  
Progress
One of the amazing things about being alive TODAY is the exciting growth in “thinking” as we know it. New technologies, discoveries and innovations continue to inspire paradigm shifts. In ecology, (the study of “earth's operating systems”), several principles -- only recently understood, always ring true:
> Nature functions based on the interrelationship of dynamic cycles
> Balanced nutrient cycling builds health
> Waste = Food, & Food = Life
No Longer Just “Dirt”
The Good News recently learned of a new concept in biology, called “The Soil Food Web.” Science now shows that the dirt that grows the healthiest plant and animal food is actually a teeming micro ecosystem of plant/animal/insect interdependents. We invite you to click on the diagram above for a picture of what this active world looks like. We've also added 2 EXTREMELY rudimentary explanations of our own:
1. Simple Definition - Healthy, food-producing-soil is a living balance of key dynamic organisms; all feeding each other, in state of continuous renewal. Think micro food chain.
2. Simple Diagram ( "<-->" = “feeds” ) -
organic & composting matter <--> fungi, bacteria, protozoa, nematodes <--> arthropods --> birds and animals --> organic & composting matter ... and so it begins again ...
The Good News
The Good News is: It works! Combined with healthy irrigation and stable climate, this "food web" concept is the basis upon which all earth biology is built. Balancing and supporting the micro/macro organisms abundant in productive soil creates high yields and redundant growth. THE SOIL FOOD WEB, as a science, is turning sand into soil - literally around the globe (see links below). Practioners claim that with careful implementation of this concept we can restore and enliven habitat, sequester carbon, and grow nutrient-rich food ... w/o one drop of synthetic pesticides ... year round. Enough to feed the world... Now we're talkin!
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LINKS & TIDBITS
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1. Biodiesel Can Provide 10% of US Fuel Needs
http://www.emagazine.com/view/?3006
2. president Bush was on the road last week promoting clean/domestically produced/efficient energy technologies. He said the following, "Our nation is on the threshold of new energy technology that I think will startle the American people. We're on the edge of some amazing breakthroughs - breakthroughs all aimed at enhancing our national security and our economic security and the quality of life of the folks who live here in the United States.... Roof makers will one day be able to make a solar roof that protects you from the elements and at the same time, powers your house... The vision is this - that technology will become so efficient that you'll become a little power generator in your home, and if you don't use the energy you generate you'll be able to feed it back into the electricity grid." Via the Associated Press:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060220/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush_energy
3. GM Goes Green ... and yellow
Check out the cornulator...
http://www.gm.com/company/onlygm/livegreengoyellow/
4. New Escape Hybrid Runs on Ethanol
http://www.emagazine.com/view/?3069
5. Wave Energy Moving Forward in the UK
http://www.southwestrda.org.uk/news/release.asp?ReleaseID=1450
6. Evangelical Christians Taking on Climate Change
http://www.emagazine.com/view/?3094
www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11234904
www.christiansandclimate.org
7. Wind is Cheaper Than Coal
It finally happened. According to the publicly owned utility, Austin Energy, renewable power options are actually cheaper -- per kilowatt hour, than conventional, destructive fossil fuels! It pays to have environmental foresight. Links to making the switch available at bottom of this page. courtesy of Austin Energy
8. Green Art - NYC
February 2 - May 7, 2006, the Museum of Arts & Design will be hosting the exhibition Beyond Green: Toward a Sustainable Art.
www.madmuseum.org.
9. Green Rooftops On the Way
Conference in Boston:
http://greenroofs.org/boston/
10. State of Massachusetts to Force Automakers to Limit Emissions
www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2005/11/27/tougher_vehicle_emission_rules_eyed
11. City of Austin Bans Coal Tar Sealants
"On January 1, 2006, Austin became the first city in the country to ban the use of coal tar sealants. Coal tar sealants are used as surface finishes for parking lots, driveways and airport runways. The City has banned the coal tar-based products because they are a potent source of PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), an organic contaminant known to be carcinogenic and toxic to aquatic life. National attention is now focused on this issue as other cities are finding significant increases in PAH levels in their streams." courtesy of Austin Watershed Protection
12. GreenChoice Subscriptions Almost Sold Out (Austin)
While it's not entirely good news, the "4th batch" of renewable energy made available to consumers in the Austin area is almost sold out. Talk about popular, everybody who's anybody is doing it. Enormous support both from the city itself and former small businesses, such as Whole Foods have made clean energy one of the hallmarks of the Austin lifestyle. As of 2004 Austin, TX became the largest clean energy utility program in the country. courtesy of Austin Energy
http://www.austinenergy.com/Energy%20Efficiency/Programs/Green%20Choice/index.htm
13. Sustainable Shopper's Ball set to Roll
Created and coordinated in large part by Good Common Sense founder, Chris Searles, this first ever in the world party is an all-Austin, outdoor green living market and sustainable living fair.
http://www.sustain-a-ball.org/
14. Schwarzenegger Launches Green Cah-li-foinya Initiative
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/02/arnold_launches.php
15. Schwarzenegger to recommend higher gas prices & Co2 reports
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/02/schwarzenegger.php
16. The Future is Here:
"Permaculture" is becoming Lingua Franca among conscious consumers... learn more-
http://www.emagazine.com/view/?3066
17. Walmart Seeking Sustainable Fish Supply
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/02/walmart_seeks_c.php
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Did You Know?
You can find a clean energy provider for your home or workplace today. Just click on our "Switch to Clean Energy" link below. Nationwide service!
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