The Plover

Issue 1

An Eco-Lifestyle Magazine

Dear Readers, Artists, Eco-Enthusiasts, and Fellow Wanderlusters,

It brings us a great a deal of joy to introduce to you The Plover, an Eco-Lifestyle magazine that encompasses a variety of passions from art to food to an admiration for our natural world. What is an eco-lifestyle magazine you may ask? Quite frankly, it’s whatever you want it to be... granted, with an environmentally tinged perspective. There is an artist in all of us, and The Plover hopes to provide a reading outlet for a diversity of tastes. A collaborative project, this magazine is the fruition of student talent and creative thought processes. As Tolkien once said “Not all who wander are lost”- we hope that The Plover gives you some reprieve from the trials and tribulations of the stresses that come with the society we live in, and inspires you to always take (or hike) the road less traveled.

As the editors and founders of this magazine, we hope this publication gives our readers a new perspective, and hope it will both empower and inspire the individuals of this community to think outside the box, and always color outside the lines. Without the input of our fellow peers, The Plover would have remained an unhatched dream. Above all, this magazine is a collaborative effort, and the diversity of topics, art, photography, and design presented in this first issue showcase the creativity and ingenuity of students here at UCSB. We hope you enjoy this first issue of many to come.

Chirp on,

Apoorva Chiplunkar & Amber Reedy

Table of Contents

Apoorva Chiplunkar Amber Reedy

OutdoorsMoments in the Woods 4Between two extremes 5-6Hiking Mission Canyon 7-8Sounds for the Soul 9

FoodFood: Our Most Direct Connection to Nature 11-12Gaucho Certified 13-14Santa Barbara Public Market 15-18Simple Grilled Wild Salmon 19Zesty Zucchini Bread 20Sultry Summer Squash 21

TechnologyThe Bloom Box 23-24Fuel Horizon 25-27

Arts & CultureThe Works of Lindsay Thompson 29-30Connection 32The psychology of the environmental movement 33-34Environmental privilege 35-36Rethinking the three R’s 37-40

Message from Celia Alario

Acknowledgements

Out

door

sUntil I was thirteen I hated hiking. All the

same, once a month or so, my parents would drag my brothers and I on a hike to one of the beautiful natural areas in the Bay Area. I claimed each redwood walk and every mountain jaunt was a mandatory death march and swore when I was older I would never hike.

The beginning of my transformation was the summer my parents sent me to Camp Unalayee. Established in Northern California in 1949, the camp is focused on nature appreciation, self-reliance, and outdoor skills. That meant two weeks in the wild with no cars, cell phones, and a group of people I did not know. I returned dirty, stronger and with many stories. That first summer, I claimed I was miserable the whole time. But every summer after that, I enjoyed it more and more. In fact, I would one day return as a counselor, no longer resigned to plodding, but tramping the trails with joy as well as relishing a new found love and appreciation for the mountains around me.

The most convincing argument I’ve heard about why nature is valuable is that it makes us feel like we are “in our element.” Our connection to nature is deep. It is a connection that transcends our anthropogenically manipulated environments. That primal, intimate, feeling with nature manifests itself in sacred moments when you are at peace with your surroundings. When you reach a saddle slung high up between two peaks, the ground drops precipitously away on either

side. The view is majestic. In those twelve feet of space there is a meadow. It must be that long ago a few seeds of grass made their way up the side of this mountain. The saddle is the only piece of level ground for hundreds of feet in any direction. It’s as if a little bit of paradise fell out of the sky and landed in this spot.

It’s special every time I find a place that, for that moment, is all mine. While surrounded by nature, I can forget that there is a world outside my little spot. Even in the Santa Barbara backcountry, you can find places where you feel all alone and perfectly at home. And that’s something I can never experience boxed in by buildings. That’s why I crave the outdoors.

Ditch IV for a day and explore what’s on the other side of your backdoor… Fall is a great time to see Santa Barbara in all its colorful glory.

Daytrip of the Issue:Leaving UCSB, you can go along El Colegio

Road and then take a right or left where the street ends. A left will take you down to Coal Oil Point and the reserve behind it. A right takes you up Storke Road towards 101. Passing over the 101 and continuing on towards the hills on Glen Annie Road takes you into vineyard country. You then reach Glen Annie Reservoir and the foothills, a tiring but rewarding bike ride or walk if you are bored with the beach.

MOMENTS in the WOODSOU

TDOO

RSText by Eamon Winden Photography by Alea Olivas

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When it comes to proximity with the outdoors, no campus can beat UC Santa Barbara. We’ve got the mountains on one side, providing miles and miles of epic hiking and rock climbing, and the crystal blue waters of the Pacific on the other, making Isla Vista a perfect place to be if you’re up for an outdoor adventure. It doesn’t matter if its sunny, rainy, or covered with fog; nothing

can keep UCSB students and residents of Isla Vista away from the great outdoors.

The university is unique in that it’s one of the only campuses on the beach. And seriously, who doesn’t love chilling and grilling on the hot sand or a cool dip in the deep blue? However, those up for a little more adventure should grab a surfboard and catch some waves. The waves may seem a

bit intimidating at first, and a wipe out is unavoidable. Nonetheless, surfing is an intimate way to experience the ocean in all its awesomeness. Isla Vista has its own personal surf break, known as Sands Beach.

Sands is a great place for beginners and experienced surfers alike. Just remember to be mindful of the surfer code and be courteous to your fellow surfers, and you’re

good to go. The best swells are in the winter and spring months around mid tide. If you prefer a less crowded surfing environment, set your alarm and go early in the morning; most people will be nursing some gnarly hangovers or recovering from a night of cramming.

