Please use our PayPal link to keep the Sustainability Action Newsletter going:
CLICK HERE >> http://www.sustainabilityaction.net
or mail checks to: Sustainability Action, P.O.Box 1064, Lawrence KS 66044.
As a 501(C)(3), you get a tax deduction on your Federal tax return.
"FAST FOOD NATION" CHAPTER 9 ¤ WHAT'S IN THE MEAT?
Last week we reported on Eric Schlosser's findings about flavor additives in food, from his book Fast Food Nation. Considering the extent and types of food contamination that is so prevalent in fast food (and other processed food like frozen and ready-meal packaged food), flavor additives seem like a relatively minor concern. But they play a central role in convincing unsuspecting buyers that the low-quality meat is safe and healthy.
Schlosser describes some horrendous conditions at major meatpacking factories that result in pathogenic contamination, some fatal or causing life-long incapacitation. Some of the major contaminants are glass shards, metal shavings, plastic, and then microbial agents like Salmonella and E.coli 0157:H7, a particularly virulent, antibiotic-resistant strain that can easily kill children. Every year in the U.S., food tainted with Salmonella causes about 1.4 million illnesses and 500 deaths. High levels of Salmonella in ground beef indicate high levels of fecal contamination.
From Fast Food Nation, "E. coli 0157:H7 is a mutated version of a bacterium found abundantly in the human digestive system. Most E. coli bacteria help us digest food, synthesize vitamins, and guard against dangerous organisms. E. coli 0157:H7, on the other hand, can release a powerful toxin, called a 'verotoxin' or a 'Shiga toxin', that attacks the lining of the intestine. Some people who are infected with E. coli 0157:H7 do not become ill. Others suffer diarrhea and vomiting. In about 4 percent of reported E. coli 0157:H7 cases, the Shiga toxins enter the bloodstream, causing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure, anemia, internal bleeding, and the destruction of vital organs. The Shiga toxins can cause seizures, neurological damage, and strokes. About 5 percent of the children who develop HUS are killed by it. Those who survive are often left with permanent disabilities, such as blindness or brain damage. Adults in perfect health can be stricken by E. coli 0157:H7 food poisoning too.
"Some herds of American cattle may have been infected with E. coli 0157:H7 decades ago. But the recent changes in how cattle are raised, slaughtered, and processed have created an ideal means for the pathogen to spread. The problem begins in today's vast feedlots. The cattle now packed into feedlots live amid pools of manure, an extremely efficient mechanism for 'recirculating the manure', sinceE. coli 0157:H7 can replicate in cattle troughs and survive in manure for up to ninety days. Current FDA regulations allow dead pigs and dead horses to be rendered into cattle feed, along with dead poultry. The regulations not only allow cattle to be fed dead poultry, they allow poultry to be fed dead cattle.
"The pathogens from infected cattle are spread also at slaughterhouses. The tasks most likely to contaminate meat are the removal of an animal's hide and the removal of its digestive system. The hides are now pulled off by machine; if a hide has been inadequately cleaned, chunks of dirt and manure may fall from it onto the meat. Stomachs and intestines are still pulled out of cattle by hand; if the job is not performed carefully, the contents of the digestive system may spill everywhere.
"A 1993 investigation by NBC News said that the Cattle King Packing Company, the U.S.D.A.'s largest supplier of ground beef for school lunches, routinely processed cattle that were dead before arriving at the plant, hid diseased cattle from inspectors, and mixed in rotten meat returned by customers into packages of hamburger meat. Their facilities were also infested with rats and cockroaches."
A century ago in the book The Jungle, Upton Sinclair reported that the meatpacking industry engaged in "the routine slaughter of diseased animals, and the use of chemicals such as borax and glycerine to disguise the smell of spoiled beef". Today's conditions are no better, except that the masking agents used to disguise the contaminated meat are more highly sophisticated. That's were the thousands of flavor additives come in, creating a pleasant and enticing bouquet of "natural" flavors that deceive mothers and school cooks and McDonald's customers. Read more at - What's in the Meat? Fast Food Nation excerpt, and - USDA Seeks to Expand Pilot Program Which Leaves Meat Contaminated With Fecal Matter.
