Whenever possible I like to post about exotic locations and imagine I was working (or, not working) there. Here's a profile of a permaculture project in Maui. Speaking of exotic, for those deep, and I mean DEEP into green roof research, this one's for you.
-For those in Minnesota (and those who love Minnesota), you've got about 10 days to comment on their draft Urban Agriculture Policy.
-More good news, in the form of an urban agriculture charter school and Kingsborough (New York) Community College running NYC's first campus farm worked by students.
-It's nice when folks attend cool gatherings and blog about it, here are two perspectives from the recent Black Farmers and Urban Gardeners conference.
-Lastly, couldn't find a link to this online, so I'm dropping the whole press release. The Economics of Happiness is coming to a town near you in 2011.
Happy New Year everyone, read on and I'll see you in '11...
"Please join us for a special screening of ISEC Director Helena Norberg-Hodge’s new documentary film, “The Economics of Happiness”, which illuminates the worldwide movement for economic localization including the small scale and urban farming movement. We are launching the film in North America with events in Seattle, Berkeley, Portland, Toronto, Garrison (NY), and New York City. If you can’t attend one of the launch events, there are other ways to be involved (see below).
“The Economics of Happiness” is a call, from every continent, for systemic economic change. Among the voices in the film are Vandana Shiva, David Korten, Michael Shuman, Richard Heinberg, Rob Hopkins, Juliet Schor, Zac Goldsmith, Bill McKibben, and Samdhong Rinpoche, Prime Minister of the Tibetan government in exile. Each screening will be followed by a presentation or panel discussion with Helena Norberg-Hodge and other special guests.
Even if you are unable to attend any of the launch events, you can still help ISEC in one or more of the following ways:
Forward this email to colleagues, friends, family, and local media who might want to attend
Tell your friends, family, colleagues and neighbors about our film
Set up a screening event in your area by signing up at: http://www.theeconomicsofhappiness.org/email-newsletter
Make a donation to help us spread the message of “The Economics of Happiness” to the world at: http://www.theeconomicsofhappiness.org/donate-now
Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Wiserearth or Twitter at the links below.
To learn more about the film and how you can help, please visit our website: http://www.theeconomicsofhappiness.org
Where You Can See “The Economics of Happiness”
Seattle, WA Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 6:30-10:00pm
Town Hall (downstairs), 1119 8th Ave., Seattle, WA 98101-2738, http://www.townhallseattle.org/
The film will be followed by a panel discussion with producer Helena Norberg-Hodge, authors David Korten and John de Graaf, and Yes! Magazine Executive Director Fran Korten.
Berkeley, CA, Thursday, January 13, 2011, 6:30-10:00pm
David Brower Center (Goldman Theater), 2150 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94704, www.browercenter.org
The film will be followed by a panel discussion with producer Helena Norberg-Hodge, author Richard Heinberg, Jenny Kassan of the Sustainable Economies Law Center, Rosa González of Bay Localize, and Eric Holt-Gimenez of Food First.
Portland, OR, Friday, January 21, 2011, 7:00-10:00 pm
Main Street Sanctuary, First Unitarian Church, 1011 SW 12th Avenue, Portland, OR 97205, www.firstunitarianportland.org
The film will be followed by a discussion with producer Helena Norberg-Hodge.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Monday, January 24, 2011, 5:30-9:00 pm
William Doo Auditorium, University of Toronto, 45 Willcocks Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3G3, http://www.harthouse.ca/location/william-doo-auditorium-new-college
The film will be preceded by a reception and exhibit of artwork by Sheridan College students entitled “Animating Good Food Ideas”. It will be followed by a panel discussion with producer Helena Norberg-Hodge, activist chef Joshna Maharaj and urban farmer Eric Rosenkrantz, moderated by author Wayne Roberts.
Garrison, New York, Wednesday, January 26, 7:00-9:00 pm
The Garrison Institute, c/o Glenclyff, 14 Mary's Way, Route 9D, Garrison, NY, http://www.garrisoninstitute.org/
The film will be followed by a talk with producer Helena Norberg-Hodge.
No reservations required, but the Garrison Institute asks that you RSVP so they can anticipate attendance. For more information or to RSVP, please call 845.424.4800 or email garrison@garrisoninstitute.org
New York City, NY, Thursday, January 27, 2011, 6:30 pm-10:00 pm
The Great Hall, The Cooper Union, 30 Cooper Square (7 East 7th Street), New York, NY 10003, http://cooper.edu/
The film will be followed by a panel discussion with producer Helena Norberg-Hodge, Judy Wicks, co-founder of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE), Gloria Steinem, acclaimed writer and co-founder of New York and Ms. magazines, and Stacy Mitchell, author and senior researcher with the New Rules Project.
A $15 donation is greatly appreciated at each event; no one turned away.
I look forward to hearing from you if you need more information about the film or wish to get involved.
Sincerely,
Robert Ovetz, Ph.D.
Outreach & Events Coordinator
International Society for Ecology and Culture (ISEC)
PO Box 9475
Berkeley, CA 94709
USA
+1 510.548.4915 (office)
economicsofhappiness@isec.org.uk
www.isec.org.uk
www.theeconomicsofhappiness.org
Watch our trailer on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/ISECeconofhappiness
Join us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/The-Economics-of-Happiness/129994847035746?ref=ts
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/EconofHappiness
Join us at Wiserearth at: http://www.wiserearth.org/group/Economicsofhappiness
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Living Architecture wish list for 2010
There are a few things I hope:
-That Detroit officials, make like Seattle, and seize the opportunities that have been handed them.
-Speaking of Seattle, it was great that 2010 was the year of urban agriculture. C'mon Seattle, make this the DECADE of Urban Agriculture!
-The new mayor of Toronto, Rob Ford, wears green with pride this holiday season, in 2011 and beyond. This includes, first and foremost, keeping the Green Roof Bylaw, a truly progressive and groundbreaking piece of legislation on the books. Some developers have threatened going elsewhere because of the bylaw, but really, how many of them will not cash in on the condo craze in Toronto and, in the worst case scenario, choose the cash-in-lieu of option. Some protested that the bylaw was too weak, now with a change in administration it looks like it could be viewed as good politics. I believe that Toronto is unique in it's collective commitment to the environment and the bylaw and other incentives definitely helps Toronto differentiate itself from other municipalities in North America.
-That Detroit officials, make like Seattle, and seize the opportunities that have been handed them.
-Speaking of Seattle, it was great that 2010 was the year of urban agriculture. C'mon Seattle, make this the DECADE of Urban Agriculture!
-The new mayor of Toronto, Rob Ford, wears green with pride this holiday season, in 2011 and beyond. This includes, first and foremost, keeping the Green Roof Bylaw, a truly progressive and groundbreaking piece of legislation on the books. Some developers have threatened going elsewhere because of the bylaw, but really, how many of them will not cash in on the condo craze in Toronto and, in the worst case scenario, choose the cash-in-lieu of option. Some protested that the bylaw was too weak, now with a change in administration it looks like it could be viewed as good politics. I believe that Toronto is unique in it's collective commitment to the environment and the bylaw and other incentives definitely helps Toronto differentiate itself from other municipalities in North America.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Just Enough
Finally got around to reading “Just Enough” by Azby Brown, a truly fascinating book. What’s it about? I can’t say it better than the book jacket...”Just enough is a book of stories and sketches depictions of vanished ways of life told from the point of view of a contemporary observer. Faced with a country on the brink of disaster, it’s environment pushed to the edge through overly aggressive use of natural resources government and people overcame many of the problems that confront us today - issues of energy, water, materials, food and population.
The book is absolutely fascinating. There are essentially six chapters, the odd chapters detail the daily life of (and sometimes through the eyes of) a farmer, carpenter, and samurai. Azby does a fantastic job of covering every detail exhaustively, so the reader gets a true sense of what life is truly life. The even chapters detail what we can learn from their lives. This is where the book distinguishes itself and truly shows it worth. The book should be part of the curriculum of every high school student for it provides so many answers (or, for the most progressive North Americans, starting points) for how we can make our countries, cities and towns, individuals lives more sustainable and hopefully show us how wonderful a new sustainable life could be.
The book is absolutely fascinating. There are essentially six chapters, the odd chapters detail the daily life of (and sometimes through the eyes of) a farmer, carpenter, and samurai. Azby does a fantastic job of covering every detail exhaustively, so the reader gets a true sense of what life is truly life. The even chapters detail what we can learn from their lives. This is where the book distinguishes itself and truly shows it worth. The book should be part of the curriculum of every high school student for it provides so many answers (or, for the most progressive North Americans, starting points) for how we can make our countries, cities and towns, individuals lives more sustainable and hopefully show us how wonderful a new sustainable life could be.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Happy Holidays - Roof Garden
While we take a break for the holidays, I have to leave you with the only roof garden song I know. This song my father played incessantly when I was little and I had no idea what Al was saying until a few days ago.
Al Jarreau - Roof Garden.
"Does anyone want to go waltzing in the garden? Does anyone want to go waltzing on the roof?"
And a few more "green" songs...
Ben Selvin (Roof Garden Orchaestra)
Greensleeves
Mossy Woodland
Al Jarreau - Roof Garden.
"Does anyone want to go waltzing in the garden? Does anyone want to go waltzing on the roof?"
And a few more "green" songs...
Ben Selvin (Roof Garden Orchaestra)
Greensleeves
Mossy Woodland
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
"Urban agriculture is the new golf"
The LA Times let's us know that more housing developments are being built around urban farming...therefore making urban ag "the new golf".
-Meanwhile in Senegal, officials agree that city-planners must make urban horticulture an integral part of their development and planning and Belize has taken up the cause as well.
-Vertical gardens have hit the big time when they get a TIME profile. It's great to see the author did his homework and can share the costs with the readers. There's something TIME's straightforward writing which is refreshing.
-Lastly I'll cut and paste a press release, because I can't for the life of me find a link, with some exciting news for urban farmers in Canada:
Wednesday December 8th, 2010
NFU OPENS MEMBERSHIP TO URBAN FARMERS
Saskatoon, Sask - National Farmers Union (NFU) membership is now open to urban farmers, according to a resolution passed at the NFU's 41st Annual Convention, held from December 2-4 in Saskatoon. The NFU constitution, states that, membership is open to any person that is engaged in farming in Canada.
Newly elected, NFU Youth Vice-President, Paul Slomp stated that "young and new farmers are supporting themselves and feeding their communities by producing fruits, vegetables, grains and some cases livestock on lands within city boundaries." Paul, a livestock farmer from Eastern Ontario, went on to say, "These farmers tend to be well-educated and innovative in their efforts to reclaim unused acreage. The NFU is very inclusive and our members have diverse operations. It makes sense to include urban farmers in the organization. Membership in the NFU will give these farmers a forum to bring policy to all levels of government, and allow them to contribute both their expertise and their concerns to the betterment of all farm families."
