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I Have Been Enlightened...now what

Last blog entry I read the Furman Sustainable Master Plan. I really do not have much that I want to add to the plan. The goals are very clear, the plan is laid out, and the university is now responsible for carrying it out. 

I believe that there is something so vital and necessary to the study and practice of sustainability that cannot be taught or enforced- passion. I was so lucky to have two amazing professors in the Earth and Environmental Department this past semester that not only taught me the foundations of EES, but also that this kind of lifestyle can not be carried out without passion. I think that passion is what guides and inspires the human race to flourish. Passion is necessary for sustainability because this lifestyle is not easy. I see more and more that it is the farthest thing from easy. I think that sustainable methods, for example the ones on Furman's campus, are easy to talk about. However, it is the enforcement, the pure mentality of it, that seems almost impossible to convince people of.

I am at an utter loss as to why humans do not care more about preserving this world in which we live. I can not figure out why such a disconnect between nature and person has occurred. I do know that passion for this subject is required to inspire others. I think that one must have passion for the environment, in order for this reconnect to spread within society. The Master Plan is wonderful, but at the end of the day, it is still words. The Sustainability Planning Council is an example of a group of people who are truly passionate in changing the lifestyle of this campus to one that benefits both nature and society. However, I think the mass public must be inspired as well. A fire must be lit within the hearts of every person who calls themselves a citizen of this world, because without a love and enactment of sustainability, we might now have this world for long. 

The most important things I have learned all year can be summarized in a video my To Walk The Land professor Dr. Ranson showed us today on the last day of class. It is truly amazing and I highly suggest everyone to watch it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXDMoiEkyuQ

Furman University Master Sustainability Plan

A very unique aspect of Furman that originally drew me to the college was not only the major of Sustainability, but also the sustainable practices carried out by the institution. Every day I feel pleasantly shocked by the initiatives of the university. My learning about sustainability is filled with wonder as I am actually able to see the tangible effects of the lifestyle. I know that Furman can do more when it comes to sustainable initiatives, but I am in awe at how far they have come. With this being said, I was very interested in reading the “Furman Sustainability Master Plan”. This document, which was contributed to by some of my awesome professors, lays out Furman’s plan and goals in sustainability. Ok the document is about 40 pages long so I did not read the entire thing, but what I did read was so enlightening and informative that I thought I would share:

Basically Furman has just really began its sustainability initiatives in the past decade. Here is a brief timeline of events: in 2001 the board of trustees voted to promote sustainability, in 2002 all the new buildings and renovations had to meet LEED silver, in 2003 Hipp Hall became the first LEED building in South Carolina, in 2004 sustainability became the main strategic goal as the new university plan puts it at top priority, in 2005 the SPG (Sustainability Planning Group) was created, 2007 the first greenhouse gas inventory was created and President Shi signed the ACUPCC commitment, in 2008 the Center for Sustainability was established, in 2009 Climate Action Plan strategies were developed and the Sustainability Master Plan was completed, and from 2007 to the future this plan will be enacted. In 2026, the university hopes to be completely carbon neutral.

Some brief highlights from the master plan that might aid in understanding the lingo from above:
The first wave implemented was centered around how to be more energy efficient. To combat this, Furman started creating LEED buildings. LEED certificated (The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Buildings Ratings System) greatly saved on energy. However, energy was not everything as the university wants to focus on creating environmental citizens. I am going to steal a paragraph from the Master Plan as they desctibed this process much better than I could-
“To help ensure that such fundamental conversations are nurtured
and renewed, we have focused considerable attention on
integrating sustainability-related topics and issues into the
academic program. In fall 2008, for example, the Furman faculty
implemented a new curriculum that requires all students take at
least one course dealing with “Humans and the Natural
Environment.” At the same time, the university launched an
array of related curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular
initiatives to connect the university’s academic emphasis on
sustainability with student life and community outreach activities.”

