1. ECHO focuses on low technology methods because their main goal is to find ways for underdeveloped nations to feed their people successfully with the little they have. One example of a low technology method was peddling a stationary bike in order to gain power to work a circular saw; here in the developed world, we just plug it into the wall have it turns on. Another low technology machine was a solar oven, compared to more advanced ovens they are made, as well as the ones we use in America.
2. Methods that ECHO uses for urban farmers in underdeveloped nations is rooftop gardening. This method involves little to no soil, and is grow in any contains found within urban cities.
3. ECHO uses all energy efficient methods for their plants, fruits, and animals. For instance, they have water pumpers, and wells that the people have to pump themselves. Not only does this save energy, it gives the people a workout. They also have solar dehydrators that run from the suns energy and not from electricity, so they are saving energy there. When it comes to watering their plants, they have these systems of tubes that connect to a bucket filled with water, and from the natural gravity, the water gets transferred to all the plants to get watered. Compared to the typical, chemical-based agribusiness operations, ECHO is way more sustainable. Although maybe some agribusinesses are transferring to more energy efficient methods, they will never be as sustainable as ECHO.
4. ECHO develops good soil by using manure to put nutrients back into the soil, by scrapes from other plants to also put nutrients back into the soil. They also cover everything with mulch so that the sun doesn't burn the soil and the mulch helps to keep all the nutrients from washing away when it rains or when the plants get watered.
5. The moringa tree is a perennial veggie. It is the "favorite tree" of ECHO. It is extremely nutritious and often use to support nursing mothers. It can be used as a water purifier and the oil pressed from the seeds can be used to soothe arthritic joints.
6. The Neem tree originates from India and South Asia. It has antibacterial and anti fungal properties which is why it is called the "village pharmacy" it is also called the "tree of 40 cures". This tree is used for pest control and the it is drought resistant.
7. The duck pond is a symbiotic relationship between the tilapia in the pond, the algae in the pond, and the ducks. The duck droppings feed the algae which grows in the pond which the tilapia eat. The ducks and the tilapia serve as a protein source for an entire village.
8. There are many synergies between plants and animals. As discussed in the question above, the ducks, tilapia, algae, and people all benefit from this relationship.
9. Our tour guide's perspective about the environment and her job at ECHO was "Give a man a fish and he can eat for a day but teach a man to fish and he can eat for a lifetime."
10. I have given a lot of thought about becoming for thoughtful of agricultural products by starting to grow my own food or support more local grows that practice sustainable farming.
Kealy Stapleton
This was my
favorite field trip so far! I had a great time and learned so much about
different plants and cultures. It was a big eye opener to see how some people
rely on these farming practices to sustain life. Our culture is so distant from
that principle because it is so easy for us to get our food at the local
supermarket. It really makes me want to start my own small garden and be more
responsible for providing food for myself.
I liked this field trip a lot. It was interesting to see the different ways of providing food without mass agriculture. I enjoyed the different plant varieties and climate growing conditions. I will probably have to come back soon to buy plants with my girlfriend. I think ECHO is doing a great thing for a lot of people by teaching them these sustainable farming practices.
Geri Coppola
I really enjoyed this field trip. I loved learning about all the different ways to grow plants and all the different growing conditions there are. It is interesting to see how so many people really need these farming practices to survive. I am so happy that there are places like ECHO to help those people learn how to sustain their life their way.
Kelly Siegrist
I loved this field trip to ECHO. I learned so much, not only to help me better maintain my garden, but also different techniques that can have a less of an impact on the environment. I also really believe in what they are doing in ECHO. I always believed in the saying if you give a man a fish, he'll eat good tonight, but if you teach a man to fish he'll eat for a lifetime. Teaching is the best way of helping less privileged people provide for themselves and their families. 
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