#Commercial Greenhouse Market

[nmsc-market-pulse]

Precision Agriculture and Data-Driven Commercial Greenhouse Market Management

Introduction:

The Commercial Greenhouse Market has long been a cornerstone of modern agriculture, providing controlled environments for year-round production. Today, the industry is embracing a new era of precision agriculture, where data-driven insights guide every step of the cultivation process.

This article explores the transformative power of precision agriculture in greenhouse operations, analyzes the role of data collection and analysis, discusses the benefits and challenges of implementation, and paves the way for a future where data empowers growers to cultivate more efficiently, sustainably, and profitably.

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Beyond Guesswork: The Rise of Precision Agriculture in Greenhouses

Precision agriculture is revolutionizing how crops are grown in greenhouses:

Data-Driven Decision Making: Real-time data from sensors and monitoring systems informs decisions about irrigation, fertilization, lighting, and climate control.

Optimizing Growing Conditions: Precise adjustments can be made to ensure optimal growing conditions for specific crops, maximizing yields and quality.

Minimizing Resource Waste: Data-driven insights can help growers minimize water and fertilizer usage, leading to more sustainable practices.

Beyond the Soil: Sensors and Data Collection in Greenhouses

Data collection is the foundation of precision agriculture in greenhouses:

Environmental Sensors: Sensors monitor temperature, humidity, light levels, and CO2 concentration, providing a real-time picture of the growing environment.

Soil and Plant Sensors: Sensors can measure soil moisture, nutrient levels, and even plant health indicators like chlorophyll content.

Inquire before buying: https://www.nextmsc.com/commercial-greenhouse-market/inquire-before-buying

Automated Data Logging and Analysis: Data from sensors is automatically logged and analyzed by software platforms to identify trends and predict potential issues.

Beyond the Spreadsheet: Leveraging Data for Better Outcomes

Data analysis is crucial for translating raw data into actionable insights:

Machine Learning and AI: Machine learning algorithms can analyze vast datasets to identify patterns, predict crop yields, and recommend adjustments to optimize growing conditions.

Prescriptive Analytics: Data analysis can be used to create customized recommendations for each crop variety and growth stage, ensuring optimal resource utilization.

Improved Crop Forecasting: Data insights can help growers forecast future yields and adjust production plans accordingly, reducing waste and improving market competitiveness.

Beyond Hype: Benefits and Challenges of Data-Driven Greenhouse Management

The adoption of data-driven management in greenhouses offers advantages and presents challenges:

Benefits:

Increased Yields and Improved Quality: Precise control over growing conditions leads to consistently higher yields and better-quality produce.

Reduced Waste and Resource Consumption: Data-driven insights minimize water and fertilizer waste, leading to more sustainable practices.

Early Detection of Crop Issues: Real-time data can help identify potential problems like pests or diseases early, allowing for swift corrective action.

Challenges:

Upfront Investment Costs: Implementing sensor technology, data management systems, and software solutions requires initial investment.

Data Security and Privacy Concerns: Securing sensitive data collected from sensors and ensuring responsible data management is crucial.

Technical Expertise and Training: Greenhouse staff may require training to effectively interpret data and translate insights into actionable practices.

Beyond the Seedling Stage: Strategies for Successful Implementation

Greenhouses can adopt data-driven management strategies for a smooth transition:

Start with Measurable Goals: Identify specific goals, such as improving yield or reducing water usage, to guide data collection and analysis efforts.

Choose the Right Technology: Select sensor technology and data management solutions that are compatible with existing infrastructure and crop types.

Invest in Training and Skill Development: Provide training programs for staff to develop data analysis skills and confidently implement data-driven insights.

Beyond the Harvest: The Future of Data in Greenhouses

The future holds exciting possibilities for data-driven greenhouse management:

Integration with Robotics and Automation: Data can inform the actions of robots used for tasks like seeding, planting, and harvesting, further optimizing production processes.

Advanced Sensors and Real-Time Monitoring: Advancements in sensor technology will provide even more granular data on plant health and environmental factors.

Predictive Maintenance: Data analysis can predict potential equipment failures, allowing for preventive maintenance and minimizing downtime.

Conclusion: Data-Driven Decisions for a Flourishing Future

The commercial greenhouse market is on the cusp of a transformation. By embracing precision agriculture and data-driven management, greenhouses can cultivate a future that is not only more productive and profitable but also sustainable and efficient.

From leveraging real-time data to optimize growing conditions to minimizing resource waste, data empowers growers to make informed decisions at every stage of the production process.