"These plots may be small but these skilled farmers use them quite extensively, returning from $5000 to $10,000/acre," said NFU Womens President, Joan Brady. Brady, who operates an intensive market garden on 3.5 acres in Huron County went on to say, "communities are increasingly concerned about planning for their food needs for the future. Food production in the cities will act as a buffer to the insecurity of a global food system, well beyond the control of the average Canadian."
The NFU is a non-partisan, nation-wide democratic organization made up of thousands of farm families from across Canada who produce a wide variety of commodities, including grains, livestock, fruits and vegetables. The NFU was founded in 1969 and chartered in 1970 under a Special Act of Parliament. The mandate is to work for policies designed to:
1. raise net farm incomes from the marketplace;
2. promote a food system that is built on a foundation of financially-viable family farms which produce high-quality, healthy, safe food;
3. encourage environmentally-sensitive practices that will protect our precious soil, water and other natural resources; and
4. promote social and economic justice for food producers and all citizens.
- 30 -
For more information, questions about NFU policies, or questions about membership, please contact:
Joan Brady, NFU Womens President (519) 237-3139
Paul Slomp, NFU Youth Vice President (613) 230-0684
Kevin Wipf, NFU Executive Director (306) 652-9465
-Meanwhile in Senegal, officials agree that city-planners must make urban horticulture an integral part of their development and planning and Belize has taken up the cause as well.
-Vertical gardens have hit the big time when they get a TIME profile. It's great to see the author did his homework and can share the costs with the readers. There's something TIME's straightforward writing which is refreshing.
-Lastly I'll cut and paste a press release, because I can't for the life of me find a link, with some exciting news for urban farmers in Canada:
Wednesday December 8th, 2010
NFU OPENS MEMBERSHIP TO URBAN FARMERS
Saskatoon, Sask - National Farmers Union (NFU) membership is now open to urban farmers, according to a resolution passed at the NFU's 41st Annual Convention, held from December 2-4 in Saskatoon. The NFU constitution, states that, membership is open to any person that is engaged in farming in Canada.
Newly elected, NFU Youth Vice-President, Paul Slomp stated that "young and new farmers are supporting themselves and feeding their communities by producing fruits, vegetables, grains and some cases livestock on lands within city boundaries." Paul, a livestock farmer from Eastern Ontario, went on to say, "These farmers tend to be well-educated and innovative in their efforts to reclaim unused acreage. The NFU is very inclusive and our members have diverse operations. It makes sense to include urban farmers in the organization. Membership in the NFU will give these farmers a forum to bring policy to all levels of government, and allow them to contribute both their expertise and their concerns to the betterment of all farm families."
"These plots may be small but these skilled farmers use them quite extensively, returning from $5000 to $10,000/acre," said NFU Womens President, Joan Brady. Brady, who operates an intensive market garden on 3.5 acres in Huron County went on to say, "communities are increasingly concerned about planning for their food needs for the future. Food production in the cities will act as a buffer to the insecurity of a global food system, well beyond the control of the average Canadian."
The NFU is a non-partisan, nation-wide democratic organization made up of thousands of farm families from across Canada who produce a wide variety of commodities, including grains, livestock, fruits and vegetables. The NFU was founded in 1969 and chartered in 1970 under a Special Act of Parliament. The mandate is to work for policies designed to:
1. raise net farm incomes from the marketplace;
2. promote a food system that is built on a foundation of financially-viable family farms which produce high-quality, healthy, safe food;
3. encourage environmentally-sensitive practices that will protect our precious soil, water and other natural resources; and
4. promote social and economic justice for food producers and all citizens.
- 30 -
For more information, questions about NFU policies, or questions about membership, please contact:
Joan Brady, NFU Womens President (519) 237-3139
Paul Slomp, NFU Youth Vice President (613) 230-0684
Kevin Wipf, NFU Executive Director (306) 652-9465
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Urban ag rewind
It’s been a while since the last posting, there’s a tremendous amount going on including a recent move. I have lots of good posts waiting in the wings, so let’s get to it.
-First up is your monthly financial post peak oil warning.
-The Atlantic has a tremendous story on the role five urban gardens are having in New Orleans. And Atlanta and Oaklandwill be getting new urban gardens as a result of some great collaborations and a little bit of dough.
-But small contributions and efforts can be important as well. I hope that more companies follow this one's example and use living walls to produce food for their employees and local food banks or give a small grant to start vocational training programs in urban agriculture or a local community garden none of the programs cost that much money, but the impact will be worth every dollar.
-And a quick job alert if you're in NY.
-First up is your monthly financial post peak oil warning.
-The Atlantic has a tremendous story on the role five urban gardens are having in New Orleans. And Atlanta and Oaklandwill be getting new urban gardens as a result of some great collaborations and a little bit of dough.
-But small contributions and efforts can be important as well. I hope that more companies follow this one's example and use living walls to produce food for their employees and local food banks or give a small grant to start vocational training programs in urban agriculture or a local community garden none of the programs cost that much money, but the impact will be worth every dollar.
-And a quick job alert if you're in NY.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Hydroponic farming in Mexico and the USA
-A planning high school! How incredible is this? Required reading will no doubt include this bareknuckled Duany vs Krieger aka New Urbanism vs Ecological Urbanism dispute. Okay, slight exaggeration. These gentleman disagree a little, but "bareknuckled" really got your attention, didn't it?
Switching coasts, there's a nifty hydroponic set-up at a NYC school scheduled to open up in a week, but it's startling the difference in price versus what Sembradores Urbanos is doing in Mexico City, demonstrating simple, economical replicable urban agriculture projects.
-The Brooklyn Queens Expressway has a few green options , my personal favorite is green canopy...naturally!
-Won't be heading to Vancouver for the Cities Alive conference. I am a little bummed, but with everything happening here it makes sense to focus! Hopefully they'll be a post soon announcing some big stuff. 2011 looks like it's going to be a fantastic year for verticiel!
Switching coasts, there's a nifty hydroponic set-up at a NYC school scheduled to open up in a week, but it's startling the difference in price versus what Sembradores Urbanos is doing in Mexico City, demonstrating simple, economical replicable urban agriculture projects.
-The Brooklyn Queens Expressway has a few green options , my personal favorite is green canopy...naturally!
-Won't be heading to Vancouver for the Cities Alive conference. I am a little bummed, but with everything happening here it makes sense to focus! Hopefully they'll be a post soon announcing some big stuff. 2011 looks like it's going to be a fantastic year for verticiel!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Hong Kong prison gets green roof
More and more it seems there are green projects which are laudable, but become lightning rods. Case in point, a green roof on a Hong Kong prison. This should be an absolutely fantastic thing...something you could never see in the USA. However, the wealth disparity and presence of "cage homes" in Hong Kong is unfathomable. Comments?
-North Vancouver's mayor appears to be a permablitz fan, food not lawns he cries! BC is also the home of a burgeoning movement to open a local food technology centre to help bring local products to market.
-Is Northeast Ohio in line to get their own Food Authority? Sustain-Lane ranks Cleveland as the second-best local food city in the USA! That, I did not.
-If you're looking for green roof information specific to the American Semi-Arid and Arid West, you're in luck!
-To wrap things up, school is in session. Today's topicagrarian urbanism.
-North Vancouver's mayor appears to be a permablitz fan, food not lawns he cries! BC is also the home of a burgeoning movement to open a local food technology centre to help bring local products to market.
-Is Northeast Ohio in line to get their own Food Authority? Sustain-Lane ranks Cleveland as the second-best local food city in the USA! That, I did not.
-If you're looking for green roof information specific to the American Semi-Arid and Arid West, you're in luck!
-To wrap things up, school is in session. Today's topicagrarian urbanism.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
But we're really nice because we have a green roof!
There is precious little new news from the living architecture world except for this doozy from the Post Gazette in Pittsburgh. It appears Slippery Rock Univ. is in big trouble, the U.S. Department of Justice's environmental division is suing them to the tune of about $35,000 (on average) per day for pollution violations. But they are really good folks.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Urban agriculture meets green roofs: Montreal boasts the first commercial rooftop garden!
January 2011 will mark the opening for the world's first commercial rooftop garden in Montreal. You've no doubt heard about Gotham Green a lot, these folks kept their venture under wraps and were first to the pole.
-Missed this from the summer,Sacramento's Newsreview "encourages" homeowners to remove their lawns.
-The average age of a farmer today is 57 (!), which is why the USDA is awarding grants to train the next generation of farmers and ranchers. Meanwhile, Ag Secretary Vilsack announced 4.8 million for "food policy council training, urban agriculture, new farmers on preservation farmland, promotion of native food sovereignty, youth, urban and rural food production projects and community food assessments."
-Maybe twitter is a good thing? If I were on it, I could tell folks they have 30 minutes to get to the first Columbia Center's Urban Agriculture Harvest Hootenanny!
-Missed this from the summer,Sacramento's Newsreview "encourages" homeowners to remove their lawns.
-The average age of a farmer today is 57 (!), which is why the USDA is awarding grants to train the next generation of farmers and ranchers. Meanwhile, Ag Secretary Vilsack announced 4.8 million for "food policy council training, urban agriculture, new farmers on preservation farmland, promotion of native food sovereignty, youth, urban and rural food production projects and community food assessments."
-Maybe twitter is a good thing? If I were on it, I could tell folks they have 30 minutes to get to the first Columbia Center's Urban Agriculture Harvest Hootenanny!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Toronto is the newest city to try to squash a garden
-I couldn't resist that title. A homeowner in Toronto was told by Traffic Planning that her edible, urban garden was encroaching on city property.
-Here's the outline for the Food Secure Canada Assembly in about a month. If you're in Montreal, it's definitely worth dropping in.
-P.S. 216 in Brooklyn has an edible school yard project, including an outdoor garden, kitchen to eat what's grown and greenhouse.
More urban agriculture projects are coming online in Cleveland, this one 6 acres, while in Arizona a permaculture project is looking for help to create a 100 acre permaculture and art community.
First green roofs on a bus shelter were tried...now, green roofs on a bus. How about green roofs on people? When I first thought of that, I was joking. But on second thought...maybe I should head to the patent office.
-Here's the outline for the Food Secure Canada Assembly in about a month. If you're in Montreal, it's definitely worth dropping in.
-P.S. 216 in Brooklyn has an edible school yard project, including an outdoor garden, kitchen to eat what's grown and greenhouse.
More urban agriculture projects are coming online in Cleveland, this one 6 acres, while in Arizona a permaculture project is looking for help to create a 100 acre permaculture and art community.
First green roofs on a bus shelter were tried...now, green roofs on a bus. How about green roofs on people? When I first thought of that, I was joking. But on second thought...maybe I should head to the patent office.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
US Green Building Council sued + windmill with no blades
Tis true.A mechanical systems designer, Henry Gifford, says "that USGBC is fraudulently misleading consumers and fraudulently misrepresenting energy performance of buildings certified under its LEED rating systems". Yikes!!!
