s ecosystems “while taking into consideration the economic and social justice concerns” (A. R. Edwards, 2005). Keeping this in mind, people all over the world are still defining ways of becoming more sustainable, which would suggest that the sustainability revolution may still be developing and not yet fully underway. Thus, the sustainability movement is still in the early stages of a revolution.
In 1992 the Earth Summit brought sustainability to the world’s attention. The world wide use of computers and the internet were also significant landmarks of the sustainability revolution. People of all origins were able to access information on sustainability. From this they were able to form groups and organizations where they brought forth their thoughts and ideas. Ideas are the bases of creation. Each day new sustainable ideas are brought forth which are leading us along the path of a very sustainable future.
Diffusion
Here the author notes that the sustainability movement began in the United States and some European countries, but states that “it has yet to become a pervasive mainstream phenomenon” (A. R. Edwards, 2005). The author speaks of developing countries and describes their efforts to use renewable energy resources such as extracting methane from animal waste. This may demonstrate that sustainable practices are becoming a global affair, however, in some cases it is noted that these practices only came about for economic reasons. This is a clear example that although society may be moving towards a more sustainable future, it may not be due to a passion for the environment. The key point here is that developing countries are also doing their part and recognizing ways of being more sustainable.
A revolution can begin with an overall change of thought and new ideas. Globally countries are becoming more aware of what sustainability means and what part they can play in becoming more sustainable. This may still only be the beginning, however, a revolution needs to start somewhere at sometime. Everywhere you go in the world you see more and more actions being taken in order to sustain our planet, environment, resources etc. The evidence not only exists within individuals actions, but also the actions of society and the world as a whole. For something to create change, in ideas and actions, on such a large scale it must certainly be defined as a revolution!
Please see the following bookfor the article that was used for the information included in this blog.
Edwards, A. R. (2005). The sustainability revolution: Portrait of a paradigm shift. Gabriola, B.C.: New Society Publishers.
The Disconnect from Place
Economism has such a profound effect on the university academy that it creates a physical and intellectual detachment from its place. A better understanding of this topic can arrive from a better understanding of place, what it is and what it involves. A definition of economism is provided as a means of describing its correlation to the detachment of the university academy from its place.
Place is a term that is not easily defined. In this context places are not only actual locations, but more so the “products of human decisions” (Gruenewald, 2003). This is held true in all situations, places exist for a reason and places left to the wild exist and remain that way for a reason as well. Places exist because economy influences individuals and society as a whole by creating the belief that certain things are needed or not needed. For example we believe that we need cars so therefore car manufacturing plants are built, car dealerships are built, etc.
In the text Plant U, economism is defined by Marcus Ford as the idea “that future wars could be avoided if the economic interests of individuals replaced the interests of particular nations. Economism would be the route to both peace and prosperity” (Ford, 2005). In university, learning is most commonly focused on interests on a national or international level as economics can play a part in all subjects in a distinguished manner. This creates detachment of place.
In the short film The Ancient Sea Gardens, archeologist Don Mitchell finds himself in the Broken Archipelago examining shorelines that are composed of large boulders. Being an archeologist he turns to his academic experience in hopes of some answers as to how these were formed. After rigorous searching he learns from locals that the shorelines are not only manmade, but an aboriginal way of harvesting clams. A lady interviewed in the movie speaks of the detachment of the university academy from the real world explaining that not all answers to life are taught in schools and a good understanding of the history and origins of places can sometimes teach more.
This here is an excellent example of how the university can physically and intellectually detach itself from its place.
Not all things in the wild are naturally occurring. Attention should be addressed to who originally occupied the land and how did it become what it is now. The place has become detached from its origins because in order to sustain the economy the needs of individuals need to be met, but the place that surrounds us is ignored. Medical students do not learn of naturally occurring remedies, but rather learn of mass produced pharmaceuticals as forms of remedies. If the university academy supports knowledge of the mass produced pharmaceuticals then they are supporting the economy by ensuring they are continuously used.