___________________________________________________
KKFI COMMUNITY RADIO ¤ ECOLOGICAL SHOWS THIS WEEK
Listen at KKFI-FM 90.1, or web-streaming at http://www.kkfi.org/
(courtesy Mike Murphy, KKFI Programming Committee)
Tuesday, 24 September 2013, 6:30pm ¤ CounterSpin
This news analysis show will mark the fifth anniversary of the September 2008 economic collapse, an event intimately linked with global peak oil which is now understood to have occurred the same year. Later the show will cover fracking and a new study that seems to be good news for the industry - no surprise, since they funded it. But are the findings about methane leaks as good as the press reports make them sound?
Thursday, 26 September 2013, 12:30pm ¤ Making Contact
In this episode titled "Living Downstream", renowned biologist Sandra Steingraber will describe her life's work of fighting environmentally induced cancers. There will be excerpts of the documentary film, Living Downstream, which chronicles her efforts to create a world free of cancer-causing toxins.
Friday, 27 September 2013, 9:30am ¤ Bioneers Radio Series
Bioneers presents "One Percent Solution: Climate Disruption, Fossil Billionaires, and Democracy Deficits". Activist Victor Menotti, legal scholar John A. Powell, and author and political operative Steven Hill outline strategies for shifting power from the clenches of fossil fuel mega-billionaires to unlock the political stranglehold on American democracy, energy policies and politics.
Monday, 30 September 2013, 5:00am ¤ Exploration with Dr. Michio Kaku
On Exploration,host Michio Kaku talks with Dr. Robert Lanza during the first half of the show to discuss the future of biotechology. During the second half it's a chat with Lester Brown on the state of our planet. Brown is the founder of the Earth Policy Institute, and his most recent book is Full Planet, Empty Plates: The New Geopolitics of Food Scarcity.
Monday, 30 September 2013, 6:00pm ¤ locally produced Eco-Radio KC
This week's EcoRadioKC will have Zack Pistora, the Legislative Director for the Kansas Sierra Club, to discuss the Haskell-Wakarusa Wetlands soon to be paved over by the South Lawrence Trafficway, as well as Gov. Brownback's plans to give cattle feedlots priority for Kansas' scarce water over the needs of crops. __________________________________________________
JANE KLEEB,THE FACE OF "BOLD NEBRASKA" ¤ DISSED BY U.S. CONGRESSMEN
Bold Nebraska has been on the forefront of fighting the Keystone XL Pipeline for some three years. They are a model of community organizing - broad-based, inclusive, feisty and tenacious. And one of their main organizers is Jane Kleeb. On 19 September, Jane Kleeb was called to testify at the U.S. House Committee on Energy & Commerce, not for herself, but on behalf of thousands of Nebraskans - landowners, farmers, ranchers, students, grandmothers, and everyone else who cares about protecting our land and water for future generations. But several of the Committee members were rude and disrespectful, not caring to hear her testimony which was factual and respectful.
The tone of the hearing was set when Rep. Lee Terry (R-NE) thanked all the fellow Nebraskans who were there to testify, but not Ms. Kleeb. The lack of a common courtesy greeting was just the beginning of an outrageous hearing that featured rude, personal attacks from Republican lawmakers directed against Ms. Kleeb, a rural community organizer, mom and elected member of her local school board. Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH) delivered a grandstanding and inappropriate harangue against Jane Kleeb at the hearing that included ad hominem attacks, and irrelevant questions about Jane's family. The disrespectful questions continued from Rep. Billy Long (R-OH).
These Congressmen who treated Ms. Kleeb disrespectfully were an insult to everyone in Bold Nebraska, as well as an insult to the rights of Americans to have our voices heard. Committee Ranking Member, Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), condemned the three Republicans, and said "I would hope that we treat witnesses that come here a bit better than that. Nobody deserves to be harangued in the manner that she was."
