Power Project Provides Shelter from the Storm POWER magazine
* This article was originally published here
Sunday, May 31, 2020
TUF043 - What Nobody Told Me About Small Farming: I Can’t Make a Living - DISSECTED - A Case Study – The Urban Farmer – Encore Episode 3
In this episode Curtis and I dissect an article that was published on Alternet on January 1, 2016 by farmer Jaclyn Moyer.
An article titled....
What Nobody Told Me About Small Farming: I Can’t Make a Living - People say we're "rich in other ways," but that doesn't fix the ugly fact that most farms are unsustainable
This one is a good one and we cover a lot of business basics such as...
- Who is your customer? What is their demographic? And what do they want?
- What are you selling? Is that the right crop?
- What are you focusing your time on? Is that the right thing?
- And are you the right person to be doing this job.
We will break down the article to hopefully help a lot of you avoid some of the troubles that Jaclyn talked about in the article.
Read the article at permaculturevoices.com/tuf43.
* This article was originally published here
Saturday, May 30, 2020
UK residents enjoying record low emissions
By now, almost everybody has heard about record low CO2 emissions brought on by coronavirus lockdowns. But new data shows not only that the U.K.’s emissions are the lowest they’ve been since the 1920s, but there’s reason to hope they might not shoot back up to pre-pandemic rates as soon as life returns to quasi-normal. A recent paper published in the scientific journal Nature Climate Change examined six sectors known for their climate change contributions: electricity and heat; surface transport; industry; home use; aviation; and public buildings and commerce. They found that surface transport was notably down, partially accounting for why the U.K. cut emissions by 31% during lockdown, compared to a global average of 17%. “A lot of emissions in the UK come from surface transport – around 30% on average of the country’s total emissions ,” said Professor Corinne Le Quéré, the paper’s lead author. “It makes up a bigger contribution to total emissions than the average worldwide.” Since the U.K. reached full lockdown, Quéré said, people were forced to stay home and not to drive to work. Mike Childs, Friends of the Earth’s head of policy, reminds us that our problems are far from over. “A 31% emissions drop in April is dramatic, but in the long run it won’t mean anything unless some reductions are made permanent,” Childs told HuffPost UK. “This lockdown moment is a chance to reset our carbon-guzzling economy and rebuild in a way that leaves pollution in the past, to stop climate-wrecking emissions spiking right back up to where they were before, or even higher.” Fortunately, British drivers appreciate the cleaner air and plan to permanently alter their driving style, according to a survey. In the Automobile Association’s poll of 20,000 motorists, half plan to walk more post- pandemic , and 40% aim to drive less. Twenty-five percent of respondents said they planned to work from home more, 25% intend to fly less and 20% to cycle more. The U.K. government plans to spend £250 million on improved infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists. “We have all enjoyed the benefits of cleaner air during lockdown and it is gratifying that the vast majority of drivers want to do their bit to maintain the cleaner air,” said Edmund King, Automobile Association president. “ Walking and cycling more, coupled with less driving and more working from home, could have a significant effect on both reducing congestion and maintaining cleaner air.” + Nature Climate Change Via HuffPost and BBC
Original post:Â
UK residents enjoying record low emissions
* This article was originally published here
TUF045 - "I am now on the path to starting my own farm!" - TUF Listeners Share Their Stories - The Urban Farmer - Encore Episode 5
All of the guests for this episode are listeners of the show. Listeners just like you.
A few months ago I asked for feedback on the first season of the show, and I received a ton of it.
Today, I will share some of it with you.
If you submitted feedback for the show and gave me the OK to read it, thank you, this episode is yours.
As humans I think we live in a guru culture. A culture that puts people on a pedestal.
And that can be dangerous because it creates limiting beliefs.
Beliefs that we could never be like them.
Beliefs that we aren't good enough.
Beliefs that we have some sort of unfair disadvantage.
Beliefs that we can't do what they do.
Because they are an expert, and we aren't.
A lot of people view Curtis as that expert and put him on that pedestal of knowledge.
They create limiting beliefs in their mind and tell themselves, I could never do what Curtis does.
I have sat in workshops with Curtis and heard it first hand, time and time again.
And if you believe that, that you could never do what Curtis does, then Henry Ford said it best...
Whether you think you can, or think you can't - your right.
This episode today is for the people who think they can.
If you ever feel stuck or stalled or find yourself struggling and wondering if you can actually do it, then here’s an episode for you.
An episode full of stories of “ordinary” people doing the hard work to go after what they want in life, and showing that it might not always be easy, but it is possible.
Learn more about this episode at permaculturevoices.com/tuf45
If you want to learn more about Curtis Stone and urban farming, then check out Curtis’ book, The Urban Farmer and his course, Profitable Urban Farming.