Place is a term that is not easily defined. In this context places are not only actual locations, but more so the “products of human decisions” (Gruenewald, 2003). This is held true in all situations, places exist for a reason and places left to the wild exist and remain that way for a reason as well. Places exist because economy influences individuals and society as a whole by creating the belief that certain things are needed or not needed. For example we believe that we need cars so therefore car manufacturing plants are built, car dealerships are built, etc.
In the text Plant U, economism is defined by Marcus Ford as the idea “that future wars could be avoided if the economic interests of individuals replaced the interests of particular nations. Economism would be the route to both peace and prosperity” (Ford, 2005). In university, learning is most commonly focused on interests on a national or international level as economics can play a part in all subjects in a distinguished manner. This creates detachment of place.
In the short film The Ancient Sea Gardens, archeologist Don Mitchell finds himself in the Broken Archipelago examining shorelines that are composed of large boulders. Being an archeologist he turns to his academic experience in hopes of some answers as to how these were formed. After rigorous searching he learns from locals that the shorelines are not only manmade, but an aboriginal way of harvesting clams. A lady interviewed in the movie speaks of the detachment of the university academy from the real world explaining that not all answers to life are taught in schools and a good understanding of the history and origins of places can sometimes teach more.
This here is an excellent example of how the university can physically and intellectually detach itself from its place.
Not all things in the wild are naturally occurring. Attention should be addressed to who originally occupied the land and how did it become what it is now. The place has become detached from its origins because in order to sustain the economy the needs of individuals need to be met, but the place that surrounds us is ignored. Medical students do not learn of naturally occurring remedies, but rather learn of mass produced pharmaceuticals as forms of remedies. If the university academy supports knowledge of the mass produced pharmaceuticals then they are supporting the economy by ensuring they are continuously used.
Community Based Social Marketing
Using Community Based Social Marketing to implement new environmental programs in a community can be very helpful. This technique is particularly helpful in bringing about change in a community’s behavior. Community Based Social Marketing includes key points such as identifying barriers and benefits to establishing limits on the use of pesticides, behavior change tools that can be used, piloting the plan in a part of the community and evaluation of its impacts.
To begin, identification of potential barriers and benefits of the program need to be outlined. This is achieved through research of the community of interest. Types of barriers include internal and external, which need to be addressed and resolved. Once barriers have been addressed then the benefits of such change can be defined and more easily appreciated by the community. These barriers and benefits can be outlined through surveying the community.
The next step in a CBSM is establishing a behavioral change within the community. This is what will ensure that the process is a success. Ensuring that the members of the community are committed to the cause can develop behavioral change. Sometimes the most effective way of developing this commitment is through personal contact and communication with the community. Having people walk door to door within the community and personally teaching people of the benefits of implementing the project could help to gain their commitment.
To ensure the project will be a success a pilot project needs to be implemented. Through doing this, new barriers may be outlined and eradicated. This also allows for the identification of new strategies that can help in the development and implementation of the new program. It also encourages more commitment from community members once they are able to see that their positive contributions can really make a difference.
Evaluation of the program’s success is one of the final steps. This includes the evaluation of the community’s commitment to the program. This can be done through observation of people’s activities and through surveys.
To begin, identification of potential barriers and benefits of the program need to be outlined. This is achieved through research of the community of interest. Types of barriers include internal and external, which need to be addressed and resolved. Once barriers have been addressed then the benefits of such change can be defined and more easily appreciated by the community. These barriers and benefits can be outlined through surveying the community.
The next step in a CBSM is establishing a behavioral change within the community. This is what will ensure that the process is a success. Ensuring that the members of the community are committed to the cause can develop behavioral change. Sometimes the most effective way of developing this commitment is through personal contact and communication with the community. Having people walk door to door within the community and personally teaching people of the benefits of implementing the project could help to gain their commitment.