Click here to watch a video clip of Jane's questioning by GOP lawmakers at the hearing, then sign the petition demanding they apologize for their attacks. You'll be proud of Jane, and shocked by the behavior of some of our elected officials._____________________________________________
NONVIOLENT PROTESTS PLANNED FOR WHEN PRESIDENT OBAMA DECIDES ON KEYSTONE XL
Since the time the Keystone XL Pipeline Environmental Impact Statement was released and it became clear that the State Department and their hired contractor had gamed the system, over 75,000 citizens have signed a "pledge of resistance". Each person committed to risk arrest if necessary to stop Keystone XL, and President Obama has felt pressure in a way he never had before. His decision may come soon or may be delayed until 2014, but protectors of the land and air need to be ready when the time comes.
With over 400 volunteer action leaders trained in 25 cities nationwide, the local sit-in actions will be deployed when and if the Obama Administration recommends approval of Keystone XL. Chances are there's one near you. To stop Keystone XL, you can take the next step and sign up with your local pledge action. You can Find your nearest Pledge of Resistance action and sign up to be part of it. The passive resistance actions will be at places like the State Department, EPA and Federal offices, oil industry contractor ERM offices, and branches of TD Bank. If you click the above link and plug in your zip code, you will learn where the nearest action is to you.
___________________________________________________
GROWING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES CONFERENCE
Tuesday-Wednesday, 24-25 September 2013 - $$
Grand River Center, 500 Bell St., Dubuque IA
This is the 6th annual conference for community activists, government officials, and business leaders to explore the most effective solutions for sustainable communities. Keynote speakers will be Michele Hunt, Deb Frodl, and Rebecca Ryan. Workshop topics to include: sustainability metrics, local food, urban forestry, bicycle sharing, sustainability planning, alternative fuel vehicles, and much more. For more info go to - Growing Sustainable Communities - 6th Annual Conference. For early discount registration go to - Register for Growing Sustainable Communities Conference - Eventbrite.
___________________________________________________
LAWRENCE COMMUNITY CREDIT EXCHANGE
Friday, 27 September 2013, 6:30pm
location TBA, Lawrence KS
The dynamic and galvanized audience at the screening of the film Money & Life - watch decided to meet as a task force to organize a Lawrence Community Credit Exchange. While the ultimate form is yet to be determined by the organizers, the guiding principles call for a broad community participation of producers with products in demand, users, and agencies, that will assure reciprocity and a high level of daily exchanges that will avoid stagnation. Initially the unit of exchange (yet to be named) will be equivalent to the dollar, but eventually be decoupled from the dollar. The system will operate as a "Local Electronic Exchange System" or "L.E.T.S.", though it may also have some form of hard currency.
This goes beyond the familiar "buy local" efforts, and will create a multi-faceted exchange system between all levels of the local supply chain of goods and services. If you want to join in the planning and design of this local exchange system intended to weather the possibility of global economic upheaval, you are welcome to bring your ideas and energy to the group. To get on the e-mail info list, send your contact information to
___________________________________________________
SOLAR FLARE ACTIVITY HAS MYSTERIOUSLY STOPPED ¤ DURING SUNSPOT PEAK YEAR
Solar flare activity has collapsed at the peak of the sunspot cycle, and neither NASA or Spaceweather has a good explanation. 2013 is supposed to have been a year of solar maximum, with lots of flares and sunspots. The sun's magnetic field is poised to flip--a long-held sign that Solar Max has arrived. Nevertheless, solar activity is low. Sunspot activity occurs only if the Sun's magnetic field is at least a minimum of 1,500 Gauss, and in late August it became apparent that the Sun's magnetic field was inexplicably fading away. This sunspot cycle will be the weakest solar cycle in 100 years according to solar physicists - Solar Activity has Flatlined.
