Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Review - The Vertical Farm

The Vertical Farm, Dr. Dickson Despommier, 2009, ISBN 9780312611392

The current method of human agriculture is in bad shape, and is in future unsustainable. This book provides an alternative.

Agriculture as we know it has worked for many thousands of years, but the system is breaking down. If there is allying a portion as The Chronicle of Farm Life in the 20th Century, it is " The Grapes of Flare-up " by John Steinbeck. Three things that had a huge impact on agriculture were the internal phlogiston mechanism, and the discoveries of oil and dynamite. When irrigating fields, runoff is created that is full of chenicals and fertilizers convenient to those fields. During floods, runoff gets steady worse, because that chemical - filled water gets into the rivers, which empty into the ocean, creating aquatic " drag zones. " In less developed countries, there is little or no attempt to filter or treat the water, and since fecal matter ( human and animal ) is frequently used as fertilizer, that just spreads lots of intestinal parasites. In many places, a 55 - gallon drum of clean water is now more valuable than oil.

Greenhouse gases are turning the world ' s oceans more acidic; the time will come when calcium carbonate, a central component of coral and mollusk shells, cannot form. Various bugs and plant diseases can also do immense damage to a wide area of crops. As agriculture becomes more commercialized, and farm sizes grow, food safety becomes a huge concern. Corporations want to cut costs wherever they can ( like food inspection ), and consumers have made it clear that food safety is at the top of the list.

Imagine stacking several high - tech greenhouses on top of each other. Hydroponic gardening, which uses one - third the water of regular agriculture, is well known. Aeroponic gardening, where the roots are misted at the right times, uses one - third the water of hydroponics. The water can be treated and recycled so that it can be used over and over. No artificial chemicals would be needed. Such a vertical farm can be built in the city, vastly increasing the availability of fruits and vegetable for inner - city residents. The outer walls would be a type of clear, hard plastic, which is lighter than glass, to let in every available bit of sunlight. The corresponding amount of farmland would be allowed to turn back into whatever it was, usually hardwood forest, before it became farmland.

Of course, theory is easy, while turning the theory into reality is much harder. This a fascinating book, even though it is light on the reality of what a vertical farm would look like. If it does nothing more than get people thinking about other methods of agriculture, this is a gem of a book.

Romney Faces Scrutiny Over Farm Statements

Next his double - symbol good luck in January ' s Florida primary, former Massachusetts Leader Mitt Romney has surged ahead of his rivals to become the frontrunner in the Republican presidential primary. However, his electoral happiness and his previous statements regard agricultural programs have worried some farmers who tremor that the GOP candidate could threaten access to farm loans and needed federal farm subsidies. Over the past several months, the debate over farm subsidies has been reoccurring in the Republican Party. As House leaders stare to cut federal spending, the U. S. Department of Agriculture and higher federal agricultural programs have been on the congressional chopping block, with many farmers worried about austerity cuts threatening access to farm loans.

The results of the ongoing Republican primary are only heightening many of these fears. Currently, four candidates remain in the race; Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum, and Ron Paul, with the two leading candidates, Romney and Gingrich, articulating opposing views on the future of agricultural loans and farm subsidies. Gingrich has long supported agricultural conservation programs and federal farm subsidies. He received an A grade from the Iowa Corn Growers Association, the only Republican candidate to receive such a rating, due to his views on farm subsidies, federal agricultural programs, and farm loans. Romney, on the other hand, has had a more mixed history of supporting federal agricultural programs.

Romney ' s recent political positions have tended to avoid issues like conservation and crop insurance and have avoided making concrete statements about the future of farm loans and farm subsidies. He has also tended to waffle on biofuels, a major concern for commodity farmers, stating that he supports ethanol production, but opposes indefinite ethanol subsidies. Recent statements by the Romney campaign have remained vague regarding specific programs affecting agricultural loans, with Romney spokespeople stating only, " Governor Romney believes that investing in agriculture is key to our economy and families. "

Romney ' s previous views on agriculture, however, seem out of synch with the generic platitudes his campaign has recently issued, leading many to question his commitment to farm loans and farm subsidies. When he ran for Massachusetts Senate in 1994, Romney called for the reduction of agricultural subsidies and the " virtual elimination " of the USDA to reduce the federal deficit. The elimination of the USDA could endanger critical federal programs, threaten access to needed agricultural loans, and destroy the fiscal security of millions of farmers.

