In the beginning of the year, I was in the car with my mom and Alex, a family friend who lives in Seattle and was driving through the campus to show me UW. We passed by the greenhouse and I never thought that there was anything special behind starting it up, but a couple of biology professors and others who were interested grew plants in a lot that was once useless and filled with weeds. I bet they never thought it would have so many willing volunteers to help around, whether it might be pulling weeds or relocating a bed of seeds. Today, the botany greenhouse has about 2255 species! Keith Possee did a great job explaining smart methods in growing plants and giving us a tour. Vines could be used as shade and planting certain kinds of flowers provide nutrients to surrounding plants.
When I arrived at the greenhouse, it felt so welcoming, especially with vines growing in a curve above the walkway. It was amazing to see these huge Kio fishes swimming in a 3 foot tub of water with a type of plant branching out circular leaves that I haven't seen before. The chance to grow organic and healthy fruits, vegetables, and herbs and to provide a research and learning facility allows students a hands-on experience like that of our ancestors. It is so important to not lose knowledge of growing food. I'm from Milpitas, CA and it used to be miles of orchards and farms, but it's all gone. Viewing the greenery at the greenhouse and medicinal herb garden and taking this class has moved me to change the way I eat and to volunteer during Early Fall Start. I can't pretend that I don't know what is in the food I eat.
Reading All Over Creation by Ruth Ozeki made me want to eat local and organically grown food. The Seeds of Resistance message was clear and they made me wonder what genes are added to the food we eat. I can't believe scientists have developed genetically engineered pesticides in plants, which we consume and go into our bodies. It's scary to even hear they created a gene called The Terminator. Not only does it harm us, but also kills bugs that are essential in the process of farming. It was sad to see the bug die after chewing a Nulife plant in the book. Even if the chemicals are not concentrated enough to "hurt us", it must have some effect on our bodies. From my own encounter, I used to be able to eat seafood when I was little, but suddenly one day when I was 12 I got itchy and red bumbs started to form on my hands. I became allergic to all seafood except for fish. Now I have an idea of what may have been the cause.
In the United States, food corporations do not label foods if GMOs were used, but it's a consumer's right to know. In Europe and Japan it is required since their citizens are worried about biotech foods and its effects. Very few researchers look into GMOs partly because companies donate to schools, which lead to pressure to stop the investigation. Money is very powerful, but the people's strive and pursuit will prevail!
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