The Ecology Center and Hurley bring the watershed to Saddleback College
Andrew Bruck speaking to some potential eco-apprentinces (Shannelle Sanchez)
Andrew Bruck and Jeff Davis, our neighbors in San Juan Capistrano, stopped by last Wednesday, from The Ecology Center with their little blue watershed in the quad to inform anyone interested in doing their part to preserve energy and water.
“Choices we make everyday uses water both directly and indirectly,” said Bruck.
The watershed is an interactive demonstration, that has three main water sources that you can pump water from: the Colorado River (hard level pump), ground water (medium level pump) and rainwater (easy level pump). The pumps are designed to be more difficult than others to help demonstrate which pump is easier. It makes more sense for us to use that particular water source.
Bruck and Davis hand students a jug to fill up and walk them through the watershed, to demonstrate how much energy and water is used throughout our daily lives. One of the comparisons used in the demonstration was the energy and water used to make a cheeseburger, compared to energy and water used to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
“I had no idea how much energy and water goes into simple tasks like making a cheeseburger or making a t-shirt.” said Matt Mjeldi, 22, history. “This definitely helps you reevaluate some of the tasks you do throughout your day.”
“It takes six gallons of water to make one plastic water bottle,” said Davis.
With the help of Hurley, The Ecology Center is able to send their employees, along with their little blue watershed, around California to different schools and festivals to teach people about the significance of water, and why we should care for a water shed.
Sustainable food systems, permaculture principles, watershed awareness, alternative and appropriate technology are just a few of the in-depth topics that The Ecology Center wants to teach those willing to make a change.
They also offer a six month certification course that analyze food, water, waste, energy and shelter, and become an eco-advocate.
If you are interested in learning more about what The Ecology Center does for the community or want to visit make sure to take a look at their website: http://www.theecologycenter.org/
http://www.youtube.com/user/TheEcologyCenterSJC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSP8C89foxo