-Really interesting story from Ecuador where the United Nation's trust fund has paid them to preserve the rainforest and NOT drill...ever, undereneath it.
-Green roofing is gaining popularity in Israel,
-Perhaps in cities which are right sizing, they can give this idea a try: use your swimming pool to farm fish. Urban farms are also sprouting up in Southern Florida, also gotta keep tabs on the newly created South Florida Food Policy Council . Oh and there's a new website for those looking for jobs in sustainable food.
Cool blades!
-Really interesting story from Ecuador where the United Nation's trust fund has paid them to preserve the rainforest and NOT drill...ever, undereneath it.
-Green roofing is gaining popularity in Israel,
-Perhaps in cities which are right sizing, they can give this idea a try: use your swimming pool to farm fish. Urban farms are also sprouting up in Southern Florida, also gotta keep tabs on the newly created South Florida Food Policy Council . Oh and there's a new website for those looking for jobs in sustainable food.
Cool blades!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Full-Time Tenure-Track Faculty in Food Studies in Syracuse, New York
Full-Time Tenure-Track Faculty in Food Studies in Syracuse, New York
Apply online !
Salary: Open
Type: Full Time - Experienced
The Department of Health and Wellness in the College of Human Ecology at Syracuse University is seeking to recruit a full-time tenure-track faculty in food studies effective Fall 2011. The Department seeks a high energy faculty member with expertise in one or more of the following areas: interdisciplinary study of food and food-ways, healthy food policy and law, disparities in access to healthy food choices, public health approaches to obesity, and social marketing/healthy food promotion programming. This academic appointment is in anticipation of establishing undergraduate and graduate programs around the issues of foods studies/food security, nutrition, and health.
Responsibilities: Responsibilities include mentoring, advising, and instructing undergraduate and graduate students, developing a stream of high-quality research, fulfilling service responsibilities through department, college, university and professional avenues, and establishing professional liaisons with organizations in the local community and the global field.
Qualifications: Minimum qualifications include an earned doctorate in public health or related field with a substantive focus on food studies, evidence of potential for or active portfolio of externally funded research and peer reviewed publications, and teaching experience at the university level. We are willing to consider candidates trained in a variety of disciplines (e.g., anthropology, geography, sociology etc.) but with research and teaching expertise in food studies focusing in one or more of the areas mentioned above.
The Department of Health and Wellness offers a BS in Public Health, Certificate of Advanced Studies in Addictions, and cooperates at the graduate level in interdisciplinary research around child, family and community health. The department focus is on health issues among diverse populations, factors influencing the health of individuals, families and communities, health literacy and cultural competence.
Priority consideration will be given to applications received by October 29, 2010 and the search will remain open until the position is filled. For online application instructions go to www.sujobopps.com, (Job# 026771). A cover letter, curriculum vitae, and list of three references with contact details including e-mail address and telephone numbers must be attached.
Syracuse University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
Apply Hereor here!
Good luck!
Apply online !
Salary: Open
Type: Full Time - Experienced
The Department of Health and Wellness in the College of Human Ecology at Syracuse University is seeking to recruit a full-time tenure-track faculty in food studies effective Fall 2011. The Department seeks a high energy faculty member with expertise in one or more of the following areas: interdisciplinary study of food and food-ways, healthy food policy and law, disparities in access to healthy food choices, public health approaches to obesity, and social marketing/healthy food promotion programming. This academic appointment is in anticipation of establishing undergraduate and graduate programs around the issues of foods studies/food security, nutrition, and health.
Responsibilities: Responsibilities include mentoring, advising, and instructing undergraduate and graduate students, developing a stream of high-quality research, fulfilling service responsibilities through department, college, university and professional avenues, and establishing professional liaisons with organizations in the local community and the global field.
Qualifications: Minimum qualifications include an earned doctorate in public health or related field with a substantive focus on food studies, evidence of potential for or active portfolio of externally funded research and peer reviewed publications, and teaching experience at the university level. We are willing to consider candidates trained in a variety of disciplines (e.g., anthropology, geography, sociology etc.) but with research and teaching expertise in food studies focusing in one or more of the areas mentioned above.
The Department of Health and Wellness offers a BS in Public Health, Certificate of Advanced Studies in Addictions, and cooperates at the graduate level in interdisciplinary research around child, family and community health. The department focus is on health issues among diverse populations, factors influencing the health of individuals, families and communities, health literacy and cultural competence.
Priority consideration will be given to applications received by October 29, 2010 and the search will remain open until the position is filled. For online application instructions go to www.sujobopps.com, (Job# 026771). A cover letter, curriculum vitae, and list of three references with contact details including e-mail address and telephone numbers must be attached.
Syracuse University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
Apply Hereor here!
Good luck!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Click to plant a living wall
Still a few hours left to visit Woolworth's living wall for world food day. That's Woolworth's...in South Africa. I can't quite tell if this is a spinoff from the Woolworth's that once ruled the U.S.A.
-Singapore is coming on strong with living architecture, so it makes sense that they would host the International Skyrise Greenery Conference in just a few weeks.
-After big hail storms (an inch in some neighborhoods!!!) last week, many urban farms in Brooklyn are picking up the pieces.
-Check out the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and
Community Development (JAFSCD) from way back in August 2010. Great columns include "Rethinking Government Policies for Growing Farmers" and ways to" Let Food Systems Emerge".
-Singapore is coming on strong with living architecture, so it makes sense that they would host the International Skyrise Greenery Conference in just a few weeks.
-After big hail storms (an inch in some neighborhoods!!!) last week, many urban farms in Brooklyn are picking up the pieces.
-Check out the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and
Community Development (JAFSCD) from way back in August 2010. Great columns include "Rethinking Government Policies for Growing Farmers" and ways to" Let Food Systems Emerge".
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Congresswoman Maloney checks out a green roof
It's great that some politicians seem to get it. Count Congresswoman Maloney as a fan of green roofs, as she drops in on Regis High's new installation. A mayor in California is at the other end of the spectrum. One wonders, are these two figures outliers? In this case it's very interesting that with all the information available, there are still leaders out there positioning urban agriculture vs development, not exploring how both can happen at the same time!
-Is food preservation a political act?Glad you asked, say Ronit and Melissa.
-For those in Philly looking for an urban farming gig, here's a nice part-time opportunity to get into the biz.
-And last, but definitely not least, EcoCradle
gets the award for innovation of the week. Perhaps year? Packing as durable as plastic, but made from mushrooms!
-Is food preservation a political act?Glad you asked, say Ronit and Melissa.
-For those in Philly looking for an urban farming gig, here's a nice part-time opportunity to get into the biz.
-And last, but definitely not least, EcoCradle
gets the award for innovation of the week. Perhaps year? Packing as durable as plastic, but made from mushrooms!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Goats on a green roof - trademarked
-The green wall arms race continues, Longwood Gardens' East Conservatory now holds the title.
-More fruit foraging initiatives are popping up around North America, everyone, please welcome Fruits of the City.
-The financial times has had a couple of good stories about urban agriculture and vertical farms in the last week, unfortunately I can't put the material up here, but sign up if you want the full scoop.
-A couple of weeks I mentioned someone getting fined for growing too many vegetables. Here's the news features with his story. Oh yeah, he's facing $30,000 in fines. Any bets on how long before this is overturned? My guess...14 days.
-Speaking of suits, I'm sure folks have seen THAT picture of the goats trimming the grass on a green roof? Well, don't go trying that idea on your roof unless you get permission first!
-More fruit foraging initiatives are popping up around North America, everyone, please welcome Fruits of the City.
-The financial times has had a couple of good stories about urban agriculture and vertical farms in the last week, unfortunately I can't put the material up here, but sign up if you want the full scoop.
-A couple of weeks I mentioned someone getting fined for growing too many vegetables. Here's the news features with his story. Oh yeah, he's facing $30,000 in fines. Any bets on how long before this is overturned? My guess...14 days.
-Speaking of suits, I'm sure folks have seen THAT picture of the goats trimming the grass on a green roof? Well, don't go trying that idea on your roof unless you get permission first!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Green roof events galore
Today at the University of Toronto, Jeff Licht drops in to talk new green roof media.
On October 7 the World Green Roof Congress is meeting in Mexico City...home of the latest green roof commitment.
October 12 in Toronto, at the Wychwood Art Barns the Canada Green Building Council Greater Toronto chapter is meeting.
November 1-3 - International Skyrise Greenery Conference 2010, Singapore.
On October 7 the World Green Roof Congress is meeting in Mexico City...home of the latest green roof commitment.
October 12 in Toronto, at the Wychwood Art Barns the Canada Green Building Council Greater Toronto chapter is meeting.
November 1-3 - International Skyrise Greenery Conference 2010, Singapore.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Bloomberg ups the green roof ante
Happy October. It's been a while, lots happening at the ranch and around the living architecture world too.
-I found it quite interesting that this week marks the first, that I've heard, of a company proposing a sustainable land devleopment, which includes a wind turbine, zero impact housing, storm-water management techniques and urban agriculture plots which will donate their produce to a local food bank.
-United Nations University has this profile of a research who can turn plastic back to usable oil. Seriously, I'm not kidding. How much???
-Will Allen and Growing Power and several other urban farms across the US, are raising funds to receive $20,000 in prizes. A dollar or two to any urban farm is well worth it.
-Rotterdam is not messing around approaching 10% green roof coverage. Oh and New York City has made some power moves.
-Nice living wall photo, the folks who own this home love the color green.
-I found it quite interesting that this week marks the first, that I've heard, of a company proposing a sustainable land devleopment, which includes a wind turbine, zero impact housing, storm-water management techniques and urban agriculture plots which will donate their produce to a local food bank.
-United Nations University has this profile of a research who can turn plastic back to usable oil. Seriously, I'm not kidding. How much???
-Will Allen and Growing Power and several other urban farms across the US, are raising funds to receive $20,000 in prizes. A dollar or two to any urban farm is well worth it.
-Rotterdam is not messing around approaching 10% green roof coverage. Oh and New York City has made some power moves.
-Nice living wall photo, the folks who own this home love the color green.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
What's the best green roof plant of all time?
Some cool events happening in NYC in the next few weeks including two conferences and a makers faire. The Soda Bottle Garden workshop looks great!
However a word of warning, if you're in NYC and tempted to pick some tasty treats from park property, please don't. You've been warned.
-Detroit really is the place to be for urban agriculture these days, check out all of the programs currently operating! If you're not near Detriot, there are a plethora of ways to get involved with the urban agriculture movement online, thanks to Grist we have several new websites to try out. If you want a more hands on way to learn the skills, check out Gwinett Tech next year, they'll have a sustainable urban agriculture certificate program. Maybe the second in North America???
-I've made you wait long enough. Last week research came in that lamb's ear may be able to reduce the surface of a green roof 1.5 degrees celsius. Looks like I'll have to get to know Stachys byzantina better.
-Lastly, but not...umm...leastly...a permaculture website in French! Why? Because they are so rare! As rare as finding a forager in a New York City park after today!
