The Vegetarian Myth Reviewed in Permaculture Activist By Peter BanePermaculture Activist #72, Summer 2009This book almost literally blew in the door one March day recently and I found myself still engrossed in its captivating story an hour after tearing open the brown padded wrapper. That doesn't very often happen.Lierre Keith has written a compelling tale of her own near self-destruction from a vegan diet and a broadside against its being perpetrated upon or adopted by any other … [Read more...]
Biosphere Home Farming from Philips designers
See larger image here. by Clive van Heerden, August 6, 2009 Looking into the economics and politics of rising food prices and theories about impending food shortages led us to create the “food farm” to test peoples sensitivity to the issue. We wanted to develop something initially that would supplement the nutritional needs of a family living in high rise accommodation, without drawing electricity or gas. The ‘’diagnostic kitchen’’ concept is a response to the global diet business and obsession … [Read more...]
Agroforestry Found On Nearly Half The World’s Farms
For centuries, farmers have placed trees among their crops to enhance soil health, raise marketable fruits or nuts, and protect row crops from damaging winds. Yet agroforestry, as the practice is known, is generally considered a rarity among mainstream farmers. New data suggests that more farmers practice agroforestry than previously appreciated. Nearly half of the world's farmlands have at least 10 percent tree cover, more than 10 million square kilometers in total, the Nairobi-based World … [Read more...]
The Case Against Organic Food Does Not Stand Up
By Peter Melchett There really are nutritional benefits, as research to be published next year will show Ben Goldacre says the Soil Association's criticism of the recent Food Standards Agency research on nutrients is "not about organic food" and that "the emotive commentary in favour of organic farming bundles together diverse and legitimate concerns about unchecked capitalism in our food supply" (Bad Science: Argument is about capitalism, not food, 1 August). In fact, our argument with the … [Read more...]
The revival of homegrown urban agriculture
Commentary from Sam Rose: “Not only is urban agriculture an emerging movement for individuals, it is also being pursued as part of a sustainable urban renewal strategy throughout the midwest. Some examples include: https://www.milwaukeerenaissance.com/SweetWaterFishFarming/HomePage Sweetwater organics Aquaponics fishfarming in Milwaukee WI self sustaining urban food production in Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Detroit https://localfoodsystems.org/lfs-storytellers Efforts in Chicago and elsewhere … [Read more...]
Rooftop Farms, a 6,000 square foot organic vegetable farm in Brooklyn, New York.
From Brooklyn Supper blog. Photo by Elizabeth Stark ©2008-2009. All rights reserved. See larger image here at Brooklyn Supper. This is a roof of a warehouse in Greenpoint, which is now covered with 200,000 pounds of soil, 1,000 earthworms, and an abundance of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. By Wendy Goodman New York Magazine June 21, 2009 “There are 1,000 worms in here,” Annie Novak says, cracking the lid on a box filled with scraps of newspaper and small squirmy things. The earthworms are about … [Read more...]
Harvesting and Preserving Medicinal Herbs
A number of people have asked me to write about my new herbal adventures more, and I’ve resolved to do so. I haven’t forgotten about writing about the big questions (more to say still on the middle ground between Kingsnorth and Monbiot), but I did want to answer those who have been querying me about teas and tinctures. For me, the most fascinating part of my whole self-sufficiency project is the plants - don’t get me wrong, I love the skills, I love animals, but I think I like best the project … [Read more...]
Paris rooftops swarm with bees as urban honey industry takes off
Photo by Franco Zecchin. Paris, the urban beekeeper Jean Paucton removing frames from the hive atop the Opera Garnier. By Charles Bremner in Paris The Times August 18, 2009 Tourists are not the only species swarming on the Champs Élysées this August. Also enjoying the sunshine are squadrons of bees, part of a fast-multiplying population that is making honey a new Parisian industry. The Tuileries, Luxembourg and other lesser gardens of Paris are now home to hundreds of thousands of bees that are … [Read more...]
Fish Systems and Design
A grim new film, The End of the Line, reveals the impact of overfishing on our oceans. It exposes the extent to which global stocks of fish are dwindling; features scientists who warn we could see the end of most seafood by 2048; and includes chefs and fishers who seem indifferent to the ecocidal consequences of their business practices. "We must act now to protect the sea from rampant overfishing” says Charles Clover, author of the book of the film. Must, must. Although important in raising … [Read more...]
The man who planted trees
The power of one man to transform a desert into a lush and verdant land. Shepherd Elzard Bouffier lives alone with his sheep not far from a drought-stricken and windswept hamlet. After the death of his wife and child, he chooses to devote the rest of his life to a patient and anonymous endeavor, which ultimately adds beauty and sustenance to the human and animal communities in the mountains where he lives. … [Read more...]