Jun 8 2012: I think that zoos should focus on getting the knowledge on threatened species and should do a part in helping to keep species from going extinct by providing a safe place for species and maybe even providing young to be introduced into their natural habitat. Due to the costs of taking care of the animals and the zoo so that visitors can learn about the threats to the animals, I do not think they should be out in the natural habitats trying to fund maintaining biodiversity. They should work with other organizations that have funding to work out in the natural habitats directly in order to be informed and to also provide information to the organization that could be helpful. I see the zoo as a tool to get the information to the public or acting as a mouthpiece to groups working to preserve biodiversity.
Jun 8 2012: I agree that it is important to get the knowledge out to a younger group. It's hard to get older people who are accustomed to the lifestyles we have to make enough changes to make any real difference. I guess that every little bit helps, but if we can show the younger generations the issues we are facing in the future in regards to the environment and biodiversity, they might be more willing to grow up with a smaller footprint. I know that this will probably take more time to make a turnaround before it's too late, but it is a start, and seeing the younger generation making changes might even make the older generation respond.
May 20 2012: I agree that marijuana should be legal for medicinal use, but feel that recreational use should not be allowed. Knowing people who used it recreational and seeing how it affected their lives helped form my opinion. Once they stopped using, they changed for the better. Making it that much easier to obtain would likely mean that more people would be using marijuana, and more lives could be negatively impacted. I would like to see more studies done, however to show that it would be useful for dealing with chronic pain.
May 1 2012: I think I also value cultural ecosystem services most highly. While it is true that many are required for survival, like clean air and water, without the mountains and lakes and the enjoyment I get from being in nature, I might as well not be surviving. Nothing relaxes me more then being in the middle of nowhere and seeing nature at it's finest, the further away from the touch of man the better. A high price tag on these would be acceptable to me, although I do already pay for some of this with park passes.
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