The dynamic relationship between humans, Earth and all else within has always captivated me. I was born in 1973 in Jamaica, my parents were politically active, I was taken as a child to rallies mostly about challenging socio-political injustices and poverty, in the streets of London, Kingston and New York and can recall the first time hearing such terminology as, ‘limits to growth’, ‘the pollution pandemic’, ‘alternative energy’, ‘consumerism,’ and ‘overpopulation’. Only much later did a bell go off, connecting the two seemingly separate thought structures, culminating in the realization that these ills, whether social or environmental is one and the same. The Protocols of Montreal, Kyoto and more also fueled me with a drive to make sustainable living not only more accessible, but globally more accepted.
Further study of a related degree is the only way forward for me. A desire to complement the broad spectrum of Environmental Studies has quietly lead me into the fascinating intricacies of Biology. Here-- my newfound scientific skills are being honed by controlled experiments, leading toward statistical analysis and debating ethical issues. The thought of studying issues of such overwhelming importance still fills me with awe. Environmental Studies continue to give substance to the issues that are continually significant to me, such as biofuels, soil science, permaculture and policy.
I am vehement about pollution and waste management practices/solutions now for our Island, polluted runoff is the greatest threat to Hawai`i’s surface and ground water quality. Polluted runoff, or nonpoint source pollution, results when storm water or irrigation water washes pollutants off the land—from farms, urban areas and construction sites—into our streams and coastal waters. When it rains, water soaks into the ground where plant roots and soil bacteria can absorb or breakdown many pollutants. During heavy