City farming
Toronto: City offers soil-cleaning tips to promote urban gardening
Toronto Star / Theresa Boyle / 03 September 2010
The branches of the apple tree in Michael Armstrong’s backyard are heavy with fruit, but the west-end man refuses to eat his bountiful harvest.
Instead, he will compost four bushels of apples and let local raccoons gobble up the rest.
Armstrong doesn’t trust that the fruit is safe for his family to consume. Or more precisely, he doesn’t trust that the soil in which they grow is safe.
Sustainability Starts at Home
The Epoch Times / Luke Hughes / 16 August 2010
The effect of climate change on our daily lives is becoming more apparent every day. Most of us are as acutely aware of the environmental challenges facing the world today, as we are of the increasingly high cost of living and of our own health and well-being. Organic gardener, co-founder of “Bellis”( Brisbane’s award-winning sustainable house and garden) and a presenter on ABC TV’s Gardening Australia show Jerry Coleby-Williams will be in town for the Organic Expo & Green Show at Darling Harbour this week. He spoke with The Epoch Times about how the average household can play a powerful role in the challenges our society faces.
Hamilton: Peak oil means expensive food
Hamilton Spectator / Richard Reble / 08 July 2010
With the reality of peak oil -- the idea that world oil supply will soon go into decline -- now accepted by many investigative writers, oil geologists and engineers, energy analysis companies, and even oil producers, politicians, economists and governments, it would be foolhardy for Hamilton politicians, planners and developers to ignore it.
Growing your own incredible edibles
Toronto Star / Mark Cullen / 11 June 2010
The phenomenon of growing veggies in your own yard just gets bigger. Last year Canadian seed rack sales grew by more than 35 per cent and this year is looking like a repeat performance.
My late father used to say that a seed packet and patch of soil was always your best bet for return on investment. How true.
While many readers will have planted tomatoes and peppers, it is not too late to get out there and plant and sow your heart out.
Ottawa: Councillor intends motion for urban chicken pilot
Ottawa Citizen / Neco Cockburn / 04 June 2010
Bay Councillor Alex Cullen gave notice Thursday to the community and protective services committee of a motion that calls for the city to suspend its animal-control bylaw for one year in urban areas to allow residents to raise hens.
The one-year pilot program would be evaluated and restricted to homes that have backyards, Cullen said, adding that other communities allow the practice. Ottawa’s bylaws don’t permit chickens and other livestock to be raised in urban areas.
Prison official contradicts his own department
Eastern Ontario Agri-News / Martha Tanner / May 2010
The arguments to close Canada's prison farms by Correctional Services Canada (CSC) are so full of holes you could drive a tractor through them. However, if CSC has its way, there won't be any tractors left to worry about.