Ocean not really your thing? FEAR NOT! UCSB has tons of outdoor adventures for the hydrophobic Gaucho. I did mention the mountains earlier, so why not grab some gear and try rock climbing? Rock climbing is a way to get down and dirty with mother nature; there is nothing quite like climbing cliff face using only your wit and raw physical prowess. Rock climbing is a very physically demanding activity, so hydration and proper nutrition is a must. The Santa Barbara mountains provide enough varied terrain to satisfy the needs of both beginner and experienced climbers alike. A personal favorite thus far is Lizard’s Mouth, so named because it’s shaped like, well, a lizard’s mouth. This climb features a 20 foot sandstone cave that can be climbed both forward and backwards. It makes a convenient day trip for the weekend climber; one could even camp the night and catch the sunset from the cave.

For the more seasoned climber, this Gaucho recommends Cathedral Peak, located about one mile south of La Cumbre Peak. Cathedral Peak offers multiple climbing routes, including the South Face route, a steep 5.7 mile trek into the Santa Barbara wilderness. The view is unmatched and worth the trip alone. Lusting for climbin’ company? Be sure to bring a buddy (unless you want to relive the movie 127 Hours) before going on your merry way.

Whether you prefer the land or the sea, Santa Barbara scenery has got you covered. The outdoor friendly environment around UCSB is perfect for any adventurer. So what are you waiting for? Get your gear and get out there!

2EXT

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Text by Kieran HughesArt by Lindsay Thompson

BETWEEN

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Hiking

Mission Canyon

From its spectacular views, interesting vegetation, and diverse hiking opportunities, Santa Barbara’s Mission Canyon has something to offer everyone.

The trailhead, located on Tunnel Rd, is a short drive from UCSB, and gives hikers access to Inspiration Point, Seven Falls, and Cathedral Peak.

These hikes begin on Edison Road, a paved access road that winds across the hills above Mission Creek, revealing vast expanse of the ocean and Channel Islands on one side, and the steep mountainsides and canyons of the foothills on the other. There are remains of burned-out vegetation along this stretch of trail, which are traces of the 2009 Jesusita fire. After becoming a dirt road, the trail intersects the Jesusita Trail on the left, which leads down to the creek bed.

To get to Inspiration Point, a popular and easily accessible destination, simply follow the path across the creek bed up the other side of the basin. This path leads out of the riparian zone up into the chaparral, ending at the aptly named Inspiration Point, which gives an excellent view of the Santa Barbara area, the coast, the ocean, and the Channel Islands.

For the slightly more adventurous hiker, the Seven Falls-Three Pools hike can be rewarding. At the creek bed, instead of continuing straight to Inspiration Point, turn right and follow the creek bed uphill. During the wet season, this may involve sloshing through the stream or boulder hopping, but if the stream is dry, this is relatively simple. This picturesque stretch displays lush riparian vegetation, including sycamore trees and canyon sunflowers, but also clusters of poison oak! When you see a 15-foot waterfall, you have reached Seven Falls. If the pool

below the waterfall is deep enough, then you can jump off of the waterfall.

During the dry season, this waterfall does not flow, and many hikers continue to Three Pools. To reach Three Pools, continue straight up the stream bed, which involves some advanced rock scrambling, or alternatively take the high road on the left bank of the stream. The high path is found via a steep dirt gulch with a rope in it. You can use the rope to reach the top of the gulch, where there is a path that runs parallel to the streambed, before intersecting it. From here, follow the streambed to Three Pools, which are filled by a spring during all seasons. For fun, try sliding down the waterfall at the top pool!

Cathedral Peak is the most difficult hike in Santa Barbara, and the most rewarding destination in the area. From the intersection of the Jesusita trail and the creek, follow the creek upstream for about 20 yards, then turn left and follow the trail up the slope. The trail to Cathedral Peak is steep, primitive, and poorly defined. Only confident hikers should attempt this hike, as it involves copious boulder hopping and path finding. However, this hike is as fun as it is difficult. It travels through the chaparral, and sandstone. The route follows the ridge to Arlington Peak; Cathedral Peak is adjacent, and takes about 20 more minutes of hiking. Both peaks give spectacular views, and a summit box on Cathedral Peak records the coming and going of hikers.

These hikes are all quite fun, and are necessary attractions for any Gauchos looking to get outdoors. Like any hike, bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen.

Text by Jacob Weverka Photography by Irene Wang

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THAT’S THE WAYLED ZEPPELIN

WHERE DO THE CHILDREN PLAYCAT STEVENS

WOODSTOCKPERFORMED BY CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG

THREE LITTLE BIRDSBOB MARLEY

BICYCLE RACEQUEEN

WOLFFIRST AID KIT

CRYSTAL MOUNTAINBECKY WHITE & THE SECRET MISSION

BIRDS AND STARSELEPHANT REVIVAL

THE WATERJOHNNY FLYNN & LAURA MARLING

WAVEFORMSDJANGO DJANGO

MYKONOSFLEET FOXES

SACRED SANDSALLAH-LAS

KINGDOM OF THE ANIMALSIRON & WINE

RISE TO THE SUNALABAMA SHAKES

CAMPFIRE SONGTHE BUDROWS

BLACK DIRTSEA WOLF

SNAKE IN THE GRASSTHE BLACK ANGELS

ANIMALSBONOBO

I FEEL THE EARTH MOVECAROLE KING

COAST TO COASTTHE BLANK TAPES

HAVE YOU EVER SEEN THE RAINCREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL

FOR WHAT IT’S WORTHBUFFALO SPRINGFIELD

HEAR THE WILLOW CRYTHE STEELDRIVERS

SOCIETYEDDIE VEDDER

ounds for the SoulS The perfect sunset. The feel

of the sand on your toes. The sweat running down your face on a hike through the Los Padres

National Forest. The music that takes

you back.