The Sustainability Planning Group in using the Climate Action Plan, have a unique goal of making the university carbon neutral by 2026, its bicentennial year. The Group has now added over one hundred new members and has changed its name to the Sustainability Planning Council. The Council is run by some amazing people I have been fortunate enough to meet. It is
co-chaired by Tom Kazee, Provost, Angela Halfacre, Director of
the David E. Shi Center for Sustainability, and Bill Ranson,
Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences.
I believe that the Sustaibility Master Plan is an amazing document that should be read by all, no matter their area of interest. The document concludes by stating:
“Sustainability has become a core principle and a transformational
force at Furman. Our efforts in this arena have won national
awards and stimulated the growing interest of students, faculty,
staff, alumni, and community members. Student organizations
have initiated a dizzying array of campus projects. A cadre of
student leaders committed to sustainability has emerged to lead
our efforts on campus and—after they leave Furman—in their
communities. The fabric of campus life has been altered.
Nurturing sustainability also nurtures our sense of community by
focusing attention on a compelling goal: to ensure that Furman
remains a perpetual landscape of possibilities for generations of
students to come. Step by step, Furman is making a difference.
The campus community is justifiably proud of its sense of place,
and even prouder of the culture of sustainability that is spreading
across the campus. The seed of sustainability that germinated
over a decade ago is blossoming into a collective vision:
Sustainable Furman. The good work of nurturing our
environment, our campus, and our community, is never over. Nor
should it be. This plan reflects that ongoing reality and
commitment.”

BRB FAN-GIRLING OVER THE LAST AMERICAN MAN

The title of today's post- BRB (be right back) FAN- GIRLING (the reaction of a girl after she meets someone she is obsessed with, usually inducing the reactions of shortness of breath, fainting, high pitched noises, fierce head shaking as if in a seizure, and endless blog posts)- all has to do with my meeting of The Last American Man Eustace Conway.

Eustace came to the Furman University campus to speak to us about his life on his 1000 acre wildlife preserve called Turtle Island, located near Boone, North Carolina. There, he lives a completely naturalistic lifestyle that has been forgotten in our developed world. Mr. Conway brings people "back to the basics" in the best way possible- by opening their eyes to the fact that we are connected to the natural world around us, and how we chose to live not only will positively or negatively impact it, but us as well.

While I was listening to Eustace, I was completely blown away not only by how amazing his stories were, but also by how truly humble he was. I think finding someone as genuine as Mr.Conway is a true rarity in life, and should be greatly treasured. He has so many accomplishments, a few including:

Moving into the woods at age 17 and living there for the next 17 winters

At 18, canoeing 1000 miles on the Mississippi River

Completing the entire 2000 mile journey of the Appalachian Trail

Kayakeing the entire southern coast of Alaska encountering whales and icebergs

Setting the world record for coast to coast horse travel in 103 days

and just being super awesome in general

Eustace told us that Earth is the support system for all life. He believes one of the biggest problems with society is the complete disconnect we have to this system. His grandfather is the one who taught him to be meaningful (in my mind I was like yo Eustace same here lets be best friends!). He has a spiritual connection with the land, because of the mutual relationship he shares with it. He beseeches modern society to answer this question to increase their self awareness: How much are we using and how much are we putting back? He warns that society can only consume so much before the cutoff point, which he argues is very near. He profoundly states that- we only have one life and it is an amazing thing, so don't follow like sheep in the wrong direction. He continues "if you don't change the direction you are heading, you are likely to end up where you are going."

Of course I was sitting there silently grinning while also yelling "PREACH EUSTACE" in my head. I had to met him. It was imperative. So afterwards I dragged my friends to the line forming in front of him. Actually, they reluctantly walked down the theater aisle, I jumped over the seats clumsy. We eventually walked onto stage and shook hands with him. IT WAS AWESOME. I felt like a pilgrim out in the woods of The Great Awakening listening to a very nice version of Jonathan Edwards. I swear, Mr. Conway looked right into your SOUL. He asked what I was thinking about doing, and I responded (in somewhat alien language since I was fangirling so hard) "sustainability." He said,"alright, well sustainability is where it is at, it is brings all this together." I just nodded dumbfoundedly since I had his approval. I asked if I could have a picture for this blog, he said "alright blog here we come!" (I died a little inside out of joy). 

P.S- did you know that Eustace Conway is on History Channels hit show, Mountain Men?!? He said he struggled to be on the show, since he does not own a TV. However, it was a good way to spread his message, and he says, if you are going to watch TV, why not make it good TV.

Pictures to follow!!!

Happy Cow Pictures!!

A soil sample that shows how great the soil is with good farming practices 

A field that his cows will graze on.

Farmer Tom :)

Add baby cow to the list of animals I am sneaking into the dorm room.

This pond collects the runoff of the farm and then turns it into the main water source. This way, substances like manure will not enter local watersheds. 

Happy Cows!

