Regenerative agriculture: The key to sustainable, utopian farming
Regenerative agriculture: The key to sustainable, utopian farming
By: Rina M.
November 15, 2023
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Holistically reviving soil health produces healthier and more sustainable crops, while leading to increased profits and environmental restoration. (Image source: Modern Farmer)
Agriculture has been indispensable to our lives since the beginning of human societies, and it still remains the foundation of our potential success as a sustainable civilization.
In the past century, we have somewhat lost ourselves in an era of new technologies and mass production that we have forsaken our basic goal: to farm to feed and nurture sustainably. Pesticides and herbicides poison drinking water costing us thousands of lives, ever-worsening greenhouse gas emissions suffocate millions, and tilling techniques erode the very soil we depend on. Farmers also suffer economically, as the climate change that they worsened continues to brew intense weather patterns that led to droughts such as the El Niño drought of 1982.
The tide is turning for this new generation, however, as we continue to shift our focus to more holistic practices surrounding nutrition, health, and education. Farmers have begun to realize the massive scale of destruction their business has left behind, and many now attempt to regenerate what they lost.
“I was also inducted into, if you like, the industrial farming paradigm,” Charles Massy, Australian farmer and author of Call of the Reed Warbler, claims. “It was only after the 1982 drought that I realized there had to be a better way to avoid debt and harming the landscape and so I began to study alternate methods, which led me to regenerative agriculture.”
Regenerative agriculture is a guiding farming principle that practices the restoration of soil health in order to recreate the systems of nature that have been broken down. Soil, as
Restoring the natural organisms and components inside of soil will allow for healthier, more sustainable crops. (Image source: Corporate Knights)
we know it, is a mixture of organic matter, minerals, gasses, liquids, and organisms that co-support plant and animal life, and restoring these aspects of soil helps to enhance the health of crops, while making the farming process more sustainable by reducing the need for man-made pesticides and herbicides.
“We humans can allow nature to improve herself if we enable her,” Massy continues, “Through improving our landscape health, you improve the resilience, you ride out the droughts, and it's ending up being a lot more profitable.” In fact, studies show that farms that regenerative agriculture can be up to 78% more fruitful than conventional methods, most of the saving accumulating from reductions in input costs such as synthetic fertilizers. Eventually, this leads to less risk for farmers as well, as crops will be able to grow stronger and override disasters such as droughts and hurricanes.
It’s not a new concept — regenerative agriculture used to be the only way to manage a successful farm until chemicals and machinery became widespread. Re-introducing it into major farms will mean recreating nature’s soil cycles and allowing them to thrive.
Some current practices of regenerative agriculture include minimizing tilling techniques to reduce soil disturbances, diversifying crops, and incorporating livestock into the farming process whenever possible. Carbon farming is a significant part of this movement, too.
On a small scale, it might look something like keeping the soil covered as much as possible to keep it safe from exposure to the elements using mulch (a protective covering consisting of soil-consumable materials such as sawdust and compost) to retain soil moisture and temperature; composting to increase the presence of microorganisms in soil; and regularly practicing crop rotation, or planting different crops sequentially on the same plot of land to minimize pest and weed pressure.
Regenerative agriculture practices on a small scale are the first step to immense agricultural progress. (Image source: The Permaculture Research Institute)
McGrath farm, located in the sunny town of Camarillo, California, is the epitome of these practices. “There are more microorganisms in this teaspoon of soil,” Inlakesh Amor, lead farmer of McGrath farm, claims, “than there are people on this planet. It’s incredible!”
Amor and his team follow the principles of regenerative farming mainly by rotating crops around. Unharvested crops or decomposed crops act as fertilizer for the following rotation of crops, helping to increase the biodiversity of microbes in the soil. Soil covering is commonplace in this flourishing farm, as is the avoidance of tilling practices.
Awareness about regenerative farming practices are making a rapid return to the norms of farming, and it can be predicted that they will soon re-expand into larger farms, making organically produced crops more widely available to the average consumer. The idea of organic produce being unaffordable may soon become a notion of the past. In a future not too far, life expectancies may be lengthened. Regenerative agriculture will not only save the soil — it will turn out to save civilization.
Understanding the Israel-Palestine Situation:
A 75-Year Puzzle
Understanding the Israel-Palestine Situation:
A 75-Year Puzzle
By: Arabella B.
November 17, 2023
The war between Israel and Palestine is becoming increasingly brutal as time goes on. Photo credit: Al Jazeera
The lingering 75-year-long tensions have finally become pressing matters as the two countries develop a war, only growing increasingly more complex as no resolution seems to be an option. Recent events have only intensified these matters, resulting in many casualties and lives. Let's give a brief overview and take a look at the events that led up to this specific matter.
The roots of these tensions previous to the war began in 1948, soon after WW2 when the Jews reunited and came to terms in an agreement where they would seek out and return to ‘their’ ancestral homeland, or so they call it, which they lost as a result of the Jewish Diaspora. The Jewish Diaspora was a catastrophic event that happened back in the third century when the Roman Empire deported twelve boatloads of Jews to Cyrencia. Leading many Jewish communities to scatter to various countries.
Yet, the Jews did not decide to all come together and retake their ‘home’, they were influenced to do so in the 16th, and 17th centuries by messiahs. This soon emerged into what is now known as the Zionist movement established in the late 19th century as a response to rising anti-Semitism and sought to establish a Jewish homeland. The movement, led by Theodor Herzl and others, aimed to create a national home for the Jewish people, preferably in Palestine as it was considered their once ‘ancestral land’ due to religious reasons. The concept gained international attention, and the Balfour Declaration in 1917 expressed British support for a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine. This laid the groundwork for the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. The Zionist movement has been influential in shaping modern Israel and remains a significant aspect of Israeli identity.