___________________________________________________
BILL McKIBBIN LECTURE ¤ "OIL & HONEY: THE EDUCATION OF AN UNLIKELY ACTIVIST"
Friday, 27 September 2013, 7:00pm - $
Unity Temple on the Plaza, 707 West 47th St., Kansas City MO 64112
Bill McKibben is the author of more than a dozen books, including The End of Nature, Eaarth, and Deep Economy. Bill is the Founder of the environmental organization 350.org and was among the first to warn of the dangers of climate disruption. McKibbin maintains that it is necessary to attack the climate fight from two mutually reinforcing sides - at the center of the destructive fossil fuel policies and practices, and from the growing hive of small-scale local answers. Price of admission includes a copy of his new book, Oil & Honey, and a guest ticket. For more info go to - Bill McKibben: Oil and Honey | Rainy Day Books.
___________________________________________________
PRAIRIE FESTIVAL 2013
Friday-Sunday, 27-29 September 2013 - $
The Land Institute, 2440 East Water Well Road, Salina, KS 67401
This annual meeting of the eco-social-agro activists takes place on the land in amphitheaters, barns, meeting rooms and camp grounds. Speakers include Peter Brown, John Fullerton, Sandra Lubarsky, and more. Films and tours will also be featured over the weekend. Registration is open with info and a form at - The Land Institute - 2013 Prairie Festival.
___________________________________________________
CONCERT FOR THE CLIMATE ¤ WITH BILL McKIBBIN AND ROBERT KENNEDY Jr
Saturday, 28 September 2013, 11:00am-6:00pm - FREE
Kaw Point Riverfront Park, Farifax Trafficway & River City Drive, Kansas City KS (just north of the I-70 viaduct)
Sponsored by the Heartland Renewable Energy Society, this event features two great speakers, Bill McKibben and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. It's curious at best that it is also co-sponsored by two major public utilities heavily invested in fossil fuels, Kansas City Power & Light, and Missouri Gas Energy, probably looking to gain some "green cred". It is also sponsored by the Kanza Sierra Club and other more environmentally conscious businesses. There will also be many local musical groups, energy related demonstrations, alternative fuel vehicles, river protection programs, children's programs and more. For more info and directions go to Concert for the Climate.
___________________________________________________
PERMA-COMMONS COMMUNITY GARDEN ¤ FUN & WORK DAY
Sunday, 29 September 2013, 11:00am-4:00pm
1304 Pennsylvania St., Lawrence KS 66044
Each week the PermaCommons Garden produces an abundance of food for harvest. Volunteers can share in the bounty. The members just completed a compost bin area, are currently building a tool shed, and upcoming projects will be a gazebo, installing rainwater tanks, and planting a rain garden. Even without knowing about gardening or permaculture, volunteers will learn a lot by participating. Basic tools are provided, but bring a shovel, hammer, gloves, hat and boots.
This community garden is intended as a learning laboratory for neighbors and others to learn about permaculture and how to grow their own food. If you want to join the ongoing effort either as paying members or as non-paying novices, there still are some openings. The PermaCommons is a collective effort, and we all will share our knowledge, skills, and the food we grow! To join, contact the Garden Manager, Steve at
FOOD NOT LAWNS ¤ COMMUNIVERSITY CLASS #2303 A
Wednesdays, 2, 9, 16, 23 October 2012, 4 sessions, 7:00-9:00pm - $
UMKC School of Medicine, Theatre C, 2411 Charlotte Street, KC MO
Grow food not lawns! Increase local food security, improve your diet, beautify your surroundings, build community, reduce pollution and energy use (It takes 87 calories of fuel to transport one calorie of perishable fresh fruit from west coast to east coast). As supporters of the Food Not Lawns national movement, we will hold four sessions dealing with topics that include whole system design, garden preparation, permaculture, water-wise gardening, seed saving, planting, and free resources. Presenters include master and highly-qualified gardeners. Free vermicomposting red worms for all attendees. Class fee is $18, plus $5 for materials; bring picture ID. Register at UMKC Communiversity. More info at Food Not Lawns KC, or
___________________________________________________
KANSAS AND MISSOURI FARMERS' MARKET DIRECTORIES
(courtesy of Cole Cottin & Linda Cottin)
In order to find any of dozens of farmers' markets in Kansas and Missouri, use these searchable data bases for both states. They are - Kansas Farmers' Market Search by Location, Missouri Farmers' Market Search by Location, and Missouri Farmers' Market Search by Map. Wherever you are, there is probably a market nearby!
