Urban vs. Rural Sustainability

by Toby Hemenway, Published on 26 Dec 2004 by Permaculture Activist

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Climate Confusion: Who Wins?

Image
by Michael O'Brien Climate change is the biggest challenge we face as a humans. Any serious student who analyses the information recognizes that the overwhelming consensus from scientists is that we have a very small period of time in which our efforts will have a positive impact for our planet and our children's future. For the past 10 years or so, there has been rigorous debate both by the scientific community and in the press about climate change. The debate is over, the issues have been discussed and now is the time for us to take responsibility for our future. It is fascinating to watch the media feel the need to present the “other side” of this issue when there is discourse about climate change. My guess is that they feel vulnerable from the vocal skeptics or right wing talk show hosts so they include a dwindling number of scientists or spokespeople who argue against human causation. It seems there is an inordinate amount of air time devoted to this topic in proportion...
Read more

We Are Not Who We Think We Are

Lichen is leading the way in many ways to a greater understanding of species. When it was first suggested that  lichen were actually two species, algae and fungi, the reaction was disbelief, disbelief that  two species could cooperate and appear as one organism. But it has proven to be  the case and was  eventually accepted by most scientists. Then a research discovered that it was actually made up of much more than just algae and fungi, that there were other organisms to be found. The research continued to the point where the researchers came to the realization that in fact every lichen was made up of multitudes of various bacteria and that it was an essential component of lichen's ability to grow and thrive.  This knowledge has also arrived at our doorstep. We have come  to  understand that we are filled with trillions of bacteria in our  gut and  in our  brains and in fact our own cells are out numbered by these organisms. And......th...
Read more

Starting An Extended Waterfast

Image
  I am flying 3,000 miles and spending some of my savings to eat no food and drink only water for up to 20 days. Why waterfasting and why me!!!! And, when I return home after 20 days of fasting with 10 days of refeeding, I am committed to eating a plant based diet with no meat or dairy and no salt, oil or sugar......as my local primary care professional said to me “Mike, why are you doing this?”     You are probably asking the same question. My friends in conversation with me  refer to this weight loss program as an extreme action. “ Mike, rapid weight loss is bad for your health” I can hear being said. “Mike, most people who lose weight gain it all back especially quick loss programs. “ Other’s have said to me “oh I can’t go without salt, or oil or sugar, what are you going to eat?” The facial expressions reflect bewilderment and a complete shock at how awful it must be to go without anything to eat a few hours. Impossible, terrible, no way.  So let’s talk abou...
Read more