While challenges exist in terms of upfront investments, technical expertise, and data security, the vast opportunities outweigh the hurdles. By investing in the right technology, training their workforce, and collaborating with data experts, greenhouse operators can unlock the full potential of precision agriculture. 

As we move forward, the future of commercial greenhouses lies in embracing data-driven decision-making, ensuring a flourishing environment for both crops and a sustainable food system for generations to come.

[foodagriculturenews]

The Commercial Greenhouse Market witnessed substantial growth, valued at USD 39.6 Billion in 2023, and is poised to reach USD 68.7 Billion by 2028, reflecting a CAGR of 11.6% during the forecast period 2023-2028.

[rahulcmi]

Commercial Greenhouse Market Regional Analysis, Segmentation And Forecast 2023-2030

The Commercial Greenhouse Market has witnessed significant growth and evolution, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices and the desire to enhance crop yields in various regions across the globe. This market's regional analysis and segmentation provide valuable insights into the key factors influencing its growth and the diverse strategies adopted by market players.

In North America, the Commercial Greenhouse Market has experienced substantial expansion due to rising consumer awareness regarding the origin of their food and the need for year-round production. The United States and Canada have been at the forefront of adopting advanced greenhouse technologies, such as hydroponics and vertical farming, to optimize resource utilization and ensure consistent crop output. Additionally, the demand for locally sourced produce and the drive towards reducing carbon emissions have fueled the adoption of greenhouse cultivation methods in this region.

In the Asia-Pacific region, rapid population growth and urbanization have led to increased pressure on traditional agriculture. As a result, countries like China, India, and Japan have embraced commercial greenhouse solutions to address food security challenges and reduce dependence on imports. The implementation of advanced technologies, including smart sensors, data analytics, and precision farming techniques, has helped these countries achieve better crop management and resource optimization within controlled environments.

Europe stands as another significant market for commercial greenhouses, with countries like the Netherlands, Spain, and France leading the way. A Latest Study of Coherent Market Insights, The Commercial Greenhouses Market was estimated at US$ 42.36 billion in 2022, and from 2023 to 2030, it is projected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2%.The European Union's stringent regulations on agricultural practices and the push for sustainable farming have incentivized growers to invest in modern greenhouse infrastructure. The integration of automation, climate control, and energy-efficient systems has enabled European greenhouse operators to achieve higher yields and minimize environmental impact.

Latin America and the Middle East are emerging markets for commercial greenhouses, driven by factors such as water scarcity and unfavorable climatic conditions for traditional agriculture. Countries like Mexico and the United Arab Emirates have invested in greenhouse facilities to bolster domestic food production and reduce import costs. These regions are witnessing a transition towards protected cultivation methods, enabling year-round crop production and reducing the risk of pests and diseases.

Micronutrient Fertilizers tailored to provide plants with essential trace elements like zinc, iron, and manganese in precise amounts, promoting healthy growth and addressing specific nutrient deficiencies.

Commercial Greenhouse Market segmentation plays a crucial role in understanding the diverse dynamics within the commercial greenhouse industry. Segments can be categorized based on greenhouse type, such as glass, plastic, or netting structures, each offering distinct benefits in terms of light transmission and insulation. Additionally, segmentation by crop type, including vegetables, fruits, herbs, and ornamental plants, helps highlight specific market trends and demands.

[probablyasocialecologist]

In a conversation with Civil Eats, lead author Jason Hawes, a Ph.D. student at the University of Michigan, said this his team compiled “the largest data set that we know of” on urban farming. It included 73 urban farms, community gardens, and individual garden sites in Europe and the United States. At each of those sites, the research team worked with farmers and gardeners to collect data on the infrastructure, daily supplies used, irrigation, harvest amounts, and social goods. That data was then used to calculate the carbon emissions embodied in the production of food at each site and those emissions were compared to carbon emissions of the same foods produced at “conventional” farms. Overall, they found greenhouse gas emissions were six times higher at the urban sites—and that’s the conclusion the study led with. But not only is 73 a tiny number compared to the data that exists on conventional production agriculture, said Omanjana Goswami, an interdisciplinary scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), but lumping community gardens in with urban farms set up for commercial production and then comparing that to a rural system that has been highly tuned and financed for commercial production for centuries doesn’t make sense. “It’s almost like comparing apples to oranges,” she said. “The community garden is not set up to maximize production.” In fact, the sample set was heavily tilted toward community and individual gardens and away from urban farms. In New York City, for example, the only U.S. city represented, seven community gardens run by AmeriCorps were included. Brooklyn Grange’s massive rooftop farms—which on a few acres produce more than 100,000 pounds of produce for markets, wholesale buyers, CSAs, and the city’s largest convention center each year—were not. And what the study found was that when the small group of urban farms were disaggregated from the gardens, those farms were “statistically indistinguishable from conventional farms” on emissions. Aside from one high-emission outlier, the urban farms were carbon-competitive.