The Romney campaign has attempted to distance itself from these previous political views. He has appeared to win back crucial agricultural constituencies ( receiving high marks from the Iowa Corn Growers Association for his stance on free trade ), but some farmers are still wary about his lack of commitment to farm loans and farm subsidies. With several major contests yet to be decided, Romney ' s views on farm support could make or break his presidential ambitions.

Renault - A French Automaker In India.

Renault, traces its previous rear to France, the region the community it absolutely was founded. From the previous, it certainly was engaged inside business enterprise of manufacturing weighty cars like vehicles, tractors, vans, buses and so radiate. It may be ranked amongst the worlds top rated 5 vehicle makers, courtesy to Renault Nissan joint endeavor. This collaboration of 2 auto giants is now focusing to the industry of electric auto manufacturing. Equally the companies is going to be investing huge investment, of around 4 billion Euros, in congenerous a mission. The outcome might be inside form of 8 electric automobiles.

The function site of the business is located in Boulogne - Billancourt, France. Romanian vehicle maker Automobile Dacia & Korean automobile instigation, Renault Samsung is owned by Renault. Apart from vehicle manufacturing, it ' s present in other fields overmuch, like in automobile finance by the surname of RCI Banque & in automotive elements with the title of Motrio. Renault Vehicules Industriels, which has long been re named as Renault Vehicles, is less than Volvo Vehicles since 2001. Similarly, German agriculture firm CLAAS has owned hundred % shares of Renault Agriculture.

At existing, the company is guided & is performing under the course of Mr. Carlos Ghosn, who is the Chief Executive Officer & the Chairman. Two of the best cars, produced through the firm, are Renault Clio & Renault Megane. Renault, which carries a huge admire within the field of motor sports as a result of its triumph inside the Components 1, is one particular with the car producers, which dominates the car or truck current market of European Continent. The government of France also owns some a part of shares, with this business. The corporate was founded in 1899, by three brothers, Louis, Marcel & Fernand. Louis currently being an incredible engineer, as he received already created many models, appeared right after the design, though the other 2 brothers kept their eye on the Management in the organization. To market their recently formed organization, Louis & Marcel began participating within the races. While, organization acquired massive publicity from this participation, but 1 with the founding customers, Marcel Renault misplaced his existence in a single with the races. Soon after the death of his dear brother, Louis stopped racing, but the company was however current on the race track.

With the time, when Renault was a synonym to luxury cars, the company also jumped within the business enterprise of production ammunition, planes, cargo, battle tanks. For the lively participation inside the manufacturing of effective militarily purpose automobiles, firm was awarded Legion of Honour. In the afterwards decades, business has carried out ton of operate in the area of vehicle production. Renault division, dealing with manufacturing of huge automobiles meant for transporting items, was sold to Volvo. Similarly the division wanting following the general public transport organization, like Trams & buses, was marketed to Irisbus. German organization, CATEGORY, took through its agriculture business. Renault has long been continuously functioning within the most current designs & technological innovation. It has developed a lot of idea automobiles to showcase its engineering, like Z. E, Renault Kangoo & Renault Fluence Z. E & Zoe.

If we talk about its bargains, enterprise, alliances then it has signed agreements with several firms situated in different nations. One of its milestones was the improvement of ECO, which can be created up of recycled plastic. It runs on bio fuel. Renault & Nisan have stakes in each others company & often exchange the know - how, designs & auto components. Each have helped, within the production of, each others cars by offering their plants, which might be unfold across the globe. In India, the organization entered as Renault - Nissan & established by itself in Chennai. While it broke its alliance with Mahindra & Mahindra, as the two of them use to produce Renault Logan, but Logan remains to be sold by Mahindra by the newest brand, Mahindra Verito. Renault has won numerous awards for its top quality cars, from the European in addition as World wide vehicle Marketplace.

Royal Canin Dog Food Coupons Factors To Consider When Buying Quality Food For Your Dog.

Royal Canin Royal Food is a feed company that was founded in 1967 by a doctor who would yield a differential approach to victual. Since thus the company has a character of specific systems. The company also produces Royal Food with other medical illnesses. These plans just the nutritional needs of your dog, ensuring the quality of body, vitamins and minerals.

You can try all the coupons Royal Food. They are available in many pet stores, including the Internet. Can guide coupons to your home when you use the Internet to find great deals. The company itself, or sometimes send coupons printed from the website to offer. Specials are often available at your favorite places and Coupons for Royal Food offers a view!