___________________________________________________
FUKUSHIMA DAI-ICHI NUCLEAR DISASTER ¤ 2 YEARS, 196 DAYS
Last operating power reactor in Japan shut down
Of the fifty nuclear reactors in Japan, only two were operating this Summer at Kansai Electric Power Co.'s Oi nuclear power plant in Fukui Prefecture. On 15 September, only Unit #4 at Oi was operating, and it was taken off line for routine inspection, leaving no operating nuclear plants on line. The last time no nuclear reactors were operating was between May 5 and July 1, 2012 - Last operating reactor in Japan shutdown - Sept 2013.
Radioactive ocean plume set to reach North America sometime in 2014
A new study from the University of New South Wales estimates that the radioactive ocean plume from Fukushima will reach North America in 2014. "Observers on the west coast of the U.S. will be able to see a measurable increase in radioactive material three years after the event", stated study author Dr. Erik van Sebille. "However, people on those coastlines should not be concerned as the concentration of radioactive material quickly drops below World Health Organization safety levels as soon as it leaves Japanese waters." However, that conclusion is subject to debate, particularly regarding differing levels of exposure at different coastlines, and the cumulative effects from decades of exposure. More at - Fukushima Radioactive Plume to Hit the U.S. by 2014.
Environmental groups in Japan have launched a petition directed to Prime Minister, Abe Shinzo, Toshimitsu Motegi, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and Shunichi Tanaka, Chairman, Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) demanding that they concentrate on the marine calamity and cease all activities related to restarting nuclear power plants in Japan or selling the technology abroad. And international environmental groups are asking the Japanese government to "bring together the combined wisdom of independent experts with no vested interests from within Japan and internationally - Urgent call for help at Fukushima with international petition. (signature deadline, 9 October)
no less than 91% of the Japanese public wants the government to intervene. - See more at: http://japanfocus.org/-Christopher-Hobson/3991#sthash.peQlpUAg.dpuf We suggest readers avail themselves of reports from the following sources: Beyond Nuclear - http://www.beyondnuclear.org/; Japan Focus - http://japanfocus.org/; Fukushima Update - http://fukushimaupdate.com/; and Fairewinds Associates - http://www.fairewinds.com/.
__________________________________________________
CITY OF LAWRENCE COMPOST & WOOD CHIPS SALE ¤ SELF LOAD
Saturday, 5 October 2013, 8:00am-3:00pm - $ (cash only)
1420 E 11th Street, Lawrence KS (east of 11th and Haskell, over the tracks)
(courtesy Cassandra Ford, Lawrence Waste Reduction & Recycling)
The City Waste Reduction and Recycling Division grinds up trees and brush that private contractors have supplied. The WR&R Division sells the wood chips, and quantities are restricted to pick-ups and small trailers for residential use, not commercial use. Cost is $10 per load and self-loaded by hand. For more info, contact the Waste Reduction and Recycling Division at 832-3030 or visit www.LawrenceRecycles.org.
The City compost is made from leaves, grass clippings, and prunings collected by the City. Quantities are restricted to pick-ups and small trailers, and the cost is $10 per load. For more info, contact the Waste Reduction and Recycling Division at 832-3030 or visit www.LawrenceRecycles.org.
___________________________________________________
SUSTAINABILITY ACTION MEETING
Monday, 7 October 2013, 3:30pm
St. Johns Family House, 1301 Vermont St., Lawrence KS 66044
Local Solutions for Transition to a Sustainable Economy
Possible discussion topics:
Mother Earth News Fair - displays made? tent acquired? handouts?