[adrianasunderworld]

More Twst x Stardew things

The Royal Sword Corporation opened one of their stores in town years ago. Crowley hates it. He hates the manger, Ambrose, who wants him to sell the community center so they can open another Royal Sword Business in town.

Che'nya works at Royal Sword Mart. Neige actually got his big break from Royal Sword. He got cast in a commercial for it, and it did so well that he's the face of a whole ad campaign now. Vil is angry and jealous because he also auditioned for that role and Neige got picked over him.

Vil still acts and models, but it's on a much smaller scale compared to Neige. Like he gets hired a lot to do ads and commercials for businesses in town, and in all the neighboring towns, to the point he's kind of a local celebrity in the area. He keeps visiting the city to audition for theater, but so far nothing. He ideally would like to move to the city to pursue bigger roles, but it's just not in the cards now.

The witch that turns your eggs into void eggs at night is Malleus grandma. He gets embarrassed, and has tried convincing her to get a different hobby, to no avail.

Fellow and Giddel are event characters. They get hired to work at the county fair during the fall, and sometimes stop by on the Night Market. There's a quest where you can befriend them so they can move into town, and Giddel can join the other kids on their lessons.

Leonas family is very well off. After his father passed while Leona was still a minor, Falena took custody of him, and he still lives with Falena and his wife, Asha. The Kingscholars were successful in their careers and had plenty of money. Like the farmer, they wanted a change of pace from city life and bought a nice inn just outside of town. Falena runs the actual business while Asha still works as a lawyer. Leona is taking online courses while working at the inn. Ruggie also works there and often has to keep Leona on track.

Ace is a carpenter, and was like Robin, the first person in town to greet you and show you to Ramshackle Farm. And like Robin, he also called your grandpa's house crusty. He also has beef with your cat, Grim. Everytime he comes by to work on something, they have a stare off.

Jade is still interested in foraging, and often gives helpful tips, like what is in season and where to find it. His favorite gifts are any mushrooms.

The mermaid who does a show at the Night Market is Rielle.

Ortho, Najma, and Cheka are like the Jas and Vincent in town. They're the local kids you always see running around, along with everyone else's little siblings, like Jack's brother and sister.

Since there's more than two kids in town in this au, there is an actual school house in the area. It's right next to or is connected to the library, and Clara is the local teacher. Trein helps her out by doing the history lessons. Clara will give the older kids their lessons in the morning before doing their more independent study time and class work in the afternoon while she teaches the little ones. Trein usually keeps an eye on the older kids while they work in the library. It's hard though, Lucius keeps demanding their attention when they're supposed to be doing homework.

Ramshackle is still haunted. There's ghost all over the property, and they mostly show up at night. But they will sometime show up indoors, like in the house, sheds, and greenhouse.

If you marry Leona, he will nap in the greenhouse.

If you marry Deuce, he will work on his bike outside.

If you marry Vil, his post marriage heart event is him going away to work after taking a bigger role. Kinda like Elliot going on his book tour.

If you marry Cater, he will post about living on a farm. He will absolutely make vlog type videos going "My day in the life of a stay at home farm husband."

@mangacupcake @marrondrawsalot @writing-heiress @the-weirdos-mind

[mindblowingscience]

When Canadian dairy farmer Ben Loewith's calves are born next spring, they will be among the first in the world to be bred with a specific environmental goal: burping less methane. In June, Loewith, a third-generation farmer in Lynden, Ont., started artificially inseminating 107 cows and heifers with the first-to-market bull semen with a low-methane genetic trait. "Selectively breeding for lower emissions, as long as we're not sacrificing other traits, seems like an easy win," Loewith said. The arrival of commercially available genetics to produce dairy cattle that emit less methane could help reduce one of the biggest sources of the potent greenhouse gas, scientists and cattle industry experts say.

Continue Reading

[wachinyeya]

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced today an investment of $70 million in seven creative and visionary agricultural projects to transform the U.S. food and agricultural system and sustainably increase agricultural production in ways that also reduce its environmental footprint.

