The article discusses how food represents our most direct connection to nature, as what we eat comes from the soil and enters our bodies. It notes that Western diets have changed dramatically in the last century to include more processed foods, sugars, and red meats while containing fewer whole grains, fruits and vegetables. This Western diet has been linked to a rise in diseases like obesity, diabetes and heart disease. At a deeper level, the food issue reflects a lack of relationship with our food and each other, with consequences for public health, education, security and the environment. The article argues we have lost a basic survival skill in not knowing what foods are healthy.

1. The
Plover
Issue 1
An Eco-Lifestyle Magazine

2. 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”-wehopethatThePlovergivesyousomereprievefromthetrialsandtribulations
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.
Withouttheinputofourfellowpeers,ThePloverwouldhaveremainedanunhatched
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 AmberReedy
Outdoors
Moments in the Woods 4
Between two extremes 5-6
Hiking Mission Canyon 7-8
Sounds for the Soul 9
Food
Food: Our Most Direct Connection to Nature 11-12
Gaucho Certified 13-14
Santa Barbara Public Market 15-18
Simple Grilled Wild Salmon 19
Zesty Zucchini Bread 20
Sultry Summer Squash 21
Technology
The Bloom Box 23-24
Fuel Horizon 25-27
Arts&Culture
The Works of Lindsay Thompson 29-30
Connection 32
The psychology of the environmental movement 33-34
Environmental privilege 35-36
Rethinking the three R’s 37-40
MessagefromCeliaAlario
Acknowledgements

3. Outdoors
Until 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
connectiontonatureisdeep.Itisaconnection
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 WOODSOUTDOORS Text by Eamon Winden Photography by Alea Olivas
4

4. 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
mountainsearlier,sowhynotgrabsomegear
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
usingonlyyourwitandrawphysicalprowess.
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!
2
EXTREMES
Text by Kieran Hughes
Art by Lindsay Thompson
BETWEEN
5 6

5. 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!
CathedralPeakisthemostdifficulthike
in Santa Barbara, and the most rewarding
destination in the area. From the
intersection of the Jesusita trail and the
creek,followthecreekupstreamforabout
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
7 8

6. THAT’S THE WAY
LED ZEPPELIN
WHERE DO THE CHILDREN PLAY
CAT STEVENS
WOODSTOCK
PERFORMED BY CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG
THREE LITTLE BIRDS
BOB MARLEY
BICYCLE RACE
QUEEN
WOLF
FIRST AID KIT
CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN
BECKY WHITE & THE SECRET MISSION
BIRDS AND STARS
ELEPHANT REVIVAL
THE WATER
JOHNNY FLYNN & LAURA MARLING
WAVEFORMS
DJANGO DJANGO
MYKONOS
FLEET FOXES
SACRED SANDS
ALLAH-LAS
KINGDOM OF THE ANIMALS
IRON & WINE
RISE TO THE SUN
ALABAMA SHAKES
CAMPFIRE SONG
THE BUDROWS
BLACK DIRT
SEA WOLF
SNAKE IN THE GRASS
THE BLACK ANGELS
ANIMALS
BONOBO
I FEEL THE EARTH MOVE
CAROLE KING
COAST TO COAST
THE BLANK TAPES
HAVE YOU EVER SEEN THE RAIN
CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL
FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH
BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD
HEAR THE WILLOW CRY
THE STEELDRIVERS
SOCIETY
EDDIE VEDDER
ounds for the Soul
S 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
9

7. 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,andevenmetaphysical
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
ofredandprocessedmeats,andveryfew
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 D
Text 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.
Thelossofonesuchasfoodawareness
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.
11 12

8. 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
experiencedsinceitsadventatthebeginningofthe
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,anemployeefromUnderwoodexplains
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
haveacustomerbase,andparticipatinginamarket
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
14
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
Thursdaynights,”shesays.Malloriealsoexplained
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.
13