However a word of warning, if you're in NYC and tempted to pick some tasty treats from park property, please don't. You've been warned.
-Detroit really is the place to be for urban agriculture these days, check out all of the programs currently operating! If you're not near Detriot, there are a plethora of ways to get involved with the urban agriculture movement online, thanks to Grist we have several new websites to try out. If you want a more hands on way to learn the skills, check out Gwinett Tech next year, they'll have a sustainable urban agriculture certificate program. Maybe the second in North America???
-I've made you wait long enough. Last week research came in that lamb's ear may be able to reduce the surface of a green roof 1.5 degrees celsius. Looks like I'll have to get to know Stachys byzantina better.
-Lastly, but not...umm...leastly...a permaculture website in French! Why? Because they are so rare! As rare as finding a forager in a New York City park after today!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Urban agriculture...the global, the local, the wacky
My computer goes down and all of a sudden a million great things are happening around the world. But I'm back like Hawaii 5-0, so here are a few things that I've spied...
-On the global front, in South Africa , Argentina, China, and Brazil lots of news about how urban agriculture programs and projects can provide jobs and food for thousands of people.
Speaking of Brazil, that article was the most sarcastic one I've read in a while!!!
-Stateside, some investors have begun to favor farmland over stocks as an investment vehicle. Following the money thread, Forbes has an article where Weeden & Co.'s Charles Maxwell tells us how we can "profit" from peak oil.
And in a sign of things to come...let me stop there, because I couldn't keep a straight face. As we discovered last year, we know farmers sometimes destroy their crops, rather than bringing them to market. Has anyone ever heard of a farmer being sued for producing too much food?
-On the global front, in South Africa , Argentina, China, and Brazil lots of news about how urban agriculture programs and projects can provide jobs and food for thousands of people.
Speaking of Brazil, that article was the most sarcastic one I've read in a while!!!
-Stateside, some investors have begun to favor farmland over stocks as an investment vehicle. Following the money thread, Forbes has an article where Weeden & Co.'s Charles Maxwell tells us how we can "profit" from peak oil.
And in a sign of things to come...let me stop there, because I couldn't keep a straight face. As we discovered last year, we know farmers sometimes destroy their crops, rather than bringing them to market. Has anyone ever heard of a farmer being sued for producing too much food?
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Urban agriculture bonaza
So much happening in the world of urban agriculture this week!
But first a little about "decking highways", which seems to be a green roof by another name. Looks like Dallas is giving it a good hard look. At $500/square foot, gotta look at it REALLY closely.
On to the urban ag...
-Vancouver unveiled it's regional food draft report, which includes labeling local food and creating a school for sustainable agriculture. Comments are due by October 24, so have your say!
-There's a new battle brewing between big agriculture and the locavore movement. When John McCain chimes in you know it's now a national issue.
-Couldn't make either one of these, but while the ASLA has a conference on urban agriculture this weekend, the Good Food (National-International Urban & Small Farm Conference ) conference is also happening. Wouldn't it have been nice if they weren't on the same weekend???
-On the heels of the history of urban farming in New York City, comes a short post chronicling urban agriculture's history in Philly.
Lastly check out this comprehensive article on how agriculture & urban heat islands are changing regional and continental climates.
But first a little about "decking highways", which seems to be a green roof by another name. Looks like Dallas is giving it a good hard look. At $500/square foot, gotta look at it REALLY closely.
On to the urban ag...
-Vancouver unveiled it's regional food draft report, which includes labeling local food and creating a school for sustainable agriculture. Comments are due by October 24, so have your say!
-There's a new battle brewing between big agriculture and the locavore movement. When John McCain chimes in you know it's now a national issue.
-Couldn't make either one of these, but while the ASLA has a conference on urban agriculture this weekend, the Good Food (National-International Urban & Small Farm Conference ) conference is also happening. Wouldn't it have been nice if they weren't on the same weekend???
-On the heels of the history of urban farming in New York City, comes a short post chronicling urban agriculture's history in Philly.
Lastly check out this comprehensive article on how agriculture & urban heat islands are changing regional and continental climates.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
More foraging aps + urban agriculture in Maryland
It's been a while since the last post, lots happening on the work front..a touch less on the internet, it seems.
In Maryland it seems an urban agriculture project or two is sprouting up, including this one in Edmonston . Could this be the DMV's first urban farm?
Wonderful article from Huffington Post about school gardens in New York City.
More phone apps for urban foraging, if you prefer to carry around something more traditional, like a wad of paper and live in the UK this foraging guide might be for you.
In Maryland it seems an urban agriculture project or two is sprouting up, including this one in Edmonston . Could this be the DMV's first urban farm?
Wonderful article from Huffington Post about school gardens in New York City.
More phone apps for urban foraging, if you prefer to carry around something more traditional, like a wad of paper and live in the UK this foraging guide might be for you.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Job alert: Consultant Health Promotion for the City of Toronto
Toronto is Canada's largest city with a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is Canada's economic engine and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. Toronto's government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability. Join the award winning Toronto Public Service as a Consultant Health Promotion.
Consultant Health Promotion
File Reference #: X10CSA20318
Major Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Acting Manager of the Toronto Food Strategy, the Consultant Health Promotion works closely with the co-chairs of the Toronto Food Policy Council. The Consultant Health Promotion supports the day-to-day work of the Council and contributes to the development and implementation of the Toronto Food Strategy. The Consultant Health Promotion also identifies food system issues and trends, analyzes food policy and identifies opportunities for Toronto Food Policy Council involvement, policy research and action. Identifies and facilitates collaboration and dialogue with food system stakeholders including farmers, food industry, environmental and public health practitioner and researchers, charitable foundations and policy-makers. Contributes to relevant Toronto Public Health programs, service planning and overall strategic directions.
Provides expert advice and consultation to Toronto Public Health staff, the Board of Health, external groups and the general public on food system and health issues
Assesses community needs and analyzes information with respect to the interface between the Toronto Food Policy Council, Toronto Public Health and City Government regarding food systems issues
Develops, plans, implements and evaluates community-based initiatives by applying health promotion strategies such as community mobilization, advocacy, healthy public policy, social determinants of health and health education
Facilitates the work of the Council by applying community development strategies to resolve complex and sometimes competing priorities, develops collaborative working relationships, engages new audiences, builds on the Council’s strategic planning process, and supports the Council’s ongoing operations and governance at and between meetings
Collaborates with Public Health and other city staff in planning for food-related policies, programs and issues
Analyzes information and provides advice to staff in the review and analysis of programs, projects and new priorities in setting goals and objectives. Drafts and revises related program plans, policies and procedures
Promotes the implementation of municipal, provincial and federal legislation and strategies
Develops public health issues-related policy recommendations for consideration at the municipal, provincial and federal levels
Writes and speaks effectively and represents the Council to the public, community, media, and academia.
Liaises with external groups and stakeholders. Responds to requests from the media and community
Plans, develops, implements, coordinates and evaluates programs and services as directed, e.g. community forum workshops, press conferences, in-house newsletters, media campaigns, annual reports, Board of Health reports, press releases
Researches and writes position papers, reports and correspondence
Collaborates on applied public health research and field study
Attends workshops, conferences, seminars to advance food systems work
Key Qualifications:
Master’s degree preparation in Health, Social Sciences or Environmental Sciences or related area or equivalent combination of a baccalaureate degree with experience.
Demonstrated experience with food policy, food security and food system issues.
Extensive experience in community development and capacity building, public education and advocacy, including the ability to engage a wide variety of stakeholders including farmers, food activists, food industry, diverse communities and politicians.
Experience in facilitation of complex community groups, team building and conflict management.
Experience in project management, policy research and analysis, planning and advocacy.
Strong communication skills, written and verbal
Ability to work at a leadership level with city divisions and external organizations dealing with food system issues.
Ability to work with food experts and others to design innovative food policies, programs, training and education.
Ability to work flexible hours, which may include overtime, shift work, evenings and weekends.
Ability to attend meetings in all areas of Toronto and occasionally outside the GTA.
Proficiency with MS Office, including Word and PowerPoint.
Knowledge and ability to apply the determinants of health, access and equity principles.
Ability to work cooperatively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to work effectively within a municipal government context.
This opportunity is intended for external applicants only. Employees must apply through the Internal Job Posting Board on the City's Intranet within the internal job posting closing date.
To apply for this position, please visit our website at www.toronto.ca/employment and apply directly on line.
Applications must be received by September 13, 2010.
Salary: $40.46 - $44.33 per hour
Please note that applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
Committed to employment equity, the City of Toronto encourages applications from Aboriginal peoples, people with disabilities, members of visible minority groups and women.
Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process as required under the City of Toronto's Employment Accommodation policy. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.
We thank all applicants and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The City's Corporate Access & Privacy Office advises that sending personal information by fax may not be a secure means of transmission.
© Copyright 2010 City of Toronto
Consultant Health Promotion
File Reference #: X10CSA20318
Major Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Acting Manager of the Toronto Food Strategy, the Consultant Health Promotion works closely with the co-chairs of the Toronto Food Policy Council. The Consultant Health Promotion supports the day-to-day work of the Council and contributes to the development and implementation of the Toronto Food Strategy. The Consultant Health Promotion also identifies food system issues and trends, analyzes food policy and identifies opportunities for Toronto Food Policy Council involvement, policy research and action. Identifies and facilitates collaboration and dialogue with food system stakeholders including farmers, food industry, environmental and public health practitioner and researchers, charitable foundations and policy-makers. Contributes to relevant Toronto Public Health programs, service planning and overall strategic directions.
Provides expert advice and consultation to Toronto Public Health staff, the Board of Health, external groups and the general public on food system and health issues
Assesses community needs and analyzes information with respect to the interface between the Toronto Food Policy Council, Toronto Public Health and City Government regarding food systems issues
Develops, plans, implements and evaluates community-based initiatives by applying health promotion strategies such as community mobilization, advocacy, healthy public policy, social determinants of health and health education
Facilitates the work of the Council by applying community development strategies to resolve complex and sometimes competing priorities, develops collaborative working relationships, engages new audiences, builds on the Council’s strategic planning process, and supports the Council’s ongoing operations and governance at and between meetings
Collaborates with Public Health and other city staff in planning for food-related policies, programs and issues
Analyzes information and provides advice to staff in the review and analysis of programs, projects and new priorities in setting goals and objectives. Drafts and revises related program plans, policies and procedures
Promotes the implementation of municipal, provincial and federal legislation and strategies
Develops public health issues-related policy recommendations for consideration at the municipal, provincial and federal levels
Writes and speaks effectively and represents the Council to the public, community, media, and academia.
Liaises with external groups and stakeholders. Responds to requests from the media and community
Plans, develops, implements, coordinates and evaluates programs and services as directed, e.g. community forum workshops, press conferences, in-house newsletters, media campaigns, annual reports, Board of Health reports, press releases
Researches and writes position papers, reports and correspondence
Collaborates on applied public health research and field study
Attends workshops, conferences, seminars to advance food systems work
Key Qualifications:
Master’s degree preparation in Health, Social Sciences or Environmental Sciences or related area or equivalent combination of a baccalaureate degree with experience.
