The typical Western diet may be more than just hazardous to the health of patients treated for colon cancer. New research suggests it may be deadly. Former patients in the study who ate the most red and processed meats, refined grains, fats, and sugars were about three times as likely to die or have their cancers recur as patients who ate these foods the least.
While there is no shortage of evidence linking the so-called Western diet to an increased risk for developing colon cancer, the study is among the first to examine the impact of such a diet on survival among patients treated for the disease.
The findings must be confirmed, but Dana-Farber Cancer Center oncologist Jeffrey Meyerhardt, MD, a researcher on the team, says they cannot be ignored by colon cancer patients or their physicians. The study appears in the Aug. 15 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
AEVIA Reveals the Source
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Sunday, August 12, 2007
There's No Such Thing as a Free Lunch
First the lions attack the little buffalo. Then the crocodile tries to take the buffalo away from the lions. Then all the big buffalo come back to rescue their little buffalo buddy. It's good to know there's strength in numbers and that family comes through, eventually.
AEVIA Reveals the Source
AEVIA Reveals the Source
Friday, August 10, 2007
$10,000 To One “Difference Maker”
Nominations for the 2007 Intelligent Use of Water Award will close on September 1, 2007, and an independent panel of experts will select the winner based on their demonstrated leadership, innovation and implementation of water-efficient measures. Nominees that are unable to accept cash prizes may choose to have the prize money donated to a charitable organization in their name.
The 2007 recipient of the Intelligent Use of Water Award will be presented with $10,000 in acknowledgment of their contributions toward protecting Earth’s most precious resource, a trip to the 2008 Tournament of Roses Parade and the opportunity to present their award-winning water conservation case study as a featured panelist during Rain Bird’s year-end Intelligent Use of Water Summit, held in Pasadena, California.
AEVIA Reveals the Source
The 2007 recipient of the Intelligent Use of Water Award will be presented with $10,000 in acknowledgment of their contributions toward protecting Earth’s most precious resource, a trip to the 2008 Tournament of Roses Parade and the opportunity to present their award-winning water conservation case study as a featured panelist during Rain Bird’s year-end Intelligent Use of Water Summit, held in Pasadena, California.
AEVIA Reveals the Source
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Harvesting Rainwater
It's a shame to let runoff go to waste when it can be used indoors and/or for irrigation. The benefits of rainwater harvesting can include the relief of strain on other water supplies, the ability to build or farm in areas with no other water supply, cleaner water, increased independence and water security, lower water supply costs, reduced flood flows, reduced topsoil loss, improved plant growth and a greater understanding of natural cycles.
AEVIA
AEVIA
Cistern Construction
A cistern is a receptacle built to catch and store rainwater. They range in capacity from a few litres to thousands of cubic metres (effectively covered reservoirs).
AEVIA Reveals the Source
AEVIA Reveals the Source
Greywater Reuse in the Middle East
Greywater is household wastewater from kitchen sinks and bathroom tubs - anything except for raw sewage. In many countries in the Middle East and North African region, untreated greywater is used for irrigation purposes due to the environmentally and politically determined water scarcity of the region, and is stored in privately constructed holding tanks. Along with risks to human health in the holding and reuse of this water for irrigation, the hiring of private parties to regularly empty these tanks is a cost burden on households, as public infrastructure is not always available, especially in rural areas. The safe treatment of this water can provide an alternative. But how can this water be treated in a cost effective and simple way for individual households to own and utilize? These short films document the catalyst, innovation, implementation and outcome of one effort in the West bank and now adopted for use in Jordan and Lebanon.
See Greywater Reuse in the Middle East - Part 1
And Greywater Reuse in the Middle East - Part 2
AEVIA Reveals the Source
See Greywater Reuse in the Middle East - Part 1
And Greywater Reuse in the Middle East - Part 2
AEVIA Reveals the Source
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
'planted roof'
Lehigh University wants to take esoteric ideas on environmentalism down from the ivy towers and put them into practice with the construction of a $55 million environment and science building.
