Matthew Bennett Final

Environmental Humanities Photovoice Project Final

My project participant (Ethan Ebanks) is a good friend of mine who studies at UCF. While he was working on this assignment, I explained to him what was expected of him and that the work may be used as an example in class to gauge his thoughts on the environmental photos he had taken. I politely requested that my participant take three images that illustrate their viewpoints on the environment and health. I also informed him that they are not required to provide any personal information or offer their honest opinions as part of this task. Additionally, I instructed them to write me one or two paragraphs discussing their thoughts on the photos they took, and they were to submit their opinions.

CONSENT FORM

I, Ethan Ebanks, am hereby giving my full consent For the UCF (University of
Central Florida) student, Matthew Bennett, to use any of my documents, photographs, and recordings accumulated and created for the purpose of her

PhotoVoice assignment within the course HUM2020-23Fall 0M0.

These materials may be publicly viewed within the class in order to be critically assessed and graded by her professor. Such materials may also be distributed amongst classmates/peers and via Pressbooks if the assignment asks for such evaluation. Further inquiries into said materials can be answered by me through the contact information displayed below.
By signing below, I hereby give my full consent,

Signature, Ethan Ebanks

Date: 11/15/2023
Email: enunaihed@gmail.com

Photovoice Proposal

Our environment is seriously threatened by the massive amount of trash generated, which has a negative impact on biodiversity, ecosystems, and the general balance of the ecosystem. Pollution of the air, water, and land is a result of excessive waste, especially non-biodegradable items like plastics. When garbage is disposed of improperly, soil and water sources become contaminated, endangering aquatic and terrestrial life. Plastic garbage, which is infamous for its persistence, decomposes into tiny plastic particles that seep into ecosystems, endangering wildlife by ingestion and upsetting entire food chains. The production of excessive trash and its disposal are energy-intensive activities that contribute to global warming. Greenhouse gasses from landfills, such methane, are a major cause of global warming. A comprehensive strategy is needed to address the problem of excessive waste, one that includes more public awareness and better water management practices.

Brief summary: Trash overpopulation also creates financial difficulties. Greater trash quantities result in increased waste management costs for collection, transportation, and disposal. In the end, managing excessive garbage consumes more resources for municipalities and communities than could be used for other vital services and infrastructure. Communities can better allocate resources for general economic well-being and save the environment by encouraging recycling and responsible trash management.

The act of strolling around the natural world is naturally peaceful. providing a break from the responsibilities and pressures I’ve faced this semester so far. Taking your time on a trail is far more enjoyable than battling Orlando’s heavy traffic and rushing across campuses to get to class on time. Instead, enjoy the peaceful, harmonizing sounds of rustling leaves and the weather as it is. Along with giving me a much-needed respite from the pressures of homework, tests, and earning money, this walk gives me the chance to contemplate, practice mindfulness, and decompress. Walking also helps my joints stay healthy and releases endorphins, which naturally elevates my mood.

Brief summary: I firmly think that going for a walk in a nature park has a lot of advantages for one’s physical and emotional health. It offers a chance to detach from everyday worries, lessen anxiety, and elevate mood. Walking in the outdoors can improve focus and creativity, encourage physical activity, and improve general health.

Air quality, public health, and climate stability are all seriously threatened by excessive vehicle emissions and traffic congestion, which have become key factors in environmental deterioration. Pollutants from vehicle emissions, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides, have a negative impact on air quality as well as human health. Extended exposure to elevated amounts of air pollution caused by traffic is linked to respiratory problems, cardiovascular disorders, and other deleterious health outcomes. One immediate result of more cars on the road is traffic congestion, which increases emissions and fuel consumption inefficiently. Automobiles that are idle waste fuel without moving forward, contributing needless emissions to the environment. Beyond just the quality of the air, traffic congestion has an adverse effect on local ecosystems, increases noise pollution, and makes cities less livable overall.

Brief summary: I think that human health depends on the quality of the air, and automobile emissions greatly increase air pollution. This problem is exacerbated by traffic congestion, which raises pollution levels of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Cardiovascular diseases, respiratory disorders, and other health problems can be brought on by poor air quality. Improving urban environments and reducing the long-term effects on public health require addressing automobile emissions and traffic congestion.

Theme: The Beauty and Destruction of our Ecosystem.

A reading that examines the images the participant submitted is A poet exploring the beauty of nature and how the environment communicates with him in “Becoming One With Nature” and how the earth has the ability to feel, breathe, hear, and occasionally speak, while images of overflowing trash cans and vehicles polluting the air depict “Walking Through Polluted Paradise” where there are images of Durand artworks conveying awareness of plastic pollution.