food sourcing/production in Hawaii
The Hawaiian islands are constantly fighting for food sovereignty and coming up with sustainable ways to produce food on our islands. The issue has become, "Can Hawaii Feed Itself?" as we rely on imports from around the world to provide us access to food. Hawaii's food security is very weak, which is ironic considering ancient Hawaiians used to be completely self sustainable. Many different agricultural groups have come up with different ideas to make Hawaii a more sustainable place. Ideas such as diversion of water to various crops and farms or raising cattle in the islands are just a few of the many ways to make Hawaii more sustainable. The DLNR and DOA have recommended actions and strategies to increase food sovereignty in the islands. These actions are expanding the "Buy Local campaigns", encouraging public systems to buy local foods, address food and farm safety issues, and improve labelling of locally sourced foods. Overall there is many ways that we can work to improve the sustainability and food sovereignty in Hawaii.
|
systems.
The three types of systems that affect our healthy ecosystems are the carbon system, the oxygen cycle, and the nitrogen cycle.
The carbon cycle deals with the movement of carbon in the Earth. Carbon travels through the atmosphere, the oceans, the vegetation, the rocks, and the soil. This system is important as various individuals require carbon dioxide to survive. As plants take in carbon dioxide they release energy back into the atmosphere, which is important to the health of other systems. This is important as carbon is considered the "fundamental building block of life" as it is a vital component to various chemical processes.
|
The nitrogen cycle deals with the movement of nitrogen in the Earth. Nitrogen travels through the atmosphere, biosphere, and geosphere. Majority of the air we breathe is composed of nitrogen and is an essential component of DNA and proteins for living organisms. These organisms gain the nutrients from the process of nitrogen fixation. While this cycle is important, humans can affect the health of this system especially through the use of fossil fuels, factories, and power plants. This increases the amount of nitrogen that is present in our ecosystems.
|
The oxygen cycle deals with the movement of oxygen in the Earth. Oxygen travels through organisms, and the atmosphere and water. Oxygen is a vital element to live, as without it we wouldn't be able to breathe. Once plants and animals use take the nutrients from oxygen, it is returned into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. This carbon dioxide is then taken up by "green plants", which then release the oxygen back into the atmosphere. Oxygen is the second most abundant element in the atmosphere after nitrogen. Oxygen is such a vital part of our ecosystem, as most organisms require oxygen to breathe.
|
These systems coexist in one big ecosystem. The carbon cycle, oxygen cycle, and nitrogen cycle are all vital elements to life in Earth's atmosphere. Carbon dioxide and oxygen coexist to provide nutrients to different living organisms. It is important to keep these ecosystems healthy, as without them we wouldn't be able to receive the nutrients necessary for survival.
food journal.
Based on data collected for approximately a month, it is shown that majority of the foods I consume are processed, un-organic, and not locally sourced. This data matched up with the data of my class, as majority of my classmates also consumed more processed and non-local foods.
food responsibility
Living in Hawaii leaves us with a huge responsibility towards the land. Native Hawaiians were able to provide themselves, while also preserving their resources with sustainable methods. In modern Hawaii, we've become very dependent on imported goods that reach our islands on Matson ships. If one of these ships were to crash, we wouldn't be able to feed ourselves.
In order to become more food secure on our island, we must become more involved with the local food community. This doesn't mean becoming a farmer overnight, but it could mean supporting local farmers by shopping at farmers markets around Hawaii. By doing this, you provide the farmer with more funds, which will eventually provide the islands with more food.
In order to become more food secure on our island, we must become more involved with the local food community. This doesn't mean becoming a farmer overnight, but it could mean supporting local farmers by shopping at farmers markets around Hawaii. By doing this, you provide the farmer with more funds, which will eventually provide the islands with more food.
We are all responsible for what happens to the land. We can either choose to care for the earth and its many resources, or we can choose to deplete these natural materials. While using the land's resources might not be a negative impact on our generation, it can have a huge impact on the many generations after us. If we continue to stray away from a sustainable future, our children and grandchildren could face the effects of these mistakes.
growing systems
Throughout the second quarter of Malama Honua, each table was assigned an indoor or outdoor system to care for. My table was assigned an indoor system, growing lettuce. In order to care for these systems we have to check the water levels in the tanks and occasionally add MaxGrow into the water every few weeks. The system goes off every fifteen minutes to allow for water to circulate to the lettuce plants and the lights are set on a timer. I feel that taking care of this system won't be too difficult as the water and light are set to timers, meaning we won't have to water or provide sunlight for the lettuce. It's interesting to learn different ways of growing food sustainably. This type of indoor system is something that can be easily set up in any house or room with the right equipment. It allows people with no outdoor space or garden to grow their own foods and have the ability to be self-sufficient.
|