With a roof covered by plants for insulation, the 130,000-square-foot building would cut into the sloped campus and rise to five stories at its highest point and use the eco-friendly innovations to reduce fuel and water use, according to plans filed last month.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a green roof is made of vegetation and soil planted over a waterproof surface. Drainage and irrigation systems also can be layered on the roof. Environmentalists tout the roofs as able to regulate interior temperature and protect the underlying roof from the damaging effects of sunlight and extreme temperature changes.
AEVIA Reveals the Source
With a roof covered by plants for insulation, the 130,000-square-foot building would cut into the sloped campus and rise to five stories at its highest point and use the eco-friendly innovations to reduce fuel and water use, according to plans filed last month.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a green roof is made of vegetation and soil planted over a waterproof surface. Drainage and irrigation systems also can be layered on the roof. Environmentalists tout the roofs as able to regulate interior temperature and protect the underlying roof from the damaging effects of sunlight and extreme temperature changes.
AEVIA Reveals the Source
Sunday, August 5, 2007
The Use of Tunnels with Cherry Crops
Andrew Bishop of Noggins Corner Farm has turned a quarter-of-an-acre of his cherry crop into an experiment under sheltering tunnels. The 14-foot tunnels arc over the cherry trees, protecting them from birds and rain. Since installing the tunnels, Bishop says these problems are close to non-existent. His trees get water from a small irrigation system, but also from rainwater running through the sloped orchard.
Bishop is helping Josh Oulton recreate his success on a larger, two-acre scale. Oulton's trees are not yet in production, but the rows of saplings have been planted with their tunneled destiny in mind, growing more ergonomically within the space constraints of the tunnels.
Oulton and Bishop are hoping, in a few years’ time, these trees will see the same - or better - return. The plastic covering the metal structures of the tunnels will go on a bit before they bloom on their first producing season, and stay until after the harvest. The tunnels have to be tough enough to withstand winds, rain - and sometimes even snow, but flexible enough to allow for venting when the trees get too hot.
This new method of cherry production is an example of the diversification farmers must incorporate to stay alive. Bringing in large, flavorful cherries by way of innovative growing techniques is another way small farm markets can offer their customers more choice when they choose to buy local, which seems to be the trend with conscientious shoppers.
AEVIA Reveals the Source
Bishop is helping Josh Oulton recreate his success on a larger, two-acre scale. Oulton's trees are not yet in production, but the rows of saplings have been planted with their tunneled destiny in mind, growing more ergonomically within the space constraints of the tunnels.
Oulton and Bishop are hoping, in a few years’ time, these trees will see the same - or better - return. The plastic covering the metal structures of the tunnels will go on a bit before they bloom on their first producing season, and stay until after the harvest. The tunnels have to be tough enough to withstand winds, rain - and sometimes even snow, but flexible enough to allow for venting when the trees get too hot.
This new method of cherry production is an example of the diversification farmers must incorporate to stay alive. Bringing in large, flavorful cherries by way of innovative growing techniques is another way small farm markets can offer their customers more choice when they choose to buy local, which seems to be the trend with conscientious shoppers.
AEVIA Reveals the Source
Friday, August 3, 2007
Demand-Side Irrigation
Current irrigation practices are based on supply-side public water principles. Irrigation systems are designed by engineers to supply water to irrigate fields at a scheduled frequency to support plant growth. By disregarding the demand of the crops this model often over-irrigates and frequently causes water logging and groundwater contamination. The principle of the demand-side crop irrigation is to satisfy the water demand of the crops when they need it; to turn-off the water when the demand has been met. The advances in computer technology have given us the tools to fully accommodate the automation of demand-side irrigation systems.
AEVIA Reveals the Source
AEVIA Reveals the Source
Simulated Crops Provide Answers to Irrigation Problems
Scientists at Oklahoma State University, the Punjab Agricultural University, and Texas A&M have investigated the use of alternative cropping systems to reduce irrigation water use and improve environmental conditions in a study funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). A simulation model was used (CropMan) to assess the biological structures, processes and economic practicality of an alternative range of cropping systems. Crops that were studied included maize, cotton, sorghum, soybeans, and mustard. Results from this research were published in the July-August 2007 issue of Agronomy Journal.