This Fiscal Year 2023 investment is part of the Sustainable Agricultural Systems program area of NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, the nation’s leading and largest competitive grants program for agricultural sciences.

The innovative program focuses on a broad range of needed research, education and Extension solutions – from addressing agricultural workforce challenges and promoting land stewardship to addressing climate change impacts in agriculture and filling critical needs in food and nutrition.

“Agriculture is facing a multitude of complex challenges,” said Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, USDA Chief Scientist and Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics. “We need all hands on deck developing creative, sustainable and strategic ways to feed, clothe and fuel future generations.”

The $10 million awards are for coordinated agricultural projects (CAPs), which are larger-scale and longer-term investments that integrate research, education and Extension efforts. These projects promote collaboration, open communication, information exchange and reduce duplication efforts by coordinating activities among individuals, institutions, states and regions.

“These research investments support exciting projects that integrate innovative systems-based thinking, methods and technologies to establish robust, resilient, and climate-smart food and agricultural systems,” said NIFA Director Dr. Manjit Misra. “These visionary projects will improve the local and regional supply of affordable, safe, nutritious and accessible food and agricultural products, while fostering economic development and rural prosperity in America.”

Explore the seven projects, which include the following:

At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Erin Silva is leading a collaboration with the Great Lakes Intertribal Food Coalition, the Wisconsin Tribal Conservation Advisory Council, and the Menominee Nation on a transdisciplinary project that aims to scale up traditional Indigenous food production practices — practices that for generations have already been climate-smart and sustainable — by expanding production, processing, storage, and distribution systems, as well as education and Extension programs, that are needed to support integrated crop-livestock systems, cover crops, and rotationally-grazed cattle and pastured chickens.

At the University of Maine, Dr. Hemant Pendse is leading an integrated research, education and Extension effort to advance the bioeconomy by developing biorefinery technologies that will make the millions of tons of available low-grade woody biomass – which currently has a very limited market – more commercially viable in both the sustainable aviation fuel and fish feed sectors.

At Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Dr. Muthu Bagavathiannan is leading a project that seeks to transform cotton production in the southern United States into a more sustainable, climate-smart enterprise by applying improved precision management practices to increase carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions; enhance pest control, and nutrient and water management; and address labor challenges while creating new market opportunities.

AFRI, which also makes grants in the Foundational and Applied Sciences and Education and Workforce Development program areas, is designed to improve plant and animal production and sustainability, and human and environmental health. Grants are available to eligible colleges, universities, and other research organizations.

[cognitivejustice]

‘A couple of centuries ago, farmers produced multiple crops to feed their families and maybe put aside some surplus as a safeguard for the coming year. Only if they had an outstanding harvest were they able to sell some of their product,’ he explained.

‘Monoculture emerged as access to much larger distant markets made it increasingly profitable to specialise. Specialisation meant more efficient planting and harvesting, fewer types of expensive equipment, fewer labourers with specialised knowledge of individual crops, and strengthened knowledge of one value chain and commercial market, including all its regulations and tariffs,’ he added.

Farming, once one of the most natural of endeavours, has become ‘artificialised,’ claims Raul Zornoza Belmonte, an expert on sustainable land use and crop diversification and professor of agricultural engineering at Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, Spain.

‘This globalised capital, chemical and energy-intensive sector is having a negative impact not only on the environment in terms of loss of biodiversity, soil health and greenhouse gas emissions but also on farm productivity and expenses,’ he explained.

Through the Diverfarming project, Zornoza and his team have tackled these challenges by creating a free web-based decision support tool to provide tailor-made solutions, and guidelines for diversified cropping systems. This app also includes a toolbox for adapting the different agricultural activities and even a new prototype of an improved machine for tilling the soil.

Diverfarming’s community of ‘diverfarmers’ implemented these tools and is now enjoying the benefits. ‘In vineyards and orchards, organic farmers have introduced herbs like thyme and oregano alongside or between the main crops. This has reduced the weeds and their expensive and time-consuming removal, and with the same labour, instead of weeds, farmers now have fresh-cut herbs that can be sold as they are or from which their essential oils can be extracted and sold,’ said Zornoza.

‘Aromatic herbs and their beautiful flowers attract beneficial insects – and potentially agritourists, a boon for rural tourism – while increasing soil quality and nutrients and enhancing water retention, and with no effect so far on the quality or production volume of fruits or wine,’ he added.

