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.
Showing posts with label united states. Show all posts
Showing posts with label united states. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Week of the report
This week saw a number of urban agriculture and green energy reports. If you missed some of them, read on...
-"We won't solve hunger and stop climate change with industrial farming on large plantations" is one of the many powerful statements made in a new UN report which instead pushes for " small-scale farmers’ knowledge and experimentation". So if you're into those things, you have a friend at the UN. Jill Richardson also weighs in with her views. The report outlines several initiatives various levels of government can tackle. Oklahoma City's officials would do well to digest the findings. It's always sad when trees must fall, but when it's on a permaculture homestead and the planting of said trees had been given clearance, what can you say?
-Overshadowed by the UN report on Tuesday was another report by the American Planning Association entitled Urban Agriculture: Growing Healthy, Sustainable Places . Check it out for more information on" issues relating to agricultural practices within cities" .
-Oops, someone released a report to the Montreal Gazette that several thousand jobs will be lost in Canada as a result of Stephen Harper's government putting the kibosh on federal clean energy programs. Oh yeah, those programs have also cut tons of pollution as well. All the parties have to be chomping at the bit on this one. To follow that up, Environmental Defence Canada says by being slow to get on the green jobs train, Canada has lost out on 60,000 jobs. Forget that "chomping on the bit" line, it'll be an all out feeding frenzy.
-"We won't solve hunger and stop climate change with industrial farming on large plantations" is one of the many powerful statements made in a new UN report which instead pushes for " small-scale farmers’ knowledge and experimentation". So if you're into those things, you have a friend at the UN. Jill Richardson also weighs in with her views. The report outlines several initiatives various levels of government can tackle. Oklahoma City's officials would do well to digest the findings. It's always sad when trees must fall, but when it's on a permaculture homestead and the planting of said trees had been given clearance, what can you say?
-Overshadowed by the UN report on Tuesday was another report by the American Planning Association entitled Urban Agriculture: Growing Healthy, Sustainable Places . Check it out for more information on" issues relating to agricultural practices within cities" .
-Oops, someone released a report to the Montreal Gazette that several thousand jobs will be lost in Canada as a result of Stephen Harper's government putting the kibosh on federal clean energy programs. Oh yeah, those programs have also cut tons of pollution as well. All the parties have to be chomping at the bit on this one. To follow that up, Environmental Defence Canada says by being slow to get on the green jobs train, Canada has lost out on 60,000 jobs. Forget that "chomping on the bit" line, it'll be an all out feeding frenzy.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
The Plug-In Farm + No thanks to a green wall
Let's cut to the chase:
As predicted in other places, big time water shortages ahead for much of the United States. That most likely means less lawnsacross the USA, which, I guess, is a good thing. Unless you just bought a new mower. In those drought stricken urban environments, could we see the rise of a Plug-in Farm, which marries the urban environment and animal husbandry.
-NPR covers a great story in Baltlmore, where ex-convicts are participating in the green economy through deconstruction.
-I love it when I stumble upon superior raw data. A crop map for every county in the US is a good start. Now where's the updated one? Am I too greedy???
-Remember that massive green wall that was supposed to go up on the Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal Building in Portland? Well, it's been nixed. Too expensive, too risky, some folks say. Which is a shame, in a sense. Although I'm a huge fan of living architecture, to be honest, I can think of better ways to spend that cash. If you really want to have a green wall, why not make it a food producing one? Or spend that money on roofs, lots of green roofs.
-Lastly, whenever possible I try to post permaculture resources in other languages, here are a few in French and Arabic.
As predicted in other places, big time water shortages ahead for much of the United States. That most likely means less lawnsacross the USA, which, I guess, is a good thing. Unless you just bought a new mower. In those drought stricken urban environments, could we see the rise of a Plug-in Farm, which marries the urban environment and animal husbandry.
-NPR covers a great story in Baltlmore, where ex-convicts are participating in the green economy through deconstruction.
-I love it when I stumble upon superior raw data. A crop map for every county in the US is a good start. Now where's the updated one? Am I too greedy???