Demonstrated experience with food policy, food security and food system issues.
Extensive experience in community development and capacity building, public education and advocacy, including the ability to engage a wide variety of stakeholders including farmers, food activists, food industry, diverse communities and politicians.
Experience in facilitation of complex community groups, team building and conflict management.
Experience in project management, policy research and analysis, planning and advocacy.
Strong communication skills, written and verbal
Ability to work at a leadership level with city divisions and external organizations dealing with food system issues.
Ability to work with food experts and others to design innovative food policies, programs, training and education.
Ability to work flexible hours, which may include overtime, shift work, evenings and weekends.
Ability to attend meetings in all areas of Toronto and occasionally outside the GTA.
Proficiency with MS Office, including Word and PowerPoint.
Knowledge and ability to apply the determinants of health, access and equity principles.
Ability to work cooperatively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to work effectively within a municipal government context.
This opportunity is intended for external applicants only. Employees must apply through the Internal Job Posting Board on the City's Intranet within the internal job posting closing date.
To apply for this position, please visit our website at www.toronto.ca/employment and apply directly on line.
Applications must be received by September 13, 2010.
Salary: $40.46 - $44.33 per hour
Please note that applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
Committed to employment equity, the City of Toronto encourages applications from Aboriginal peoples, people with disabilities, members of visible minority groups and women.
Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process as required under the City of Toronto's Employment Accommodation policy. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.
We thank all applicants and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The City's Corporate Access & Privacy Office advises that sending personal information by fax may not be a secure means of transmission.
© Copyright 2010 City of Toronto
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
A green roof, one year later + music to garden to
Wow, how green roofs can change! The top picture shows a green roof we did last year. 364 days later, we see how it has changed!
-I'm a big fan of KCRW and earlier in the week I discovered Ann Litts 5 songs to garden to. Courtesy of youtube, we can listen to her selections.
1. Darker My Love – June Bloom
2. Frazey Ford – Firecracker
3. The Cure – In Between Days
4. Best Coast – Our Deal
5. Randy Newman – Marie
-I'm a big fan of KCRW and earlier in the week I discovered Ann Litts 5 songs to garden to. Courtesy of youtube, we can listen to her selections.
1. Darker My Love – June Bloom
2. Frazey Ford – Firecracker
3. The Cure – In Between Days
4. Best Coast – Our Deal
5. Randy Newman – Marie
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Permaculture galore
Took a little time away from the living architecture to do a little plastering for Ahmic Designs on a strawbale house.
Not the greatest of pictures, but you get the picture. Okay, back to the regularly scheduled program:
-Fruit Loop Acres is a 3/4 acre permaculture fruit farm in the heart of Indianapolis, Indiana. They grow heirloom varieties of cane fruit and stone fruit (gotta head to wikipedia for that one, plus this beehive is the coolest I've ever seen!
-Job alert!A very rare opportunity to lead a permaculture organization.
Not the greatest of pictures, but you get the picture. Okay, back to the regularly scheduled program:
-Fruit Loop Acres is a 3/4 acre permaculture fruit farm in the heart of Indianapolis, Indiana. They grow heirloom varieties of cane fruit and stone fruit (gotta head to wikipedia for that one, plus this beehive is the coolest I've ever seen!
-Job alert!A very rare opportunity to lead a permaculture organization.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
The Greening of Detroit continues...
If you're in Philly, check out this map of local and private places where fresh vegetables and fruit grow.I guess to get the private produce, you should make friends with the owners first.
-Detroit's MGMGrand hotel and local organization The Greening of Detroit are planning a $1 million project to build and complete the downtown area's first urban farm by late next year. Let the gold rush begin. Don't groan...how could I resist that pun?
Grown in Detroit, is a documentary that focuses on the urban gardening efforts that have been undertaken by the 300 students at The Ferguson Academy for Young Women, an alternative high school. Inspiring. One last urban ag story this from the New York Times about go getters on the West Coast.
-The number of farmers markets in the US is only .4% of the total food economy, but are up 214% from 2000, 16% in the last year.
-There are a few folks not too enthralled with the vertical gardening idea, in certain climates.
-Detroit's MGMGrand hotel and local organization The Greening of Detroit are planning a $1 million project to build and complete the downtown area's first urban farm by late next year. Let the gold rush begin. Don't groan...how could I resist that pun?
Grown in Detroit, is a documentary that focuses on the urban gardening efforts that have been undertaken by the 300 students at The Ferguson Academy for Young Women, an alternative high school. Inspiring. One last urban ag story this from the New York Times about go getters on the West Coast.
-The number of farmers markets in the US is only .4% of the total food economy, but are up 214% from 2000, 16% in the last year.
-There are a few folks not too enthralled with the vertical gardening idea, in certain climates.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
The Plug-In Farm + No thanks to a green wall
Let's cut to the chase:
As predicted in other places, big time water shortages ahead for much of the United States. That most likely means less lawnsacross the USA, which, I guess, is a good thing. Unless you just bought a new mower. In those drought stricken urban environments, could we see the rise of a Plug-in Farm, which marries the urban environment and animal husbandry.
-NPR covers a great story in Baltlmore, where ex-convicts are participating in the green economy through deconstruction.
-I love it when I stumble upon superior raw data. A crop map for every county in the US is a good start. Now where's the updated one? Am I too greedy???
-Remember that massive green wall that was supposed to go up on the Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal Building in Portland? Well, it's been nixed. Too expensive, too risky, some folks say. Which is a shame, in a sense. Although I'm a huge fan of living architecture, to be honest, I can think of better ways to spend that cash. If you really want to have a green wall, why not make it a food producing one? Or spend that money on roofs, lots of green roofs.
-Lastly, whenever possible I try to post permaculture resources in other languages, here are a few in French and Arabic.
As predicted in other places, big time water shortages ahead for much of the United States. That most likely means less lawnsacross the USA, which, I guess, is a good thing. Unless you just bought a new mower. In those drought stricken urban environments, could we see the rise of a Plug-in Farm, which marries the urban environment and animal husbandry.
-NPR covers a great story in Baltlmore, where ex-convicts are participating in the green economy through deconstruction.
-I love it when I stumble upon superior raw data. A crop map for every county in the US is a good start. Now where's the updated one? Am I too greedy???
-Remember that massive green wall that was supposed to go up on the Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal Building in Portland? Well, it's been nixed. Too expensive, too risky, some folks say. Which is a shame, in a sense. Although I'm a huge fan of living architecture, to be honest, I can think of better ways to spend that cash. If you really want to have a green wall, why not make it a food producing one? Or spend that money on roofs, lots of green roofs.
-Lastly, whenever possible I try to post permaculture resources in other languages, here are a few in French and Arabic.
Green roof employment opportunities
Spotted these on an industry newsletter:
----
Green Roof Service LLC is looking to add an accredited Green Roof Professional (GRP) position to their experienced team. This entry-level position is an opportunity to transform theory into practice. A B.Sc. in architecture, landscape architecture, design, engineering or editing/writing would be beneficial. Start after September, 2010, in Bel Air, MD.
Contact Jörg Breuning: jorg@greenroofservice.com.
Manager of Design/Build Group with Landscaping Company
Urban Garden is a rapidly growing landscape design/build/maintenance firm that focuses on innovative projects in Toronto’s core, including roof, balcony and podium gardens.
They are seeking an experienced manager to lead and expand their Design/Build Group. Candidates should have experience with project management and landscaping.
----
Green Roof Service LLC is looking to add an accredited Green Roof Professional (GRP) position to their experienced team. This entry-level position is an opportunity to transform theory into practice. A B.Sc. in architecture, landscape architecture, design, engineering or editing/writing would be beneficial. Start after September, 2010, in Bel Air, MD.
Contact Jörg Breuning: jorg@greenroofservice.com.
Manager of Design/Build Group with Landscaping Company
Urban Garden is a rapidly growing landscape design/build/maintenance firm that focuses on innovative projects in Toronto’s core, including roof, balcony and podium gardens.
They are seeking an experienced manager to lead and expand their Design/Build Group. Candidates should have experience with project management and landscaping.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Lloyd and Dickson
Lloyd's of London is sounding the alarm about peak oil.
Okay, so, this bumming you out, you say? We need solutions. Good, there are some...
-It looks like politicians in Newark are seriously considering the first vertical farm by Dr. Despommier. And the USDA has taken an in depth look at local food systems. And Terraform One announces the winners of an ideas competition focused on creating productive green spaces in cities.
Now, I think that I can sleep tonight!
Okay, so, this bumming you out, you say? We need solutions. Good, there are some...
-It looks like politicians in Newark are seriously considering the first vertical farm by Dr. Despommier. And the USDA has taken an in depth look at local food systems. And Terraform One announces the winners of an ideas competition focused on creating productive green spaces in cities.
Now, I think that I can sleep tonight!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Calling all Canadian Environmental Innovators! - closes August 31, 2010
Searching for an Environmental Innovator ...
Know someone who is making a difference to Canada's environment?
Nominate them for the 2010 Environmental Innovation Award now!
The winner receives:
-a feature in Canadian Geographic magazine
-all-expenses paid trip to the Society's Annual Dinner in Ottawa for the medal presentation
-a unique bronze medal created by a Canadian sculptor
Submit your nomination online NOW
For more information, visit the Environmental Innovation website.
Deadline: August 31, 2010
Know someone who is making a difference to Canada's environment?
Nominate them for the 2010 Environmental Innovation Award now!
The winner receives:
-a feature in Canadian Geographic magazine
-all-expenses paid trip to the Society's Annual Dinner in Ottawa for the medal presentation
-a unique bronze medal created by a Canadian sculptor
Submit your nomination online NOW
For more information, visit the Environmental Innovation website.
Deadline: August 31, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Will Cleveland do a "full Detroit"?
Looks like we've got ourselves a good ol' fashioned arms race. Longwood Gardens now has the largest green wall in North America, who's aim for the title next?
-Take an unused mall and combine it with urban agriculture, what do you get? Gardens under glass. On their website they say "nowhere in cleveland is there a project of this nature or magnitude." I don't think there's another city IN NORTH AMERICA with anything like this. So Cleveland is leading the way with this project, will Cleveland do a "full Detroit" ? I think I just coined that phrase. Umm...maybe??? If Cleveland gets a GOP task force, like Detroit did, to champion urban agriculture then...yes. It's official, everyone is pulling for a Detroit recovery now!
But once the gardens are up and running will they be self-sufficient and sustainable???
-And for the truly cutting edge, how about using Foursquare to plot urban foraging stashes throughout your city.
