Expectations and Understanding

My expectations for the University Colloquium class are to attain a better understanding of the delicate balance between the environment and mankind; while giving me a greater appreciation for Florida's unique habitat. In addition, I expect to travel to many ecological sites in Southwest Florida that I am not aware of and have not visited previously. I expect to see plants and animals in these ecosystems that will give me a greater understanding of the sensitivity of my region in Florida.

Sustainability is the unique balance between a healthy, robust environment and the demands placed on it by humans.   The term eco-literacy indicates an understanding of ecosystems and how they work in an optimal scenario.  This eco-literacy knowledge is then utilized to strike a balance with the demands of mankind and our human needs for shelter and economic activities.  The term sense of place connotes the unique characteristics of our subtropical region and our one-of-a-kind state that is primarily a floating peninsula located between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.

Sustainability in the Resort and Hospitality Industry is of paramount importance as our total visitors continue to increase year after year.  Our ability to host many visitors each year relies upon our capacity to minimize non-recyclable wastes, to minimize excessive laundering of linens and towels for our guests and to decrease the human footprint in our pristine ecosystems in our region.  In addition, the ecotourism industry is a vital part of the marketing mix for SW Florida activities for our visitors.  Ecotourism is a rapidly growing portion of the resort and hospitality industry as vacationers continue to seek out more natural environments for their vacation experiences.

My unsustainable activities include the production of non-recyclable wastes for our landfill and also the use of electricity that is not self-generating such as solar power generation.  In addition, my unsustainable activities include the utilization of appliances that are not energy star rated as I rent an apartment that has not considered the purchase and use of energy saving appliances.