An eco-playlist to soothe the mind with an earthy twist.

Text by Apoorva Chiplunkar Photography by Mariah Tiffany

Food

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What’s on your plate represents one of the most important engagements with the natural world. The food you eat comes from the soil of the earth and goes directly into your body; making a cellular, chemical, and even metaphysical connection to your tissues and organs. For this reason, food plays a major role in our lives and in the way we perceive the world. In the past fifty to one hundred years, we, as a Western civilization, have managed to change our diet more drastically than in the past ten thousand years of human history.

In the past one hundred years we have evolved into a society of refined grains, sugars, processed foods, excess amounts of red and processed meats, and very few

fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The issue with this so called “Western” diet is that it is directly linked to the “Western” diseases that flourished in the past and continue to be prevalent today. These “Western” diseases have taken over 75% of healthcare spending in the country; they include: obesity, type two diabetes, heart disease, chronic diseases, and diet-related cancers. At the most basic level, the issue is that our diets have changed dramatically to a point where our bodies don’t know what to do with the stuff we put in them, and in effect, we are getting sick.

This is just the surface and the tell tale sign that there is something very wrong with our food system and overall

Our Most Direct Connection to Nature

F O O DText by Kristen Herrera Photography by Jacqueline Puga

dietary knowledge and perceptions. On a deeper level, this food issue is the story of a lack of a relationship with the food we consume as a population, and the loss of connection with each other. There are many effects of this issue, some obvious, some not so much, but at the core of the problem is one underlying truth.

The mere fact that we need “dietary experts”, doctors, and scientists to tell us what to eat in order to be healthy should be an alarming signal to us all that we have lost one of the most basic skills of survival and connection to the earth. All these red flags and overall confusion when it comes to our diets should not be taken lightly, especially when the consequences are so detrimental to our health and environment. The negative effects of this epidemic do not stop there; the repercussions of this matter are evident in public health, education, national security, the energy crisis,

and climate change. It may be difficult to believe that so much of our society can be affected by one aspect of our lives, but truly, food is at the center of our existence and should be treated with respect and care and not with the neglect it is treated with now.

So what can we do in our own community to take back food sovereignty? For starters, we must set a goal. Our connection with food throughout history has always been a simultaneous connection with people. Eating, gathering, and cooking times have always been about an exchange of information and culture amongst each other.

The loss of one such as food awareness and culture, has inevitably made us lose the other, a connection with each other. I hope that in bringing back one of these links, the fostering, growth, and renewal of the other will take place.

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The Gaucho Certified Farmers Market has moved from Lot 23 to the area between North Hall and Campbell Hall. The move to a larger more central location is indicative of the popularity and success that the originally grassroots event has experienced since its advent at the beginning of the 2013-14 school year. The event is the brainchild of the Gaucho U certification program, a training program designed to connect participants in an ongoing leadership and learning environment focused on the UC Core Competencies. Gaucho U’s original focus was developing a project that brought a new aspect of sustainability to UCSB’s campus that was accessible to students, faculty, and the surrounding community. The funding for the Farmers Market comes from The Green Initiative Fund, a fee UC students pay that provides a funding pool for many sustainable projects on UC campuses.

The Market brings organic produce to the UCSB community by inviting local organic and sustainable farms and artisans to participate in the event. Underwood Family Farms is an example of a farm that sells its produce at this event. Due to their sustainable farming practices, Underwood Family Farms is a popular vendor. Some of their sustainable practices include using integrated pest management such as ladybugs, and rotation of crops rather than spraying with synthetic chemicals.

Jessica, an employee from Underwood explains

that because Underwood is from the LA area, they usually frequent LA area farmers markets but the Gaucho Certified market is a good way to expand their customer base and build support for sustainable agriculture in other areas. “We were invited to be a vendor. Many kids from our area come to school up here. We even have some employees that are UCSB students, so we already have a customer base, and participating in a market further away from the LA area is a good way to expand that base. We also appreciate the focus on sustainability that UCSB has demonstrated with inviting local and sustainable farms.”

These qualities have also attracted other vendors, as the market has seen a significant increase in the variety of participants. Companies with unique wares have come to the Gaucho Certified Farmers Market such as the Santa Barbara Popcorn Company, a popcorn company that uses only California grown corn and produces gluten free, vegan and whole grain varieties while using recyclable packaging.

Rock Rose Provisions, an artisanal culinary project based in Santa Barbara, uses responsibly sourced ingredients from local purveyors to produce small batches of nut butters with unique flavors such as coconut ginger cashew butter and chocolate habanero sunflower seed. The Market has even drawn some food trucks to the scene including Georgia’s Smokehouse and The Burger Bus.

The Gaucho Certified Farmer’s Market Wednesdays from 11AM-3PM

Between North Hall & Campbell Hall

Text by Emma Carico Photography by Irene Wang

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GAUCHO CERTIFIED

The popularity of this weekly event has largely been due to its convenience and location for the UCSB community. UCSB Chemistry Department staff member Mallorie Stevens comes to the Gaucho Certified Farmers Market because it’s on campus during her lunch hour. “I live in Carpentaria so I generally can’t make it home in time before my farmers market closes on Thursday nights,” she says. Mallorie also explained that she chooses to shop here because it is local and sustainable. “I think it’s people’s expectation that when you shop at a farmers market you’re getting local, sustainable produce. Otherwise, you might as well just go to the grocery store”.

Student, Vanessa Staton, a soon-to-be second year UCSB Environmental Studies major, says, “I like that I can get fresh locally grown produce, and that it’s located right on campus so it’s not a journey into Goleta or Santa Barbara”.