The trip back- sporting a happy cow hat

Feelin Farmy Part Two- Happy Cow Edition

Alright so I said this week was very farm oriented. The second place I want to talk about just might be the greatest place ever- sorry Disney World. It's-

HAPPY COW CREAMERY!

This creamery has very a unique story and lifestyle. The owner and founder is farmer Tom Trantham. His story of hard work is utterly inspiring. As he told us about his story, I frantically wrote as much as I could in my scrawl. I will try to relay it back as best as I can and hopefully no misinformation will be given! I have attached the link to the Happy Cow website. Out of all of the links I have put up on this blog, this is the most important. You have an obligation to click on it and watch the video on the beginnings of Happy Cow. SO DO IT thank you :) 

http://www.happycowcreamery.com/

Alright here is my version of the summary:

Tom Trantham bought his first grocery store at 22 years old. He had learned the business from his father. Even though the store was doing well, he was miserable. He expanded the business and bought one of the largest independent grocery stores in San Diego- but found that he still dreaded the alarm going off in the morning. He then decided to sell it all and move back to the south to become a farmer. Everyone in the business told him it’s all about produce produce produce- you have to start producing. With the use of a lot of fertilizers, by 1981 he was one of the top producers in the state, but he was broke. The 80s were a bad time. 1986 was the worst drought seen in the South Carolina region in 100 years. Everything on his land was dried up and burnt to a crisp. It was then that ABC wanted to come out and talk about how the drought is affecting the local farmers. At first he said no, but Tom told us one of the most important things I have heard this year- the biggest problem is our lack of knowledge about the truth- we are misinformed. Because of this, he decided to go on the news and inform people about what corporate America tries to cover up. He showed the news around his farm, and the segment aired that day. After this, a man in Indiana got in contact with Tom and told him he had 8 acres of alfalfa he wanted to give him. The only thing was, he had to come and get it. Well, Tom told us that his little pick up could not carry 8 acres worth of alfalfa. There was yet another miracle as Conoco Gas heard about his predicament and supplied trucks and trailers for him to pick up the alfalfa.

After this, Tom was finally caught up on his debt, but in 1987 he still needed money from the bank for fertilizers. With his current situation, he was denied. This next part Tom claims actually happened:

He said his 17 year old cow could sense something was wrong with him, so she called a meeting with the other cows. She told the other cows that “Tom is meaner than a goat,” we must not be producing enough milk. The cows looked over and saw a neighboring field filled with oats and other wild plants. It was then that the cows decided to break out of their fence and eat the plants on the field. Like a stamped the cows trampled over the fence and starting grazing on the discarded land. Even though this field was not fenced, none of them left. Tom said he saw this happen and had decided to just give up. The cows were not producing milk, and now they were breaking out. Instead of getting his cows together, he went inside, defeated, and watched TV. It was then that something crazy happened. The next day, after the cows were back in their enclosed area, they produced 200 lbs of milk. He let them graze again and they produced 500 lbs more. After researching this phenomenon, Tom figured out that he had been feeding the cows the wrong nutrients. When he fed them, he gave them the whole plant. However, after looking at the field the cows grazed on, he saw that they only ate the top part of the plant. This is because the top part is the most nutritious and digestible part for the formation of milk. The bottom part of the plant is basically just a woody material that provides support, which inhibits the cows from producing milk. Further, he found that the cows could eat the top half, the horses the bottom half, goats could the remains, pigs would come and eat the roots, and then chickens would get any scraps. This way, an entire field can be utilized!

Farmer Tom has practically zero waste- everything is a resource. He has not used chemicals for over 26 years. Big corporate companies use animals like a machine. The average cow for them is good for about 3-4 lactations. Tom has cows that are over 15 years old. For 17 years he worked a 16 hour day 7 days a week because he believed in what he was doing. He says that milk does unbelievable things when it is not contaminated. After drinking his milk, I could not agree more. I’m guessing my classmates were happy as well since we all bought gallon jugs like the world was about to end. 

More Pictures of the Furman Farm

COMPOST

Notice Gandalf the White chillin in the background

BRUCE

Gabby!

Feelin Farmy Part I

AYO PEEPS!

This week has been quite eventful. Everything revolves around FARMS!!