-Remember that massive green wall that was supposed to go up on the Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal Building in Portland? Well, it's been nixed. Too expensive, too risky, some folks say. Which is a shame, in a sense. Although I'm a huge fan of living architecture, to be honest, I can think of better ways to spend that cash. If you really want to have a green wall, why not make it a food producing one? Or spend that money on roofs, lots of green roofs.
-Lastly, whenever possible I try to post permaculture resources in other languages, here are a few in French and Arabic.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
More internship news + the Office of Urban Agriculture
Two separate calls for interns in Chile!!!
The first one can be found at Volunteer Abroad.
The second one, right here:
Two Permaculture Interns Wanted in Chile! Please forward widely. The Apple Tree Eco School in Chile is looking for two experienced entrepreneurial permaculture interns starting May 2010. We need (1) an experienced administrator proficient in English and Spanish to help manage a busy permie office, planning and promotions and (2) an experienced gardener to assist in production, processing and distribution of organic food. This is an unprecedented opportunity to work in Permaculture centre connected to Gaia University, Transition Towns and the Permaculture Research Institute. Get hands on experience in the management of Permaculture projects, relief work, design consultancy, teacher training,
transition training and much, much more. All food and board provided.
Successful applicants will also have opportunities to self-generate income. Start your Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design, on the edge, working where it counts. Contact Grifen Hope or Javiera Carri?n with a detailed CV and a letter of application through our website: www.ecoescuela.cl or via the information below...
Planificador Urbano / Phone: +56-09-92292398 / Skype: wholehabitat / Ecoescuela El Manzano
Planning & Design for Resilience / Web: www.ecoescuela.cl
-Also, a bill by Marcy Kaptur from Ohio was introduced to create an within theOffice of Urban Agriculture within the Department of Agriculture.
The first one can be found at Volunteer Abroad.
The second one, right here:
Two Permaculture Interns Wanted in Chile! Please forward widely. The Apple Tree Eco School in Chile is looking for two experienced entrepreneurial permaculture interns starting May 2010. We need (1) an experienced administrator proficient in English and Spanish to help manage a busy permie office, planning and promotions and (2) an experienced gardener to assist in production, processing and distribution of organic food. This is an unprecedented opportunity to work in Permaculture centre connected to Gaia University, Transition Towns and the Permaculture Research Institute. Get hands on experience in the management of Permaculture projects, relief work, design consultancy, teacher training,
transition training and much, much more. All food and board provided.
Successful applicants will also have opportunities to self-generate income. Start your Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design, on the edge, working where it counts. Contact Grifen Hope or Javiera Carri?n with a detailed CV and a letter of application through our website: www.ecoescuela.cl or via the information below...
Planificador Urbano / Phone: +56-09-92292398 / Skype: wholehabitat / Ecoescuela El Manzano
Planning & Design for Resilience / Web: www.ecoescuela.cl
-Also, a bill by Marcy Kaptur from Ohio was introduced to create an within theOffice of Urban Agriculture within the Department of Agriculture.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Green Roof volunteer opportunity- Bronx, New York
For those in the NY area, a very rare chance to be involved with green roofing and/or permaculture and learn some tricks of the trade.
---------------------
Green Roof Project Associate
Location: Bronx, New York, 10454, United States
Organization: Friends of Brook Park
Language(s): English
Start date: February 20, 2010
Last day to apply: February 26, 2010
Paid or unpaid: Unpaid
Skill(s): Other
End date: June 21, 2010
Last updated: January 21, 2010
Description:
*We are looking for a part time winter/spring/summer intern to work on implementing our green roof. Green
roofs are engineered systems that places low maintenance vegetation on rooftops. Primary responsibilities will be assit in design and general garden maintenance: planting, weeding, composting, irrigation design of rainwater catchment system, documenting ecology, etc. Roof sites is in the South Bronx. Possible bee-keeping component.
This is a great opportunity for an individual who may already be familiar with green roof technology, however this is knowledge or previous experience not required!*
* *
*Various duties the intern may encounter:*
1. Work in the field on green roof project
2. Frequent seasonal green roof horticultural maintenance; Weed and compost management; Establish irrigation management on new green roof project
3. Document ecology on roof, to include plant species identification (wanted and unwanted species), insects, and birds.
Submit digital images and written documentation; Document and fix physical changes on roof- edging, gravel misplacement, garbage, etc.