The event has also made an effort to reach out to the community through social media. The frequently updated Facebook page, Gaucho Certified Farmers Market at UCSB, features updates, surveys, and recipes. Other UCSB organizations such as Health and Wellness and the Department of Public Worms have been featured at the event with fun activities. Gaucho U and UCSB students, as well as faculty, are hoping that the following of the market continues to grow into the 2014-2015 school year.

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PUBLIC MARKETS

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Lavender Honey Ice Cream. A refreshing glass of red wine. Handmade Pasta. Let your senses be delighted with the offerings of one of Santa Barbara’s newest hip destinations, The Santa Barbara Public Market. A crossroads between a chic grocery store, novelty restaurants, and artisanal offerings, The SB Public Market caters more to your taste buds than your wallet. Nonetheless, treat yourself for a day and go explore some incredible food while making unique connections with vendors and sampling flavor combinations that kick college food to the curb.

Some of the notable places to hit up while you wander:

1. Crazy Good Bread Co.- The name really does say it all. For all those carb-aholics out there, and lovers of one of the most basic, delicious gift of humanity, Crazy Good Bread offers delicacies like a Rosemary Olive Bread as well as specialities like Fig Masala. So what are you waiting for? Start munchin’.

2. The Culture Counter Co.- Sometimes it’s okay if things are a little cheesy. Or a lot. The Culture Counter Co. offers a variety of fine cheeses and salamis that will go splendidly with that Rosemary Olive Bread you just fell in love with. With selections that include yummies like Apple Smoked Cheddar and Gouda, its hard to pick just one. So convince that roommate of yours to split the price, and ditch the mundanities of the unmentionable cheese (if that’s what it really is) in a can and cause some major fridge envy amongst your housemates.

3. Enjoy Cupcakes- Forget the Pillsbury box you’ve had sitting in your pantry for months. Take a bite out of heaven with a cupcake from Enjoy Cupcakes. Savor a Chocolate Blackberry Syrah cupcake or add a little sparkle to your day with a flavor like Ginger Peach Chardonnay. A perfectly sweet, not too large cupcake allows you to really take in a taste that isn’t masked with preservatives, artificial flavorings, and too sweet frosting. Enjoy Cupcakes is making what’s usually considered a “girly” food bold, interesting, and just want you want after a long day of studying. Give yourself a break and make one these cupcakes your little secret of the day.

4. JuiceWell- That hard partying taking a toll? Clean up your potential lean mean fighting machine with some refreshing juices that put that pep back in your Gaucho step. Try the Cocoa Royale which has coconut and Madagascar vanilla or the Recharge that contains cayenne and beets to re-introduce your body to some energizing goodness. Plus, you just had that cupcake so what better time than to chug down something healthy?

Santa Barbara Public M a r k e t

TEXT BY APOORVA CHIPLUNKAR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIAH TIFFANY

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zesty zucchini breadText by Kieran Hughes Photography by Irene Wang

Simple Grilled Wild SalmonBring back summer memories with some easy grilling that’s both delicious and stress-free. Salmon makes for a delectable combination with quinoa, orzo, or an earthy pilaf. This simple yet flavorful fish is sure to help you cozy up to some cool Fall weather.

6 oz. salmon fillets 3 orange slices

salt and pepper olive oil

fresh rosemary

Ingredients

Text by Kieran Hughes Photography by Jacqueline Puga

InstructionsPreheat the grill and set for indirect cooking (or place a sheet of aluminum foil over the grill)

Drizzle the salmon with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.

Place orange slices on the grill and top with the salmon and rosemary.

Cover the grill and let the fish cook for about 20-25 minutes, depending on the thickness.

Remove from the grill and serve.

1 and 1/2 Cups Almond Flour

3 Teaspoons Cinnamon1 Teaspoon Baking Soda

1/2 Teaspoon Salt1/2 Teaspoon Nutmeg

3 Eggs, Beaten1/4 Cup Honey1 Ripe Banana

1 Cup Shredded Zucchini

1. Preheat oven to 350 °f2. Combine dry ingredients in a small bowl. 3. Place the wet ingredients in a bowl. Using a mixer, beat on medium for 2 minutes until frothy and fully combined. 4. Add the shredded zucchini and beat again just enough to incorporate.5. Slowly add the dry ingredients with the mixer running, until all of the flour mixture has been incorporated.-6. Spoon the batter into 2 mini loaf pans. 7. Bake for 35 minutes until the middle is set and a toothpick comes out clean.

Instructions

Ingredients

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Nutty almond flour and fresh, organic zucchini makes for a warm indulgence that is sure to be a crowd pleaser. This palatable dessert pairs well with a warm chai tea or french pressed coffee.

Sultry SquashThis is an easy, no cook dish that will makes for an classy appetizer or side dish. Top with herbs like mint or parseley to add a pop of flavor to this colorful plate.

1. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice and zest, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.2. Using a vegetable peeler, a mandolin, or a very sharp knife, cut the zucchini and summer squash into thin strips lengthwise.3. Season the zucchini and summer squash with salt and pepper, then toss with the olive oil/lemon juice mixture.4. Top with finely minced herbs and serve.

3 medium zucchini3 yellow summer squash

3 tbsb. olive oilzest of 1 lemon

juice of 1 lemonsalt & pepper

handful of fresh herbs

Instructions

Ingredients

Text by Kieran Hughes Photography by Irene Wang

21 tech

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The Bloom BoxA GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE

Sustainable energy is on the minds of all students, scientists, and concerned environmentalists around the world. The University of California, Santa Barbara recently installed a fuel cell on campus, proving the university to be a leader in the implementation of sustainable energy solutions. The fuel cell, created by an up-and-coming Silicon Valley fuel cell start-up company called Bloom Energy, is a solid-oxide fuel cell that produces electricity efficiently without combustion and with a low environmental impact.

