On March 9, 2015, we started off our meeting with reading an article. I really enjoyed this article and thought it had a lot of very interesting information and argued valid points. The title of the article is "You Say Alternatives Are The Answer. . . Let's Talk:" In the introduction paragraph it discusses the economic growth and demand for energy. It also talks about alternative energies and how we get them. Solar power was one alternative energy they discussed, another is hybrid and alternative vehicles, batteries, and the one I focused on, is the concept of critical and strategic minerals. These all sound like good ideas, however we often forget how limited these sources are and how expensive they are, and that was highlighted in this article, and that is why I liked it. 

The concept of critical and strategic minerals talked about the nation's dependence on imports, and the complications with relying on foreign sources to get rare earth metals. It also explained how the price for the minerals and elements are becoming more expensive and scarce. I think that these minerals and elements are becoming more expensive to get because these countries are realizing that the U.S. is relying so much on their products.  

Another thing that I think we often forget and that is really important is time. Time is something that is always mentioned in these debates, like how much time do we have left if we do not use alternative energies, and if we use alternative energies, how much time will it give us?

After the article discussion we analyzed what makes a good conference. We talked about what we enjoyed about previous conferences we attended and aspects we would like to have at our conference. We also reflected and debriefed about our experience at the IYEYS Conference. We are in the process of creating our conference and I am determined and excited to see the work we will produce as a group. 

I look forward to the next meetings, and continuing to plan for the Maya Conference. I am also excited to learn more about current environmental issues.