The scientists gathered agronomic, geographic, and climatic data of the Punjab region. The data was entered into the simulation model and was adjusted for known farming conditions. Irrigation water response functions were estimated for each of the cropping systems, which showed how crop yields responded to alternative types of irrigation water strategies. Simulations assessed how irrigation water pricing affects the choice of cropping patterns among producers in the Indian Punjab.
AEVIA Reveals the Source
Further information: www.crops.org
Abstract: agron.scijournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/99/4/1073
www.soils.org
The scientists gathered agronomic, geographic, and climatic data of the Punjab region. The data was entered into the simulation model and was adjusted for known farming conditions. Irrigation water response functions were estimated for each of the cropping systems, which showed how crop yields responded to alternative types of irrigation water strategies. Simulations assessed how irrigation water pricing affects the choice of cropping patterns among producers in the Indian Punjab.
AEVIA Reveals the Source
Further information: www.crops.org
Abstract: agron.scijournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/99/4/1073
www.soils.org
The Case for Conserving Water
Water may seem to be the most abundant resource available on Earth. But the reality is that 97 percent of all water is saltwater, 2 percent is held in snow and icebergs and only 1 percent is freshwater. More and more demands are being placed on this 1 percent of the world's water that is available for human use. The world's population is growing at such a rate that by 2025, the United Nations predicts that more than 2.7 billion people will face severe shortages of fresh water.
An estimated one-third of the world's population already lives in areas with water shortages. In developing countries, this translates into 1.1 billion people lacking access to safe drinking water. In developed countries shortages are being felt through restrictions on water use.
AEVIA Reveals the Source
An estimated one-third of the world's population already lives in areas with water shortages. In developing countries, this translates into 1.1 billion people lacking access to safe drinking water. In developed countries shortages are being felt through restrictions on water use.
AEVIA Reveals the Source
Water: Waste Not, Want Not
The water shortage is becoming an increasingly worrying crisis. As the situation grows ever more acute, it is feared that water will once again become a cause of disputes and that there could even be wars over water resources.
Even before the State of Israel was founded, its leaders realized that in order to ensure the existence of a developed country on the border of a desert region, it had to have a developed and state-of-the art water infrastructure. It was with this in mind that Mekorot, Israel's national water carrier, was established 70 years ago.
Over the years, a nation-wide water carrying system evolved, using every water resource available: surface water, ground water, brackish water, and sea water. The skill in treating and upgrading different types of water made Mekorot a key factor in Israel's water industry and, more recently, also in water conservation worldwide.
But treating fresh water is not enough. Mekorot has developed a method for treating and upgrading waste water that has helped establish agriculture, and today 70% of the water for agricultural purposes is recycled from effluent.
The outlying Arava region is not connected to the national water carrier pipeline, nor to the waste waster delivery system. Consequently, Mekorot carried out a deep-water drill at a site in the Arava region down to a depth of 1 to 1.5 kilometers, which produced ground water that was unfit for drinking or agricultural purposes. Using local desalination and water treatment facilities, this water was upgraded to the highest quality, making it suitable for household use and agriculture. The fact that agriculture in the Arava is now thriving, with most of its produce earmarked for export, is proof of this.
AEVIA Reveals the Source
Even before the State of Israel was founded, its leaders realized that in order to ensure the existence of a developed country on the border of a desert region, it had to have a developed and state-of-the art water infrastructure. It was with this in mind that Mekorot, Israel's national water carrier, was established 70 years ago.
Over the years, a nation-wide water carrying system evolved, using every water resource available: surface water, ground water, brackish water, and sea water. The skill in treating and upgrading different types of water made Mekorot a key factor in Israel's water industry and, more recently, also in water conservation worldwide.
But treating fresh water is not enough. Mekorot has developed a method for treating and upgrading waste water that has helped establish agriculture, and today 70% of the water for agricultural purposes is recycled from effluent.
