This is the last post of 2011, so I have to make it good.
-Last week I did a Battle of the Book Reviews. One of the books I reviewed was by David Tracey, and earlier in the year he wrote an article detailing the word, Usufruct. It seems, thankfully, this hasn't been necessary in New York, where real estate developers are actively seeking out urban agriculture entrepreneurs to use their land when construction has ground to a halt.
-Two quick articles about deconstruction, an oldie and a new one. They give ample reason for you to be the first in your community (because, the Living Architecture Daily blog has a global audience of go-getters) to inspire or launch a deconstruction business.
-A couple of aquaponics stories to finish up the year, because I believe aquaponics will be on the tip of everyone's tongue in 2012. Others agree.
In Bahrain it looks like a rather large public-private partnership could fall through because of new demands by city councillors. It doesn't say how big the project would be, but if there's a 25 year lease, I would guess pretty big.
And it looks like Rwanda had a $9 million dollar project launched in 2011.
Thanks to everyone who checked out the blog this year! The number of readers has skyrocketed and I can't wait to see what the living architecture and urban agriculture (LAUA! Did I just create a new acronym????) world has in store for us in 2012! verticiel has big things planned, see you on the other side!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Green roof training in Philly, green roof food production in Vancouver
I've taken a breather between celebrations to catch up on some living architecture news.
-Valcent Products, one of the first to the vertical farming table, has signed on with the City of Vancouver to open a parking garage green house which could churn out over 95 tons of produce per year.
-In Philadelphia a green roofing program over the last year has trained over 30 individuals and installed 11 "green roofs", 2 vegetated and 9 white roofs. The program features a unique combination of government, non-profit and private support.
-Remember when I admitted knowing very, very little about urban agriculture projects in the Southwestern US? Thanks to the Worldwatch Institute I now know a whole lot more!
-The UK's Offshoots Permaculture Project won an International Green Award last week. If their beekeeping tutorials are par for their teaching courses, the award is well-deserved. And speaking of permaculture, it's been a while, but here's a little permaculture informationin Spanish.
Now for more resting!!!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Santa spotted on California green roof + Holiday music
Let the kids know, the reindeer are on the green roof as well!
And of course, some holiday music for 2011. Enjoy everyone!!!
Blues Travler - Christmas
The Waitresses - Christmas Wrapping
Gilberto Gil - Lamento Sertanejo
Pepe Castillo - Aguinaldo Jibaro
Run-DMC - Christmas in Hollis
They Might be Giants - Feast of Lights
Rudolph's Shiny New Year - Father Time's Song
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Battle of the Book Reviews - Urban Agriculture vs The Urban Food Revolution
If you're looking for a holiday gift concerning Urban Agriculture/Food I have you covered. 2011 saw two notable books come out The Urban Food Revolution - Changing the Way We Feed Cities by Peter Ladner and Urban Agriculture - Ideas and Designs for the New Food Revolution by David Tracey.
Here's the breakdown:
-Urban Food Revolution is for those who are new to the idea of urban food and urban agriculture. If you are a frequent reader of this blog or involved in the movement already, there is little new here and to be honest, a book like this comes out every year.
The author is a politician turned journalist who adequately summarizes the various aspects of the movements.
The highlights of the book are contained in pages 88-93. It's here where entrepreneurs can get valuable information on the costs of running your own balcony farm, the cost to set up Valcent ground breaking vertical farming operation, and the cost to set up an urban agriculture farm in a metropolis like Philadelphia.
Having tried to piece together this information myself, it was quite a treat to find of all of this information in one place.
Although there are solutions sprinkled throughout the book, the final chapter is devoted solely to how to fix North America's current urban agriculture woes. However in my opinion, there just aren't enough solutions here and that's what we need more of than anything.
-As for David Tracey's book, it's for that person in your life who wants to get their hands dirty. Whereas the former book was written more for an academic, the latter book is for the farmer in all of us, whether they are new to the field or old hands. It's a terrific source of ideas, big and small, and designs too, for how we can turn our urban areas into farms. Instructions on how to increase your backyard or container yields or start a community garden are all here.
The Urban Food Revolution - Changing the Way We Feed Cities wins, hands down!
p.s. Both of the writers hail from Vancouver, where there is a lot more about their burgeoning urban ag industry.
Here's the breakdown:
-Urban Food Revolution is for those who are new to the idea of urban food and urban agriculture. If you are a frequent reader of this blog or involved in the movement already, there is little new here and to be honest, a book like this comes out every year.
The author is a politician turned journalist who adequately summarizes the various aspects of the movements.
The highlights of the book are contained in pages 88-93. It's here where entrepreneurs can get valuable information on the costs of running your own balcony farm, the cost to set up Valcent ground breaking vertical farming operation, and the cost to set up an urban agriculture farm in a metropolis like Philadelphia.
Having tried to piece together this information myself, it was quite a treat to find of all of this information in one place.
Although there are solutions sprinkled throughout the book, the final chapter is devoted solely to how to fix North America's current urban agriculture woes. However in my opinion, there just aren't enough solutions here and that's what we need more of than anything.
-As for David Tracey's book, it's for that person in your life who wants to get their hands dirty. Whereas the former book was written more for an academic, the latter book is for the farmer in all of us, whether they are new to the field or old hands. It's a terrific source of ideas, big and small, and designs too, for how we can turn our urban areas into farms. Instructions on how to increase your backyard or container yields or start a community garden are all here.
The Urban Food Revolution - Changing the Way We Feed Cities wins, hands down!
p.s. Both of the writers hail from Vancouver, where there is a lot more about their burgeoning urban ag industry.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
32 square foot green roof for $20,000
A 32 square foot green roof for $20,000??? Yes, you heard right.. No one can argue that this is a good thing, educationally, and that the tiny green roof provides minimal environmental impact (the officials was smart to say that right away)...but in a time where economic austerity is sweeping the continent, that money could certainly have been used for another green roof projects with greater educational and environmental reach.
-PRI Cold Climate is looking for individuals and/or design teams to create a self-sustaining system for growing annual or perennial food crops in cold climates. Deadline for registration is January 6!
-Ahhh...now I understand why Michigan's Right to Farm Act and the City of Detroit seeking an exemption from it to allow urban agriculture, was such a big deal. At least, I think that I understand. Some have fears that "nuisance odors, traffic and similar issues" would be hard to control. However the Michigan Agriculture Commission approved amendments Wednesday to state farm regulations, so we'll see how things turn out.
-PRI Cold Climate is looking for individuals and/or design teams to create a self-sustaining system for growing annual or perennial food crops in cold climates. Deadline for registration is January 6!
-Ahhh...now I understand why Michigan's Right to Farm Act and the City of Detroit seeking an exemption from it to allow urban agriculture, was such a big deal. At least, I think that I understand. Some have fears that "nuisance odors, traffic and similar issues" would be hard to control. However the Michigan Agriculture Commission approved amendments Wednesday to state farm regulations, so we'll see how things turn out.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Hamburg, Germany wants multiple High Lines
During certain times of the year there are lulls in living architecture news. Traditionally, mid to late December is oh so quiet.
However, there are a few interesting tidbits today and later in the month I will have a couple of top 5 and top 10 lists.
But first...
-Hamburg, Germany, is committing $1 billion to High Linesque parks covering one of their busiest highways.
-I should also add, even though it's the dead of winter, it's not too early to start thinking about permaculture courses and the spring. Alaska will be beautiful in late April!
However, there are a few interesting tidbits today and later in the month I will have a couple of top 5 and top 10 lists.
But first...
-Hamburg, Germany, is committing $1 billion to High Linesque parks covering one of their busiest highways.
-I should also add, even though it's the dead of winter, it's not too early to start thinking about permaculture courses and the spring. Alaska will be beautiful in late April!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Urban agriculture best practices across the USA
A couple of quick urban agriculture hits!
Earlier this week the Turner Environmental Law Clinic released a report detailing best practices across the United States.
A few things jump out at me from the executive summary, I'll have more comments on the whole thing later:
1. If you'd like to detail the best urban agriculture practices "in these parts", it would make sense to include Canada's biggest cities as well (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal). There's much to be learned and on the grassroots level, I have seen a fair amount of idea cross-pollination.
2. I know precious little about urban agriculture in the southwestern US (and there's nothing about it in this report). Note to self (and everyone out there reading) for future blog post, find out what's happening down in the desert, because we rarely hear about it.
-For those across Canada, you have until January 31 to apply for the Green Grants Program and possible get $10,000 for your urban agriculture, community development or environmental stewardship project.
Earlier this week the Turner Environmental Law Clinic released a report detailing best practices across the United States.
A few things jump out at me from the executive summary, I'll have more comments on the whole thing later:
1. If you'd like to detail the best urban agriculture practices "in these parts", it would make sense to include Canada's biggest cities as well (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal). There's much to be learned and on the grassroots level, I have seen a fair amount of idea cross-pollination.
2. I know precious little about urban agriculture in the southwestern US (and there's nothing about it in this report). Note to self (and everyone out there reading) for future blog post, find out what's happening down in the desert, because we rarely hear about it.
-For those across Canada, you have until January 31 to apply for the Green Grants Program and possible get $10,000 for your urban agriculture, community development or environmental stewardship project.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
December tunes + Aquaponics arms race begins
Consider it "game on" in the aquaponics world.
-Getting a head start on marketing, a group in Berlin, Germany hope to have an urban agriculture factory up and running in 2013. Not a small one, either, about 80,000 square feet. Total cost? $6.7 million dollars. Not to be outdone, earlier this week a group which will be based in England will have the world's largest biomass to energy facility on 300 acres of land and the world's largest aquaponics facility. I guess that we'll see about that.
-Speaking of the UK and firsts, an English school will have the first institutional aquaponic facility.
-On to what soon may be considered "old style" urban agriculture, hearings will be heard in Montreal concerning urban agriculture starting in the spring. In total, volunteers need 15,000 and got almost twice that. Will they be allowed to raise fowl legally? How about beekeeping? Stay tuned.
And no, I didn't forget. It's just a bit late, so here ya go!
Weezer December
Edie Brickell Air Of December
Willie Nelson December Day
Tower of Power Only So Much Oil In The Ground Okay, this has nothing to do with December...but, the peak oilers should appreciate it!
-Getting a head start on marketing, a group in Berlin, Germany hope to have an urban agriculture factory up and running in 2013. Not a small one, either, about 80,000 square feet. Total cost? $6.7 million dollars. Not to be outdone, earlier this week a group which will be based in England will have the world's largest biomass to energy facility on 300 acres of land and the world's largest aquaponics facility. I guess that we'll see about that.