Local Mutual Exchange System - core working group
new Board member candidates - each bring two to the meeting
Lawrence Fruit Tree Project - Fiscal sponsorship
PermaCommons Garden and 1313 Penn St. Garden report
workshops planning: Rainwater Catchment Design, Chicken Butchering, Biochar Applications, Cover Crops, Solar Cooking Class
Everyone is welcome - http://www.sustainabilityaction.net/
___________________________________________________
LAWRENCE SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY BOARD
Wednesday, 9 October 2013, 5:30pm
Public Works Conference Room, lower level, City Hall, 6 East 6th St., Lawrence KS 66044
The October agenda is not yet available. The S.A.B. meets monthly to discuss any and all aspects of furthering sustainability policies and practices by the City of Lawrence government and private persons. The public is welcome. Minutes are finalized in about a month after each meeting - http://www.lawrenceks.org/sustainability/sab.
___________________________________________________
LAWRENCE PEDESTRIAN COALITION
Wednesday, 9 October 2013, 7:00pm
Carnegie Building Conference Room, 200 West 9th St., Lawrence KS 66044
The Lawrence Pedestrian Coalition is a joint effort of the Lawrence Association of Neighborhoods and the League of Women Voters. As part of the City The C.S.T. has asked the City Commission to include an examination of pedestrian access and safety, and the state of Lawrence sidewalks in the City Auditor's 2014 work plan. Monthly meetings are open to the public. For more info go to Lawrence Pedestrian Coalition, or contact Laura Routh
___________________________________________________
KANSAS CITY ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
Wednesday, 9 October 2013, 4:00-6:00pm
Mid America Regional Council, Rivergate Center 2nd floor, 600 Broadway, KC MO
The Environmental Management Commission promotes environmental awareness and resource efficiency to the City's leaders and staff, to assist the progress of Kansas City toward sustainability. The General public is encouraged to attend and observe meetings and to join and participate in its efforts. More information is at KC Environmental Mgt Commission
___________________________________________________
CITY OF LAWRENCE COMPOST & WOOD CHIP SALE ¤ EQUIPMENT LOADED
Thursday-Saturday, 10-11-12 October 2013, 8:00am-3:00pm - $ (cash only)
1420 E 11th Street, Lawrence KS (east of 11th and Haskell, over the tracks)
(courtesy Cassandra Ford, Lawrence Waste Reduction & Recycling)
The City Waste Reduction and Recycling Division grinds up trees and brush that private contractors have supplied. The WR&R Division sells the wood chips, and will load them into pick-ups and small trailers (cannot load trucks with ladder racks). Bring a tarp to cover the chips so they don't blow. Cost is $10 per load. For more info, contact the Waste Reduction and Recycling Division at 832-3030 or visit www.LawrenceRecycles.org.
The City compost is made from leaves, grass clippings, and prunings collected by the City. Quantities are restricted to pick-ups and small trailers, and the cost is $10 per load. For more info, contact the Waste Reduction and Recycling Division at 832-3030 or visit www.LawrenceRecycles.org.
___________________________________________________
LAWRENCE BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Tuesday, 15 October 2013, 5:00pm
Parks & Recreation Conference Room, 1141 Massachusetts St., Lawrence KS 66044
The October agenda is not yet available. The Bicycle Advisory Committee works to improve bicycle safety and awareness through education of motorists and non-motorists, develops bicycle plans and maps, and advises the City and County Commissions on bicycle priorities and needs. The agenda and information can be downloaded at Bicycle Advisory Comm | agendas & minutes.
___________________________________________________
SUSTAINABLY DESIGNED FOOD GROWING ¤ PERMACULTURE IN FOUR DIMENSIONS
Thursday, 17 October 2013, 6:30pm - FREE
Kauffman Foundation Conference Center, 4801 Rockhill Rd, KC, MO 64110
Urban agriculture has been gaining in popularity for reasons of fresh and healthy food, for personal food security, and as a means of building the local community. Many gardeners think their yard is limited in food-growing potential because it's too shady or too sloping or it has low fertility. But think again! A landscape design using permaculture principles can make it possible to grow food on practically any site. This lecture will be by Michael Almon who has been using his design training to develop Forest Floor Permaculture, a nut and fruit centered forest garden in Lawrence KS. In the permaculture garden of perennial food crops, you won't have to till every year, much of your weeding is eliminated by groundcovers, your shade trees and shrubs will bear food, and irrigation needs will be reduced. And you might end up retiring your lawn mower! For more info call (816) 665-4456 or visit www.mggkc.org.
