When it comes to climate and energy, some business leaders are catching on, even in the United States. On January 21, a report authored, in part, by over 100 academics, energy experts, government officials, and business leaders called upon the president to address climate change by taking measures that do not require congressional approval. Spearheaded by the Center for … [Read more...]
The permaculture gardener: year-end wrap up
November has been quirky: it started warm, then got quite cold and windy, followed by falling leaves, brilliant blue skies, then heavy clouds, even snow. Did I leave anything out? Then, of course, there's the raking that accompanies the falling leaves. At this point I'd say I'm the only person in my neighborhood who still uses a rake to move leaves around; everyone else uses … [Read more...]
More reasons to avoid industrial meat
Are you demanding locally-raised, pasture-fed meats? Do you protect yourself and your family by eating animals raised in a non-industrial environment that doesn’t depend upon the constant administration of low levels of antibiotics? If you do, you’ll be relieved that you do after you read this article. If you don’t, I’m about to give you a lot to think about. This little … [Read more...]
Climate craziness: use coal gas to get more oil
Utility company Mississippi Power is building a plant that will convert coal to carbon dioxide gas, which will then be sold to oil companies that will pump the gas into the ground to replace oil coming up out of the ground, thereby sequestering the CO2 that resulted from the coal conversion. What is it about creating more carbon dioxide emissions so that they can be … [Read more...]
Europe targets bee-killing pesticides
It was a good day recently when the European Commission voted to ban the use of a class of pesticides, known as neonicotinoids, for two years. Fifteen countries voted for the ban, which is not enough to constitute a “qualified majority.” That’s the reason for the sunset on the ban after two years. The moratorium applies to all member nations of the European Union and … [Read more...]