-Speaking of the UK and firsts, an English school will have the first institutional aquaponic facility.
-On to what soon may be considered "old style" urban agriculture, hearings will be heard in Montreal concerning urban agriculture starting in the spring. In total, volunteers need 15,000 and got almost twice that. Will they be allowed to raise fowl legally? How about beekeeping? Stay tuned.
And no, I didn't forget. It's just a bit late, so here ya go!
Weezer December
Edie Brickell Air Of December
Willie Nelson December Day
Tower of Power Only So Much Oil In The Ground Okay, this has nothing to do with December...but, the peak oilers should appreciate it!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Peak oil deal o' the day: Food Storage Kit - 1 year - 40 people - only $30,000
This may be a hardcore peak oilers dream and I have soooooo many questions for someone at Sam's Club.
1) Who is the marketing genius behind this? And does he/she have Peter Thiel on speed dial?
2) How many have they sold so far?
3) How did they do their market research? "Excuse me, ma'am, I'm calling from Sam's Club. Let me ask you a question. How much would you pay for 43,800 meals? $30 Grand? Okay, done deal."
4) So if you live in Hawaii, Alaska or a commonwealth like Puerto Rico, it's no soup for you... but, if you live in the Northern Mariana Islands, you are golden?
Buen prubechu!
1) Who is the marketing genius behind this? And does he/she have Peter Thiel on speed dial?
2) How many have they sold so far?
3) How did they do their market research? "Excuse me, ma'am, I'm calling from Sam's Club. Let me ask you a question. How much would you pay for 43,800 meals? $30 Grand? Okay, done deal."
4) So if you live in Hawaii, Alaska or a commonwealth like Puerto Rico, it's no soup for you... but, if you live in the Northern Mariana Islands, you are golden?
Buen prubechu!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
How to green an economy? Lessons from Germany's road, roofs and railways
-Earlier this week I reviewed a debate from October's Ontario provincial election. The members had ideas about how to green the economy, but really, who knows what needs to be done to make it actually work? Ah ha! The Solutions Journal, says follow Germany's lead!
-Will large scale urban farming finally take flight in Detroit? And why, after almost 3 years if the law doesn't need to be changed, why can't a big farm start making some bucks? Another question is, once the farm is operational, what kind of urban farming jobs will be available? Meanwhile Toronto will decide in the spring whether to allow backyard fowl.
-In a battle royale between Small Planet Institute's Anna Lappe and Freakonomics Steve Sexton guess who reigns supreme?
-The urban agriculture word of the week is "food swapping." You heard it here, folks. Let's see if this practice picks up steam!
-Will large scale urban farming finally take flight in Detroit? And why, after almost 3 years if the law doesn't need to be changed, why can't a big farm start making some bucks? Another question is, once the farm is operational, what kind of urban farming jobs will be available? Meanwhile Toronto will decide in the spring whether to allow backyard fowl.
-In a battle royale between Small Planet Institute's Anna Lappe and Freakonomics Steve Sexton guess who reigns supreme?
-The urban agriculture word of the week is "food swapping." You heard it here, folks. Let's see if this practice picks up steam!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Top 100 permaculture books of all-time
There's nothing better than stumbling on a treasure trove of goodies, behold, the top 100 permaculture books to date.
If you wanna be an expert, after reading these books you'll have a Ph.D!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Gaia university debuts permaculture diploma in 2012
-Starting in 2012 Gaia University will begin offering an International Diploma of Permaculture Design. In my opinion the most important parts of this development are:
*that this diploma offers an intermediate step before one attains their master permaculture teachers and:
*it offers a course (online!) which is not region specific, so anyone, anywhere can get their feet wet with permaculture.
-There was great hope in Baltimore that a bill giving tax breaks to urban farmers might make it through city council.It's not to be, unfortunately.
-In Kenya, urban farming can mean the difference between is life and death. There are a TON of startling facts in this comprehensive article, including that 95 percent of those surveyed in Kibera, Kenya reported worrying about running out of food.
*that this diploma offers an intermediate step before one attains their master permaculture teachers and:
*it offers a course (online!) which is not region specific, so anyone, anywhere can get their feet wet with permaculture.
-There was great hope in Baltimore that a bill giving tax breaks to urban farmers might make it through city council.It's not to be, unfortunately.
-In Kenya, urban farming can mean the difference between is life and death. There are a TON of startling facts in this comprehensive article, including that 95 percent of those surveyed in Kibera, Kenya reported worrying about running out of food.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Cities Alive - green roofs/green walls conference starts next week
I hope everyone in the USA had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
For those of us who've celebrated an American Thanksgiving, we know indulgence is par for the course, as is leftovers which may or may not be eaten quickly. America's first package free/zero waste grocery store, has a few good tips for what to do with the leftovers so everything goes fast!
-Next week, the big event for the living architecture community is the Cities Alive conference in Philadelphia. It's the 9th annual conference, this year focusing on restoring urban waters.
And more municipalities are waking up to the importance of living infrastructure. For instance, Durban, South Africa has launched a green roof pilot project.
-We're all aware of New York City's work in this area, last week Mark Bittman welcomed guest bloggers to talk more about initiatives in the City.
-Last up for today, those who live in Toronto and part of the food security scene know Anan Lololi and the Afri-Can FoodBasket program. Now, thanks to Canadian Geographic we all are.
For those of us who've celebrated an American Thanksgiving, we know indulgence is par for the course, as is leftovers which may or may not be eaten quickly. America's first package free/zero waste grocery store, has a few good tips for what to do with the leftovers so everything goes fast!
-Next week, the big event for the living architecture community is the Cities Alive conference in Philadelphia. It's the 9th annual conference, this year focusing on restoring urban waters.
And more municipalities are waking up to the importance of living infrastructure. For instance, Durban, South Africa has launched a green roof pilot project.
-We're all aware of New York City's work in this area, last week Mark Bittman welcomed guest bloggers to talk more about initiatives in the City.
-Last up for today, those who live in Toronto and part of the food security scene know Anan Lololi and the Afri-Can FoodBasket program. Now, thanks to Canadian Geographic we all are.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Occupy LA wins...an urban farm???!
The Occupy movement is diverse, however, a general dislike of greed and corruption unites most Occupiers. As does a belief in non-violence. So it makes sense that in Los Angeles a deal may be brokered to encourage the group to disperse if...
-shelter is given some of the homeless Occupiers;
-an office building is leased to the Occupiers;
-an urban farm is built outside city hall.
HUH??????
-shelter is given some of the homeless Occupiers;
-an office building is leased to the Occupiers;
-an urban farm is built outside city hall.
HUH??????
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
If you want to keep bees, you might need a permit
It's that way to city hall!
Madison, Wisconsin is considering a bylaw requiring beekeepers to have permits.
-I had someone recently ask me about influences for the creation of permaculture and Hugelkultur is definitely one. I stumbled across a spring 2011 article from Permaculture Magazine and thought I should share it with everyone.
-"Food-sensitive urban planning is now a necessity" said an expert at a UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) workshop in Bangkok last week. And we'll need to utilize everything from "rooftops to railroads".
-If you know someone deserving to be on the steering committee of Food Secure Canada, November 25 is the deadline for submitting their name. You can also submit your own name...that is allowed!
Madison, Wisconsin is considering a bylaw requiring beekeepers to have permits.
-I had someone recently ask me about influences for the creation of permaculture and Hugelkultur is definitely one. I stumbled across a spring 2011 article from Permaculture Magazine and thought I should share it with everyone.
-"Food-sensitive urban planning is now a necessity" said an expert at a UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) workshop in Bangkok last week. And we'll need to utilize everything from "rooftops to railroads".
-If you know someone deserving to be on the steering committee of Food Secure Canada, November 25 is the deadline for submitting their name. You can also submit your own name...that is allowed!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Grants for school garden projects, green roofs and green walls
If you're looking to escape the cold and/or snowy regions of North America, February 17-26, 2012 head down to Guatemala for the Mesoamerican Permaculture Design Course. The bilingual course is a little cheaper than most others. Lucky for you!
-In what's probably the first of it's kind, a public/private partnership at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point will allow students to enroll in an online aquaponics course this winter/spring. Lucky them! Maybe if you pester them, they will let you in?
-There's money, both big and small, available for living architecture projects. The TKF Foundation and others have created Open Spaces Sacred Places, designed to "increase a sense of community and contribute to a deepening of human connections". You have until December 15, 2011 to get your team and idea together.
Until December 31, 2011 those in the Canada, the US and UK can apply for the School Garden Grant Program and receive up to $2,000 to support school garden projects.
-The Girl Scouts now have a locavore badge!
-In what's probably the first of it's kind, a public/private partnership at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point will allow students to enroll in an online aquaponics course this winter/spring. Lucky them! Maybe if you pester them, they will let you in?
-There's money, both big and small, available for living architecture projects. The TKF Foundation and others have created Open Spaces Sacred Places, designed to "increase a sense of community and contribute to a deepening of human connections". You have until December 15, 2011 to get your team and idea together.
Until December 31, 2011 those in the Canada, the US and UK can apply for the School Garden Grant Program and receive up to $2,000 to support school garden projects.
-The Girl Scouts now have a locavore badge!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Green roofs pick up steam in British Columbia
For the peak oil fans out there, last week via the wonderfully eclectic Journal of Sustainable Human Development came an address from Richard Heinberg (of the Post Carbon Institute) to the graduating class of Worchester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts. He gave an "alternative" commencement speech, some objected to having an oil company CEO be the only voice they heard before leaving the Institute.
-Port Coquitlam, in British Columbia, is one of the few cities to have a green roof bylaw. And it's great to see there isn't push back
from developers or retailers, everyone seems to be quite happy to do their part. The mayor, in particular, seems to be a big advocate and it lends credence to the belief that change starts with a few people in power at the top or a lot of people at the grassroots level.
-The web has made our world so small, I now know how urban agriculture and food security benefits those in Ethopia.
-Toledo, Ohio has it's own urban farming training center
opening in February 2012. Partnering with a local community college, it will feature greenhouses, a commercial kitchen and much more.
-15,000 signatures was no problem for Agriculture Montreal! They made the deadline in time and now Montreal's executive committee will hold public hearings on urban agriculture in Montreal. Congrats to the fifty organizations and thousands of people who worked so hard!