* This article was originally published here
The Urban Farmer - Season Two Preview Show (S2E00)
We're back for another Season of The Urban Farmer with Curtis Stone.Season Two will kick off on Wednesday, April 6.Just like last year, I am going to follow farmer Curtis Stone on a journey through a full farm season, taking you behind the scenes to see what being a small scale farmer is really like. This episode is a preview of what's to come.Stay tuned every Wednesday for a new The Urban Farmer with Curtis Stone at permaculturevoices.com/theurbanfarmer.
* This article was originally published here
Friday, May 29, 2020
How do you feed 30 chickens on just $1.25 per day? - ASK Voices with Justin Rhodes
Homesteader Justin Rhodes of AbundantPermaculture.com talks about how he feeds his 30 chickens for just $1.25 per day.
To learn more about Justin and see all of the ASK Justin episodes visit permaculturevoices.com/justin.
* This article was originally published here
The Unlikely Path To Success: From Hockey Player to Personal Care Product Entrepreneur with Philippe Choiniere (PVP122)
Not every business will work, but over the course of a career odds are, one idea will work. If you want to be an entrepreneur, then it’s up to you to smartly continue on until you find it. Because you can’t win the race, unless you finish the race. But can you find that right idea? Many of people don’t think that they can. And it’s that defeating self talk that keeps many people from succeeding, and many more of even starting in the first place, thereby having no chance at future success. This episode is geared at the entrepreneurs and the wantrepreneurs who are listening; the ones who think they can and the ones who think they can’t. Because either way, you’re right. In today’s show, I am talking with entrepreneur, and business owner Philippe Choiniere of Oneka. Philippe didn’t have the ideal road to become a business owner (none of us do). He started as as a professional hockey player and now finds himself owning a leading sustainable personal care products line. Likely not the career path that he would have mapped out ahead of time. But that’s the greatness of his path. It wasn’t that ideal path, it was the real path, the actual path, that took place in reality. His journey wasn’t always easy, it was hard, but he pushed through and he now has a growing and profitable business. Along the way he gained the equivalent of three real world MBA’s in the school of hard knocks. And he will share a lot of that with you in this episode. He is going to talk extensively about his entrepreneurial journey. He is going to talk about what it feels like to deal with rejection and failure. And he is going to talk a lot about marketing and branding and some of the expensive lessons that he has learned along the way. Philippe’s clearly learned a lot, and one tell to of that is the calmness and acceptance with which he states that everyone isn’t the right customer, and he is going to charge what his product is worth. Sage advice. Enjoy this one. Learn more at permaculturevoices.com/122 Support Permaculture Voices on Patreon.
* This article was originally published here
Earth911 Inspiration: All Things Older Than Man
This week’s quote is from American novelist and playwright, Corman … The post Earth911 Inspiration: All Things Older Than Man appeared first on Earth911.com.
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Earth911 Inspiration: All Things Older Than Man
* This article was originally published here
Robert De Niro and partners to open a garden hotel in Poland
If a glimpse into history is on your bucket list, a stay at the soon-to-open Nobu hotel in Poland can help put a check in that column. Decimated by World War II, the city of Warsaw originated in the 1300s and has been under meticulous reconstruction for decades. Blending the old with the new, historical architecture is balanced with nearby neighborhoods that are alive with trendy wine bars, art galleries and cafes. Joining the creative hub is the newest addition to the Nobu family of hotels being built by Nobu Hospitality, a globally established lifestyle brand owned by actor Robert De Niro, chef Nobu Matsuhisa and film producer Meir Teper. The heart of this capital city will be the site of the V-shaped hotel. Nobu Hotel Warsaw will feature 117 sleek and spacious rooms along with meeting and event spaces, an expansive fitness center and the signature Nobu Restaurant and café. “Nobu Hotel Warsaw is a really exciting project for us,” said Trevor Horwell, Chief Executive Officer of Nobu Hotels . “The luxury hospitality market has been gaining momentum in Warsaw for a while. There’s a certain type of energy that extends far beyond the bricks and mortar – we’re very excited to be at the forefront of this new wave of lifestyle and hospitality development – and being from Poland originally, this opening is particularly exciting for our co-founder Meir Teper.” While luxury and the location are undeniably enticing, the building design also represents a marriage of the historic with modern elements that feed a need to completely understand the multifaceted city. Half of the hotel is housed in what used to be the Hotel Rialto, a building dating back to the 1920s that represents Art Deco design elements. A lobby connects this sample of Warsaw’s past to the other wing of the hotel, an ultra-contemporary space designed in collaboration with Polish architectural firm Medusa Group and California-based Studio PCH. The outdoor space features a pyramid of balconies with living gardens for a contrast of green space to cityscape. Hotel Nobu Warsaw is one of 18 hotels by Nobu Hospitality spanning five continents, each offering premium service, unique design elements and an extraordinary culinary experience. The Hotel Nobu Warsaw is expected to open in August 2020. + Nobu Hotel Images via ?ukasz K?pielewski
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Robert De Niro and partners to open a garden hotel in Poland
* This article was originally published here
Thursday, May 28, 2020
If you don’t succeed it’s your own fault. Stop blaming people and get to work. - The Urban Farmer - Season 2 - Week 4
It's currently April 12, 2016.