We expect the best from these Royal Food Breeders, veterinarians, Royal Food and work together to understand what dogs need to grow and be healthy. They work with animals to understand and develop the best food for their nutritional and physiological needs. With the acquisition of Royal Canin dog, make sure you have the right formula for the race. Several varieties of different diets, so remember this when ordering.

The use of coupons dog food Royal Canin in the Royal Food veterinarian, ask the vet if it is true. Not groped to diagnose his own a professional to do it and then buy food accordingly. When your dog or puppy is really a disease, has food for a specific treatment plan that all nutritional requirements.

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Coupons for Royal Food shopping with Royal Canin for dogs, to look closely at each of those components in the model, and for each product. If you want to shop online coupons or pet store, you buy the right Royal Food for your dog. Take age, breed and size into account during selection.

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Selecting The Right Hair Products For Your Hair

Selecting the right hair products can be complicated due to a figure of choices available, here are a few guidelines for healthy, shiny, basic to request tresses.

Know Your Hair Type

The hair follicle is an organ that produces hair. Hair consists of three layers. The exterior layer, or the cuticles, overlap one another down the loop of the hair strand, or shaft. The shape of the middle layer determines whether the hair shaft is frizzled or straight. Sebum is produced in the hair follicle to moisturize and protect the cuticles.

Hair Products for Dry Hair

When your body does not produce enough sebum or if you have knotted hair, the sebum may not moisturize sufficiently. Not enough sebum means your hair will avoid its elasticity, become dull, disjunction and split easier. Sometimes environmental factors equal as sun, sweat, seawater or chlorine from a uptown pool will damage your hair making it dry and kinky. Excessive chemical processing, heat from styling implements and using the wrong hair product will dry out and damage your hair as well.

Look for hair products that contain ceramides, oils and fatty acids to combat dry hair. Products that claim to nourish, hydrate or moisturize indicate that they are made for dry hair. Leave - in conditioners are ideal for dry hair especially if you use heat styling tools.

Hair Products for Oily Hair

An overabundance of sebum produces oily hair. Hormones, genetics or stress can temporarily trigger an overabundance of sebum. Another common cause of oily hair is build - up of hair products that remain even after shampooing your hair. If your hair tends to be naturally oily, stay away from products that moisturize or replenish the natural oils in your hair. If your oily hair is due to overuse of hair products, try changing to a product that is designed to clarify or clear product or natural build - up.

Organic Hair Products

Not all organic products may actually be organic. The United States Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) is charged with regulation of organic products. In the case of cosmetics, the USDA has established standards to certify products as organic or natural, but it does not require that all products be certified. What does that mean for someone looking to go organic? It means you have to be careful when choosing hair products that claim to be natural or organic. Look for the USDA seal that certifies this claim. If not, then look at the list of ingredients on the label. Ingredients are listed in descending order of predominance. Therefore, if the chamomile and peppermint in your shampoo is listed at the end of a long list of chemical sounding ingredients, chances are your hair product contains more artificial ingredients than organic ones.

The type of hair product you use and its effectiveness will depend on whether it is made for your hair type. It may take some experimenting, but once you find the right hair product, you will find that your hair is easy to manage, shiny and healthy.

Rural Property Defined by the Beholder

Defining rural property is a term relative to the person or format youre suit to define it. The United States Census, the United States Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) and the Office of Management and Budget ( OMB ) and real estate professionals, for precedent, all have slightly unlike interpretations of what rural means in reverence to their individual areas of coverage.

Real Estate Professionals

The most popular use for the term rural is when language about the area where a piece of real estate is located. Rural property in this occasion is used to expound a home, vacant land or piece of real estate that is located in the country. The country is a less densely populated area than cities. When words about rural property in this instance, it may also include agricultural or farming areas. In essence, rural is the direct opposite of the city or urban property.

United States Census Bureau

The Census Bureau offers its own set of definitions to describe rural property. Since the Census Bureau is involved in population statistics, it defines rural property areas in terms of population density. The U. S. Census Bureau states that rural property is such that there is open country and less than 2, 500 residents populate the area. In terms of people per square mile, this equates to areas that have anywhere from one to 999 people per square mile of land.

United States Department of Agriculture

The United States Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) is the agency that oversees the Office of Rural Development, so it defines rural property by the thresholds of population an area meets. Therefore, the USDA and the Office of Rural Development define rural property as a city or town that has a population of less than 50, 000 people.