__________________________________________________
BIONEERS CONFERENCE ¤ 24th ANNUAL
Friday-Sunday, 18-20 October 2013 - $$
Marin Center, San Rafael CA
The Bioneers are visionaries, social and scientific innovators who develop solutions that mimic nature's operating systems. There will be a wealth of diverse speakers, content, panels and workshops covering topics ranging from sustainability and eco-economics to social justice and community resilience. Some brilliant speakers to include:Annie Leonard, Brock Dolman,Darren Doherty, Carolyne Stayton, Jason McLennan, Joanna Macy, Sandor Katz, Lynn Twist, and many more. For conference info, schedule, and registration go to the 2013 National Bioneers Conference. Revolution From the Heart of Nature - It's all alive; it's all connected; it's all intelligent; it's all relatives.
___________________________________________________
CERAMIC FIRE SPECTACULAR!
Friday, 19 October 2013, 8:30pm - FREE
Chamney Barn Complex, 2545 W. Bob Billings Parkway (1/2 mi. west of Iowa, south side), Lawrence KS 66045
K.U. ceramics student, Sam Holloway, will be firing a clay monolithic dome into a hardened ceramic structure using an interior wood fire. By making structures with earth and fire, Holloway is following the design principles of architect, Nader Khalili, founder of the Cal-Earth Institute. Nadar Khalili began his development of indigenous materials architecture with structures made of pure clay and fired from the inside into beautiful glazed ceramic forms. At Cal-Earth, Khalili also developed other techniques including Super Adobe, in which clay from the construction site is put into fabric bags or tubes and formed into domes, arches, and alcoves. The structure can be coated with adobe, and/or the clay can be made structurally sound by adding 10% portland to make it set up as soil-cement.
Other activities of the Fire Spectacular will include four ceramic kiln wood firings of pottery going throughout the day and night, and an iron forge pouring happening at dusk, and a 4:00pm panel discussion of eight visiting artists moderated by Marshall Maud, Chair of the Ceramics Department. There also will be a 6:00pm pot luck dinner. For more info go to KU Ceramics Program.
___________________________________________________
DOUGLAS COUNTY FOOD POLICY COUNCIL
Monday, 21 October 2013, 7:00pm
location TBA, Lawrence, KS 66044
The Food Policy Council seeks to identify the benefits, challenges and opportunities for a successful, sustainable local food system. By advising the Douglas County Commission on public policies that will support local producers, preserve local agricultural resources and land, and create more local jobs, the F.P.C. hopes to improve the community's access to a local food supply and distribution networks. For more info go to Dg County Food Policy Council.
___________________________________________________
HOME AQUAPONICS WORKSHOP
Saturday, 26 October 2013, 3:00-5:00pm - $
Flint Hills Technical College, 3301 W 18th Ave, Emporia KS 66801
How would you like to have a freshwater aquarium that needs no cleaning, filtration, or water changes? How would you like to grow plants hydroponically (without soil) without having to buy expensive chemical plant foods? This course will teach you the basics of how to feed plants with fish waste in an easy-to-build, self-contained system. You will learn hands-on to fit plastic plumbing and test water for nutrient levels. You will leave with all the necessary knowledge to build and maintain your first aquaponic aquarium and grow bed!
Instructor is Ben Stallings, a permaculture designer based in Emporia. To register, visit http://flinthills.augusoft.net or call 620-343-4600. Cost is just $5 thanks to funding from the Emil Babinger Charitable Trust.