Farms and gardens play a very important role in my life- I absolutely love them.  My two grandfathers always had a garden. I can distinctly remember running after them in the hot Alabama sun, wanting to help in any way. I remember how prickly the okra was on my fingers, and how I would sprint away from the billy coats as they tried to eat my shirt. The biggest thing I remember about the gardens is how much work went into them, but how selflessly my grandfathers would give the actual “fruits of their labor” away to friends and family. Sometimes the humidity in Alabama is so thick that it feels as though you are breathing in water. My grandfathers worked in that, not because they needed the food for survival, just so they could share it. I think this is a big attraction about farms for me. Farmers might be growing their crops for income, but it is a lifestyle, and there is love behind it. Sadly, both of my grandfathers passed away within weeks of each other my junior year in high school. I think they would be very pleased with how garden savvy I have become.

SO! The first agricultural plot of land I would like to highlight upon is the Furman Farm, located behind the beautiful Shi Center for Sustainability. My task for the week was to volunteer at least an hour towards working on the farm. Before coming to Furman, I thought Miracle Grow, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and all other cides were needed for proper food production. Well, I was wrong. Actually, these are not required at all, and they do more harm than good in the long run. I could go into great detail about the evils of the farm practices listed above, but I’ll save that knowledge for my next Earth and Environmental Science exam. I have attached a website called "Sustainable Baby Steps"- its is super great in describing the effects of chemical fertilizer. http://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/effects-of-chemical-fertilizers.html

Walking up to the Furman Farm, I met Bruce, the farm manager. He is a very kind man, and was more than happy to show me around. The place is amazing! It was teeming with life that was developing to its fullest extent without the harsh use of chemicals. Instead of artificial chemicals to support growth, the farm uses its own compost. This is basically a huge pile of dark soil-like material that consists of food and paper waste (especially form the Furman Dining Hall!!) and organic matter. I shoveled the compost into a wheel barrel and placed it on some newly planted vegetables. While doing this, I stepped in a huge ant bed. Before I knew it, ants were covering my shoe, and if there is one thing you need to know about me, it’s that Elly and bugs do not get along. So yes, I lost my environmental cool for a second, it happens. My friend Gabby went to go get some coffee grounds to cover the bed. The coffee grounds are a natural and safer substitute for pesticide. The acidity does not bother us, but it will effectively kill the ants. I said, “SCREW THE COFFEE GROUNDS, BRING OUT THE BUG ZAPPER SRAY!!” I had a lapse ok?! However, I got my cool back, remembered I love the environment and all its creatures, and I think because of this, did not receive one ant bite.

After the compost, I helped Gabby plant about 32 baby brussel sprouts. Once we were done, I was told to go get some tea to water the newly planted sprouts with. I was super confused, like Milos Tea?? That stuff is good; I want to drink it not pour it out. Well it isn’t actually tea… I what looked like a giant trashcan and peeked in. Inside, there was brown liquid sloshing around. Do not be grossed out because it smelled so good, like mint! Apparently this is what the farm uses instead of a miracle grow type substance.  It is basically like liquid compost that they make themselves.

I only worked on the farm for about an hour, but in that time I gained massive respect for those who are out there every day. It is a hard business, and one that I think society tends to overlook. The Furman Farm is doing an amazing job growing all their food in a sustainable fashion. I think the farm is able to coexist with its surroundings in ways that others cannot. Without the use of agrochemicals, not only will the soil prosper, but also the well-being of the entire place. I hope to volunteer again soon, and see how my brussel sprouts are doing! Now I just have to start liking them….

Before the compost

After the compost

#collegelife

In my opinion, Furman is a place I have to take one day at a time. This is not just because of the academic work, but also just the demands of college, and being on my own for the first time. The thought of trying to plan out every single day for an entire week is overwhelming. The course work is not challenging in that I feel completely lost, but the amount and level of thinking vary drastically from that of high school. This is a good thing; I want it to, otherwise I would not be here! I find that when I feel stressed because there is not time to do any work, the beauty of my surroundings overwhelms my senses, and all problems disappear. There is so much opportunity here, and I know it is the perfect fit for me. 

In my First Year Seminar To Walk The Land, taught by Dr. Ranson, we kayak, hike local trails, perform trail maintenance, and just take in the scenery of our surroundings. In this class, we are currently reading a book called Earth in Mind on Education, Environment, and the Human Prospect by David W. Orr. This book is fantastic because it talks about the problems with our modern day education, and how it does not touch on any environmental issues.