The TechnologyIt must be mentioned that while fuel cells are sources of energy, they merely convert fuel into electricity, not generate it. Fuel cells cannot generate electricity by themselves. The fuel cell converts fuel into electricity through an electrochemical reaction between a fuel source, such as natural gas or renewable biogas, and oxygen. The hydrogen in the fuel is converted into currents of electrons that serve as electricity, with the aid of steam, a catalyst and a specialized membrane. The byproducts of this electrochemical reaction include some carbon dioxide, water, heat and electricity.

Why Fuel Cells?

The Bloom Box is a highly sustainable form of electricity creation. Because it does not rely on combustion, it is efficient, and it is made with renewable resources. Fuel cells do not require combustion to produce electricity like coal-fired power plants do, which makes the system more efficient and environmentally friendly, because it does not produce particulate matter. Also, coal-fired power plants require many more steps than a fuel cell to produce electricity, which makes the power plants more prone to energy loss and, therefore, less efficient. The Bloom Box can achieve about 60% efficiency, which is impressive next to the 33% energy-to-electricity

efficiency of coal-fired power plants.

A Very Sustainable Product

Not only is the Bloom Box a highly efficient form of energy generation without combustion, it also is made sustainably. The Bloom Box is made up of thousands of ceramic tiles coated with a negatively charged ink on one side, and a positively charged ink on the other. These tiles are basically made from baked beach sand, which is a very abundant and renewable resource.1 The Bloom Box is also not made from precious metals and does not use corrosive acids or molten materials.2 On top of that, it recycles the heat and water used in the process of electricity

generation, which makes the process even more sustainable.

The Bloom Box is a highly efficient, sustainable source of electricity for UCSB. Fuel cells are more efficient and more compact. There is no combustion and does not produce harmful particulate matter, like fossil fuel burning plants. There are very few harmful emissions and, on top of that, the Bloom Boxes themselves are made with a very sustainable material. The Bloom Box has far more advantages than disadvantages and UCSB has been lucky enough to get a glimpse into the future of energy. Large

universities, companies, and even residential homes will soon get their own taste of what Bloom Energy has to offer and it’s all thanks to a man, their founder, who dreamed a big dream. One day, the darkest, most secluded parts of the world will have access to their own electricity. Children will be able to read at night and families will no longer breathe in harmful black carbon from kerosene lamps.1 The Bloom Box has the potential to make great change in the world, and UCSB should be very proud to be a part of that journey.

Bloom Energy, founded by K.R. Sridhar, was created with the intent of simply helping people. Sridhar’s main goal was to provide the darkest parts of the world access to clean and reliable energy generation, and believes that the Bloom Box can be the solution to the world’s energy generation problems.1 Bloom Energy is a relatively young company, but is very ambitious. They have installed the Bloom Box at company buildings such as Google and Walmart.2 They have also secured international deals that have the potential to change future electricity production and energy use. For example, Bloom Energy recently acquired a contract with SoftBank, a major Japanese telecommunications company that was looking for a new source of electricity, after the shut-down of Japan’s nuclear power plants. 3 Bloom Energy’s Bloom Box has the potential to provide a cleaner source of energy to a country that is in an energy deficit.

About the Company

Text by Melissa Taguchi Art by Lauren Covey

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Fuel Horizon

When the Ford Model T was released, there were four big contenders for its primary fuel. Those four fuels were gasoline, kerosene, ethanol and electricity. The Model T would run on gasoline, kerosene or ethanol. There were other cars which ran on a large battery and a motor, however, they remained underwhelming. They were costly, slow and, much like our phones, the batteries would stop working after only a few years of use. The cost of gas plummeted, and prohibition made ethanol a very hard fuel to come by, so gasoline quickly became the most common fuel for the Model T. Soon, only cars running on gas were being manufactured. Today gas is much more expensive than it used to be. It may be time we rethink our choice in fuels.

In the next ten years, we will see a variety of fuels. The best thing to do now is to inform ourselves about fuel types, so when the time comes, we can make the best decision for what type to use. Selecting your car’s fuel is crucial to the current and future health of the environment. How will the fuel be translated into power? Alternative fuels can power an engine just like gas, but an electric car uses a motor to drive the car. A car may also use fuel to generate electricity for a motor which turns the wheels. This would be accomplished with a fuel cell or a generator. Manufacturers might choose this route to increase range and flexibility. For the moment, most electric cars just don’t have the range and dependability we are used to, so a backup fuel source could be a plus.

The most prevalent alternative energy source we see today is electricity. Battery powered cars fill a niche in the car market

already and should grow considerably in the future. This is because electric cars have obvious advantages; no roadway emissions being the chief one. In addition, as battery prices fall, so will the cost of the entire car. The real problems with electric cars are technological as current batteries are expensive and when built or recycled they have negative environmental impacts. Despite zero roadway emissions, the electricity for the batteries has to be generated at a power plant, many of which currently run on coal.

Another fuel type which has generated some hype is hydrogen. Hydrogen is used in a fuel cell, and the only emission is water. Honda is poised to release a hydrogen fuel cell car. California is building hydrogen filling stations across the state. Though the reality remains that there are plenty of problems with hydrogen which we will continue to face as this technology grows. Looking forward, the primary method we get hydrogen is by using electricity to convert water into hydrogen and oxygen. Therefore, hydrogen is only as clean as the electricity we use to make it. Due to the problems associated with the storage of hydrogen, such as corrosion and damage, most of the materials we use to store and transport gas are rare and require environmentally destructive mining practices. Storage problems are not the only issue with hydrogen. The dangers of compressing hydrogen and moving it from a filling station to the car seem to be the most serious.