To ensure the project will be a success a pilot project needs to be implemented. Through doing this, new barriers may be outlined and eradicated. This also allows for the identification of new strategies that can help in the development and implementation of the new program. It also encourages more commitment from community members once they are able to see that their positive contributions can really make a difference.
Evaluation of the program’s success is one of the final steps. This includes the evaluation of the community’s commitment to the program. This can be done through observation of people’s activities and through surveys.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Urban Containment Boundaries
Urban containment boundaries are zones within a town or city that define where the urban areas end and the rural areas begin. These areas help city officials define zoning areas within a city. As these zoning lines are official they also help to prevent urban sprawl and protect the agricultural lands surrounding the urban centre. The Municipality of Saanich is one example of a community that has adopted this idea into their official plans.
This subject is highly interesting and can lead to let one wonder what other benefits it could pose on such a community. Many people are found moving away from urban areas into rural areas, especially in British Columbia. Urban areas are becoming too condensed and are too often spreading into rural areas, causing harm to the local food markets. Hopefully more communities will learn by the example of Saanich and others who have taken up this idea and implement urban containment boundaries into their plans.
More information on the Municipality of Saanich and Urban Containment Boundaries can be found at www.gov.saanich.bc.ca
This subject is highly interesting and can lead to let one wonder what other benefits it could pose on such a community. Many people are found moving away from urban areas into rural areas, especially in British Columbia. Urban areas are becoming too condensed and are too often spreading into rural areas, causing harm to the local food markets. Hopefully more communities will learn by the example of Saanich and others who have taken up this idea and implement urban containment boundaries into their plans.
More information on the Municipality of Saanich and Urban Containment Boundaries can be found at www.gov.saanich.bc.ca
Monday, February 9, 2009
Partners in Project Green
Those of us who are from Ontario are likely aware of the ever so large industrial zone that surrounds the city of Toronto. It’s certainly nothing to bat an eye at, but it exists because we are all human and want things. While the area may remain an eye sore, businesses within the industrial zone of the Pearson International Airport are beginning to change. Someone finally came up with an idea to not only keep their organization’s competitive edge, but give them are better sense of responsibility within the community.
“Partners in Project Green is a growing community of businesses working together to green their bottom line by creating an internationally-recognized 'eco-business zone' around Toronto Pearson” (GTAA Partners in Project Green). This project allows organizations to adopt more sustainable business practices. This means that businesses will become more aware of their impacts on the environment and what they can do to cut back on their negative effects. It also brings a new competitive edge to the business world as these industries are now able to boast about their green initiatives and how they set them apart from the rest.
Given that the industrial zone around the Pearson International Airport is quite large and includes many businesses and organizations, this could only prove to benefit those living outside of that community. Since the world of business is so competitive, this could inspire other businesses to do their part and show their community what they can do for them.
For more information on this organization and a list of their partners they have recruited visit their website at www.partnersinprojectgreem.com . So far their partners include mostly local municipalities as well as other local businesses such as Molson who just signed on late 2008.
“Partners in Project Green is a growing community of businesses working together to green their bottom line by creating an internationally-recognized 'eco-business zone' around Toronto Pearson” (GTAA Partners in Project Green). This project allows organizations to adopt more sustainable business practices. This means that businesses will become more aware of their impacts on the environment and what they can do to cut back on their negative effects. It also brings a new competitive edge to the business world as these industries are now able to boast about their green initiatives and how they set them apart from the rest.
Given that the industrial zone around the Pearson International Airport is quite large and includes many businesses and organizations, this could only prove to benefit those living outside of that community. Since the world of business is so competitive, this could inspire other businesses to do their part and show their community what they can do for them.
For more information on this organization and a list of their partners they have recruited visit their website at www.partnersinprojectgreem.com . So far their partners include mostly local municipalities as well as other local businesses such as Molson who just signed on late 2008.
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