“ In vineyards and orchards, organic farmers have introduced herbs like thyme and oregano alongside or between the main crops. This has reduced the weeds and their expensive and time-consuming removal, and with the same labour, instead of weeds, farmers now have fresh-cut herbs that can be sold as they are or from which their essential oils can be extracted and sold.

But the advantages of growing different crops together don’t stop here, the practice can also limit erosion, improve the storage of soil carbon and reduce the amount of nitrogen in water. It also provides home to a much greater range of life both below the soil and above from tiny microbes and creepy crawlies to reptiles, birds and mammals.

[plantanarchy]

Since we’re rolling into seed season, I’m super curious about where commercial greenhouses purchase their petunia seeds? I know places like Swallowtail will sell me some commercial cultivars like super cascade, trilogy, mambo, easy wave, etc. but I know there’s a whole world out there! I also know many producers have their tunias under lock and key and only allow growers to purchase starts. Is there any way to find out more about which types are even available for the average person to produce? And where an average person might acquire them 👀. I’ve googled a ton but unfortunately there’s so many seed scams out there it’s hard to sift through it all

Tbh my workplace starts very few things beyond veggies and herbs from seed, so idk!

The petunia market is VERY intense and new varieties are developing so often that stable seeds aren't really a thing for most of them. Its all vegetative cuttings and tissue culture to preserve th cultivars that are making the big bucks as far as I'm aware.

Asexual reproduction (from cuttings) of most varieties isn't allowed except by certain people, and varieties that breed true from seed and aren't sterile just won't be of as much interest to the Big Hort people trying to make money off of plant patents and licensing.

Wave petunias are available from seed, for sure, and a lot of other older bedding type petunias. Anything you'd see grown in a flat vs. a premium container probably was started from seed. A lot of people are moving away from annual flat production because it just doesn't make money compared to more premium annuals.

The other trouble with petunias you can grow from seed is that they sometimes tend to need deadheading unlike modern sterile varieties. Some people don't bother, but it can slow down how much the plants flower if they're always trying to produce seeds.

[reasonsforhope]

One country in the [climate-change] firing line is Cape Verde. The West African island nation, where 80% of the population lives on the coast, is already feeling the brunt of rising sea levels and increasing ocean acidity on its infrastructure, tourism, biodiversity and fisheries.

The country desperately needs to both mitigate and adapt to these problems, but – as with many Global South countries at present – simply lacks the budget to do it: Cape Verde’s debt reached an all-time high of 157% of GDP in 2021.

In a bid to address both issues simultaneously, the country has signed a novel agreement with Portugal to swap some of its debt for investments into an environmental and climate fund. The former Portuguese colony owes the Portuguese state €140m ($148m) and Portuguese banks €400m.

On a state visit to Cape Verde on 23 January, Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa announced the debt would be put towards Cape Verde’s energy transition and fight against climate change. Costa earmarked projects involving energy efficiency, renewable energy and green hydrogen as possible targets for the fund.

“This is a new seed that we sow in our future cooperation,” said Costa. “Climate change is a challenge that takes place on a global scale and no country will be sustainable if all countries are not sustainable.”

“Debt-for-climate swaps” allow countries to reduce their debt obligations in exchange for a commitment to finance domestic climate and nature projects with the freed-up financial resources. The concept has been knocking about since the 1980s, typically geared at nature conservation. However, after recent deals for Barbados, Belize and the Seychelles, and huge $800m and $1bn agreements in the offing for Ecuador and Sri Lanka, is this financial instrument finally coming of age?

How It Works

Debt-for-climate swaps typically follow a formula. First, a creditor [here, a group or government that money is owed to] agrees to reduce debt, either by converting it into local currency, lowering the interest rate, writing off some of the debt, or a combination of all three. The debtor will then use the saved money for initiatives aimed at increasing climate resilience, lowering greenhouse gas emissions or protecting biodiversity.

The original 'debt-for-nature swaps' began as small, trilateral deals, with NGOs buying sovereign debt owed to commercial banks to redirect payments towards nature projects. They have since evolved into larger, bilateral deals between creditors and debtors...

Debt-for-climate swaps free up fiscal resources so governments can improve resilience and transition to a low-carbon economy without causing a fiscal crisis or sacrificing spending on other development priorities. [These swaps] can create additional revenue for countries with valuable biodiversity or carbon sinks by allowing them to charge others to protect those assets, thereby providing a global public good.

Swaps can even result in an upgrade to a country’s sovereign credit rating, as was the case in Belize, which makes government borrowing cheaper [and improves the country's economy.]