___________________________________________________
FUTURE CONFERENCES
"Farming as if People Mattered" ¤ Food & Farm Conference
Saturday, 2 November 2013, 8:00am-5:00pm
Meridian Center, 1420 E. Broadway Ct., Newton KS 67114
This annual conference will be packed with opportunities to learn about topics such as low-input farming alternatives, diversification for risk management, soil and animal health, local foods development, health-agriculture connections, beginning farmer and rancher resources, farm legacy transitions for landowners, state and federal farm and food policy, and much more. Keynote speaker will be Wes Jackson of the Land Institute. For more info go to Farming & Food Conference | Kansas Rural Center.
International Permaculture Conference - IPC11
Monday-Wednesday, 25-27 November 2013 - $$
Havana, Cuba
The conference is followed by a Permaculture Convergence from Friday-Tuesday, 29Nov.-3Dec. 2013. Following the end of U.S.S.R. trade in food and energy in 1992, permaculture arrived to Cuba in late 1993. Cuba transitioned from fossil fueled agriculture to organic permaculture, and now about one quarter of Cubans are growing food. For more info and to register go to - International Permaculture Congress 2013: IPC11 Cuba.
We welcome suggestions for Newsletter items. Please send items to
Join the Sustainability Action Network by clicking this link - Become a Sustainability Action Member - and follow the instructions. The Sustainability Action mission is to bring awareness of the global crisis caused by climate change, energy vulnerability and economic instability to communities in the Kansas River bioregion, and the tools needed to re-skill and re-localize our economy and create a more socially just and ecologically sustainable world.
Sustainability Action Programs include:
1) Kansas Permaculture Institute- formal training of permaculture designers, and issuing them PDC Certificates - Kansas Permaculture Institute.
2) Kansas Permaculture Collaborative - freely and informally sharing knowledge and resources about sustainable food production and dwellings -Kansas Permaculture Collaborative.
3) Bicycles & Alternative Transportation - promoting bicycles, complete streets, ride sharing, and electric vehicles, including infrastructure and pro-active regulations - Lawrence OnBoard | Community Supported Transportation
4) Sustainability Action Newsletter- informing and encouraging people to be active in the Sustainability Action Network, or other action-driven groups.
5) Energy Conservation & Renewables-reducing our carbon footprint by promoting a carbon diet, an energy diet, conservation, and decentralized renewable energy.
6) Prime Farmland Preservation - protecting Capability I & II farmland from urban development and industrial land uses.
7) Water Rights and Watersheds-protecting the water commons from privatization and contamination, and restoring watersheds.
8) Growers' Land Trust & EcoVillages-coordinating acquisition of prime farmland in the urban fringe for regional food security, and focalizing a sustainable intentional community near Lawrence.
9) Collaboration with sister organizations - building synergy with the combined talents and creativity of like-minded groups to achieve a transition to sustainable local economies. Groups such as: Films for Action; The Light Center eco-village; churches and civic groups; Kaw River Valley Food System farm-based economic development; Cultivate Kansas City;Transition Kansas City; Kansas River Valley Growers fighting for local water rights; the National Sustainable Energy Network; the Kansas City Food Circle, and more.
Sustainability Action sponsored organizations:
1) Lawrence OnBoard - local roadside ride sharing for safe and convenient transportation in rural and urban areas - Lawrence OnBoard | Community Supported Transportation
2) Lawrence Fruit Tree Project (informal as yet) - educating and inspiring the community to grow and steward perennial food plants and increase local food security - Lawrence Fruit Tree Project
"THE TRANSITION COMPANION" ¤ AVAILABLE FOR $27
As a guidebook for local transition communities, Rob Hopkins has published this sequel to the original Transition Handbook. For your copy, e-mail Michael at
To subscribe to this newsletter, please click this link »Subscribe to the Sustainability Action Newsletter. Enter your name and e-mail address, and follow the instructions. The system will send you a confirmation message with a "Confirmation Link" which you MUST click in order to complete your subscription confirmation. If you don't get the confirmation message, check in your junk mail folder for blocked as spam. Sustainability Action Network, P.O. Box 1064, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA Sustainability Action Network, P.O. Box 1064, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA
Unsubscribe | Change Subscriber Options
No comments:
Post a Comment