The other source of fuel we have are different kinds of gas. Gas or oil is a

Written by: Eamon Winden Art by Jacqueline Puga

combination of a variety of hydrocarbons, organic molecules and a few impurities. When extracted as crude oil there are all different kinds of carbon containing molecules making it up. It is then separated and purified out. Some bits get put into plastics, other become jet fuel and some becomes our own gasoline. Natural gas also comes from separation of crude oil. You may have seen a bus or company truck which runs on compressed natural gas or CNG. Currently mostly buses and trucks take

advantage of this technology because there is minimal infrastructure for personal CNG vehicles to fill up as opposed to gasoline filling stations. In an engine, natural gas has fewer emissions than regular gas, but the problem of unsustainability persists as well as the fact that we will be taking long buried carbon and releasing it into the air.

There are some other sources of gas which are considered renewable. The same ethanol which powered the Ford Model T and now powers our parties could be running our cars.

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But ethanol certainly has its own problems. To set aside a huge portion of crops for fuel, requires a lot more space that many assert we do not have. Recently, there is another gas which has created some excitement. A company in Toronto has contracted to take all of Toronto’s dirty diapers and turn them into a fuel source. Biogas is made not only from dirty diapers, but most of our garbage, sewage and industrial byproducts. Biogas seems very promising, as it is cheap and doesn’t require us to grow anything specifically for it. However, there are some concerns. The gas which is captured from the digestion of these materials needs to be purified before it can be put into an engine

or fuel cell. That process releases waste materials which are actually more toxic than the things we are throwing away in the first place.

Only time will tell which of these fuels will win out in the long run, or even which of these will make it to the market. There are some significant hurdles for adoption of these fuels, some technological and some social. The reality is that the decision you make in buying your next car could help promote the widespread adoption of one car over another, so choose carefully. Every fuel has both positive and negative elements. What drawbacks are you willing to live with in order to obtain the benefits?

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Selecting your car’s fuel is crucial to the current and future health of the environment.

Lone Wolf

“This piece took well over 20 hours to complete. As a

lover of canines, I wanted this to appear as realistic as

possible – aside from the stylistic neon coloring.”

The Works of

Lindsay Thompson

“As an enthusiast of both outer-space and forests, I originally painted this piece simply

because I enjoyed the idea of synthesizing the two elements into one portrayal. However, as

environmental issues become increasingly vital, I find myself interpreting this lonely tree as

a survivor of deforestation. As population growth remains exponential, more and more trees

are cut down each year for various reasons. This is one of many reasons why recycling and

minimizing paper usage is crucial for our expansive populations.”

The wolf has been roaming the Northern hemisphere for centuries. In 1924, however, wolves

were eradicated in California due to a long history of farmers losing herds to these natural-born

hunters. When the Endangered Species Act was enacted in 1973, the wolf was one of many

in need of protection. Recently, this beautiful animal has been removed from the Worldwide

Endangered Species List after successful population growth.

One Tree Hill

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Torn between two worlds, I am the roots and the trees

I am the wolf that howls at night, the honey that flows from the bees

Sometimes I don’t see the light, sometimes I keep running away

But something in that ocean beckons me to stay

Silvery sand illuminated by the gentle caress of the moon

Life is a broken melody while the rhythms of nature are always in tune

Each ray of your grace dances across the strands of my hair

Equality in nature, in humanity unfair

When we consume what should be loved

We take what we should share

Unconditional in her ways, we continue on without care

The connection I crave to the Gaia that saves

The sadness I feel as we make the forests our slaves

Cycles that flow with the marriage of time

Continuous signals, without any signs

This internal struggle that keeps me awake

Sometimes I wonder, how much can this earth take?

I want to carry your scars and help your flowers bloom

So I may sink my feet into your loamy room

Nourishment for my body, peace for my heart

Let us fix what we have ruined, and put you back apart

So that your birds can sing and your sun can rise

Your forgiveness my salvation, your destruction my demise

ConnectionNo

tes

of t

he M

ind

TEXT BY APOORVA CHIPLUNKAR PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIAH TIFFANY

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Olympic swimming pools. If we don’t take steps to conserve water, fuel, and other resources, we will soon find them to be scarce. This can seem very difficult to imagine, but the United States—and especially California—are experiencing extreme drought. 75% of California’s rangeland and pas-tures are rated to be in poor to very poor condi-tion. The 11 water reserves in California are aver-aging 57% of their historical average. This means that utility companies are having to go elsewhere in order to supply water and that cost gets passed on to you, the consumer. To continue focusing on water, this climate change induced drought could soon cause water rationing, shortages of consum-er products that require water in the manufactur-ing process, and reduced agricultural output.

You will probably not feel the full force of these events as long as you have money. When food and products become scarce, the price goes up to compensate. It’s not likely that there will be a complete collapse of any industry in a first world country in this generation. That is why you

have to care. Your conscious must extend to in-clude people outside your direct vicinity, which encapsulates global examples like the residents of the Marshal Islands who are at risk of being submerged by rising sea levels. You need to care about the 46.5 million people in the United States who live below the poverty line and can’t afford to pay increased prices for necessities. Not to mention, you need to care about the shrinking ice caps that leave polar bears stranded, even though you’ve heard it a thousand times. Hope-fully you’ve already thought of at least some of these situations, although a reminder can of-tentimes reinforce a passing thought put on the backburner. Working around an evolutionary bias can be difficult, but it is possible. The power to en-act positive change through the choices you make as a consumer, a voter, and a citizen of the plan-et could make all the difference when it comes to maintaining the vitality of the world as we’ve known it.