4. Pick up and select plant material from greenhouse. Help develop new relationships with funders. Maintain plant inventory.
5. Assist in establishing green roof research plots.
6. Assist in establishing quality control and service protocols.
7. Assist in installing new green roof projects in the region.
8. Assist in green roof design using CAD.
9. Learn new systems. Create a library of different products and materials used- to include roofing membranes, protection fabric, drainage systems, soil, plants, edging, etc. Identify new products and vendors.
10. Update project leads information.
11. Identify financial incentives (local and regional) for potential clients to feasibly install a green roof.
*Additional:*
1. Be able to work alone or with a small crew in a timely and professional manner while on site or in the office.
2. Be flexible with daily and weekly tasks.
3. Arrive on time, and have 100% attendance- rain or shine.
4. Be willing to attend seminars, lectures, and possible conferences after hours.
Application instructions:
*Please email your letter resume, cover letter, and availability to informationATfriendsofbrookpark.org. Seeking two interns at 5 hours a week at least for three months to start. Please no generic inquiries.
Permalink:http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Internship/147781-91/c
---------------------
Green Roof Project Associate
Location: Bronx, New York, 10454, United States
Organization: Friends of Brook Park
Language(s): English
Start date: February 20, 2010
Last day to apply: February 26, 2010
Paid or unpaid: Unpaid
Skill(s): Other
End date: June 21, 2010
Last updated: January 21, 2010
Description:
*We are looking for a part time winter/spring/summer intern to work on implementing our green roof. Green
roofs are engineered systems that places low maintenance vegetation on rooftops. Primary responsibilities will be assit in design and general garden maintenance: planting, weeding, composting, irrigation design of rainwater catchment system, documenting ecology, etc. Roof sites is in the South Bronx. Possible bee-keeping component.
This is a great opportunity for an individual who may already be familiar with green roof technology, however this is knowledge or previous experience not required!*
* *
*Various duties the intern may encounter:*
1. Work in the field on green roof project
2. Frequent seasonal green roof horticultural maintenance; Weed and compost management; Establish irrigation management on new green roof project
3. Document ecology on roof, to include plant species identification (wanted and unwanted species), insects, and birds.
Submit digital images and written documentation; Document and fix physical changes on roof- edging, gravel misplacement, garbage, etc.
4. Pick up and select plant material from greenhouse. Help develop new relationships with funders. Maintain plant inventory.
5. Assist in establishing green roof research plots.
6. Assist in establishing quality control and service protocols.
7. Assist in installing new green roof projects in the region.
8. Assist in green roof design using CAD.
9. Learn new systems. Create a library of different products and materials used- to include roofing membranes, protection fabric, drainage systems, soil, plants, edging, etc. Identify new products and vendors.
10. Update project leads information.
11. Identify financial incentives (local and regional) for potential clients to feasibly install a green roof.
*Additional:*
1. Be able to work alone or with a small crew in a timely and professional manner while on site or in the office.
2. Be flexible with daily and weekly tasks.
3. Arrive on time, and have 100% attendance- rain or shine.
4. Be willing to attend seminars, lectures, and possible conferences after hours.
Application instructions:
*Please email your letter resume, cover letter, and availability to informationATfriendsofbrookpark.org. Seeking two interns at 5 hours a week at least for three months to start. Please no generic inquiries.
Permalink:http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Internship/147781-91/c
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Calgreen take me away...
Hot off the presses, California adopts the greenest building code in the USA...and by the looks of it, all of North America.
Strangely, those speaking out against it include the U.S. Green Building Council...some say protecting it's turf. Turf war in the green building world. Sorry, couldn't resist.
UPDATE: A broader perspective on Calgreen.
Strangely, those speaking out against it include the U.S. Green Building Council...some say protecting it's turf. Turf war in the green building world. Sorry, couldn't resist.
UPDATE: A broader perspective on Calgreen.
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