-Port Coquitlam, in British Columbia, is one of the few cities to have a green roof bylaw. And it's great to see there isn't push back
from developers or retailers, everyone seems to be quite happy to do their part. The mayor, in particular, seems to be a big advocate and it lends credence to the belief that change starts with a few people in power at the top or a lot of people at the grassroots level.
-The web has made our world so small, I now know how urban agriculture and food security benefits those in Ethopia.
-Toledo, Ohio has it's own urban farming training center
opening in February 2012. Partnering with a local community college, it will feature greenhouses, a commercial kitchen and much more.
-15,000 signatures was no problem for Agriculture Montreal! They made the deadline in time and now Montreal's executive committee will hold public hearings on urban agriculture in Montreal. Congrats to the fifty organizations and thousands of people who worked so hard!
Monday, November 14, 2011
In Zimbabawe, urban agriculture=environmental degradation
Over the last week we have seen some really interesting urban agriculture developments in North America and Africa.
-In Roanoke, Virginia, a 12 acre urban farm was scuttled by local opposition. In Vancouver, British Columbia, the protest seems to be less about the agriculture part and more about the misappropriation of funds or at least, one party doesn't like the projects which the other party is funding.
-In Zimbabwe, urban agriculture has become even more of a political football. The Harare City Council is enforcing the pre-existing ban on urban agriculture and police have been charged with razing any gardens defying the law. The reason? The farming is causing serious environmental degradation. Another political party claims ill-will towards President Mugabe is behind the push.
I totally, totally forgot about this. The Rocky Mountain Institute think there are big opportunities for this new energy era. With a book entitled "Reinventing Fire", you know they are shooting for the moon.
In their words "it offers a blueprint for a business-led transition from a fossil fuel-based economy to one based on renewables, saving $5 trillion without requiring new federal taxes, subsidies, mandates, laws or policy innovations that call for Acts of Congress."
I can't wait to read this book!
And lastly, here's a rendering of what that massive aquaponics facility will look like:
-In Roanoke, Virginia, a 12 acre urban farm was scuttled by local opposition. In Vancouver, British Columbia, the protest seems to be less about the agriculture part and more about the misappropriation of funds or at least, one party doesn't like the projects which the other party is funding.
-In Zimbabwe, urban agriculture has become even more of a political football. The Harare City Council is enforcing the pre-existing ban on urban agriculture and police have been charged with razing any gardens defying the law. The reason? The farming is causing serious environmental degradation. Another political party claims ill-will towards President Mugabe is behind the push.
I totally, totally forgot about this. The Rocky Mountain Institute think there are big opportunities for this new energy era. With a book entitled "Reinventing Fire", you know they are shooting for the moon.
In their words "it offers a blueprint for a business-led transition from a fossil fuel-based economy to one based on renewables, saving $5 trillion without requiring new federal taxes, subsidies, mandates, laws or policy innovations that call for Acts of Congress."
I can't wait to read this book!
And lastly, here's a rendering of what that massive aquaponics facility will look like:
Friday, November 11, 2011
A living wall fails...or did it?
Whenever a green or living wall fails in the UK, it always hits the newspapers, so it comes as no surprise the Guardian is all over the latest failure. What makes it even worse is that it was controversial to start and, over the course of the last month, seems to have increased in price by about $34,000 USD. Yikes! It's unclear if a few plants didn't make it or a substantial number died, either way, it's not good.
-When chatting with prospective clients interested in living walls they are always floored by the cost. Me too! The industry is still new and it will probably be a few years before the costs come down. Research on how to make them more affordable and sustainable is definitely needed, so it's great to read what is happening in Singapore.
-A recent report, summarized nicely by the Guardian, (they are really on it today, huh?), details how white roofs might actually increase temperatures all in all. U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu, we await your comments. So the moral is, we shouldn't rely on one technology (not that we have even made it that far). And we must also finds ways to make technologies inexpensive, so that everyone can participate in lowering our collective carbon footprint.
-When chatting with prospective clients interested in living walls they are always floored by the cost. Me too! The industry is still new and it will probably be a few years before the costs come down. Research on how to make them more affordable and sustainable is definitely needed, so it's great to read what is happening in Singapore.
-A recent report, summarized nicely by the Guardian, (they are really on it today, huh?), details how white roofs might actually increase temperatures all in all. U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu, we await your comments. So the moral is, we shouldn't rely on one technology (not that we have even made it that far). And we must also finds ways to make technologies inexpensive, so that everyone can participate in lowering our collective carbon footprint.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Canadian student farm movement expands + the world's largest aquaponics operation
Often known for being ahead of the green curve it appears several Canadian institutions are taking the lead in exploring our interest in urban agriculture and giving students the skills they need to continue in the field.
-Municipally (I think that's the first time I have ever used that word), big green things continue to happen in Boston, Dorchester seems to be the next part of the city slated to get an urban farm.
-Part of the beauty of aquaponics is how scalable it is. One person can raise their own food or it can be done for thousands. A particularly thoughtful youtuber put together over 2 hours of videos on do-it-yourself aquaponic systems, which, until her/his foresight, meant lots of missed sleep as you trolled around youtube looking for the good stuff.
What's this you say? I mentioned An aquaponic system that could support thousands of people? I know, many people have talked about creating such a thing and some plans are in the works in various places around the world, but it looks like a company in the United Arab Emirates is the first to achieve the feat. And it's truly a global collaboration. The lead investigator is from the Virgin Islands, fish from Holland and seeds from the U.S.A.
The details:
-Food could hit the market as soon as March 2012.
-50,000 fish are on their way to kick things off.
-At full capacity they could produce 200 tons of fish and 300,000 heads of lettuce per year.
-8000 square meters of green house space will be needed.
-And there's no website for Zayed Higher Agricultural Centre for Rehabilitation and Development, at least as far as I can see!
Talk about a stealth operation! I'll dig to see if I can find out more.
-Municipally (I think that's the first time I have ever used that word), big green things continue to happen in Boston, Dorchester seems to be the next part of the city slated to get an urban farm.
-Part of the beauty of aquaponics is how scalable it is. One person can raise their own food or it can be done for thousands. A particularly thoughtful youtuber put together over 2 hours of videos on do-it-yourself aquaponic systems, which, until her/his foresight, meant lots of missed sleep as you trolled around youtube looking for the good stuff.
What's this you say? I mentioned An aquaponic system that could support thousands of people? I know, many people have talked about creating such a thing and some plans are in the works in various places around the world, but it looks like a company in the United Arab Emirates is the first to achieve the feat. And it's truly a global collaboration. The lead investigator is from the Virgin Islands, fish from Holland and seeds from the U.S.A.
The details:
-Food could hit the market as soon as March 2012.
-50,000 fish are on their way to kick things off.
-At full capacity they could produce 200 tons of fish and 300,000 heads of lettuce per year.
-8000 square meters of green house space will be needed.
-And there's no website for Zayed Higher Agricultural Centre for Rehabilitation and Development, at least as far as I can see!
Talk about a stealth operation! I'll dig to see if I can find out more.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Living architecture world of the week: horticultural foodscapes
Alternatively called "wildcrafting" and horticultural foodscapes by the author, I favor the latter because it is just a touch less vague although both could be employed depending on the situation. Using any old pine needles carefully arranged on the table = wild crafting, eating those pine needles carefully arranged on the table = horticultural foodscapes.
Two questions...
-Did you know that contest to create an urban farm in Atlanta was partially funded by Walmart?. They are operating at all levels from the mainstream to grassroots.
-Also, did anyone know that the USDA gives out approximately $5 million dollars per year as part of the Farmers Market Promotion Program? AS far as I can tell, this money is open to urban agriculture operations as well.
-Lastly for today comes a tidbit from Lebanon. ANERA, the American University of Beirut and the Ein El Helweh Women’s Program Center have joined forces to improve the lives of 26 women and they hope eventually, 70,000 refugees. Using vertical plantings, rooftop rain water collection systems and other urban agriculture technologies, they hope to green a landscape dominated by cement.
Two questions...
-Did you know that contest to create an urban farm in Atlanta was partially funded by Walmart?. They are operating at all levels from the mainstream to grassroots.
-Also, did anyone know that the USDA gives out approximately $5 million dollars per year as part of the Farmers Market Promotion Program? AS far as I can tell, this money is open to urban agriculture operations as well.
-Lastly for today comes a tidbit from Lebanon. ANERA, the American University of Beirut and the Ein El Helweh Women’s Program Center have joined forces to improve the lives of 26 women and they hope eventually, 70,000 refugees. Using vertical plantings, rooftop rain water collection systems and other urban agriculture technologies, they hope to green a landscape dominated by cement.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
November songs + how much is a tree really worth?
Last week I wondered how much more it would cost to save those big trees in Chicago's Bryant park. I don't know that for sure, but I can take a guess...
There will be lots of assumptions here, but, here's what I know:
Last year we priced a green roof job in Toronto where the building owners wanted 18-20 foot maple trees. Each root ball would probably weigh 4500 lbs. or so. (I am going to assume the cost of trees in Chicago is roughly equivalent to Toronto, a city basically the same size.) The cost to install probably 10 of those trees? Maybe $30,000 dollars. Throw in the cost of the crane to lift the trees, take them somewhere else...and this is where we would run into trouble. What would you do with those trees while all the rest of the foliage and dirt was removed, a new deck was constructed and layers of the green roof put on? How long would that project take? Months?
It would require a great deal of coordination, but I am guessing to temporarily house 10 of these trees in an alternate location, care for them and eventually put them back, one is looking at $100,000 easily.
So the next question to ask is "How much is a tree worth?" The answer hinges on who you ask. A developer might have a different answer than a parks commissioner. And I guess that's why some can justify cutting down trees and replacing them, as opposed to saving them and relocating.
-Montreal is in the news this week. At McGill University they installed a permaculture garden outside of their Post Graduate Student Society. Across the city, a supergroup comprised of orgs with health, food-security and environmental mandates needs 2,000 more signatures to put the development of urban agriculture in the lap of the city's executive committee. The Groupe de travail en agriculture urbaine started kick of their quest in August, the November 8 deadline is looming...help them get there!
-I posted the list for the October songs a little too late last month, it should really be done in the beginning of the month so that you can enjoy them all month long, no?