-Take an unused mall and combine it with urban agriculture, what do you get? Gardens under glass. On their website they say "nowhere in cleveland is there a project of this nature or magnitude." I don't think there's another city IN NORTH AMERICA with anything like this. So Cleveland is leading the way with this project, will Cleveland do a "full Detroit" ? I think I just coined that phrase. Umm...maybe??? If Cleveland gets a GOP task force, like Detroit did, to champion urban agriculture then...yes. It's official, everyone is pulling for a Detroit recovery now!
But once the gardens are up and running will they be self-sufficient and sustainable???
-And for the truly cutting edge, how about using Foursquare to plot urban foraging stashes throughout your city.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
If ants were in charge, there would be no giant oil spill off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.
They been farming for 50 million years, what can we learn from these ingenious creatures teach us about agriculture?
The short phrase of the week has to be agrarian urbanism. Daniel Nairn at Grist takes Andrés Duany idea of "embedding hamlets within a rural landscape", and flips it so that you put " pockets of agriculture within the urban landscape." Interesting read, as is the design.
Helping inner city Winnipeg youth through urban agriculture, FortWhyte Farmsgets teens to help with raising bees, bison and more and got an extra $30,000 from the city to do even more! The youth, between 14 and 18 years old, take part in farm operations such as raising chickens, pigs and bison, as well as beekeeping and gardening.
The short phrase of the week has to be agrarian urbanism. Daniel Nairn at Grist takes Andrés Duany idea of "embedding hamlets within a rural landscape", and flips it so that you put " pockets of agriculture within the urban landscape." Interesting read, as is the design.
Helping inner city Winnipeg youth through urban agriculture, FortWhyte Farmsgets teens to help with raising bees, bison and more and got an extra $30,000 from the city to do even more! The youth, between 14 and 18 years old, take part in farm operations such as raising chickens, pigs and bison, as well as beekeeping and gardening.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Things a' sprouting in the Midwest
This week, all of a sudden urban agriculture news came streaming in from the Midwestern States...
-In Kansas City city gardeners can now sell produce from their homes! Wow!
-In Wisconsin farmers are trying to make the switch to organic and are looking for community support. I must admit, I was totally suckered by this next headline "Will city shut off water for urban gardens?". Turns out in Milwaukee people are allowed to pay to tap into unmetered fire hydrants to water urban gardens on unused lots. Really? You can do this in Milwaukee??? Is this common elsewhere? Come 2011, that's it for this practice it seems. What now?
And one pick before I go, this green roof on the Urrezkoenea House in Spain! Nice!!!
-In Kansas City city gardeners can now sell produce from their homes! Wow!
-In Wisconsin farmers are trying to make the switch to organic and are looking for community support. I must admit, I was totally suckered by this next headline "Will city shut off water for urban gardens?". Turns out in Milwaukee people are allowed to pay to tap into unmetered fire hydrants to water urban gardens on unused lots. Really? You can do this in Milwaukee??? Is this common elsewhere? Come 2011, that's it for this practice it seems. What now?
And one pick before I go, this green roof on the Urrezkoenea House in Spain! Nice!!!
Monday, July 5, 2010
In Honor of the World Cup...
...I feel it's my duty to spread the word about this incredible green roof soccer field. So that makes TWO that we've profiled this year. Do I see a connection? The first was in Slovenia, the second France. Does that mean you need to build a green roofed soccer field to have a shot at World Cup glory?
-In Vancouver, a few urban food security projectssplit $100,000 to do a slew of cool things, including expanding composting programs.
-You never know when a mayor makes an announcement for his/her city to be the "biggest _______" (<----insert cool/trendy initiative here), but it looks like Indianapolis is giving this infill urban gardening thing a try. Baltimore too, has changed it's zoning codes for only the third time in city history, to create space for urban farms to grow.
-Lastly, via City Farmer, I stumbled upon this fantastic dissertation by entitled: Urban Agriculture as Revolution. Grab your favorite beverage, it's a good but long (over 200 pages) read.
-In Vancouver, a few urban food security projectssplit $100,000 to do a slew of cool things, including expanding composting programs.
-You never know when a mayor makes an announcement for his/her city to be the "biggest _______" (<----insert cool/trendy initiative here), but it looks like Indianapolis is giving this infill urban gardening thing a try. Baltimore too, has changed it's zoning codes for only the third time in city history, to create space for urban farms to grow.
-Lastly, via City Farmer, I stumbled upon this fantastic dissertation by entitled: Urban Agriculture as Revolution. Grab your favorite beverage, it's a good but long (over 200 pages) read.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Great community ideas
Can a local food system save a town? If you're from Hardwick, VT you'd say yes.
Another great idea? In Sonoma, California folks issued a challenge to have a garden on every block. The neighbourhood certainly responded with some great gardens, many permaculture inspired.
If you're similarly inspired or just want to know more about permaculture, a great intro is Will Hunter's NC State University Intro to Permaculture lecture. 90 minutes serve as a great primer for what permaculture entails!
Another great idea? In Sonoma, California folks issued a challenge to have a garden on every block. The neighbourhood certainly responded with some great gardens, many permaculture inspired.
If you're similarly inspired or just want to know more about permaculture, a great intro is Will Hunter's NC State University Intro to Permaculture lecture. 90 minutes serve as a great primer for what permaculture entails!
Monday, June 21, 2010
A very shady green roof
Pictures from a green roof we installed near the Georgian Bay. I think it's the first green roof designed specifically for the shade in Ontario...and definitely this zone! We got to try out a few cool new plants, including woodland strawberries! Yum!!!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Copenhagen's green roof law and green job funding
It's great to read a blog about the World Green Roof Conference in Beijing . Haven't seen that much news coverage, so it's great to know what's going on!
-Heres a press release stating that GREENandSAVE’s Eco Academy announced $1,000,000 dollars in green job training funding seems like a step worthy of mention. Funding will be available primarily to veterans, Home Installation Contractors, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors. Gotta register before the 4th of July to get in!
-The Harper government has taken some licks for some of it's G20 and G8 preparations, a living wall, the “signature environmental project” hasn't been spared as there are no cost estimates for the project.
-Reported everywhere, but still important to mention, is Copenhagen's mandatory green roof policy for all new buildings.
-The time for permaculture designworkshops and courses is upon us.
-Heres a press release stating that GREENandSAVE’s Eco Academy announced $1,000,000 dollars in green job training funding seems like a step worthy of mention. Funding will be available primarily to veterans, Home Installation Contractors, Real Estate Agents and Home Inspectors. Gotta register before the 4th of July to get in!
-The Harper government has taken some licks for some of it's G20 and G8 preparations, a living wall, the “signature environmental project” hasn't been spared as there are no cost estimates for the project.
-Reported everywhere, but still important to mention, is Copenhagen's mandatory green roof policy for all new buildings.
-The time for permaculture designworkshops and courses is upon us.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Community garden green roof
With everything going on, it has taken a couple of weeks to get some pictures up. But here are a couple of photos from a green roof we did on a shed about 3 weeks ago. There were at least 6 people helping (no way I can remember all of the names), including a couple of folks just wandering through who wanted to lend a hand. If you're near the Christie Pits community garden in Toronto, stop by.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Eco housing for all?
Some pictures of recent green roof projects will be up next week, but for now here are a few tidbits...
The Museum of Vancouver and partners are planning a Food Systems Exhibit starting in August. But why wait to participate? Enter you're own photo of local and/or urban farming in action!
An eco-village for the homeless. Thumbs up.
Before heading out to Afghanistan, recently some National Guardsmen learned permaculture skills to share. Looks like Scott Pittman has taken permaculture to a new level.
The Museum of Vancouver and partners are planning a Food Systems Exhibit starting in August. But why wait to participate? Enter you're own photo of local and/or urban farming in action!
An eco-village for the homeless. Thumbs up.
Before heading out to Afghanistan, recently some National Guardsmen learned permaculture skills to share. Looks like Scott Pittman has taken permaculture to a new level.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Entrepreneurial foraging...
...is something I considered years ago. As Greg Beato points out at the end entrepreneurship among local food producers is great, using the land merely for profit is not. But I do like the Underground Farmer’s Market idea.
-Let's do an quick, global urban agriculture and permaculture jaunt. In western Sierra Leone farmers are looking to claw back land being encroached upon. In Kerala, India the Chief Minister has announced an organic farming policy which will turn the ENTIRE STATE into anorganic farming oasis.
-Many people know that water is way cheaper than it should be and the Tyee illuminates some of the challenges with conservation. One big one, you can't conserve what you can't measure and in Canada, "32.6 per cent of houses are metered in BC, 16.5 per cent in Quebec, and less than one per cent in Newfoundland". Wow.
To get your complete fix on water, check out the The Water Undergrounda 24-minute video which tracks the complex, aging and sometimes contested, systems of water supply, treatment and waste that serve New York City.
-If you're in Brooklyn this weekend and have a hankering for some urban agriculture skillsharing RSVP quick. Speaking of get togethers, if you're in Santa Cruz all are welcome to come celebrate the summer with other LGBTQ and supportive gardeners, farmers, and food lovers. Festivities from 2 to 9 pm on June 19th, including Farm Tours, workshops (Beekeeping, Fermenting, Pickling, & more!).
-Yale's Robert Stern thinks “in 10 years we’re not going to talk about sustainability anymore, because it’s going to be built into the core processes of architecture.” Who's bettin' what?
-Let's do an quick, global urban agriculture and permaculture jaunt. In western Sierra Leone farmers are looking to claw back land being encroached upon. In Kerala, India the Chief Minister has announced an organic farming policy which will turn the ENTIRE STATE into anorganic farming oasis.
-Many people know that water is way cheaper than it should be and the Tyee illuminates some of the challenges with conservation. One big one, you can't conserve what you can't measure and in Canada, "32.6 per cent of houses are metered in BC, 16.5 per cent in Quebec, and less than one per cent in Newfoundland". Wow.
To get your complete fix on water, check out the The Water Undergrounda 24-minute video which tracks the complex, aging and sometimes contested, systems of water supply, treatment and waste that serve New York City.
-If you're in Brooklyn this weekend and have a hankering for some urban agriculture skillsharing RSVP quick. Speaking of get togethers, if you're in Santa Cruz all are welcome to come celebrate the summer with other LGBTQ and supportive gardeners, farmers, and food lovers. Festivities from 2 to 9 pm on June 19th, including Farm Tours, workshops (Beekeeping, Fermenting, Pickling, & more!).
-Yale's Robert Stern thinks “in 10 years we’re not going to talk about sustainability anymore, because it’s going to be built into the core processes of architecture.” Who's bettin' what?
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
There's no stopping us now
A couple of reports in the last few days indicate that the recession did not effect the green building movement worldwide, and that the green roof industry grew by over 16% in North America.
If you're in NYC and looking for an urban agriculture gig in September, Farm City has the job for you. Also, there's a permaculture offering in Montana. A little bit further from home, if you're in Ho Chi Minh City there should be opportunities in urban ag for decades to come. This article is chock full of stats, a math professor's dream.
Ahh...Venice.