9. PUBLIC MARKET
S
an t a B a r b a
ra
1615

10. 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.TrytheCocoaRoyalewhichhascoconutandMadagascarvanillaortheRecharge
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
Market
TEXT BY APOORVA CHIPLUNKAR
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIAH TIFFANY
1817

11. zestyzucchinibreadText by Kieran Hughes Photography by Irene Wang
Simple Grilled Wild Salmon
Bring 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
Instructions
Preheat 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 Cinnamon
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Nutmeg
3 Eggs, Beaten
1/4 Cup Honey
1 Ripe Banana
1 Cup Shredded Zucchini
1. Preheat oven to 350 °f
2. 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.Addtheshreddedzucchiniandbeatagainjustenough
to incorporate.
5.Slowlyaddthedryingredientswiththemixerrunning,
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
19 20
Nutty almond flour and fresh,
organic zucchini makes for a
warm indulgence that is sure to
beacrowdpleaser.Thispalatable
dessert pairs well with a warm
chai tea or french pressed coffee.

12. Sultry Squash
This 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 zucchini
3 yellow summer squash
3 tbsb. olive oil
zest of 1 lemon
juice of 1 lemon
salt & pepper
handful of fresh herbs
Instructions
Ingredients
Text by Kieran Hughes Photography by Irene Wang
21
technology

13. The Bloom Box
A 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.
TheTechnology
It 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.
WhyFuelCells?
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.
AVerySustainableProduct
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.
AbouttheCompany
Text by Melissa Taguchi Art by Lauren Covey
23 24

14. FuelHorizon
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
Twouldrunongasoline,keroseneorethanol.
There were other cars which ran on a large
batteryandamotor,however,theyremained
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.
Therearesomeothersourcesofgaswhich
are considered renewable. The same ethanol
which powered the Ford Model T and now
powersourpartiescouldberunningourcars.
2625

15. Arts&Culture
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?
27
Selecting your car’s fuel is
crucial to the current and future
health of the environment.

16. 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.”
TheWorks of
LindsayThompson
“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
30

17. 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
ConnectionNotesoftheMind TEXT BY APOORVA CHIPLUNKAR PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIAH TIFFANY
32

18. 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.
Onamoredaytoday,routinebasis here’swhat
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 Movement
Text by Sage Lang Art by Lauren Covey
3433

19. 36
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
physicallydemandingandutterlyexhausting.
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
theRioRimacthatrunsthroughLima.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
Peruviansdonothavetheopportunitytosay.
Weneedtorealizethatonemustbeprivileged
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
inyourbackpack.Whynotditchthoseplastic
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

20. RETHINKING theTHREE 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.Profitcanbemadebyoffering
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
packagingmaterialsremainsomeofthemost
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
consumptiontakesaninvestmentoftimeand
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
foodwasmade,whomadethefood,itsquality,
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
buyatthearborfor$3.29(whichisextremely
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,ASRecycling,EAB,andmore,students
are surrounded by people that can help them
save money and better understand their role
as a consumer.37

21. 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 Lunch
Coffee and tea Sweets Breakfast
Reduce your food packaging materials by reusing food containers from
these products:
Tupperware from lunch meats, yogurt & hummus
Jars 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
helpstopromotelocalbusinesses,savestime(byeliminatingtheneed
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 Sweeteners
Rice Tea & Coffee Pastas
Spices and herbs Granola Oats
Tip#2
BuyinBulk;Reduceyourfoodpackageconsumption
Tip#1
Save food packaging materials from your purchases
Tip#3
Reduceyourpre-madefood/fastfoodconsumption:
Wantsomemoreoptions?
Usethisresourcetofigureoutwhatworksbestforyou:
IVFoodCo-opGuide
40
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!
39

22. Acknowledgements
The 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.
Editors
Apoorva Chiplunkar
Amber Reedy
Creative Director
Jacqueline Puga
Designers
Rob Fitzsimmons
Reyna Kapadia
Alea Olivas
Amber Reedy
Eamon 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

23. The Plover
Fall2014