We start off today talking about whether you should start farming with a greenhouse or not.
The conversation quickly turns into reasons why people succeed and don't succeed.
Hopefully this episode is a welcome kick in the ass for those who need it. And motivation to keep kicking ass for everyone else.
Learn more at permaculturevoices.com/theurbanfarmer
Support the show at permaculturevoices.com/support
* This article was originally published here
May 28 Green Energy News
Headline News:
- “The Climate Change Clues Hidden In Art History” • As scientists, policy-makers, and members of the public attempt to make sense of the climate crisis, art historians are finding clues about how our relationship with nature has changed, about past and present societies’ ideas of climate, and even about the physical changes of our planet. [BBC]
The Icebergs, Frederic Edwin Church (Dallas Museum of Art)
- “Coal’s Decline Continues With Thirteen Plant Closures Announced In 2020” • Power companies have announced plans to close thirteen coal plants this year, according to an E&E News review of federal data and companies’ closure plans. Two other plants will be converted to natural gas. Burning coal is no longer economically sound. [Scientific American]
- “Renewables Crushing Coal – Won 100 Days Already In 2020” • The US has seen year-to-date performance for renewables that is dramatically above any previous year’s. Renewables are on a streak going on right now, overtaking coal for production of electricity on a daily basis for 100 days so far this year, and for 60 days in a row. [CleanTechnica]
- “US Provides Additional Safe Harbour For Renewables In Post-Covid-19 World” • US renewable energy projects that have been hit by supply chain delays caused by the Covid-19 crisis have been granted an extra year to meet safe harbour requirements and qualify for federal tax credits. A notice published by the IRS offers tax relief. [Renewables Now]
- “US Renewables Produce 17.5% More Electricity Than Coal During Q1 Of 2020 – Solar Grows 23% And Wind 17%” • US Renewable energy sources produced significantly more electricity than coal during the first quarter of 2020 and also topped nuclear power in both February and March, a SUN DAY Campaign analysis of EIA data shows. [pvbuzz media]
For more news, please visit geoharvey – Daily News about Energy and Climate Change.
* This article was originally published here
Summer Fun 2020 - Harness the Sun for Backyard Solar Cooking: Make memories and meals while you watch your kids learn - Food - Austin Chronicle
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
"Wither" artistically represents deforestation in the Amazon
While all eyes are on the national and international headlines regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, it appears no one is watching and protecting the rainforest, which is experiencing a “newly deforested area” that is “71% larger” than previous records, according to The Wall Street Journal . When the data regarding this rapid increase in deforestation came to light, Dutch artist Thijs Biersteker created a digital art installation titled, “Wither,” to visually represent the disappearing landscape in Brazilian rainforests. Related: Humans can’t count on rainforests to offset their carbon Taking the form of a plant with a variety of leaf styles, the electrically-powered piece brings to light, quite literally, the roughly three football fields-worth of rainforest that is lost each second . Well, technically Biersteker brings it to dark, as the lights of each petal fade and become transparent to represent “the loss of 250m2 of rainforest,” according to the artist. Each light that is snuffed out matches real-time data coming in from a variety of rainforest watch groups who monitor the deforestation progression. Biersteker and his team from Woven Studio planned to reveal the artwork later on, but the recent acceleration of deforestation during this pandemic added a sense of urgency to the message, so they decided to launch now to drive awareness around the topic. The art was commissioned by Daily Paper, a popular Amsterdam-based fashion and lifestyle brand. As Biersteker said, “It is interesting that while we dream, talk, videocall, and post about a new post-Covid-19 world, an old system is destroying our future more fiercefull than ever. This artwork turns deforestation facts into something you can feel. Hopefully it will provoke people to spend their time inside, to think about the world they want to go back to outside. I often wonder when we are allowed back into the world, what will we find, and what will we have lost?” Biersteker is the founder of Woven Studio, a sustainable art studio focused on helping research groups, universities, museums and architects present data through visual art. + Woven Studio Images via Thijs Biersteker
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"Wither" artistically represents deforestation in the Amazon
* This article was originally published here
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Montreal unveils plans for award-winning Biodiversity Corridor