The outlying Arava region is not connected to the national water carrier pipeline, nor to the waste waster delivery system. Consequently, Mekorot carried out a deep-water drill at a site in the Arava region down to a depth of 1 to 1.5 kilometers, which produced ground water that was unfit for drinking or agricultural purposes. Using local desalination and water treatment facilities, this water was upgraded to the highest quality, making it suitable for household use and agriculture. The fact that agriculture in the Arava is now thriving, with most of its produce earmarked for export, is proof of this.
AEVIA Reveals the Source
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Web Resources for Sustainable Agriculture
A simple list of links to sustainable agriculture resources is available on the web and is maintained by ExperienceBank.com as a public service. The list includes International, U.S. National, U.S. Regional and U.S. State web sites. The consulting group is a sponsor of this web log and the rest of the Practical Peace Makers series.
As the group engages in specialized research for private clients, it does so with the understanding that certain tools developed under contract, such as any refined catalogs of public resources, will be placed in the public domain at the conclusion of the project.
Web Resources for Sustainable Agriculture
AEVIA Reveals the Source
As the group engages in specialized research for private clients, it does so with the understanding that certain tools developed under contract, such as any refined catalogs of public resources, will be placed in the public domain at the conclusion of the project.
AEVIA Reveals the Source
Tracing the evolution of organic/sustainable agriculture
Historical evidence traces an ebb and flow of concern for stewardship and long-term food production over the years. As social, economic and environmental conditions evolved, so did the issues impacting sustainable use of resources. It is not surprising that particularly difficult times and places spawned the most dramatic “learning curves” in terms of both successful and failed practices and systems.
If we listen, voices of these forebears do several things for us. They teach us practical lessons about problems and problem solving. They provide an historical context for understanding contemporary challenges. And they inspire us with their passion. Most importantly, they remind us that history is a continuum. History describes where we have been, defines the aspirations and limitations of our current endeavors, and carries us into the future.
Challenges to a sustainable, global food system that will carry us through the coming years and into the next century are daunting. However, we have access to a storehouse of tools with which to work: a diverse agricultural knowledgebase; interdisciplinary research and expertise; cutting-edge technology applications; and a global communication system with which to share information.
AEVIA Reveals the Source
Direct Link to the "Tracing" Bibliography
If we listen, voices of these forebears do several things for us. They teach us practical lessons about problems and problem solving. They provide an historical context for understanding contemporary challenges. And they inspire us with their passion. Most importantly, they remind us that history is a continuum. History describes where we have been, defines the aspirations and limitations of our current endeavors, and carries us into the future.
Challenges to a sustainable, global food system that will carry us through the coming years and into the next century are daunting. However, we have access to a storehouse of tools with which to work: a diverse agricultural knowledgebase; interdisciplinary research and expertise; cutting-edge technology applications; and a global communication system with which to share information.
AEVIA Reveals the Source
Direct Link to the "Tracing" Bibliography
Mega-trends in Agriculture
Agricultural exports of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) are on the rise. The Americas are the world's leading net exporter of agricultural products, although the hemisphere's share of world agricultural trade has been declining since 2000 due to a slowdown in its agricultural exports (which grew by 7.1% per year between 2000 and 2005). The Americas mainly export commodities and import increasingly large amounts of processed agricultural products. International prices of agricultural products rose by an average of 6.5% per year between 2002 and 2007, and coffee and sugar prices by over 13%. The outlook for international agricultural trade in the Americas is very good, with world demand expected to increase.
Markets are increasingly demanding and differentiated. There is a sustained, marked evolution in consumer tastes and preferences, to which producers and agribusinesses must adapt. The demand for healthy food is growing, with increasing emphasis on denomination of origin and processed or convenience foods. Two trends are particularly important: the first is the growing demand for guaranteed food quality and safety (in 2005 alone, nearly OS$190 billion in agricultural exports and OS$130 billion in imports had to meet a sanitary or phytosanitary standard of some kind). The second trend is the strong growth of the world market of organic products, with sales reaching around US$30 billion, over 1500 organic products available in the marketplace and an average rate of growth of 9% per year.
