GE410 – 1/22/14
BIF’s, banded iron formations.
Until class I had never heard the term. To hold in my hand a piece of this
oxygenated iron from the Precambrian age is amazing to me. We visit museums to
attempt to grasp the past, fascinated with even the slightest glimpse of what
life was like before our life time. Yet, the earth below our feet sets the
stage for all and every period of time, every significant event, since the
Planet Earth was formed. I am fascinated with rocks, and sometimes wonder why
anyone would ever utter the words “it’s just a bunch of rocks”, when it is way
more than that!
Watching the video on the
Anthropocene era, the era of our life time, I wonder what the layer we leave
will look like. Will it look more like one of Chris Jordan’s art pieces? Or
will it be a turning point in long term sustainability.
The Art work of Chris Jordan
actually made me feel like there was a pit in my stomach. I have been unusually
aware since our first class of the amount of waste and garbage we accumulate in
a day. Even when recycling properly, everything comes in disposable
containers!! I wonder what really happens to all of the recycled items we
discard each week. Maybe an idea for field trip either in class or on my own is
to visit a recycling plant and see how things are really being disposed of.
Since class the idea of finding more ways of using less packaging, and
recycling/reusing on the individual level is at the fore front of my daily
activities. I am excited and anxious at
the same time to learn all I can about what is and isn’t working and
collaborate with like minds to significantly impact our future, and our
sediment layer, for our future generations.
Laura - eloquently put. Its obvious what struck a chord with you in the first class. Its really hard to keep up the passion on a daily basis, but as you say, with like minds around it can be done. - Jenny
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDelete- I thought you did a WONDERFUL summary of the first course. Your comment really was a great review of what we did in class on our first day, and I recommend everyone to read this for the same “refresher” before our next class.
- I also enjoyed your personal tone that was expressed throughout your comment. I really felt your passion and excitement for environmental geology concepts.
- Amanda
I was shocked by Chris Jordan's artwork as well. Those photos really put things into perspective. You notice more of your own waste after viewing them.
ReplyDelete-Joanna
Laura,
ReplyDeleteThe artwork by Chris Jordan also left an impact on reality when it comes to recycling. I agree with you that a good idea for a field trip would be to visit a recycling facility to understand how things can be reused.
-Debora-
Laura,
ReplyDeleteI am guilty of saying, "Blech Rocks. A rock is just a rock and it's boring!" I have changed my position on this. Turns out it's just rock and mineral classification I find boring, useful, but boring, I really appreciate rocks now. My daughter found out I'm doing a presentation on dirt and she said, "Mommy," in a reprimanding tone, "If you hate rocks why on Earth are you doing a report on dirt? Dirt is even more boring than rocks!?"
I replied that people can change their minds anytime they want and I have a new appreciation for rocks and dirt is vitally important." I'll save the explanation for my presentation, but I'm on your team now. Rocks Rock!
~Laura M