By now we’ve all heard about the impending doom that is known as climate change. Sea lev-els are rising, biodiversity is shrinking, and public opinion is staying roughly the same. Global warm-ing was recognized as an issue in 1968 which was almost 50 years ago. So why have we still not made the drastic changes necessary to avert this disaster? Changes on an individual scale have not been implemented as efficiently as they could be, resulting in awareness that lacks action. Re-cycling, turning off the lights when they’re not in use, and taking short showers are not common-place across the U.S; not every mentality of the average American is reflective of the eco-con-scious, hippy dippy Californian. What is keeping us from acting? As it turns out, our psychology is partly to blame.

Climate change is a large, abstract idea that our evolutionary history has not adequately pre-pared us to deal with. Throughout time, we have had to deal with threats that were, for the most part, immediate. For example, we can understand what it feels like to be threatened by a person, an-imal, or situation. These occurrences produce a fight or flight response, and the emotional reac-tion of fear. Unfortunately, talk of global warming has no such effect as it has entered into the realm of colloquial phrases that unfortunately holds no water.

There are two ways by which we, as a species, assess risk. The first is through an analytical and logical evaluation of facts and the other is through an emotional response. The emotional response has the ability to provoke intense and immediate action whereas the analytical viewpoint rarely does the same. Most of the time when climate change is addressed, the audience is assaulted with facts, statistics, and other un-relatable data

that gets jumbled somewhere between politi-cal agendas and environmental extremism. This does little to stimulate an appropriate emotional response as people are stuck in the middle of a vortex of scientific reasoning and policy rhetoric that fails to make climate change a tangible idea.Though we see ourselves as highly cognitive be-ings, the idea that our entire global system could change as dramatically as the media portrays it, is too much for us to take in. For most people, threat is an emotion rather than a statistic. The logical next step here is to say “OK, let’s just scare everyone into action!” but that is a risk in and of itself because when people feel backed into a cor-ner or overwhelmed, they oftentimes are trapped in an abyss of opinions that renders them unable to comprehend the difference between fact and fiction. In order to effectively communicate the need to take action to avert climate change, the situation needs to be framed in a way that em-powers the individual.

On a more day to day, routine basis here’s what you can do: Make a pledge to yourself, to the en-vironment, and to the future citizens of the planet to make small changes in your everyday activi-ties and to stick with it even when it’s not conve-nient. There will be days when taking a 20 minute shower will seem like a welcome reprieve, when you’re too busy to vote on the citywide plastic bag ban, and when buying the imported foods from a store is more opportune than going to the farm-ers market. This is when it matters. These are the moments where you face a choice between what benefits you and what benefits the planet. These moments make a difference. If you take 5 minutes off your shower time, that’s 25 gallons saved. If everyone in Santa Barbara and Isla Vista did only that, it would save enough water to fill 4.3

The Psychology of the

Environmental MovementText by Sage Lang Art by Lauren Covey

3433

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It started with one plastic water bottle. Then it steadily grew to two, three, maybe even four a day. The construction work I did at an orphanage in Cusco, Peru was physically demanding and utterly exhausting. The sun in Cusco is unforgiving in the heights of the Andes Mountains during late August, and if I did not purchase a few water bottles every morning before heading over to the orphanage, I would have been gulping like a fish out of water. Simply put, plastic water bottles were my only safe and clean source of water.

Why was this so? Peru is still considered a developing country, and its poor water supply and sanitation negatively affects tens of millions of citizens. The tap water is not safe to consume because it comes from some of the world’s most polluted rivers, such as the Rio Rimac that runs through Lima. Mining facilities that border rivers in Peru, like the Rimac, release massive amounts of heavy metals that enter the rivers via runoff. As a result, water sanitation facilities treat the water with extremely high levels of chlorine in attempt to eradicate bacteria and other impurities. For households that have access to tap water, people resort to boiling their water before consumption. However, many families are forced to rely on well water or plastic water bottles if they do not have indoor plumbing in their homes.

As a nervous, young volunteer in a foreign country, I decided that my best bet was to stick to plastic. Before I decided to go on this trip, I was fervently opposed to the practice of drinking from plastic water bottles. I could not fathom the reasons why one would choose to drink from those wasteful, completely unnecessary receptacles of synthetic material when you can simply obtain clean water from your refrigerator or

sink faucet. Frankly, I was naïve and entirely unaware

of the privilege I had that allowed me to make environmentally friendly choices such as refusing to use plastic water bottles.

After three weeks of shoveling rocks, mixing cement, and creating a garden, my time in Peru came to an end, and I hopped on a plane for Sacramento. When I arrived back home, I was ecstatic to once again have some of the luxuries that my homestay in Peru did not offer: a warm shower, air conditioning, and of course, a reliable source of water. I realized how privileged I am to be able to make environmentally friendly decisions.

I have easy access to clean water every single day, which is a statement that many Peruvians do not have the opportunity to say. We need to realize that one must be privileged in order to subscribe to environmental movements. Clearly, not everybody in the world has the same opportunities as many Gauchos to minimize human impact on the planet. Because many of us at UCSB are capable of being environmentally friendly, we must take advantage of the opportunities available and use our privilege to lead more sustainable lives.

So where do we go from here? Next time you pass by the Farmer’s Market behind the SRB, maybe inspect the various stands and buy some freshly picked strawberries. Instead of getting a plastic bag to carry your snacks from the Arbor, just place your treats in your backpack. Why not ditch those plastic water bottles and refill your reusable one at a hydration station on campus? There are a plethora of options available to us Gauchos, and making more eco-conscious decisions will be crucial in improving the quality of life for both the environment and people that make up this planet we call home.

