SUSTAINABLE LIVING OVERALL APPROACH
TO CROP/BUILDING AND LAND USE
The Global Ecosystem
Many blame climate related disasters on the radical temperature oscillations in the ocean. Their "cute" names disguise their seriousness — "El Nino" and "La Nina". Fishermen of entire areas of the Pacific have no fish because of the highly heated water. But that is just a small part of global climatic changes causing destruction. While "El Nino", etc., contributes to creating havoc with the weather — they are not the cause, they are one of many symptoms of a bigger problem.
Scientists have finally stopped disagreeing that global warming is a very serious problem and is already negatively impacting plants and animals. Our climate and global ecosystem is in bad shape and getting worse. Our organization has come up with ways to at least handle some of the effects, while simultaneously working towards a "balance cure" for the source causes.
The climate, and other eco-related imbalances, are causing severe food production problems around the world (amongst other things). Not just with plants, but with animals and fish too. We can do something about it, but we have to do it fast and work hard.
The sources of the problem are many, but one that we have power over, and each of us can change, is personally choosing sustainable living.
Two of the biggest and oldest known ways of living on civilized Earth, are "organic" farming (there was nothing inorganic before the middle of the last century) and having herds of animals (ranching). In the past, farmers and ranchers had to live in harmony with nature. In a sense, they were pioneer environmentalists — just by virtue of needing a "working relationship" with nature. Merchants were also dependent on the overall prosperity of the farming or ranching in their area. But for a while now, old ways of life, multi-generational family farmers and ranchers, have been finding their land and livelihood disappearing.
Unfortunately, we can't turn back time, nor in most cases, undo damage that's been done. But we can switch to sustainable living methods now.
One of the areas we're focusing on is food crops. Unsustainable farming methods have rendered precious topsoil devoid of its necessary nutrients and micro-organisms, and in many cases, actually created toxic conditions. Furthermore, land is being swallowed up by urban sprawl. Some small family farmers are suffering from poverty and losing their farms. Meanwhile, people still go hungry.
In the US, our energy demands consume massive amounts of electricity. This energy is generally generated by means that pollute the environment and further destroy soil and plant life. Along with that, weather imbalances (which experts predict will continue to get worse for many years to come) also threaten crop production.
We must turn to sustainable systems very soon, and prevent catastrophes on a global scale. We can positively impact the lives and lifestyles of all people, rich & poor, from all walks of life.
Solution:
Adopting sustainable approaches to living, food production and energy production/use.
This doesn't mean we need to sacrifice the comforts we've grown accustomed to in modern life. Sure, you must make some changes and adjustments to your lifestyle, but if it's done right, we can still maintain comfortable lifestyles, and improve the lives of others.
The demands we place on our environment, and what we give back to our environment, are the keys to the long term solution to these problems. To this end, we have acquired acreage in the Rocky Mountains, and placed it in a land trust. It is a harsh environment, but a perfect proving ground for this project. If we can grow crops efficiently and sustainably there, it can be done anywhere.
Land Use Proposal
Goal:
The purpose of this project is twofold:
To help individuals, families, and small family farmers worldwide, successfully grow more food in less space, with less risk from weather anomalies, while operating in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. Small family farms have been going out of business at an alarming rate. We can demonstrate how using new methods of production can turn a healthy profit AND be sustainable/environmentally sound. This will help individuals, farmers, and subsequently, many of the hungry of the world.
Extremely energy efficient sustainable housing, from large luxurious homes for the wealth, to small comfortable housing for the poor.
To create a new model of a self sustaining, circular system of life, while providing a healthy natural habitat for workers and inhabitants. Using new appropriate technology based on nature's own organic methods of sustainability, we will assemble a balanced system that recreates the systems of nature that create and recycle life. This system will also be sheltered from the current imbalances of nature created by mankind's inharmonious abuse.
The first step, is to recycle not just bottles, cans, etc., but ALL waste, in a way that transforms it into an asset, creating productive healthy food and plant production.
The next step, is doing this all by utilizing only the natural energy available from the Earth and Sun.
Next, using local heritage seeds that are adapted to conditions and reproduce (modern hybrid seeds don't reproduce).
Also, accepting that it is natural to allow some of our crops to be food for nature's other "critters" to consume. All "critters" have some function, that eventually impacts nature, and humans.
It is our hope that others will use our research and follow our example, and that this system/method will spread far and wide.
Approach to Accomplishing Goal:
Developing three, small parcel, solar/earthsheltered "pit" greenhouse agricultural and possibly "aquaponic" systems (growing fish & crops together in a mutually beneficial manner) that will be models of sustainable crop production that can be used in virtually any environment, any adverse weather conditions, with or without power.
Building environmentally friendly solar housing and outbuildings, that have minimal impact on the land.
Enlisting volunteers and raising funds for the project. We already have about a dozen volunteers. We also have federal and state non-profit status so contributions from supporters are tax-deductible.
Means of Accomplishing Goal:
Recreating an already successful ongoing aquaponics operation based on a working farm model. While their system uses electricity, it is totally proven. Thus, the purpose of duplicating their system is to insure enough commercial production to pay the monthly expenses of the project, giving us the leeway to experiment with passive (non-electric) systems.
Using cutting edge new and ancient building techniques such as straw-bale, pumice-crete, straw-clay, ferro-cement, and earth-sheltered domes/arches. This includes outbuildings, offices, retreat/educational facilities, worker quarters, etc. The greenhouses will also include alternative building systems and earth-sheltering for energy conservation and heat moderation (warmer in winter/cooler in summer).
Using passive solar, solar photo-voltaic, and solar hot water systems for all power, greenhouse heating, building heating, and domestic hot water needs.
For more information:
SUSPRO (Sustainability Program) website: www.suspro.org
|
|