Morissey -November Spawned a Monster
Gorillaz -November Has Come by
Mr. November -The National
There will be lots of assumptions here, but, here's what I know:
Last year we priced a green roof job in Toronto where the building owners wanted 18-20 foot maple trees. Each root ball would probably weigh 4500 lbs. or so. (I am going to assume the cost of trees in Chicago is roughly equivalent to Toronto, a city basically the same size.) The cost to install probably 10 of those trees? Maybe $30,000 dollars. Throw in the cost of the crane to lift the trees, take them somewhere else...and this is where we would run into trouble. What would you do with those trees while all the rest of the foliage and dirt was removed, a new deck was constructed and layers of the green roof put on? How long would that project take? Months?
It would require a great deal of coordination, but I am guessing to temporarily house 10 of these trees in an alternate location, care for them and eventually put them back, one is looking at $100,000 easily.
So the next question to ask is "How much is a tree worth?" The answer hinges on who you ask. A developer might have a different answer than a parks commissioner. And I guess that's why some can justify cutting down trees and replacing them, as opposed to saving them and relocating.
-Montreal is in the news this week. At McGill University they installed a permaculture garden outside of their Post Graduate Student Society. Across the city, a supergroup comprised of orgs with health, food-security and environmental mandates needs 2,000 more signatures to put the development of urban agriculture in the lap of the city's executive committee. The Groupe de travail en agriculture urbaine started kick of their quest in August, the November 8 deadline is looming...help them get there!
-I posted the list for the October songs a little too late last month, it should really be done in the beginning of the month so that you can enjoy them all month long, no?
Morissey -November Spawned a Monster
Gorillaz -November Has Come by
Mr. November -The National
Monday, October 31, 2011
Happy Halloween + Good bye to October & the Vancouver living wall
Out with the old, in with the new.
-The Vancouver Aquarium is renovating, as such they have demolished their green wall. A 2008 green wall of excellence, the $50,000 installation was one of North America's first green walls of significance.
-There’s a new green wall product on the market, looks like they have done some demos around the US and elsewhere under the radar, which bodes well for customers as the kinks should be worked out already. Everyone, say hello to EcoWalls.
-We will end with some October themed + Halloween music. Enjoy!!!
Vince Guaraldi - Great Pumpkin Waltz
Broken Bells - October
James Taylor - October road
Wes Montgomery + Jimmy Smith - Death March
-The Vancouver Aquarium is renovating, as such they have demolished their green wall. A 2008 green wall of excellence, the $50,000 installation was one of North America's first green walls of significance.
-There’s a new green wall product on the market, looks like they have done some demos around the US and elsewhere under the radar, which bodes well for customers as the kinks should be worked out already. Everyone, say hello to EcoWalls.
-We will end with some October themed + Halloween music. Enjoy!!!
Vince Guaraldi - Great Pumpkin Waltz
Broken Bells - October
James Taylor - October road
Wes Montgomery + Jimmy Smith - Death March
Friday, October 28, 2011
A $35 million dollar green roof for Chicago?
It never fails, I blog that things are quiet...and then tons of stuff hits the web.
-A very, very, VERY big green roof is being planned in Chicago. As the article explains, the northeast section of Grant Park is built on top of a parking garage.
One question, if you're spending $35 million dollars to re-do it, how much more would it cost to save the gigantic trees? Hmm...that gives me an idea...
-Well, none of my picks for North America's top public places made Planetizen's list. But then again, I didn't really rally support for my choices. But it looks like plenty of folks did rally behind their favorite places!!!
-On Vancouver Island urban farming seems to be a huge factor in local politics, so much so some think it could be an election issue next year if a by-law allowing the commercial sale of produce from one's land is overturned.
-The latest edition of Gastronomica explores the interest and rise in urban farming. This gives us all an opportunity to stop by our local bookstores, as the issue is not available online.
-In Cleveland, the first Unitarian Church (off Shaker Blvd, if you're in the area) opened a 5,400 square foot permaculture garden last week. That's an eighth of an acre...that's pretty darn big. In theory, you could raise about 4.5 tons of produce or enough to feed a person for a whole year! And if they can devote some space to going vertical as planned??? Who knows! Kudos to them!
-A very, very, VERY big green roof is being planned in Chicago. As the article explains, the northeast section of Grant Park is built on top of a parking garage.
One question, if you're spending $35 million dollars to re-do it, how much more would it cost to save the gigantic trees? Hmm...that gives me an idea...
-Well, none of my picks for North America's top public places made Planetizen's list. But then again, I didn't really rally support for my choices. But it looks like plenty of folks did rally behind their favorite places!!!
-On Vancouver Island urban farming seems to be a huge factor in local politics, so much so some think it could be an election issue next year if a by-law allowing the commercial sale of produce from one's land is overturned.
-The latest edition of Gastronomica explores the interest and rise in urban farming. This gives us all an opportunity to stop by our local bookstores, as the issue is not available online.
-In Cleveland, the first Unitarian Church (off Shaker Blvd, if you're in the area) opened a 5,400 square foot permaculture garden last week. That's an eighth of an acre...that's pretty darn big. In theory, you could raise about 4.5 tons of produce or enough to feed a person for a whole year! And if they can devote some space to going vertical as planned??? Who knows! Kudos to them!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Urban agriculture taking hold + California adopts cap and trade
The Greater Kansas City Food Policy Coalition has partnered with local residents and non-profits to lobby the city council for a new ordinance that allows for on-site sales by home gardens and community gardens.
-The Feeding Asia in the 21st century conference seems to have inspired a lot of people. I am sure others have seen articles popping up from around the region, officials in the Philippines, in particular,
seem to really have embraced the idea of boosting urban agriculture investment and education.
-With so many gigantic news stories this week, California's adoption of cap and trade regulations slipped through the proverbial cracks. Will we look back and say this was big news?
-The Feeding Asia in the 21st century conference seems to have inspired a lot of people. I am sure others have seen articles popping up from around the region, officials in the Philippines, in particular,
seem to really have embraced the idea of boosting urban agriculture investment and education.
-With so many gigantic news stories this week, California's adoption of cap and trade regulations slipped through the proverbial cracks. Will we look back and say this was big news?
Thursday, October 20, 2011
New York pledges $187 million dollars for green infrastructure
Things seem to be a little quiet this week on the living architecture front. And the most interesting bits are a touch depressing, but as always we'll end on a happy note.
-The Canadian Environmental Network, "one of Canada’s oldest, largest, and most well-respected democratic institutions serving the environmental concerns of all Canadians" will not
receive core funding in 2012. It's definitely a blow to smaller environmental organizations across Canada.
-A judge who believe humans cannot produce and consume foods of their choice has joined a Monsanto Law Firm. I seriously can't make up stuff this amazing, folks.
-Lastly, and happily, multiple levels of government in New York have agreed to mitigate sewer overflow via $187 million dollars in green infrastructure. My prediction? New York is green roof capital of North America by 2017! Of course, Chicago has a head start and Rahm Emanuel wants to keep it that way, but we will see!
-The Canadian Environmental Network, "one of Canada’s oldest, largest, and most well-respected democratic institutions serving the environmental concerns of all Canadians" will not
receive core funding in 2012. It's definitely a blow to smaller environmental organizations across Canada.
-A judge who believe humans cannot produce and consume foods of their choice has joined a Monsanto Law Firm. I seriously can't make up stuff this amazing, folks.
-Lastly, and happily, multiple levels of government in New York have agreed to mitigate sewer overflow via $187 million dollars in green infrastructure. My prediction? New York is green roof capital of North America by 2017! Of course, Chicago has a head start and Rahm Emanuel wants to keep it that way, but we will see!
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Controversy, controversy and more local food controversy
Not sure if the food sovereignty movement has taken a more political turn and if this article is a harbinger of things to come or if this is an isolated article, but check out how local food and politics mix in this article about a small, Maine town. From the top, an objective observer might wonder what "EPA overreach" has to do with local food. The author never says, exactly, but we are just supposed to take it for granted.
-The new trade association USFRA (which includes Dupont and Monsanto) has been formed to host some "food dialogues" in DC and to battle the "misconceptions" of movies like Food Inc. and the "Pollan-ization" of the US.
-Moving on, how much did it hurt me to read this article in the NY Times about people being forced to choose less environmentally friendly products because of the bad economy?
-Enough with the bad, on to the good! Here are a couple of new permaculture websites (new to me, at least) in Norwegian and French.
-Year 15 (can you believe it???) of Barking Frog Permaculture's online certificate course kicks off in January. Taught by Dan and Cynthia Hemenway and Robert Waldrop, get in early! And there are scholarships available for those in need.
-The new trade association USFRA (which includes Dupont and Monsanto) has been formed to host some "food dialogues" in DC and to battle the "misconceptions" of movies like Food Inc. and the "Pollan-ization" of the US.
-Moving on, how much did it hurt me to read this article in the NY Times about people being forced to choose less environmentally friendly products because of the bad economy?
-Enough with the bad, on to the good! Here are a couple of new permaculture websites (new to me, at least) in Norwegian and French.
-Year 15 (can you believe it???) of Barking Frog Permaculture's online certificate course kicks off in January. Taught by Dan and Cynthia Hemenway and Robert Waldrop, get in early! And there are scholarships available for those in need.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
"Insert green roof here"
From the mind of artist Shatia Jackson, comes the "insert____here" tag. To make your own tag, head to sponsor 350.org and encourage others to take some community action.
-Those in Britain could probably use a few of these signs. Even better than the headline is how the Guardian calls out the government from the very top with the line "...the green infrastructure partnership has no financial backing but has cross-government support and backing of influential groups." Question, if you are going to support green roofs but not provide backing, why just make it a 2 year push? Why not an infinite one as there is no money involved??? On the bright side, it is good for green roofs to have support. But realistically, money speaks louder than words. Best line of the article? The environment minister proclaiming that green roofs really have lots of benefits and are not "airy fairy". Aye!
-For those interested in fermented foods, Sandor is your man. Not only is he constantly criss-crossing the US on speaking engagements, but he also has a gift for cheeky ways to make fermentation cool, with phrases like "Sandorkraut", "fermentation fetishist" and "fermentation revivalist".
-Website of the week goes to Fruitipedia. Impress your friends with your knowledge of, say, durian or one of the other 424 fruits covered.
-And lastly, Canada's most dangerous city (according to Maclean's in 2010...and I would have never have guessed!) sees some promise in urban gardening.
Monday, October 10, 2011
More on refugees and urban agriculture
We know it's more than a trend when the NY Times reports on it. But as readers of Living Architecture Daily, you are always ahead of the curve!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
"With so many native Clevelanders struggling, why help foreigners" with urban agriculture?
The APA recently listed their top 10 public spaces in the US . Let's see how many from this list make it on to the top 100 public spaces in the U.S. and Canada list.