If you're in NYC and looking for an urban agriculture gig in September, Farm City has the job for you. Also, there's a permaculture offering in Montana. A little bit further from home, if you're in Ho Chi Minh City there should be opportunities in urban ag for decades to come. This article is chock full of stats, a math professor's dream.
Ahh...Venice.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
One down, more to come
Last week we completed the first green roof of 2010. It took a while for a few components to come in, which is why the last picture shows an overcast day, but in the first few it is super sunny. I'll have to post a few more pics from the medium installation, it just looks like medium appears from thin air. Big thanks to Genna, Rui, Florian, Carolyn, Annette and Robert, the owner and a terrific host.
Along with the help of various assistants and machetes...
Something about that line just struck me really funnily. On a more serious note, this "Chase and Chase" team sounds like a true dynamic duo. They've unearthed (with some help) that the Mayans were green builders. I wonder what kinds of plants they used on their green roofs?
When you're in Los Angeles and looking for grub, here are some of the best ways to scrounge up some food.
David Craft's latest ebook can help you distinguish even more foraged finds. Give it a preview and see if you want the whole shabang.
The Obama Administration is getting behind the locavore movement. And it includes gems such as "Where possible, use school gardens to educate students about healthy eating. School gardens offer opportunities for fun and physical activity while also serving as an important educational tool to help students understand how healthful food is produced" Sounds good to me.
Montreal bus shelters are getting green roofs. I saw something like this in Toronto, except, I think it was the handwork of guerrilla gardeners because once the city found out, the greenery came down. Heading further east, Nova Scotia Community College recently completed their first vertical garden.
Lastly, if you're in Portland, Oregon...please drop me a line and let me know how the local food cook offwent today.
When you're in Los Angeles and looking for grub, here are some of the best ways to scrounge up some food.
David Craft's latest ebook can help you distinguish even more foraged finds. Give it a preview and see if you want the whole shabang.
The Obama Administration is getting behind the locavore movement. And it includes gems such as "Where possible, use school gardens to educate students about healthy eating. School gardens offer opportunities for fun and physical activity while also serving as an important educational tool to help students understand how healthful food is produced" Sounds good to me.
Montreal bus shelters are getting green roofs. I saw something like this in Toronto, except, I think it was the handwork of guerrilla gardeners because once the city found out, the greenery came down. Heading further east, Nova Scotia Community College recently completed their first vertical garden.
Lastly, if you're in Portland, Oregon...please drop me a line and let me know how the local food cook offwent today.
GSA shelving 250 foot green wall?
It's been a while, so let the flurry begin...
-Sustainable Cities Collective sheds light on Cleveland’s new policy to attract and create local, sustainable business. New legislation allows the city to offer a 5% discount to local food businesses bidding for city contracts. Since most bids are decided by 5% or less, a discount for being a certified Local Sustainable Business—a process that will be determined by the Cleveland Office of Sustainability—will offer a ‘huge’ advantage.
-George Penfold does believe that Canadians have a food security issue, he thinks Canucks have a convenience issue.
-Will the GSA scrap the 250 foot green wall idea from the Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal Building? There has been lots of buzz about the project, both good and bad.
-It's wonderful that municipalities are working on urban agriculture issues, KC is trying to straighten out their urban agriculture ordinance. But, uh, what's this? Urban farmers could hire employees???
-Vertical farms are neat, but won't save us in the long run say folks from the Land Institute. Their solution? Converting cropland to the production of diverse, food-producing, perennial crops and a reliance on natural processes and cohesive rural communities, not technological fantasies.
-Sustainable Cities Collective sheds light on Cleveland’s new policy to attract and create local, sustainable business. New legislation allows the city to offer a 5% discount to local food businesses bidding for city contracts. Since most bids are decided by 5% or less, a discount for being a certified Local Sustainable Business—a process that will be determined by the Cleveland Office of Sustainability—will offer a ‘huge’ advantage.
-George Penfold does believe that Canadians have a food security issue, he thinks Canucks have a convenience issue.
-Will the GSA scrap the 250 foot green wall idea from the Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal Building? There has been lots of buzz about the project, both good and bad.
-It's wonderful that municipalities are working on urban agriculture issues, KC is trying to straighten out their urban agriculture ordinance. But, uh, what's this? Urban farmers could hire employees???
-Vertical farms are neat, but won't save us in the long run say folks from the Land Institute. Their solution? Converting cropland to the production of diverse, food-producing, perennial crops and a reliance on natural processes and cohesive rural communities, not technological fantasies.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
New certificates, Sustainable Urban Agriculture and Local food
Let's kick it off with a nice green wall from Vancouver at the Sheraton.
Will definitely have to check that out later in the year during a break at the Cities Alive.
-Chicago and all of North America, have come so far, but so many opportunities still!
-The University of Guelph announced a new Sustainable Urban Agriculture Certificate which kicks of September 2010. Learn things like how to convert degraded urban green space into functioning ecological areas and more. Or if you like, give St. Lawrence College's part time, online sustainable local food certificate a try!
-Oh yes, and the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development is looking for contributors. It's a NEW online, international, peer-reviewed journal focused on applied research and best practices in the development of thriving farming communities and sustainable food systems. Peer reviewers include development practitioners, organization and agency staff, faculty, graduate students, consultants, and farmers from around the world with expertise in a wide range of agriculture and food-systems issues as they relate to community, ecological sustainability, and economic development. JAFSCD is online at www.AgDevJournal.com.
Authors are invited to submit articles on Best Practices in Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Development and may address topics such as:
Urban livestock management and regulation
Urban market gardening and backyard gardening
Aquaculture and hydroponics
Marketing and value-adding
Waste management and reuse
Urban farming by immigrant or other special populations
Farming on the fringe.
Will definitely have to check that out later in the year during a break at the Cities Alive.
-Chicago and all of North America, have come so far, but so many opportunities still!
-The University of Guelph announced a new Sustainable Urban Agriculture Certificate which kicks of September 2010. Learn things like how to convert degraded urban green space into functioning ecological areas and more. Or if you like, give St. Lawrence College's part time, online sustainable local food certificate a try!
-Oh yes, and the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development is looking for contributors. It's a NEW online, international, peer-reviewed journal focused on applied research and best practices in the development of thriving farming communities and sustainable food systems. Peer reviewers include development practitioners, organization and agency staff, faculty, graduate students, consultants, and farmers from around the world with expertise in a wide range of agriculture and food-systems issues as they relate to community, ecological sustainability, and economic development. JAFSCD is online at www.AgDevJournal.com.
Authors are invited to submit articles on Best Practices in Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Development and may address topics such as:
Urban livestock management and regulation
Urban market gardening and backyard gardening
Aquaculture and hydroponics
Marketing and value-adding
Waste management and reuse
Urban farming by immigrant or other special populations
Farming on the fringe.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Canadian permaculture courses this summer + Reclaimed Living Wall
Very cool structure going up this summer on Governor's Island, in New York utilizing reclaimed milk crates.
-There are a few permaculture courses happening this growing season in Canada, one in Winlaw, BC May 30 - June 12, 2010 and August 15 -28, 2010. Cost is about $1000. The other in Orangeville, ON from July 17 -24 (The Fundamentals of Permaculture Course) and the Permaculture Practicum will also be offered in Orangeville, Ontario (July 25 - August 1st, 2010).
For more information contact:
Gregoire Lamoureux
Kootenay Permaculture, Winlaw, BC
spiralfarm@yahoo.com
http://www3.telus.net/permaculture
-Urban foraging meets social media, as this facebook page is slowly growing!
-Nice SPIN idea sprouting in Binghampton, New York. A group is leasing unused parcels to CSAish endeavor!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Green roofs, 1/2 off...in Singapore!
Well, I guess I acquiece. If there are less blog posts, that means there are more projects going up or in the works. And that's a good thing, right? Even though the frequency will be reduced to probably once a week, I'll make sure it's good...
When was the last time you could get a 384 page book...free? Well, Plan B 4.0 authored by Lester Brown of the Washington, DC-based nonprofit Earth Policy Institute (www.earth-policy.org), outlines a plan to address current worldwide challenges facing our civilization through a serious mobilization that will work to stabilize climate and population, address poverty, and restore the natural systems that our economy depends upon.
What a treat. Great thanks goes to NextStep Newsletter editor, Paul Moss, for making us all aware of this.
-More from the permaculture world. Great article from Science Alert about the risks and solutions for global food security. 9 billion in 2050. Over 11 billion in 2060. We had better get on it.
-If you're already hip to permaculture and ready to help others, the 2nd edition of the Permaculture Teaching Manual is now available.
-Sweet fancy moses, Singapore is offering incentives for green roofs. Does 50% of the cost whet your appetite?
-I will most DEFINITELY try making this dandelion preserve.
-Vancouver wanted to make 2010 urban gardens by 2010. looks like they broke their goal.
Hmmm...could Detroit learn from East German examples on how to make shrinking cities mini-meccas?
When was the last time you could get a 384 page book...free? Well, Plan B 4.0 authored by Lester Brown of the Washington, DC-based nonprofit Earth Policy Institute (www.earth-policy.org), outlines a plan to address current worldwide challenges facing our civilization through a serious mobilization that will work to stabilize climate and population, address poverty, and restore the natural systems that our economy depends upon.
What a treat. Great thanks goes to NextStep Newsletter editor, Paul Moss, for making us all aware of this.
-More from the permaculture world. Great article from Science Alert about the risks and solutions for global food security. 9 billion in 2050. Over 11 billion in 2060. We had better get on it.
-If you're already hip to permaculture and ready to help others, the 2nd edition of the Permaculture Teaching Manual is now available.
-Sweet fancy moses, Singapore is offering incentives for green roofs. Does 50% of the cost whet your appetite?
-I will most DEFINITELY try making this dandelion preserve.
-Vancouver wanted to make 2010 urban gardens by 2010. looks like they broke their goal.
Hmmm...could Detroit learn from East German examples on how to make shrinking cities mini-meccas?
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Mushrooms galore!
Since the last post spring has sprung and things are getting busy. Looking back at the blog last year, this is around the time when the blog production started to decrease. Hopefully not this year. It's weird how the news cycle goes, I don't know if you can even call it a cycle. 10 days ago, there wasn't that much (seemingly) happening in the living architecture world and then an explosion of activity.
-We'll start off with some news from Africa,first in Ghana Greg Knibbs from Australia drops in to run the first Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) course in the country. Great article. Then a little bit from Tanzania and some great permaculture ideas for the urban environment.
-Speaking of mushrooms, there's a weekend mushroom workshop in late May at the Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute. The 5th annual!!!
-Here's a novel idea in LA. How about instead of just serving customers, have restaurant goers become part of the process?
Why not have them source ingredients? Which is what happens at Forage.
If the restaurant wants something specific they turn to urban foragers, not distributors, to get what they want. Communal, local, provocative...and radical.
Oh and there's only one month left in San Francisco to see an exhibit by Exit Art called "Vertical Gardens". I think some Patrick Blanc work should be profiled as well.