I want to share one of my favorite quotes from Orr:

“A fourth myth of higher education is that we can adequately restore that which we have dismantled. I am referring to the modern curriculum. We have fragmented the world into bits and pieces called disciplines and disciplines, hermetically sealed from other such disciplines. As a result, after 12 or 16 or 20 years of education, most students graduate without any broad, integrated sense of the unity of things. The consequences for their personhood and for the planet are large…We add the price of the sale of a bushel of wheat to the gross national product while forgetting to subtract the three bushels of topsoil lost to grow it. As a result of incomplete education, we have fooled ourselves into thinking that we are much richer than we are. The same point could be made about other disciplines and sub disciplines that have become hermetically sealed from life itself.”

 After reading this, I realized how fortunate I am to be at a liberal arts institution. I know at Furman I will never be lost or fooled like the educated in Orr’s example. Since Furman is liberal arts, every class can have a relation, whether it is between math and English, or art and physics. I know this to be true because I have already witnessed it happen between the classes I am currently taking.

Orr says that the planet needs people “of moral courage willing to join the fight to make the world habitable and humane. And these qualities have little to do with success as our culture had defined it” (Orr 12).

Well, I am willing to join in that fight, and I am so happy to have Furman as an ally.

Orr, David W. Earth in Mind: On Education, Environment, and the Human Prospect. Washington, DC: Island, 1994. Print.

Earth in Mind 

Trail maintenance 

A member of the fishing team holding a catfish from the lake (catch and release don't worry)

The Swamp Rabbit Trail is Where its At

Warning: The following post may contain Lord of The Rings references. This is a judge free blog, so please do not judge my weirdness, just embrace it.

This week I decided to venture off campus... cue the suspenseful music. Yes, it is true that I am not very responsible when it comes to taking care of myself. Laundry proves to be a constant battle, and cooking..zoom...right over my head. However, I am pretty street savvy (as in like suburb streets with sidewalks). With that being said, my savvy-ness was put to the test as Gandalf the White (the name of my bike) and I journeyed across the far from middle earth campus of Furman, and onto the SWAMP RABBIT TRAIL

Me-ready to ride, cardigan and all

Alright so here is the info on the swamp rabbit:
The SR is a rails-to-trails pathway, which means that the trail itself was converted from an old railroad. I am not quite sure how long the trail is. Most websites say about 17.5 miles; however, they may be outdated, since the signs on the trail hint that it could be a full marathon or more. Either way, this flat and straight trail means business. It starts in the city of Greenville and ends in Travelers Rest. On the way, a biker/walker/creeper/runner/transcendentalist will pass Falls Park, and the greatest place on Earth- Furman University.
Some interesting stats about the SR brought to you straight from Wikipedia:
A scholarly study in 2012 estimated that more than 350,000 people annually used the trail and that area businesses increased their sales from 30 to 85%. In 2013, the mayor of Travelers Rest said that the trail had "been phenomenal for the whole county, but more so for us in Travelers Rest. I can’t begin to tell you how much of an economic boost it’s been to this town." A 2012 Greenville News editorial described the Swamp Rabbit Trail as "one of the most popular assets in Greenville County...proving that when it comes to such trails, if you build them they will come."   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swamp_Rabbit_Trail

The old Swamp Rabbit himself asking all passersby humans to "Please do not litter my trail"

The ride to Travelers Rest was not too bad. I was already really tired, and the way there is a slight uphill. However, it was just a few miles down the path, and I saw some neat stuff:

This is called the Ghost Bike. It is dedicated to all bikers killed while riding in Greenville. It is somewhat eerie, but then again a very kind gesture. The sign in the picture is simply asking for one to please put their trash in the bins, instead of throwing it into the woods. 

Random lots like these were great because they really quickened my pace with that added adrenaline rush. Always go on the Swamp Rabbit with a buddy and be aware. Since I had my magical bike, I was ok by myself.

Despite the odds, I finally made it to Travelers Rest! There were signs everywhere telling me that I was still on the path, and to come relax and spend money. I would have, but the Furman campus was calling me home. Don't worry, I stayed long enough to get some selfies-

Me, battle worn in front of a super cute hotdog place

The signs I was telling you about!!!

The ride back to the promise land was easy. Going to Travelers Rest was a slight uphill, so coming back to Furman was just a breeze....

Lastly, I will leave you with this picture of a baby swamp rabbit. I will be spending more time outside as I will find this animal, and I will keep it in my dorm

<3 <3 <3 

Earth Market- Slow Food Upsate

Yo!!

I cant decide if the location of my dorm is a curse or gift. I am located right beside the kitchen. The stereotype that college kids are always hungry has actually proved true, even with unlimited dining. With that being said, it is nice to go into the kitchen and eat peoples food when they forget to write their name on it.