-A cool feature from Cleveland as a local farmer talks about working on the Refugee Empowerment Agricultural Program. Look for his deft answer of the question "With so many native Clevelanders struggling, why help foreigners?"
-Miami's compost mobile recently got a grant to help support it's operations. Why didn't I think of that?
-In the past year we have seen a bunch of articles where residents have had to take on their local governments to grow what they want, be it food or indigenous plants. A company in Houston is bucking the trend by planting indigenous grasses and trees. Hopefully this can become a trend on new urban properties as well.
-A cool feature from Cleveland as a local farmer talks about working on the Refugee Empowerment Agricultural Program. Look for his deft answer of the question "With so many native Clevelanders struggling, why help foreigners?"
-Miami's compost mobile recently got a grant to help support it's operations. Why didn't I think of that?
-In the past year we have seen a bunch of articles where residents have had to take on their local governments to grow what they want, be it food or indigenous plants. A company in Houston is bucking the trend by planting indigenous grasses and trees. Hopefully this can become a trend on new urban properties as well.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Urban agriculture jobs, move fast! + GreenBuild lands in Toronto
A couple of jobs have been posted recently. The University of Alberta is seeking a chair in food security and sovereignty. This part sounds especially tasty "The Chair will be given considerable latitude to propose and develop a cohesive program of social science research that brings critical perspectives to issues of food safety and sovereignty!"
For those who want to get their hands dirtier, Isles, Inc. in Trenton, New Jersey wants an Urban Agriculture manager . Looks just as daunting!
-Surely everyone knows by now that Greenbuild is in Toronto this week, lots of cool stuff going on, especially green roof related. Greenbuild's presence dovetails nicely with the news that Toronto's green roof bylaw has created 125 full-time jobs and 1.2 million square feet of green space.
-500 students at the University of Massachusetts'- Amherst took a quarter-acre and turned it into a permaculture demonstration garden.
-Every once in a while it's good to check in with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to see what is happening with their selected key program(me)s, including investing in agriculture and the initiative (to lower, I presume) soaring food prices. Also not to miss is the explanation of why more attention is needed to maximize benefits of urban forests.
For those who want to get their hands dirtier, Isles, Inc. in Trenton, New Jersey wants an Urban Agriculture manager . Looks just as daunting!
-Surely everyone knows by now that Greenbuild is in Toronto this week, lots of cool stuff going on, especially green roof related. Greenbuild's presence dovetails nicely with the news that Toronto's green roof bylaw has created 125 full-time jobs and 1.2 million square feet of green space.
-500 students at the University of Massachusetts'- Amherst took a quarter-acre and turned it into a permaculture demonstration garden.
-Every once in a while it's good to check in with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to see what is happening with their selected key program(me)s, including investing in agriculture and the initiative (to lower, I presume) soaring food prices. Also not to miss is the explanation of why more attention is needed to maximize benefits of urban forests.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Truly living architecture - vine bridge with a 5 decade lifespan
-In the Philippines something called the Agropolis Project has been formed to provide a multitude of urban agriculture themed programs including teaching out-of-school youth to become farm entrepreneurs and launching a Diploma in Agriculture Entrepreneurship.
-In Montreal there is a final late push to get more signatures on an urban agriculture petition.
-Last bit of information for today focuses on true living architecture, this "installation" is meant to last at least 50 years.
-In Montreal there is a final late push to get more signatures on an urban agriculture petition.
-Last bit of information for today focuses on true living architecture, this "installation" is meant to last at least 50 years.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
More suburbian agriculture...umm...new ruralism...I mean, agricultural urbanism
Frances Moore Lappé, author of the seminal work "Diet for a Small Planet" in 1971, weighs in the question "have things gotten better or worse" in the last 40 years? Startling to think her book was written when Michael Pollan was in high school!!!
-The Association for Peak Oil and Gas is having their annual conference, this year entitled Truth In Energy November 3-4, but conference activities go from November 2-5.
-Across the North Hempisphere things are getting a little colder, if you still have the gardening bug here are 10 great winter vegetables to try.
-The green economy gets a great board game. The goal? Compete to hit the triple bottom line for Hawai'i. Why Hawai'i...everyone loves Hawai'i!!!
-Utne magazine details something I have talked about recently, mainly this new trend of “agricultural urbanism,” “new ruralism,”, "suburbian agriculture", the movement of many names has several cities embracing it. I wonder what has happened to this development in Colorado since we first heard of it? I smell a follow up report.
See you in October!
-The Association for Peak Oil and Gas is having their annual conference, this year entitled Truth In Energy November 3-4, but conference activities go from November 2-5.
-Across the North Hempisphere things are getting a little colder, if you still have the gardening bug here are 10 great winter vegetables to try.
-The green economy gets a great board game. The goal? Compete to hit the triple bottom line for Hawai'i. Why Hawai'i...everyone loves Hawai'i!!!
-Utne magazine details something I have talked about recently, mainly this new trend of “agricultural urbanism,” “new ruralism,”, "suburbian agriculture", the movement of many names has several cities embracing it. I wonder what has happened to this development in Colorado since we first heard of it? I smell a follow up report.
See you in October!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Green roofs and Devens, Mass.
As someone involved in living architecture and green roofs in particular for some time now, it is great that more and more cities are recognizing the value of having a green roof professional as part of the design team. Joining Calgary and DC Devens, Massachusetts now requires an accredited green roof professional (ahhm, you know how to contact me) on the job.
-Pee Wee the red wriggler is back. If your kids loved the previous books on composting, this is bound to be a treat as well.
-If you're in Roanoke, Virginia and have an opinion about the proposed
urban farm scheduled to be built where Countryside Golf Course used to be, you...umm...missed a chance to talk about it on Thursday, September 22. If you still want to share your thoughts, it looks like you can talk to the Planning Administrator.
-For all of the entrepreneurs out there, this list of the biggest food deserts means while citizens do not have equal access to fresh fruit and vegetables and there are folks waiting for your business!
-This article makes me so, so, nervous for a few reasons:
1) Folks are growing vegetables in tyres American translation: tires).
2) The numerous citations of Wikipedia as their main source of information.
But I wish them all the best and hope those tire planters are lined!!!
-To round out this my most eclectic blog post yet, we get a peak inside why Japan is embracing urban agriculture.
-Pee Wee the red wriggler is back. If your kids loved the previous books on composting, this is bound to be a treat as well.
-If you're in Roanoke, Virginia and have an opinion about the proposed
urban farm scheduled to be built where Countryside Golf Course used to be, you...umm...missed a chance to talk about it on Thursday, September 22. If you still want to share your thoughts, it looks like you can talk to the Planning Administrator.
-For all of the entrepreneurs out there, this list of the biggest food deserts means while citizens do not have equal access to fresh fruit and vegetables and there are folks waiting for your business!
-This article makes me so, so, nervous for a few reasons:
1) Folks are growing vegetables in tyres American translation: tires).
2) The numerous citations of Wikipedia as their main source of information.
But I wish them all the best and hope those tire planters are lined!!!
-To round out this my most eclectic blog post yet, we get a peak inside why Japan is embracing urban agriculture.
Friday, September 23, 2011
What should Growing Power do?
What would you do if a corporate donor offered you over $1 million dollars to support your programs? Back in February we discussed Growing Power's quest to raise $425,000 to match the city's contribution, 150 jobs for low-income residents were at stake. It looks like that has happened, but is it kosher?
-Other organizations are trying to get historically underrepresented groups into farming as well. African-American Farmers of California are launching a program to get more African Americans into agriculture. Stat of the day, in 1920 close to 14% of farmers were of African descent. Today, 12% of principals farmers in Mississippi are black, in 35 states African Americans are less than 1% of all primary farm operators.
-Chicago's Botanic Garden’s Windy City Harvest program is trying to reach the most disenfranchised. It gives instruction and a certificate in sustainable horticulture and urban agriculture to inmates preparing them for green collar jobs upon release.
-The International Permaculture Conference is done and dusted, but that doesn't mean you can't relive the experience and watch it again.
-Other organizations are trying to get historically underrepresented groups into farming as well. African-American Farmers of California are launching a program to get more African Americans into agriculture. Stat of the day, in 1920 close to 14% of farmers were of African descent. Today, 12% of principals farmers in Mississippi are black, in 35 states African Americans are less than 1% of all primary farm operators.
-Chicago's Botanic Garden’s Windy City Harvest program is trying to reach the most disenfranchised. It gives instruction and a certificate in sustainable horticulture and urban agriculture to inmates preparing them for green collar jobs upon release.
-The International Permaculture Conference is done and dusted, but that doesn't mean you can't relive the experience and watch it again.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Pick the top Public Spaces in the US and Canada by October 21
-Planetizen and Project for Public Spaces want to know the best public spaces in the US and Canada. Let them know what you think! Of course, the High Line has to be up there on the list. (Get the green roof pun? Don't groan.) Another green roof, perhaps a dark horse candidate, is this one at Fletcher Allen Health Care. A late, but very deserving candidate is Sherbourne Commons. Toronto's latest attraction, if you haven't been yet get going.
-And in honor of today, the 21st day of September, a little music!
-And in honor of today, the 21st day of September, a little music!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Studies galore on the benefit of local food + cherry tomatoes on a green roof
One criticism of urban agriculture and local food movements is how there is a dearth of data to truly support more than merely anecdotes and feel good claims. Things are steadily changing. Last week saw the release of a Union for Concerned Scientists report which details how local food creates jobs, keeps money in local economies, promotes community development, and can reduce the environmental and public health costs of the food we eat. On a regional level, Madison, Wisconsin has done something similar, compiling a list of how much is food is grown, by whom and to what effect. Every city needs a report like this!
-We all know green roofs can also play a part in food production and Agriculture and Agrifood Canada biologist Marc-André Valiquette says "a 2,000-square-foot flat roof has the potential to produce one tonne of fresh vegetables."
But these would not be typical green roofs, with mostly inorganic material. Using tomatoes as an example, you can see how cherry tomatoes can grow in such media, not a bigger tomato like beefsteaks. I saw first hand last week, the cherries (here's a picture of a sun ripened beauty and another of a few still waiting for prime time) are coming along fine. The beefsteak tomatoes look like cherry tomatoes.
-There's a new agriculture program in Seattle which links refugees with garden plots in an effort to help with resettlement. Part of the New American Agriculture Program at MercyCorps Northwest the garden joins other established programs in Boise and Seattle.
