Monday, April 28, 2008

Reflection on last weeks topics

The Future Search conference process we practiced in class was a discussion on biofuels. Are biofuels the answer to our future energy needs? Our class went through various processes identifying issues, visions and solutions to the concept of biofuels. I found it really interesting hearing all of the different components from various people in the class. There is so much more benefit in hearing other ideas and opinions that normally you would not think about. You also have the opportunity to argue your views of ideas you have or ideas from others.

In our second class this past week, some case studies were discussed about social capital. I found the example about the binner, Ken Lyotier, fascinating. It’s a great example because it shows how a person who may not be in the best of circumstances in life has an ingenious idea that can fill a niche no one has thought of previously. He seemed to have a down to earth, matter of fact way of describing the realities of his business and the social capital involved. He also addressed the importance of how his employees have a very different way of dealing with things, such as the lifestyle of a street person, which makes it a unique situation.

One of the things I have started forming an increasing interest in is sustainable development. I really believe that one of the main ways people are going to change their unsustainable ways is through sustainable development. People will only change when either other people force them to change or provide them with that change. If you ask them (I would think) they would rather live in a multi-use development with lots of green spaces and using sustainable methods, rather than an old apartment surrounded by a field of asphalt.

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