AEVIA Reveals the Source
Markets are increasingly demanding and differentiated. There is a sustained, marked evolution in consumer tastes and preferences, to which producers and agribusinesses must adapt. The demand for healthy food is growing, with increasing emphasis on denomination of origin and processed or convenience foods. Two trends are particularly important: the first is the growing demand for guaranteed food quality and safety (in 2005 alone, nearly OS$190 billion in agricultural exports and OS$130 billion in imports had to meet a sanitary or phytosanitary standard of some kind). The second trend is the strong growth of the world market of organic products, with sales reaching around US$30 billion, over 1500 organic products available in the marketplace and an average rate of growth of 9% per year.
AEVIA Reveals the Source
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTS IN INNOVATION According to Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA) Survey
“The survey results demonstrate a tremendous commitment to innovation in the Canadian agriculture and agri-products sector,” said CSTA President Dorothy Murrell. “And the commitment to the future is even stronger.” CSTA members report that by 2012, they plan to be investing $106.4 million in research and development.
The CSTA survey indicates that canola tops company investment in 2007, accounting for 74% of total investment. It is followed by corn at 9% and soybeans at 7%. In 2012 companies expect to invest 75% of their total research dollars in canola research and development; 12% in soybean research and 9% in corn. While CSTA member companies will invest 3.3 million (6% of the total) in cereal research in 2007, that is projected to fall to 2.7 million or 2% of total investments in five years.
“Seed driven innovation is the past, present and future of the Canadian agriculture and agri-products sector,” said Murrell. “Continued and expanded research improves productivity and helps overcome environmental challenges for farmers. It contributes to the health of the environment through the development of crops that make better use of water, fertilizer and that require fewer crop protection products. Seed driven innovation delivers the specific qualities and traits required by end users and processors, and brings health benefits to consumers. CSTA’s members are proud of their accomplishments in the past and are fully committed to the future.”
AEVIA Reveals the Source
The CSTA survey indicates that canola tops company investment in 2007, accounting for 74% of total investment. It is followed by corn at 9% and soybeans at 7%. In 2012 companies expect to invest 75% of their total research dollars in canola research and development; 12% in soybean research and 9% in corn. While CSTA member companies will invest 3.3 million (6% of the total) in cereal research in 2007, that is projected to fall to 2.7 million or 2% of total investments in five years.
“Seed driven innovation is the past, present and future of the Canadian agriculture and agri-products sector,” said Murrell. “Continued and expanded research improves productivity and helps overcome environmental challenges for farmers. It contributes to the health of the environment through the development of crops that make better use of water, fertilizer and that require fewer crop protection products. Seed driven innovation delivers the specific qualities and traits required by end users and processors, and brings health benefits to consumers. CSTA’s members are proud of their accomplishments in the past and are fully committed to the future.”
AEVIA Reveals the Source
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Rainwater tanks
Rainwater is a valuable natural resource that can be collected for use around the home. With water restrictions in place in many areas, more homeowners are using rainwater to keep their gardens green, wash the car and for other uses around the house.
Did you know?
A rainwater tank can save up to 100,000 litres of water each year, in an average home.
Can I install a rainwater tank?
Yes, anyone can install a rainwater tank if it is for outdoor use such as gardening. However, if you want to use rainwater inside the home (flushing the toilet, cold water for the washing machine etc) you may need approval. Building approval may also be required for large rainwater tanks.
If you're looking to install a rainwater tank, this simple installation checklist (PDF 91 kB) can help homeowners make the right choice before choosing a rainwater tank.AEVIA Reveals the Source
Did you know?
A rainwater tank can save up to 100,000 litres of water each year, in an average home.
Can I install a rainwater tank?
Yes, anyone can install a rainwater tank if it is for outdoor use such as gardening. However, if you want to use rainwater inside the home (flushing the toilet, cold water for the washing machine etc) you may need approval. Building approval may also be required for large rainwater tanks.
If you're looking to install a rainwater tank, this simple installation checklist (PDF 91 kB) can help homeowners make the right choice before choosing a rainwater tank.AEVIA Reveals the Source
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