-Spread over four weekends, Jamaica's first permaculture course was announced last week.
But these would not be typical green roofs, with mostly inorganic material. Using tomatoes as an example, you can see how cherry tomatoes can grow in such media, not a bigger tomato like beefsteaks. I saw first hand last week, the cherries (here's a picture of a sun ripened beauty and another of a few still waiting for prime time) are coming along fine. The beefsteak tomatoes look like cherry tomatoes.
-Spread over four weekends, Jamaica's first permaculture course was announced last week.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Africa's local food production...indispensable?
-Considering booming urban populations, stretched environmental resources and growing income disparities a PhD student believes local food production might soon be indispensable throughout Africa.
-This week perhaps marks the first step in the fragmentation of LEEDs global green building certification empire (ok, being a little dramatic!) as Singapore's Building and Construction Authority unveiled what the world's first green building certification for eateries. Could we one day see this certification land on North American shores? Also, did you catch that McDonald's with a green roof???
-Turning military bases into farms? What a great idea! Why haven't more communities done this? Two words...Superfund sites. Oh dear.
-Minneapolis has joined the food policy club! This R.T. Rybak seems like a true supporter of green initiatives! WWHAT ELSE HAS HE DONE????
-Didn't we just talk about this earlier in the week? The Wall Street Journal weighs in on suburbian small-scale agriculture.
-This week perhaps marks the first step in the fragmentation of LEEDs global green building certification empire (ok, being a little dramatic!) as Singapore's Building and Construction Authority unveiled what the world's first green building certification for eateries. Could we one day see this certification land on North American shores? Also, did you catch that McDonald's with a green roof???
-Turning military bases into farms? What a great idea! Why haven't more communities done this? Two words...Superfund sites. Oh dear.
-Minneapolis has joined the food policy club! This R.T. Rybak seems like a true supporter of green initiatives! WWHAT ELSE HAS HE DONE????
-Didn't we just talk about this earlier in the week? The Wall Street Journal weighs in on suburbian small-scale agriculture.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Local food plus + urban agriculture =
What do you get when you mix a concept like Local Food Plus with urban agriculture? Majora Carter's latest endeavor.
-Great stats about urban agriculture in Cleveland. Cleveland has over 50 or 60 acres of land (depending on who you talk to) dedicated to urban agriculture and a recent study claims they could produce almost all of their food!
-Singapore seems to be showing great interest in food security, having hosted the first International Conference on Asian Food Security last month and with a clear strategy for "finding a more stable global food system in the face of volatile food prices and supplies."
-Looks like Fresno, California could be the next city to try its hand at integrating small-scale agriculture and development.
-Great stats about urban agriculture in Cleveland. Cleveland has over 50 or 60 acres of land (depending on who you talk to) dedicated to urban agriculture and a recent study claims they could produce almost all of their food!
-Singapore seems to be showing great interest in food security, having hosted the first International Conference on Asian Food Security last month and with a clear strategy for "finding a more stable global food system in the face of volatile food prices and supplies."
-Looks like Fresno, California could be the next city to try its hand at integrating small-scale agriculture and development.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Dumpster dwelling, not dumpster diving
For those of us who can't make it down under, it looks like for the first time there will be a live stream of the International Permaculture Conference (IPC10)!
-More and more we see articles about homeowners battling local regulations about what they can grow in their yard. This one is startling for a few reasons, one, he could be fined up to $120,000!!! Two, how often do you see the word "vermin" this much in a day, let alone one article?
-Care to check out some seeds with your books?
-And naturally, I leave the best for last. Here's an introduction to dumpster dwelling, not diving.
-More and more we see articles about homeowners battling local regulations about what they can grow in their yard. This one is startling for a few reasons, one, he could be fined up to $120,000!!! Two, how often do you see the word "vermin" this much in a day, let alone one article?
-Care to check out some seeds with your books?
-And naturally, I leave the best for last. Here's an introduction to dumpster dwelling, not diving.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
What are my options?
It's good when information is corrected to better reflect the truth, but this article from 2010 I think needs to go a bit further. Moving papers (or, umm...up their view count) is important, but the headline of this story should be "Lawn maintenance may contribute to global warming", not that the green spaces...themselves...may contribute to global warming. Which got me to thinking, why don't they put some solutions to this problem at the end of the article? There are options: Pick A, B or C.
-Here's a fantastic story about how a couple inspired a city to start planting vines to cover a concrete sound barrier. And the program is dirt cheap!!!
-Here's a fantastic story about how a couple inspired a city to start planting vines to cover a concrete sound barrier. And the program is dirt cheap!!!
Saturday, September 3, 2011
New living architecture word of the day: Anti-architecture
Coined by a Ph.D. student at Harvard, she uses the term "anti-architecture" to describe the formal and informal deconstruction practice now commonin Detroit.
-Let's also talk about building! There are a couple more permaculture courses happening this fall, Florida's transition/permaculture course looks verrrry interesting and will include instruction on wild edibles and more.
-In the North America while some levels of government are slow (for various reasons) to adopt proactive climate change policies or reluctant to support their own initiatives it's at the local level where much is being done.
-If you're in Toronto and have great container gardening photos, why not win some prizes? You've got until September 30. Ready, go!
-Let's also talk about building! There are a couple more permaculture courses happening this fall, Florida's transition/permaculture course looks verrrry interesting and will include instruction on wild edibles and more.
-In the North America while some levels of government are slow (for various reasons) to adopt proactive climate change policies or reluctant to support their own initiatives it's at the local level where much is being done.
-If you're in Toronto and have great container gardening photos, why not win some prizes? You've got until September 30. Ready, go!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
August roundup - green roofs, urban agriculture, green architecture
As the east coast hurricane leaves us and we bid adieu to the end of August, here are a few more stories which caught my eye:
-Faith based groups have often lead the way in change. In Madison, Wisconsin the Holy Wisdom Monastery is the undisputed leader.
-St. Lawrence University has just launched Canada's first Sustainable Local Food Certificate for this fall.
-Here's a fantastic article about what President Obama can do to help fight the recession utilizing urban farming.
-What is the capacity of NYC for urban crop production, green roofs and what are the potential benefits of urban agriculture in NYC? Columbia University's urban design lab has the answers.
And lastly, there are a couple of ways for North Americans to get involved in their city with living architecture.
-In Montreal a working group needs 15,000 signatures on a paper petition by Nov. 8 to have a public consultation on the state of urban agriculture in Montreal.
-If you are an Atlanta resident you can help design an urban farm.
-Faith based groups have often lead the way in change. In Madison, Wisconsin the Holy Wisdom Monastery is the undisputed leader.
-St. Lawrence University has just launched Canada's first Sustainable Local Food Certificate for this fall.
-Here's a fantastic article about what President Obama can do to help fight the recession utilizing urban farming.
-What is the capacity of NYC for urban crop production, green roofs and what are the potential benefits of urban agriculture in NYC? Columbia University's urban design lab has the answers.
And lastly, there are a couple of ways for North Americans to get involved in their city with living architecture.
-In Montreal a working group needs 15,000 signatures on a paper petition by Nov. 8 to have a public consultation on the state of urban agriculture in Montreal.
-If you are an Atlanta resident you can help design an urban farm.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
New green roof book
Just finished a new book by Nigel Dunnett, Dusty Gedge, John Little and Edmund C. Snodgrass. Bringing together pioneers from both sides of the pond, Dunnett and Snodgrass alone have perhaps 10 books between them before they decided to write "Small Green Roofs" - Low-tech options for greener living. This is another must have for the library of every living architecture professional, but if you are new to the green roof world and perhaps want to install small green roof on your home, whether it be by a professional or yourself, this is the book to have. Chock full of examples, explained in terrific detail, many of these roofs could be easily replicated. And what's more, small roofs are rarely highlighted on green roof blogs, websites, magazines or in newspapers. I guess the logic goes, if it's only a few feet big, will it be interesting to the rest of us? Will it increase readership or sales to the media outlet? I am glad the author's decided to write the book because every roof is someone's pride and joy and everyone deserves to have a green roof if it's possible. And one has many options if they are open to the possibilities. Check it out today!
Another cool book is Green Architecture - An Asian Perspective. This is the first time I have seen an entire book on video. This a little about green walls on page 98.
Another cool book is Green Architecture - An Asian Perspective. This is the first time I have seen an entire book on video. This a little about green walls on page 98.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
2011 Summer Music to Garden playlist
Last year I compiled a list of songs to garden to and heard that a few people like it. So here's year 2...
Green Day Sassafras Roots
Elvis PresleyGreen Grass of Home
Simon & Garfunkel Scarborough Fair
Stone Temple Pilots Wicked Garden
They Might Be GiantsC is for Conifers!
Itzhak PerlmanAntonio Vivaldi: The Four Seasons, Autumn
And if you want to find a few more songs to listen to, here's a list of songs, some of themI have never heard of.
Let me know what new tunes you dig up!
Green Day Sassafras Roots
Elvis PresleyGreen Grass of Home
Simon & Garfunkel Scarborough Fair
Stone Temple Pilots Wicked Garden
They Might Be GiantsC is for Conifers!
Itzhak PerlmanAntonio Vivaldi: The Four Seasons, Autumn
And if you want to find a few more songs to listen to, here's a list of songs, some of themI have never heard of.
Let me know what new tunes you dig up!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Will food prices lead to unrest?
-Predictions of social unrest in 12-24 months as a result of food prices.
-This story has been widely bounced around the net. But foraging on unused or vacant land made a
big splash in the NY Times. What's amazing to me are the details of the story, like 1 in 50 homes in Atlanta have been foreclosed. Or, one positive aspect of this misfortune, in Oregon officials offer property that has been seized for back taxes to community and governmental organizations for gardens.
-In a fantastic application of permaculture, food grown in school gardens is used in the preparation of South African school lunches.
-600 local governments, representing one-fourth of the U.S. population, have signed on to the Climate Resilient Communities program by ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability USA. Chicago is using green roofs as a part of their strategy for resisting climate change.
-If you're looking for some of the best bills in the last year check out Connecticut’s HB 6399: Setting a Path towards a Green Economy. Hopefully the task force can devise great ways to create even better green jobs.
-This story has been widely bounced around the net. But foraging on unused or vacant land made a
big splash in the NY Times. What's amazing to me are the details of the story, like 1 in 50 homes in Atlanta have been foreclosed. Or, one positive aspect of this misfortune, in Oregon officials offer property that has been seized for back taxes to community and governmental organizations for gardens.