Right now, these [swaps] are needed more than ever, with low-income countries dealing with multiple crises that have put huge pressure on public debt...

Debt-for-climate swaps: “Increasing in size and scale”

Although debt-for-climate swaps are not new, until recently the amount of finance raised globally from the instrument has been modest – just $1bn between 1987 and 2003, according to one OECD study. Just three of the 140 swaps over the past 35 years have had a value of more than $250m, according to the African Development Bank. The average size was a mere $26.6m.

However, the market has steadily picked up pace over the past two decades... In 2016, the government of the Seychelles signed a landmark agreement with developed nation creditor group the Paris Club, supported by NGO The Nature Conservancy (TNC), for a $22m investment in marine conservation.

The government of Belize followed suit in 2021 by issuing a $364m blue bond – a debt instrument to finance marine and ocean-focused sustainability projects – to buy back $550m of commercial debt to use for marine conservation and debt sustainability.

Then, last year, Barbados completed a $150m transaction, supported by the TNC and the Inter-American Development Bank, allowing the country to reduce its borrowing costs and use savings to finance marine conservation.

“Two or three years ago, we were talking about $50m deals,” says Widge. “Now they have gone to $250–300m, so they are definitely increasing in size and scale.”

Indeed, the success of the deals for the Seychelles, Belize and Barbados, along with the debt distress sweeping across the Global South, has sparked an uptick of interest in the model.

Ecuador is reported to be in negotiations with banks and a non-profit for an $800m deal, and Sri Lanka is discussing a $1bn transaction – which would be the biggest swap to date."

-via Energy Monitor, 2/1/23

Note: I'm leaving out my massive rant about how the vast majority of this debt is due to the damages of colonialism. And also countries being forced to "PAY BACK" COLONIZERS FOR THEIR OWN FREEDOM for decades or in some cases centuries (particularly infuriating example: Haiti). Debt-for-climate swaps are good news, and one way to help right this massive historic and ongoing economic wrong

[whatmatthastosay]

Benefits of Self Sufficient Living

Self-sufficient living, often associated with growing your own food, generating your own energy, and minimizing reliance on public utilities and supply chains, has numerous benefits that can appeal to various lifestyle preferences and ethical considerations. Here are several compelling reasons to consider self-sufficient living:

1. Environmental Impact

Reduced Carbon Footprint: Growing your own food and using renewable energy sources can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. By minimizing transportation and industrial processing associated with everyday goods, you contribute less to greenhouse gas emissions.

Sustainable Resource Use: Self-sufficiency encourages the efficient use of resources, often incorporating practices like rainwater harvesting, composting, and solar energy, leading to a more sustainable lifestyle.

2. Health and Nutrition

Fresher, More Nutritious Food: Homegrown produce is fresher, can be more nutritious, and is free from harmful pesticides and chemicals often found in commercially grown food.

Physical Activity: Gardening and maintaining a self-sufficient home involve physical labor, which can improve physical health.

3. Financial Savings

Reduced Living Costs: By producing your own food, energy, and water, and possibly even making your own clothes or household items, you can significantly reduce living expenses.

Less Dependency on Market Fluctuations: Self-sufficiency can provide a buffer against economic instabilities and price fluctuations in the market, offering a more predictable and stable way of living.

4. Personal Fulfillment and Mental Health

Skills and Knowledge: Learning and mastering the skills required for self-sufficient living can be incredibly fulfilling. It fosters a sense of competence and confidence.

Connection to Nature: This lifestyle fosters a deeper connection with nature, understanding the cycles of growth, and the environment, which can have profound effects on mental well-being.

Stress Reduction: Engaging with nature and physical activity can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, promoting a more peaceful and contented life.

5. Community and Resilience

Stronger Community Ties: Self-sufficient communities often share resources, knowledge, and skills, fostering stronger connections and support networks.

Resilience and Preparedness: Being self-sufficient means you're better prepared for emergencies, such as natural disasters or supply chain disruptions, ensuring you and your family have the essentials.

6. Ethical and Independent Living

Reduced Consumption: This lifestyle encourages minimalism and reduces the need for mass-produced goods, which often come with ethical concerns related to labor practices and environmental impact.

Freedom and Independence: Self-sufficiency offers a form of independence from utility companies, grocery chains, and other external dependencies, giving you more control over your living conditions.

7. Education and Legacy

Teaching Opportunities: Living a self-sufficient lifestyle offers practical learning opportunities for children and others in your community, teaching them valuable skills and environmental stewardship.