Office of Management and Budget ( OMB )

Office of Management and Budget defines rural areas as those areas that fall outside of metropolitan areas. Rural areas are broken down further into areas that have clusters of people that range from 10, 000 to 50, 000 residents.

National Center for Education Statistics ( NCES )

The National Center for Education Statistics works in conjunction with the U. S. Census Bureau and the Office of Management and Budget to classify areas by population in order to determine the educational needs of the area. One of the classifications is rural property, which is broken down further into those areas that are on the fringe of an urban area, distant rural properties and remote rural properties. Ultimately, the National Center for Education Statistics considers rural areas to be the areas that are outside of an urban.

Safety at work the agriculture

When it comes to work one of the campaigns and activities that at last are going back on the front line are positively concerning the issue of job security. The safety, in gospel, visit the recent cases written in the reminiscence, is ofttimes underestimated, particularly in those environments that are not closely monitored or providing self - employment might be carried out in the unlatched air. It ' is impossible to constantly scanner all operators and so a lot of small oversights can sometimes be deadly, especially if you work with mammoth - scale agricultural machinery. In the position of agriculture, also with new activities that are true to the operator of the agricultural year which provide more services for the community to certain basic rules and essential when it is no longer only the individual to come into contact with hazards related to agricultural machinery and accessories, agricultural machinery but also ordinary citizens who may not be aware of certain standards to be met.

For example, now thanks to the agricultural operator norms of EU and national character may enter into contracts for the maintenance of green, regular upkeep of public spaces, the minor roads, maintenance of canals and levees for local authorities. These new tasks can be carried out directly from the farm, and hence have to be to supplement the income in recent years quite lame, but causes the rules to be observed both in contractual terms, you must be very precise execution of contracts for the definition of tasks, both in terms of safety with regard to the facilities and features of the machines used and assumptions of liability by contractors.

In addition to safety rules that could be obtained in specialized websites is essential that the envelope in terms of agricultural machinery and milling machine is suitable and meets all the characteristics required to be under both Community and national level and local level. Essential are the certifications of the company producing agricultural machinery that c has supplied the equipment but are the basic procedures for maintenance and overhaul of machinery and tractor spare parts that must be kept in an optimal state of operation to ensure efficiency and reliability.

Surely one of the basic needs when working with farm machinery in areas that are not exactly dedicated to agriculture is to prevent the vehicle from tipping over agriculture in places where security is essential. Precisely for this reason we must provide the agricultural vehicle, such as the agricultural or forestry tractor, means of passive protection that are essentially all the arrangements for operator protection in the event of rollover. That means should be mandatory to have a safety volume or free zone to prevent the operator being crushed between the vehicle and the ground. Alternatively, the operator ' s driver ' s seat must be equipped with a device that holds the operator within the session, the practice of safety belts that are resistant to any kind of impact.

Of course, if our agricultural equipment did not meet all the requirements or maybe they were not suitable for certain tasks is the best thing to invest in new machinery to ensure our safety and especially that of those around us.

Reviews On Agriculture And Health Related To Global Warming

Some studies appearance that the news of global warming is not all bad for farming, at cardinal not in the short lope. Go humans have at variance many environmental factors by their activities, the short term effects of these changes oftentimes model to better crops.

Global warming is unambiguous to bring about changes in precipitation. This will bob to changes in the soil moisture. Especially with the severe weather predicted with global warming, rain will come down hard when it does come. This will lead to more than usual soil erosion. These factors greatly affect agriculture.

There have always been many obstacles to farming. Global warming just makes them more intense. Now, it is even more likely that a farmer will face droughts, floods, heat waves, and hurricanes, to name a few. They will be harder to overcome than ever before and they will certainly be less rare.

Health concerns related to global warming

As global warming affects the environment, it should not be surprising that it affects the health of the people living in that environment. Changes in the climate are changes in the habitats not only for animals, but for people as well. Climate changes are already impacting people ' s health.

There have also been heat waves in North America. One in 2006 claimed 226 lives. Another probable result of global warming is increased pollen in the air. This happens because higher levels of carbon dioxide encourage the growth of more pollen - producing weeds. Because more pollen means worse air quality, those with allergies and asthma suffer.

Other health concerns related to global warming revolve around flooding. When sudden storms and flooding occur, it is often impossible to get ill or injured people to medical facilities in time to help them. Often, people take dangerous risks during floods. They drive into water, thinking that they can make it across. When they do not, they can get swept away and drowned. There is no graver consequence of global warming than death, of course.