-In a fantastic application of permaculture, food grown in school gardens is used in the preparation of South African school lunches.
-600 local governments, representing one-fourth of the U.S. population, have signed on to the Climate Resilient Communities program by ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability USA. Chicago is using green roofs as a part of their strategy for resisting climate change.
-If you're looking for some of the best bills in the last year check out Connecticut’s HB 6399: Setting a Path towards a Green Economy. Hopefully the task force can devise great ways to create even better green jobs.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
A green roof, 2 years later
Okay folks, here are the pictures. Any differences?
Upon completion:
Toronto Residential Green Roof by verticiel Inc. - Upon completion 2009
Year one:
Toronto Residential Green Roof by verticiel Inc. - Year 1 - 2010
Year two:
Toronto Residential Green Roof by verticiel Inc. - Year 2 - 2011
Upon completion:
Toronto Residential Green Roof by verticiel Inc. - Upon completion 2009Year one:
Toronto Residential Green Roof by verticiel Inc. - Year 1 - 2010Year two:
Toronto Residential Green Roof by verticiel Inc. - Year 2 - 2011
Monday, August 15, 2011
Odds and ends from the last few weeks
Want to know what to do with peach leaves and corn cobs???
-For all of those in Central America, there's a permaculture course in Nicaragua happening this February.
-No surprise that in the UK 6% of city kids are interested in becoming farmers. But when they spend 2 days in the countryside and 17 watching tv, that makes a lot of sense.
-Not every African country is behind the idea, but it looks like Senegal is doing its part to make the the Great Green Wall project and stop the "Sahara creep" (I just coined that term) a reality.
-Lastly the Washington Post reports organic farming is reducing resistance of certain bacteria to antibiotics!
-For all of those in Central America, there's a permaculture course in Nicaragua happening this February.
-No surprise that in the UK 6% of city kids are interested in becoming farmers. But when they spend 2 days in the countryside and 17 watching tv, that makes a lot of sense.
-Not every African country is behind the idea, but it looks like Senegal is doing its part to make the the Great Green Wall project and stop the "Sahara creep" (I just coined that term) a reality.
-Lastly the Washington Post reports organic farming is reducing resistance of certain bacteria to antibiotics!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
New York City law makes green roofs, urban gardens and greenhouses easier, other cities make it harder
Big news this week out of New York City, as City Council passed giving access to more land for urban gardens and to make it easier to build rooftop greenhouses.
Is New York now in the lead for greenest city in North America? We know they take their green seriously, they take it even more seriously in Uganda. How about a fine or imprisonment if you don't report how many animals you own?
Detroit's first commercial farm is finally getting started! It's 1/1000 of the size they wanted, but it's a start. The law needs to be changed to allow more farming in Detroit, Philly and elsewhere. And this article outlines some of the challenges.
Is New York now in the lead for greenest city in North America? We know they take their green seriously, they take it even more seriously in Uganda. How about a fine or imprisonment if you don't report how many animals you own?
Detroit's first commercial farm is finally getting started! It's 1/1000 of the size they wanted, but it's a start. The law needs to be changed to allow more farming in Detroit, Philly and elsewhere. And this article outlines some of the challenges.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Let's introduce these researchers to green roofs!
Saw a couple of articles recently and wished I could have talked to the researchers earlier to encourage them to consider how green roofs could have (or do) impact their findings.
-We all know that trees like carbon, but how about a 10% increase in trees equaling a reduction of 12% in carbon emissions? Sounds good to me. This study covers mid-size cities, that would lead me to think that in large cities which are even more built up and out, green roofs and walls could play the same kind of role.
Another study says that cities are a great place for pollinators because of a range of flowers available at different times. As I am always thinking about green roofs, I wonder, are they more diverse than other gardens in general?
-The living architecture word of the day: Parkmobiles.
-Last week we learned the basics of Chicago's new urban agriculture platform, here's more of the nitty gritty with comments from residents as well.
-Permaculture meets punk in Mexico City.
-And finally, there are year-long urban agriculture internship opportunities in Detroit.
-We all know that trees like carbon, but how about a 10% increase in trees equaling a reduction of 12% in carbon emissions? Sounds good to me. This study covers mid-size cities, that would lead me to think that in large cities which are even more built up and out, green roofs and walls could play the same kind of role.
Another study says that cities are a great place for pollinators because of a range of flowers available at different times. As I am always thinking about green roofs, I wonder, are they more diverse than other gardens in general?
-The living architecture word of the day: Parkmobiles.
-Last week we learned the basics of Chicago's new urban agriculture platform, here's more of the nitty gritty with comments from residents as well.
-Permaculture meets punk in Mexico City.
-And finally, there are year-long urban agriculture internship opportunities in Detroit.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
A green roof book review and bikes from bamboo
Just finished a newish book, the Green Roof Manual by Edmund Snodgrass and Linda McIntyre. Subtitled "A Professional Guide to Design, Installation, and Maintenance, it is fantastic for those who have just entered the green roof field. Written from a professional's point of view, it provides a number of lessons and best practices it took me years to learn in the real world. Definitely worth your time and money!!!
And of course, because this is truly an example of living architecture, Alexander Vittouris brings us the Ajiro, a naturally grown urban personal mobility.
Sign me up, please!
And of course, because this is truly an example of living architecture, Alexander Vittouris brings us the Ajiro, a naturally grown urban personal mobility.
Sign me up, please!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Urban agriculture roundup
It's been a week, so I'm giving everything I've got...
First the continental roundup:
-In California, developers can now get tax credits for including community gardens in their plans. In New York, I was glad (and surprised) to learn you are now allowed to keep bees and that there are over 100 CSA programs in the five boroughs!
Chicago has the green roof crown, it wants the urban agriculture crown as well. Upping the limit for community gardens to 25,000 square feet? Beyond progressive.
In North Carolina, there's increased interest in farming, as we all know this is a great thing.
And across the pond urban agriculture hits Germany, while in England some grocery stores are considering rooftop gardens as well.
-Who wants money for a food project? You've got 5 days left to apply.
-Two head scratchers. What does this app actually do and how can farmers win big if the purchase of local foods is still in doubt?
-Lastly, mark your calendars, the International Permaculture Conference is September 3-15. And just days ago a new book concerning the history of permaculture in Australia, it's birthplace, hit the shelves and web.
First the continental roundup:
-In California, developers can now get tax credits for including community gardens in their plans. In New York, I was glad (and surprised) to learn you are now allowed to keep bees and that there are over 100 CSA programs in the five boroughs!
Chicago has the green roof crown, it wants the urban agriculture crown as well. Upping the limit for community gardens to 25,000 square feet? Beyond progressive.
In North Carolina, there's increased interest in farming, as we all know this is a great thing.
And across the pond urban agriculture hits Germany, while in England some grocery stores are considering rooftop gardens as well.
-Who wants money for a food project? You've got 5 days left to apply.
-Two head scratchers. What does this app actually do and how can farmers win big if the purchase of local foods is still in doubt?
-Lastly, mark your calendars, the International Permaculture Conference is September 3-15. And just days ago a new book concerning the history of permaculture in Australia, it's birthplace, hit the shelves and web.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
60 year leases on government land?
I haven't looked at the stats for urban farming in North America vs Europe, but it appears things are heating up on the east side of the Atlantic as well.
-In Canada, National Parks and Conservation areas are warming up to the idea of farming. Stat of the day, in Canada 5 year leases are normal but one U.S. national park in Ohio is offering farmers 60-year leases. THAT we need to hear more about!
A similar program to Guelph, Canada's FarmStart is profiled in Ottawa for its local work.
-I am definitely a lover of Utne magazine, they consitently deliver really interesting and timely articles. Case in point, this one about how the local food movement is inching toward inclusion across the USA.
-In Canada, National Parks and Conservation areas are warming up to the idea of farming. Stat of the day, in Canada 5 year leases are normal but one U.S. national park in Ohio is offering farmers 60-year leases. THAT we need to hear more about!
A similar program to Guelph, Canada's FarmStart is profiled in Ottawa for its local work.
-I am definitely a lover of Utne magazine, they consitently deliver really interesting and timely articles. Case in point, this one about how the local food movement is inching toward inclusion across the USA.
Monday, July 18, 2011
2 steps forward, 1 step back?
We all know that urban agriculture is super hot right now.
-In Boston last week a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a pilot urban agriculture project was released. In Dorchester the city hopes to use three vacant properties to produce fresh, healthy food. The governor of Missouri signed a bill to help modernize agriculture law in that state. The big news for me is how urban agriculture is spun to be an important part of the bill, when it is merely window dressing. But, that shows the power of this new movement. And the other big news is he DID NOT sign the ag bill in the BIG Mexico, but Mexico, Missouri. They had me going for a while!
In Toronto, sadly, the city is looking for ways to save money and this could include eliminating urban agriculture programs.
-The Guardian takes a look at what future sustainable cities might look like. To me (and others I’ve talked with) it’s really interesting how so many examples in the article use China as a harbinger of what is possible or what is to come. When a central authority dictates all of public policy and how money and resources are allocated naturally things get done. However it doesn’t make sense to compare that country to countries like the USA where the business community is in control. Will new cities in the US and Canada be built on a massive scale featuring harmonization with nature or a lower reliance on fossil fuels in the near future? Only if developers see a way to make money doing it.
Lastly, if you’d like your say on why you buy local food, Marketplace
is giving you a megaphone!
-In Boston last week a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a pilot urban agriculture project was released. In Dorchester the city hopes to use three vacant properties to produce fresh, healthy food. The governor of Missouri signed a bill to help modernize agriculture law in that state. The big news for me is how urban agriculture is spun to be an important part of the bill, when it is merely window dressing. But, that shows the power of this new movement. And the other big news is he DID NOT sign the ag bill in the BIG Mexico, but Mexico, Missouri. They had me going for a while!
In Toronto, sadly, the city is looking for ways to save money and this could include eliminating urban agriculture programs.
-The Guardian takes a look at what future sustainable cities might look like. To me (and others I’ve talked with) it’s really interesting how so many examples in the article use China as a harbinger of what is possible or what is to come. When a central authority dictates all of public policy and how money and resources are allocated naturally things get done. However it doesn’t make sense to compare that country to countries like the USA where the business community is in control. Will new cities in the US and Canada be built on a massive scale featuring harmonization with nature or a lower reliance on fossil fuels in the near future? Only if developers see a way to make money doing it.
Lastly, if you’d like your say on why you buy local food, Marketplace
is giving you a megaphone!