Sustainable Legacy: Adopting this lifestyle contributes to a sustainable future and leaves a legacy that future generations can learn from and build upon.

Self-sufficient living might not be entirely achievable or desirable for everyone, given the commitment and resources required. However, incorporating elements of this lifestyle can lead to significant benefits, contributing to a more sustainable, healthy, and fulfilling way of life.

Resources: https://selfsufficientbackyardreview.com

[probablyasocialecologist]

About a fifth of food is wasted, sometimes through profligacy or poor planning, sometimes from a lack of access to refrigeration or storage, according to the UN Food Waste Index report, published on Wednesday, at a global cost of about $1tn a year. Households are responsible for most of the world’s food waste – about 60% of the 1bn tonnes of food thrown away annually. But commercial food systems are also a substantial contributor: food services accounted for 28% of waste, and retail for about 12% in 2022, the latest data available. These figures exclude an additional 13% of food that is lost in the food supply chain, between harvest and market, often from rejection or spoilage of edible food. Not only is this waste squandering natural resources, it is also a big contributor to the climate and biodiversity crises, accounting for close to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and displacing wildlife from intensive farming, as more than a quarter of the world’s agricultural land is given over to the production of food that is subsequently wasted. Inger Andersen, the executive director of the UN Environment Programme, which wrote the report in conjunction with the UK’s Waste and Resources Action Programme (Wrap), described food waste as “a global tragedy”, and contrasted this with the fact that a third of people face food insecurity, unsure of where their future meals will come from.

[reasonandempathy]

What to do with 10 trillion dollars

I spent way too much time actually answering a reddit question of "How would you spend 10 trillion dollars if you needed to in 20 years. You will die after 20 years." So, I figured I'd share it here.

With only $10 trillion dollars you can't stabilize greenhouse gases or get rid of fossil fuels, which are 13t and 44t respectively. I'm using a variety of sources, so don't expect citations.

I did slightly overpay for things, strategically, partially because I can only imagine doing the things I would do would make it more expensive than it would otherwise be. You'll see.

I'm presuming I don't get assassinated.

What you can do (I did the math) figures are in Billions:

Personal (2.44/10000):

1.44 on remaking 8 games as mid-line AAA games (I chose Legend of Dragoon, FF8, Witcher 1, and the Legacy of Kain series).

.214 on 50 years of housing and buying yourself a $130,000,000 home in NYC. Includes taxes, maintenance, and furniture.

.15 on household staff for 50 years, with at double the normal pay

.000327 to put 3 kids through the best pre-k and best college in the country

.664 setting up each of those 3 kids with their own equivalent home and staff setup

Public Service (4303/10000):

Big one out of the way. 2500bn in lobbying/buying up American politicians to enact structural reforms I want to see. You would think this would be way too much, since the presidential election in 2020 only had 14.4 in it. This amounts to averaging 250 in spending every election cycle, even off-year. I counter with the global commercial banking market having a market cap of 2800 in 2023. The defense industry is almost 480. Health insurance in the US is 1600. This is an expensive, long-drawn fight. This is likely the single most important thing on the list. Anti-corruption measures, labor rights, pro-democracy reforms, including ultimately making it illegal for other people to buy more elections.

a cumulative total of 1803 spent on:

curing the most common cause of blindness worldwide

eradicating polio, rabies, elephantitis, malaria, world hunger, COVID19 issues, Water + Sanitation access, extreme poverty, homelessness in USA, Canada, and UK (I looked for China, Indonesia, Nigeria, Egypt, and Pakistan but couldn't find real numbers),

protecting the Amazon rainforest

Corporate Fixing (5692/10000):

Buying up and changing (converting to Co-Ops, converting to non-profits, dissolving, or something in line with those:

Meta

Amazon

Disney

JP Morgan Chase

Lockheed Martin

Delta

Alphabet

Asda

Tesco

Nike

The Weinstein Company

United Airlines

Shein

EA

BP

Bayer (side-note: they own/are Monsanto now)

De Beers

Vonovia Real Estate Developers

DLE

Ubisoft

Ikea

Shueisha

and Viz Media

It leaves me with 1.4bn left over. I'm comfortable with saying an additional billion would likely be used up administratively as things get a bit more expensive than I thought they would.

Honestly, I could likely blow it on close friends and family who need it. If you have an issue with the house spending being for 50 years instead of 30, that can just be shuffled around a bit to include more people in my personal life to meet the same number.

