Lawns Aren't Helpful

     Here is an article I came across explaining some good points about why lawns aren't the best idea. Personally, I think it's fine to have a patch of grass big enough to set up some lawn games like volleyball, otherwise turn it all into gardens or let it be prairie. Also, most neighborhoods could make use of commons for all their grassy needs.

https://healthylandethic.com/2013/11/17/why-prairies-matter-and-lawns-dont/

Monsanto

There is a March Against Monsanto on May 24, and I wanted to write an essay about my feelings toward Monsanto and why it is important to oppose them. The march is a global day of action, and on that day I will be joining activists in Chicopee, Massachusetts. I went with some friends to the Chicopee march back in October and there was actually quite a good turn out, so here's hoping we can keep pushing the momentum forward.

But first thing is first: What is Monsanto?

Well this is their website:
http://www.monsanto.com/pages/default.aspx

And this is the wiki about them:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsanto

Basically, they are a publicly traded chemical and biotech company who's main products are Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) seeds and the herbicide called Round-up. So what is the problem? Honestly, Monsanto has pioneered some really great science, but we are now seeing a situation where the technology is causing more problems than it is solving.

TEDTalk on reversing desertification

This is a great overview of how it is possible to reverse desertification using simple, nature inspired methods. This is like killing 5 birds with 1 stone. (Except it's actually more like saving those birds, hahah)

http://www.ted.com/talks/allan_savory_how_to_green_the_world_s_deserts_and_reverse_climate_change.html


Summary: When livestock overgrazes it causes the land to turn to desert, however, the problem can be reverse by using EVEN MORE livestock to mimic natural herd movements.

TEDTalk on food waste.

     This video gives a great presentation of all the waste that is associated with how we grow and supply food for our civilization:

http://www.ted.com/talks/tristram_stuart_the_global_food_waste_scandal.html


Summary: Wealthy nations produce a lot of extra food that doesn't get eaten. (for reasons like "it looks weird" or "it has a bruise on it")

The presenter also highlights how this unsightly food could be fed to pigs, and at least be turned into pork products.