Friday, July 15, 2011
One dollar invested in a community garden yields...
...$6 worth of vegetables according to Food Security.org Plus gardening is good exercise!
-Mayor Bloomberg has taken a little heat, one critique says PlaNYC is a little light on finding ways to insure equitable future growth. Perhaps the city can tap into some HUD/EPA "superfriends" money to
make transportation more efficient and reliable, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods for American families.
-Time has a little piece on urban foraging, mulberries are definitely in season. My socks even got stained this week!
-Everyone loves top 10 lists, how about the top 10 most forward thinking US Cities on climate change. Another index looks at the top US and Canadian green cities and ranks them on individual policies, energy, land use and much more.
-Mayor Bloomberg has taken a little heat, one critique says PlaNYC is a little light on finding ways to insure equitable future growth. Perhaps the city can tap into some HUD/EPA "superfriends" money to
make transportation more efficient and reliable, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods for American families.
-Time has a little piece on urban foraging, mulberries are definitely in season. My socks even got stained this week!
-Everyone loves top 10 lists, how about the top 10 most forward thinking US Cities on climate change. Another index looks at the top US and Canadian green cities and ranks them on individual policies, energy, land use and much more.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Urban agriculture around the world
It has been a while since my last post, lots is going on!
Some states are in the news for their urban agriculture ventures. Quebec has drafted a public policy an agri-food which includes a local food policy.
Belize is providing seeds and technical assistance for its residents.
-South Sudan is a brand new country and it needs to get its agriculture sector up and running. $50 million from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) should be a good start.
In Cairo, urban agriculture is growing as well.
-Entrepreneurs in Switzerland havea new urban agriculture closed loop aquaponics system. Will it be commercialized soon? We'll see.
-Last is a North American story, with roots in
Burma and Nepal.
Some states are in the news for their urban agriculture ventures. Quebec has drafted a public policy an agri-food which includes a local food policy.
Belize is providing seeds and technical assistance for its residents.
-South Sudan is a brand new country and it needs to get its agriculture sector up and running. $50 million from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) should be a good start.
In Cairo, urban agriculture is growing as well.
-Entrepreneurs in Switzerland havea new urban agriculture closed loop aquaponics system. Will it be commercialized soon? We'll see.
-Last is a North American story, with roots in
Burma and Nepal.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Green roof webinar tomorrow!!!
In Toronto, a Horticultural Technician Pre-Apprenticeship training program is still accepting applications
From the flyer “this unique FREE 10 month intensive academic and practical training program is offered to candidates meeting the minimum entrance requirements for apprenticeship training (Ontario Grade 12 or equivalent).
Typical jobs/employment in this industry include landscape construction, grounds and golf course maintenance, parks operations, nursery, greenhouse and garden center operations. For even more information, check out Microskills.
Just another friendly reminder that my webinar on a cold climate, shade tolerant green roof is tomorrow.
Be there!
From the flyer “this unique FREE 10 month intensive academic and practical training program is offered to candidates meeting the minimum entrance requirements for apprenticeship training (Ontario Grade 12 or equivalent).
Typical jobs/employment in this industry include landscape construction, grounds and golf course maintenance, parks operations, nursery, greenhouse and garden center operations. For even more information, check out Microskills.
Just another friendly reminder that my webinar on a cold climate, shade tolerant green roof is tomorrow.
Be there!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Growth is a ponzi scheme?
Wow, I've got a ton to comment on starting with an article from the New Urban Network. I've never heard
growth referred to as a ponzi scheme, but the more numbers he crunches...the more ponzi like it seems. If our government officials are aware of this and haven't sought to remedy the problem (more taxes or doing things VERY differently), I don't know what to say. If they are not aware of the facts, that is probably just as bad.
-On the positive side, there are a couple of great stories about urban agriculture in
Hong Kong and, closer to home Philadelphia, where refugees are planting crops from back home.
-A little further south, if you're in DC "Wildman" Steve Brillis in town to drop some foraging knowledge.
-More urban agriculture news. There are rooftop garden classes in
New York City and Toronto this week. Speaking of Toronto, it looks like a buy local food bill is in trouble as council is under pressure to cut costs and go with the cheapest produce.
-On the climate change front, the Guardian has a great article about how El Paso, Texas, is beating the worst drought in a generation. Hopefully others in Texas and abroad are paying attention to their conservation efforts and start listening to Paul Epstein as well. Who's Paul Epstein? Glad you asked.
growth referred to as a ponzi scheme, but the more numbers he crunches...the more ponzi like it seems. If our government officials are aware of this and haven't sought to remedy the problem (more taxes or doing things VERY differently), I don't know what to say. If they are not aware of the facts, that is probably just as bad.
-On the positive side, there are a couple of great stories about urban agriculture in
Hong Kong and, closer to home Philadelphia, where refugees are planting crops from back home.
-A little further south, if you're in DC "Wildman" Steve Brillis in town to drop some foraging knowledge.
-More urban agriculture news. There are rooftop garden classes in
New York City and Toronto this week. Speaking of Toronto, it looks like a buy local food bill is in trouble as council is under pressure to cut costs and go with the cheapest produce.
-On the climate change front, the Guardian has a great article about how El Paso, Texas, is beating the worst drought in a generation. Hopefully others in Texas and abroad are paying attention to their conservation efforts and start listening to Paul Epstein as well. Who's Paul Epstein? Glad you asked.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Webinar on Shade Tolerant Green Roofs + aquaponics in St. Louis
-On July 5 I'll be presenting a case study on a shade tolerant green roof. If you aren't already signed up for the GRHC webinars, you should, because they are great!
I'll talk more in depth about the cold climate, shade dominant green roof more later next week, but wanted to give folks a heads up before Canada Day (July 1) and Independence Day (July 4) arrive. By the way, if you live in Niagara Falls and like fireworks, this must be the time of year for you!
-Spied an article last week giving a darn good reason not to compost grass clippings: when the herbicide manufacturer warns you against it!
So, I am not really following Dupont's logic. With municipalities across the United States and Canadabanning herbicides and pesticides, wouldn't Dupont capitalize on the trend and develop a safe biological alternative to be ahead of the curve and corner that market?
-Reductions in state and federal funding are hitting everyone hard,
including agricultural colleges.
-Apartments, gardens and an aquaponic fish farm will revitalize an industrial site, with ex-convicts having an opportunity to be gainfully employed.
Smart move by this developer to bring a little piece of Madison to St. Louis. Also, love the train tracks outside. If things get REALLY busy, shipping across country should be a breeze!!!
I'll talk more in depth about the cold climate, shade dominant green roof more later next week, but wanted to give folks a heads up before Canada Day (July 1) and Independence Day (July 4) arrive. By the way, if you live in Niagara Falls and like fireworks, this must be the time of year for you!
-Spied an article last week giving a darn good reason not to compost grass clippings: when the herbicide manufacturer warns you against it!
So, I am not really following Dupont's logic. With municipalities across the United States and Canadabanning herbicides and pesticides, wouldn't Dupont capitalize on the trend and develop a safe biological alternative to be ahead of the curve and corner that market?
-Reductions in state and federal funding are hitting everyone hard,
including agricultural colleges.
-Apartments, gardens and an aquaponic fish farm will revitalize an industrial site, with ex-convicts having an opportunity to be gainfully employed.
Smart move by this developer to bring a little piece of Madison to St. Louis. Also, love the train tracks outside. If things get REALLY busy, shipping across country should be a breeze!!!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Edible green roof plants - my quest begins today!
Anyone who knows even a tiny bit about living architecture can rattle off lots of benefits. And the more benefits we can add to the list, the better. Quite often sedum species plants are used on green roofs, as I've heard a colleague say they are the "silver bullet" of the industry. Drought tolerant, available in lots of colors and sizes, needing minimal care are just a few characteristics which make it a "go-to plant". But what about edibility? Could I eat some of these plants in a pinch? Or, should I be dining on them on a regular basis?
I've wondered for a while, so during my spare time I'm going to research and post my findings.
Here's where I've started, Plants For A Future . One of my favorite websites seems like a great place to start. And I should add (as they do) "Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally, PFAF (or verticiel Inc.!!!!) can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants".
With that, let's start the roll call.
According to their database, the top 5 list of sedum species plants for their edibility/medicinal rating would be:
5 Sedum makinoi
4. Sedum spectabile aka Ice Plant
3.
Sedum telephium aka Orpine
2. Sedum arboroseum aka Garden Stonecrop
And the top spot goes to...
1. Rhodiola rosea aka Rose Root
This seems to be quite a plant, according to the website "it has an enhancing effect upon physical endurance and sexual potency" in addition to "The raw flowers have been eaten in the treatment of tuberculosis".
I'll try to update this list quarterly, so stay tuned!!!
I've wondered for a while, so during my spare time I'm going to research and post my findings.
Here's where I've started, Plants For A Future . One of my favorite websites seems like a great place to start. And I should add (as they do) "Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally, PFAF (or verticiel Inc.!!!!) can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants".
With that, let's start the roll call.
According to their database, the top 5 list of sedum species plants for their edibility/medicinal rating would be:
5 Sedum makinoi
4. Sedum spectabile aka Ice Plant
3.
Sedum telephium aka Orpine
2. Sedum arboroseum aka Garden Stonecrop
And the top spot goes to...
1. Rhodiola rosea aka Rose Root
This seems to be quite a plant, according to the website "it has an enhancing effect upon physical endurance and sexual potency" in addition to "The raw flowers have been eaten in the treatment of tuberculosis".
I'll try to update this list quarterly, so stay tuned!!!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Alaskans attempt to eat local...365 days a year?
-Utne magazine has had some fantastic articles in the last few weeks. A seed library sounds like a fantastic idea, one easily (cheaply too!) implemented in conjunction with a local partner, like a food bank or gardening club. On a more somber note, they note how the farm crisis, which is not front page news in the US or Canada, has not actually passed.
-There's crazy and then there's this...a few Alaskans have pledged to eat local food all year long. Now, to someone who hasn't spent a ton of time in Alaska, this sounds hard. It sounds even harder than I imagined when I read 98% of Alaskan food is imported. If these folks can pull it off, then there's no reason anyone in North America cannot.
-There's crazy and then there's this...a few Alaskans have pledged to eat local food all year long. Now, to someone who hasn't spent a ton of time in Alaska, this sounds hard. It sounds even harder than I imagined when I read 98% of Alaskan food is imported. If these folks can pull it off, then there's no reason anyone in North America cannot.
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