Environmental

PrivilegeTEXT BY JULIA DIAMOND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEA OLIVAS

RETHINKING the THREE R'SText by Shannon Malone Art by Lauren Covey

38

UCSB has a reputation for having a strong environmental consciousness. With programs such as UCSB Sustainability, the Environmental Affairs Board, AS Recycling, Coastal Fund, CalPirg, and a renowned Environmental Studies program, the university has had the ability to influence and affect a large demographic. These organizations have allowed for the promotion of causes like recycling and environmental activism. These groups have also been responsible for giving students a voice on energy issues like fracking and fossil fuel divestment.

Programs such as these promote activism and recycling as ways to be “green” without defining what “green” is. Our definition of green varies based on our opinions, knowledge, and values. In today’s consumer culture, the popular definition of “green” is not far from that of our university programs’. Issues such as reducing plastic bags have become a kind of eco- cultural phenomenon, and through the use of social media and advertising, movements like “Ban the Bag” have become part of the common vernacular.

Although these issues are important and the people behind them have the best intentions, there is more to the issue. Is there a step we can take before recycling? The answer lies in this; we have forgotten the true meaning of green, which I will define here as sustainable. We have forgotten the everyday lifestyle choices that were once second nature.

These everyday lifestyle choices are rooted in the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. In today’s society, we see these concepts emphasized in reverse; Recycle, Reuse, Reduce. Profit can be made by offering consumers the things they need in cheap and convenient ways, not by promoting reusable

products that will decrease the consumer’s consumption. Even when companies promote reusable products, the multitude of selections leave consumers purchasing more than necessary. For example, grocery stores that promote reusable bags will offer different brands, with varying sizes, designs, and materials leaving the average shopper with too many options to select just one.

This concept can be applied to a variety of areas, however, food consumption and food packaging materials remain some of the most outstanding offenders to date. This pertains to the ways in which students consume food on campus, in Isla Vista, and at their residences. Addressing these issues could help alleviate the damage that continues to degrade the environment on a daily basis.

To reduce and reuse, food packaging and consumption takes an investment of time and money. When most students are confronted about the issue, their response is “I want to, but I don’t have the resources”. While it is understood that students’ first priority is school, this response portrays that most students value the environment, however, feel that as students, they must consume based on their values of convenience and price. So what values do we consider before making a purchase? We consider the dollar amount, the time it takes to shop for and prepare a meal, our education on how the food was made, who made the food, its quality, and where it came from. Being aware of your daily consumption and better understanding what you as a consumer value most enables you to knowledgeably compare and contrast the benefits of purchasing goods and time spent consuming goods.

Just for kicks, estimate the amount of food, packaging, and money consumed on a regular day. For example, flavored Yerba

Mate ranks as a personal favorite that I can buy at the arbor for $3.29 (which is extremely convenient), or I can get it on my way to campus for $2.39 (but this has to be before I get to campus), or I can make five servings at home the night before and enjoy it, using a reusable mug, for .30 cents a serving!

There are many local organizations that provide resources for students to participate in more sustainable practices. With the IV Co-op, AS Recycling, EAB, and more, students are surrounded by people that can help them save money and better understand their role as a consumer. 37

Refuse the idea that being “green” is time consuming and expensive. With a little planning and commitment, being green can effortlessly

become part of your daily life.

Like snacks on the go? Coffee every day? Use your reusable packaging materials and bulk snack items to prepare your munchies the night before, so you won’t run

out of time to prepare them in the morning.

Commonly bought-on-the-go items are as follows: Bottled water Savory Snacks LunchCoffee and tea Sweets Breakfast

Reduce your food packaging materials by reusing food containers from these products:

Tupperware from lunch meats, yogurt & hummusJars from peanut butter, jam, & pickles

Resealable bags from snacks. (You can even save your cereal bags to replace wax paper in baking!)

Egg cartons, use these as seed pots, organizing tray, & shipping material.

Here are some tips to becoming a wiser and greener consumer:

Buying items in bulk can be much cheaper and more sustainable. It helps to promote local businesses, saves time (by eliminating the need to take multiple grocery trips), and reduces food waste by allowing you to prepare the exact amount you need. Buy items you know you

will constantly consume and that will not spoil.

Popular items to buy in bulk include:

Beans Cereals SweetenersRice Tea & Coffee PastasSpices and herbs Granola Oats

Tip #2Buy in Bulk; Reduce your food package consumption

Tip #1Save food packaging materials from your purchases

Tip #3Reduce your pre-made food/fast food consumption:

Want some more options?

Use this resource to figure out what works best for you:IV Food Co-op Guide

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You can reduce your consumption by planning your meals and snacks ahead of time. Rather than purchasing on the go, invest some time and money into making large servings that you can reheat or reuse for the entire week. This will save

you money and consumer waste in the long run!

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AcknowledgementsThe Plover would like to thank the UCSB Enviromental Affairs Board

for their sponsorship of this first issue.

A special thanks to Celia Alario for providing unconditional support and encouragement throughout the creation of this magazine.

Thank you to all the contributers in this issue, we really value your commitment and hardwork. This issue would not have been possible without your dedication. A special thank you to Mariah Tiffany for the

section divider photographs as well as the front and backcover.

EditorsApoorva Chiplunkar

Amber Reedy

Creative DirectorJacqueline Puga

DesignersRob Fitzsimmons

Reyna KapadiaAlea Olivas

Amber ReedyEamon Winden

Congratulations to the team on your inagural issue of The Plover. May this be the first of many to come!

And remember; Love is the message, the rest is all just static in the channel.

-Celia Alario

The PloverFall 2014