Leaving me with 470 million to spend elsewhere in the next 20 years. Expensive vacations, nice cars, donating to "smaller" issues as I see worthwhile, giving family and friends money for their ventures/dreams, etc. make me think it wouldn't actually be hard to lose track of that much money in those many years.

Hell, if I want to I can probably spend a million bucks on food a year just for my family. Probably more, if I actively try to do so.

[downtoearthmarkets]

When people think of buzzing, busy bees, the one species that nearly always flits to mind first is the charismatic and much celebrated honey bee – Apis mellifera. The honey bee is widely recognized and well-loved thanks to its magical ability to transform floral nectar into sweet and delicious honey, a household pantry (and farmers market!) staple. This industrious, hard-working insect is also highly prized for the pollination it provides for a variety of crops including apples, melons, cranberries, pumpkins, squash, broccoli and almonds.

While it is the most well-known type of bee, many of us aren’t aware that honey bees are not native to the continental United States. In fact, they are indigenous to Eurasia and were introduced here by European settlers who brought over the first hives to these shores in 1622. Nowadays, honey bees are considered essential to American agriculture, with one in every three bites of food produced from the pollination they perform. Amongst commercial beekeepers and farmers, domesticated honey bees are thought of as a livestock commodity, just like sheep, pigs and cattle.

While there has been an enormous amount of media coverage and high-profile campaigns to “save the honey bees” that have stoked concerns for the welfare of the species in recent years amidst a spike in colony collapses, our attentions may have been misplaced. Out of the 20,000 bee species that exist worldwide, honey bees are the least in need of saving and can be counted as a harmful invasive species when they outcompete wild, native bees for food. Fortunately, environmentalists and experts are now working to correct the murky messaging and redirect attention to the plight of our native bee populations, many of which are truly endangered. 

Native Bees Native bees are indispensable to the health of our natural environment, yet they are declining due to escalating threats from agricultural expansion, pesticide use, habitat loss and climate change. Ironically, scientists have established that agricultural yields can be higher with the superior pollination provided by our native bees versus that of honey bees. Of course, it makes sense that bee species that have co-evolved for millennia alongside crops indigenous to the Americas, such as cranberries, blueberries and squash, are the ones best designed to most efficiently extract pollen from these plants.

Here is a closer look at some native bee species and the local crops they help pollinate:

1. Leafcutter Bees Leafcutter bees earned their name because they cut oval-shaped fragments from deciduous leaves and use them to construct nest tunnels inside rotting wood, hollow-stemmed plants or in the ground. Unlike highly social honey bees who live together in hives, leafcutter bees are solitary individuals that build their own nests, live alone and never venture farther than 100 yards from their home base. Leafcutter bees can be used commercially to pollinate a variety of fruit and vegetables including blueberries, sunflowers, onions, carrots and alfalfa. Farmers provide bee boards for the insects to nest in, shelter them during the winter, and then place them outside in time for the next growing season.

2. Bumble Bees Bumble bees are the only bees native to North America that are truly social and live and thrive together in colonies. These fuzzy bees pollinate a variety of food crops including tomatoes, potatoes, blueberries, pumpkins, cranberries, bell peppers and eggplant using a technique known as buzz pollination during which they audibly vibrate, or buzz, against a flower’s anthers to shake loose its pollen. Buzz pollination has been shown to increase crop yield, while bumble bees are also more effective than honey bees at pollinating crops grown in greenhouses. Currently, the Common Eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens) is the only bumble bee native to the eastern U.S. and Canada that is reared and used commercially by farmers for its pollination services.

3. Squash Bees Before honey bees were introduced to the New World, native squash bees (Peponapis and Xenoglossa) were responsible for helping with the domestication and production of squashes and gourds by indigenous peoples throughout the Americas. Squash bees tend to be solitary but have been known to group their nests together in suitable ground habitat. They are specialist bees who are unique in that they will only visit flowers within the cucurbit family (i.e. squashes, pumpkins, melons, cucumbers and zucchini). When present in adequate numbers, these native bees have been shown to be more efficient pollinators of commercial squash crops than honey bees.

Scientists estimate that over 52% of the 1,437 identified native bee species in the United States are declining at an alarming rate. To support these critical critters and the vital pollination services they provide, the best approach is to start local, right in your own backyard. Make your garden as bee-friendly as possible by eliminating or minimizing pesticide use, planting native wildflowers such as coneflowers, wild bergamot and New England aster, and skipping the fall cleanup to provide bees with shelter in which to overwinter such as hollow stems and piles of dead leaves. For other ideas on how to keep the buzz going, visit this link.