HOWEVER, everyone hangs out in the kitchen. Whyyyy is it the hangout spot?? For example, as I sit on my bed typing this, all I can hear is screaming. I think some of my peers are reenacting the Dirty Dancing scene where Patrick Swayze lifts Baby into the air.
Well...tonight Baby is in the corner, and she wants you to all be quite as she seeks higher education.

Speaking of food, I went to the coolest place Wednesday night in Greenville. It was a Farmers Market called the Earth Market- Slow Food Upstate. So this place is super cool, and I am not just saying that because I like places with Earth in the title. Here is the mission statement of the Market-

"Slow Food USA envisions a future food system that is based on the principles of high quality and taste, environmental sustainability, and social justice-in essence, a food system that is good, clean and fair. We seek to catalyze a broad cultural shift away from the destructive effects of an industrial food system and fast life; toward the regenerative cultural, social and economic benefits of a sustainable food system, regional food traditions, the pleasures of the table and a slower and more harmonious rhythm of life."

So all of that basically means that they are very strict what is sold at the market. Everything is local and farmers are present at the booth. The organic non GMO food is made with sustainable efforts!! It was a small market, but the food was definitely quality and it was a very friendly atmosphere. I would have bought everything if you know, I wasnt in college...
I did however buy a very cool beeswax candle that smelled so good! (Picture to come) We are not allowed to have open flames in the dorm room.... so it will be going in a care package down to AL for my mom. The awesome thing about these ornately carved candles, is that they are handmade by the only certified woman master beekeeper in South Carolina.  I told her I felt like I was meeting a celebrity. However, I think she was hesitant of me when I told her I go to Furman, since she is a Clemson grad. However, I totally got a picture...

Her name is Charlotte Anderson. Look her up! I attached her information below!

Here are some more pictures because I am an iphone camera pro

Info on the Earth Market and The Master Bee Keeper!!

http://www.slowfoodupstate.com/

www.carolinahoneybees.com

COMING NEXT WEEK:

WORLD WAR TIMER- Documents from the Epic Battle between Elly and the 5 minute shower timer

ALSO

Cute pictures of elderly couples holding hands as they walk around Furman

Thriving Is Different From Surviving

Hey Ya'll!

This blog entry marks an accomplishment. I am somehow surviving college. Well, maybe I should not speak so soon since the week has not ended. I still have one more class to go before the sanctuary we call the weekend. Furman is an interesting place- both academically and socially. I have never studied so hard before, yet still been so happy. It is a weird and new feeling, but I guess that is just the definition of college. I have been working so hard that it would seem like I am miserable. Yet, I still have time to stop riding my bike (usually because I am about to run over a squirrel) and look at how amazing my surroundings are. Furman really is beautiful place. My social life has consisted of mainly the library, as I have become quite popular there. The other night marked my first trip into the 24 hour room.
Warning: **do not go into the 24 hour room. It is full of desperate, lonely, hungry (because they always seem to have fast food) kids who have let pure animal instinct take over as they scramble to finish assignments in the late hours of the night**
Seriously, I think someone growled at me.
Anyways, today I finished my first exam for Earth and Environmental Science. Dr.Andersen, if you are reading this, just remember what I lack in scientific skills, I make up for in personality-and blogging.

So here is how my exam went...

thats not sleeping- I temporarily lost control of my limbs- and future

On a brighter note, in the midst of chaos, Furman will throw a view like this at you in the early morning. I think it is a reminder of what we are all working for when we think about Sustainability. There are forces out there so much grander than we could ever imagine, and sometimes they don't even need an explanation:

Happy almost weekend peeps

On Monday I was fortunate enough to hike on the Sassafras Mountain Trail, which eventually lead us to the highest peak in South Carolina. The hike was so amazing and will require another entry on its own. However, for now I am going to leave you with some pictures!!

Scavenger Hunt

This week we were assigned with finding different Sustainability initiatives on campus. The number of different programs in place is very surprising, and has only increased my pride in the university. Furman's sustainable effort is evident even in the smallest ways. Although we still have a long way to go, I believe it takes beginning steps like these to start a movement.

I decided to have some fun while completing the scavenger hunt. I uploaded some photos of things you should probably not do at Furman

Enjoy!

1. Stand like a Ninja on the Place of Peace
2. Jump across the Coy Pond
3. Try to imitate a duck