Looks like Austin, Texas is trying to make some headway with a green roof advisory panel, hoping, by August 2010, to recommend policies and priorities about where green roofs will make the most impact, what kind of incentive programs to implement, and how city codes should encourage practices consistent with the goals of conservation, and discourage those that are not. And a lot more.
-We'll start off with some news from Africa,first in Ghana Greg Knibbs from Australia drops in to run the first Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) course in the country. Great article. Then a little bit from Tanzania and some great permaculture ideas for the urban environment.
-Speaking of mushrooms, there's a weekend mushroom workshop in late May at the Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute. The 5th annual!!!
-Here's a novel idea in LA. How about instead of just serving customers, have restaurant goers become part of the process?
Why not have them source ingredients? Which is what happens at Forage.
If the restaurant wants something specific they turn to urban foragers, not distributors, to get what they want. Communal, local, provocative...and radical.
Oh and there's only one month left in San Francisco to see an exhibit by Exit Art called "Vertical Gardens". I think some Patrick Blanc work should be profiled as well.
Looks like Austin, Texas is trying to make some headway with a green roof advisory panel, hoping, by August 2010, to recommend policies and priorities about where green roofs will make the most impact, what kind of incentive programs to implement, and how city codes should encourage practices consistent with the goals of conservation, and discourage those that are not. And a lot more.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Algae growers unite!
A great project started in Ireland, I believe, to map every permaculture project around the world. If you know of any projects, known or under the radar, please drop this guy a line. While we're at it, a couple of new permaculture websites in Porteguese and Spanish.
-The next frontier for home-growers? Can you get more local than your backyard? How about algae in the kitchen? Aaron Baum seems like a fantastic person, willing to help with installations for free!
-There's an urban agriculture farming bill that was unanimously passed in the Missouri House of Representatives to study urban agriculture and vertical farming in Missouri's metropolitan areas. Score a big one for State Rep. Jason Holsman, D-Kansas City.
-Reason number 1034 why urban planning is a great career choice for the future. This blogger's stance makes sense, want to affect food systems on a large scale? Be a planner.
-Accomplishments of pre-industrial Edo Japan include having a tree canopy covering 80% of Tokyo and free shellfish for it's residents. Check out the great synopsis first, then read all of Azby Brown's new book, Just Enough: Lessons in Living Green from Traditional Japan. It's on hold at the library already!
-The next frontier for home-growers? Can you get more local than your backyard? How about algae in the kitchen? Aaron Baum seems like a fantastic person, willing to help with installations for free!
-There's an urban agriculture farming bill that was unanimously passed in the Missouri House of Representatives to study urban agriculture and vertical farming in Missouri's metropolitan areas. Score a big one for State Rep. Jason Holsman, D-Kansas City.
-Reason number 1034 why urban planning is a great career choice for the future. This blogger's stance makes sense, want to affect food systems on a large scale? Be a planner.
-Accomplishments of pre-industrial Edo Japan include having a tree canopy covering 80% of Tokyo and free shellfish for it's residents. Check out the great synopsis first, then read all of Azby Brown's new book, Just Enough: Lessons in Living Green from Traditional Japan. It's on hold at the library already!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
More internship news + the Office of Urban Agriculture
Two separate calls for interns in Chile!!!
The first one can be found at Volunteer Abroad.
The second one, right here:
Two Permaculture Interns Wanted in Chile! Please forward widely. The Apple Tree Eco School in Chile is looking for two experienced entrepreneurial permaculture interns starting May 2010. We need (1) an experienced administrator proficient in English and Spanish to help manage a busy permie office, planning and promotions and (2) an experienced gardener to assist in production, processing and distribution of organic food. This is an unprecedented opportunity to work in Permaculture centre connected to Gaia University, Transition Towns and the Permaculture Research Institute. Get hands on experience in the management of Permaculture projects, relief work, design consultancy, teacher training,
transition training and much, much more. All food and board provided.
Successful applicants will also have opportunities to self-generate income. Start your Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design, on the edge, working where it counts. Contact Grifen Hope or Javiera Carri?n with a detailed CV and a letter of application through our website: www.ecoescuela.cl or via the information below...
Planificador Urbano / Phone: +56-09-92292398 / Skype: wholehabitat / Ecoescuela El Manzano
Planning & Design for Resilience / Web: www.ecoescuela.cl
-Also, a bill by Marcy Kaptur from Ohio was introduced to create an within theOffice of Urban Agriculture within the Department of Agriculture.
The first one can be found at Volunteer Abroad.
The second one, right here:
Two Permaculture Interns Wanted in Chile! Please forward widely. The Apple Tree Eco School in Chile is looking for two experienced entrepreneurial permaculture interns starting May 2010. We need (1) an experienced administrator proficient in English and Spanish to help manage a busy permie office, planning and promotions and (2) an experienced gardener to assist in production, processing and distribution of organic food. This is an unprecedented opportunity to work in Permaculture centre connected to Gaia University, Transition Towns and the Permaculture Research Institute. Get hands on experience in the management of Permaculture projects, relief work, design consultancy, teacher training,
transition training and much, much more. All food and board provided.
Successful applicants will also have opportunities to self-generate income. Start your Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design, on the edge, working where it counts. Contact Grifen Hope or Javiera Carri?n with a detailed CV and a letter of application through our website: www.ecoescuela.cl or via the information below...
Planificador Urbano / Phone: +56-09-92292398 / Skype: wholehabitat / Ecoescuela El Manzano
Planning & Design for Resilience / Web: www.ecoescuela.cl
-Also, a bill by Marcy Kaptur from Ohio was introduced to create an within theOffice of Urban Agriculture within the Department of Agriculture.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPES SUMMER INTERNSHIP - Chicago
SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPES SUMMER INTERNSHIP
The Sustainable Landscapes internship will allow the selected intern to gain knowledge of, and valuable work experience in the Chicago Department of Environment (CDOE) by assisting the City of Chicago’s Landscape Coordinator in the Natural Resources & Water Quality Division.
Note: This is a temporary position from approximately May 2010 through September 2010.
Minimum Qualifications: Must be a student in good academic standing currently enrolled in an accredited college or university or law school OR a student in good academic standing currently enrolled in a accredited business or data processing/information technology school. Must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 grading scale or a 3.5 on a 5.0 grading scale.
Note: Must maintain the minimum cumulative GPA throughout the duration of employment.
Duties: Duties include but are not limited to: assisting with meeting preparation and follow-up; researching secondary sources to support the development of memos & white papers; assisting with and/or preparing Power Point presentations; benchmarking sustainable landscape programs; identifying speakers and developing agendas for quarterly staff & other meetings; assisting with field inventories for urban forest expansion efforts; responding to Mayoral requests; and assisting other CDOE staff and working on other CDOE projects as needed.
Note: Experience using computer software such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Must possess excellent communication skills and be organized, reliable, punctual, and have a positive attitude. Students in all disciplines are encouraged to apply; however, preference will be given to students majoring in Landscape Architecture, Ecology/Biology, Urban Planning and Environmental Studies. Although work hours are somewhat flexible to meet the needs of the CDOE and the intern, it is desired that the intern is available to work full-time (35 hours/week) during regular weekday business hours.
Salary: $10/hour for college freshman/sophomores.; $12/hour for college juniors/seniors; and $14/hour for graduate students. Salary is based upon grade level completed at the time of hire.
Application Period: 03/29/10 – 04/23/10
How to Apply...
Provide all of the following materials:
Resume
Cover Letter/Personal Statement
References
Current Student Transcript
Letter of current enrollment verification
Proof of residency
Residency Requirement: All paid student Intern applicants must be an actual resident of the City of Chicago. Proof of residency will be required at the time of employment via one of the following: a valid driver’s license, state identification card, voter’s registration card, or a utility bill (gas, electric) displaying a City of Chicago residence.
Please submit all application materials via email to:
Joann Mcneil, Supervisor of Personnel Services
Joann.Mcneil@cityofchicago.org
NOTE: Applications must be submitted by the individual applicant. No second party applications will be accepted. Incomplete packets will not be considered
NOTE: Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
NOTE: If you are a person with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application process, please contact the City of Chicago, Department of Human Resources at 312-744-4976 (voice) or 312-744-5035 (TTY). You may be required to provide information to support your reasonable accommodation request.
NOTE: ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ANY AND ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.
The City of Chicago is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer.
The Sustainable Landscapes internship will allow the selected intern to gain knowledge of, and valuable work experience in the Chicago Department of Environment (CDOE) by assisting the City of Chicago’s Landscape Coordinator in the Natural Resources & Water Quality Division.
Note: This is a temporary position from approximately May 2010 through September 2010.
Minimum Qualifications: Must be a student in good academic standing currently enrolled in an accredited college or university or law school OR a student in good academic standing currently enrolled in a accredited business or data processing/information technology school. Must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 grading scale or a 3.5 on a 5.0 grading scale.
Note: Must maintain the minimum cumulative GPA throughout the duration of employment.
Duties: Duties include but are not limited to: assisting with meeting preparation and follow-up; researching secondary sources to support the development of memos & white papers; assisting with and/or preparing Power Point presentations; benchmarking sustainable landscape programs; identifying speakers and developing agendas for quarterly staff & other meetings; assisting with field inventories for urban forest expansion efforts; responding to Mayoral requests; and assisting other CDOE staff and working on other CDOE projects as needed.
Note: Experience using computer software such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Must possess excellent communication skills and be organized, reliable, punctual, and have a positive attitude. Students in all disciplines are encouraged to apply; however, preference will be given to students majoring in Landscape Architecture, Ecology/Biology, Urban Planning and Environmental Studies. Although work hours are somewhat flexible to meet the needs of the CDOE and the intern, it is desired that the intern is available to work full-time (35 hours/week) during regular weekday business hours.
Salary: $10/hour for college freshman/sophomores.; $12/hour for college juniors/seniors; and $14/hour for graduate students. Salary is based upon grade level completed at the time of hire.
Application Period: 03/29/10 – 04/23/10
How to Apply...
Provide all of the following materials:
Resume
Cover Letter/Personal Statement
References
Current Student Transcript
Letter of current enrollment verification
Proof of residency
Residency Requirement: All paid student Intern applicants must be an actual resident of the City of Chicago. Proof of residency will be required at the time of employment via one of the following: a valid driver’s license, state identification card, voter’s registration card, or a utility bill (gas, electric) displaying a City of Chicago residence.
Please submit all application materials via email to:
Joann Mcneil, Supervisor of Personnel Services
Joann.Mcneil@cityofchicago.org
NOTE: Applications must be submitted by the individual applicant. No second party applications will be accepted. Incomplete packets will not be considered
NOTE: Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
NOTE: If you are a person with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application process, please contact the City of Chicago, Department of Human Resources at 312-744-4976 (voice) or 312-744-5035 (TTY). You may be required to provide information to support your reasonable accommodation request.
NOTE: ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ANY AND ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.
The City of Chicago is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer.
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