Following decades of car-oriented growth that replaced swaths of greenery with asphalt, the city of Montreal is attempting to bring nature back with the launch of its ambitious new Biodiversity Corridor project. A team of four firms — civiliti, LAND Italia, Table Architecture and Biodiversité Conseil — designed the project, which was selected as the winning submission in a 2018 national landscape architecture competition. The greening initiative will be implemented in Montreal’s Saint-Laurent borough over the next 20 years. According to the design team, approximately 70% of Saint-Laurent is now covered in asphalt as a result of the rapid industrialization of the city that started in the 1960s. Dismayed by the disappearance of tree cover and vegetation, local authorities in 2015 began conducting various studies — including detailed inventories of existing fauna and flora — for bringing nature back to the region. This ultimately led to the idea of the Biodiversity Corridor. Related: An old warehouse is rehabbed into chic apartments in Montreal The Biodiversity Corridor will be organized along a narrow strip of “wasteland” that runs underneath overhead power lines along three main boulevards. The space, currently occupied by nothing other than mowed lawns, will be transformed into flowering meadows to attract birds, pollinating insects and small animals. Earthworks will also be employed to create an undulating landscape for visual interest. New pedestrian trails, upgraded bicycle paths and a series of activity and rest areas will be added as well. “The corridor will enable the transition from a mostly asphalted, fragmented territory to a diversified urban landscape, connected to all living beings,” said Fannie Duguay-Lefebvre, a spokesperson for civiliti. The Biodiversity Corridor masterplan is also expected to serve as a model for sustainable landscape reclamation for all of Montreal as well as other cities and countries. The project received a Special Jury Award for the category “Sustainable Development” in the 2020 edition of the National Urban Design Awards. + civiliti Images via civiliti, LAND Italia, Table Architecture and Biodiversité Conseil
See the original post here:
Montreal unveils plans for award-winning Biodiversity Corridor
* This article was originally published here
May 26 Green Energy News
Headline News:
- “Oz Crew To Survey Australia-Singapore Cable Route” • Sun Cable hired an Australian company to carry out initial surveys for a proposed cable to trasmit renewable energy from Australia to Singapore and Indonesia. Guardian Geomatics will start the preparatory work this month, and the vessel Offshore Solution is to deliver results later this year. [reNEWS]
Offshore Solution (Guardian Geomatics image)
- “Nanotech Energy Claims Its Graphene Lithium Battery Will Charge 18 Times Faster Than Conventional Li-Ion Battery” • Investors have just pumped $27.5 million into Nanotech Energy, based in Los Angeles. Why? The company claims its graphene-based lithium batteries can charge 18 times as fast as the more conventional lithium-ion batteries. [CleanTechnica]
- “US Wind Power Plants Show Little Decline With Age” • A report published in the journal Joule by researchers from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory concludes that wind turbines in the US remain relatively efficient over a period of time. The report shows only a 13% drop in performance over 17 years of operation. [CleanTechnica]
- “India’s Solar Park Scheme Offers $700 Billion Opportunity For Investors” • According to the thinktank Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, India could attract investment worth up to $700 billion for its solar power park scheme. The investment is likely to come not only for power generation but also for transmission systems. [CleanTechnica]
- “Siemens Gamesa Secures First Order For 14-MW Titan” • Siemens Gamesa has been lined up to deliver its new 14-MW turbine for the 300-MW Hai Long 2 offshore wind farm off Taiwan. The manufacturer said deployment of the 14-222 DD machine is also being considered for the remaining 744 MW of phases of the project. [reNEWS]
For more news, please visit geoharvey – Daily News about Energy and Climate Change.
* This article was originally published here
Monday, May 25, 2020
Expanding the Farm with Social Capital – The Urban Farmer – Season 2 – Week 8
Learn more at permaculturevoices.com/theurbanfarmer Support the show at permaculturevoices.com/support To set the stage... Curtis had a next door neighbor. That neighbor used to own Curtis's house, and he rented that house from them and farmed in the back yard. When his neighbor decided to sell the house, Curtis then purchased the house from his neighbor. Subsequently that same neighbor went on to move to another house in the neighborhood, and began renting out the house next door to Curtis. In the process a conversation began about Curtis farming his neighbor’s backyard now that it was a rental. The conversation eventual led to an agreement, one where Curtis would take down the fence between his yard and his neighbors, and extend his farm into his neighbor's back yard. It's a process that was built on the back of respect and social capital, and facilitated by old fashioned conversation. Today we'll take an extended look at the transition of that back yard from lawn to production farm, and all of the challenges and successes that went with it.. It's currently May 11, 2016. Learn more at permaculturevoices.com/theurbanfarmer Support the show at permaculturevoices.com/support
* This article was originally published here
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