The support from Balfour who was the British Foreign Secretary, submitted a letter of intent, promising to support the establishment of the Jews regaining their homeland from Palestine. This meant that before the Jews had returned to the land of their origin, the British Empire took control of the area and divided the land into Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. This not only reshaped the geopolitical landscape but also involved the redistribution of land formerly under the Ottoman Empire's rule.
A small piece of the damage Hamas’ attacks in the Nova Festival. Photo credit: Katie Bain
Now, what was one of the recent tensions that led to war as of 2023?
After 75 years, there are still justified tensions and unresolved conflicts between the two countries. One of the many conflicts that finally sparked a war between the two countries was the attack on the Nova festival, where many Jewish people celebrate the harvest of fall, Sukkot.
It started with the sound of gunshots echoing throughout the whole desert as the Hamas raided their assault on the Nova Festival which took place at 6:30 a.m., October 7, 2023, in Israel. There were 3,000 people who visited the festival, and 260 lost their lives that day. The Gaza militants also confiscated an undetermined number of hostages. The manslaughter is now known as the worst civilian massacre in Israel.
The Nova festival took place 2 miles away from the border of Palestine in the midst of the deserted desert, meaning the people celebrating the tradition had no cover when the Gaza military began their rain of vengeance.
“We didn’t even have any place to hide because we were in an open space,”
Many of the people attending the festival fled the site out of pure terror.
This attack on the Nova Festival is just one example of why the conflict between Israel and Palestine continues. Hamas, a group that runs Palestine and is considered a terrorist organization by some, says they launch attacks because Palestinians and Muslims are treated poorly due to differing religious differences and the growing number of Jewish settlements as reasons.
Let's empathize with Palestine. Despite Israel promising safe zones for Palestine’s civilians they continue to direct attacks towards community camps resulting in casualties and tragic deaths. Many of them being innocent families. But in order to truly understand the impact inflicted by this war on Palestine’s civilians, imagine being a young Palestinian child in the chaos- experiencing the trauma of losing loved ones and witnessing the devastation as a result of the attacks.
The devastating toll on Palestinian civilians is stark, with nearly 60% of the wounded being women or children. In October alone, the region witnessed the loss of 1000 Palestinian lives, while over 5000 were left injured. The confusion and desperation among Palestinian citizens are palpable, as they grapple with the targeting of residential areas, despite being directed to flee to certain points. Many places including Northern and Southern Gaza were bombed. The Israeli military asserts its focus on Hamas, yet the impact on civilians raises
The amount of land Israel is taking from Palestine. Photo credit: M.S
ethical concerns. Heart-wrenching cries and pleas from Palestinian civilians reflect the anguish and trauma experienced, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention and a lasting resolution to the conflict.
“God, we have nobody but you, they didn't warn us. They killed our women and children, Oh god we have nobody but you!” A Palestinian civilian cries out
“Where should I go? They have hit the shelters, and those who are on the street in Gaza are hit while walking. Since when has it become normal to hit shelters? This is so unfair! You’re walking the street to bury previous bodies and are attacked again, where is the United Nations in this?” A Palestinian shouts.
“I was standing there when the 3 bombings happened, I carried a body and another decapitated body with my own hands.” A Palestinian child sobs.
The citizens of Palestine are suffering, and not because of Hamas choosing to strike first. If anything, all Palestine is trying to do is fight for their rightful ownership of land.
“We aren't dying because Hamas fires rockets at Israel. We are dying because we are under occupation. Hamas exists because we are under occupation, but even if Hamas did not exist, we would still be getting killed, and we are getting killed all year round but you only hear about it when Hamas fires a rocket. The occupation is 75 years old, and Hamas is 33 years old. Long before Hamas came we were OCCUPIED by a SETTLER COLONY whose existence is built on our extermination. That’s a fact that the American administration ignores on purpose.” - Dana Rm
Overall, It's important to know that this issue is much more complicated, involving a mix of historical, religious, and political factors as shown through various examples. The pleas and harrowing from Palestinians' urgent calls for international intervention and a lasting revolution to bring an end to this circle of suffering is all they ask for.
Finland’s Secrets to Happiness
Finland’s Secrets to Happiness
By: Andrea O.
November 17, 2023
Picture of Finland’s landscape during the winter time, photo credits: The Times
For six consecutive years, Finland has been known as the happiest country in the world. But, what's their secret to happiness? And what are they doing, that we aren't?
What is Happiness?
What is Happiness?
First off, what is the happiness index, and how do you measure it? The Happiness ranking is based on the World Happiness Report which is a survey. The test includes certain prompts and is answered from the numbers 1-10. One being the least happy, and 10 being the most content with their quality of life.
Exercise with a side of Endorphins:
Exercise with a side of Endorphins:
Overall Finns (locals), use their time being active and productive, no matter the weather. According to an article written by HELSINKI TIMES, Finns find and dedicate time to exercising, cycling, kayaking, hiking, camping, and even more. It's also shown that exercising and staying active is scientifically proven to help ease anxiety, depression, and stress. This is due to the boost in dopamine, adrenaline, and endorphins; which are hormones that your body has associated with positive emotions such as happiness, and confidence.
But how can we apply this to our lives? People, more specifically students can and should find the time to exercise, though this might already be the case, unlike Finland, the average American spends only 2 hours a week exercising. Which is less than 20 minutes daily. This little aspect of happiness can easily become a part of the average person's routine by visiting your local gym, taking a bike ride outside, and applying yourself to team sports/activities.
Mother Earth:
Mother Earth:
According to WHO (World Health Organization), Finland has the best air quality in the world. Making Finland the country with the lowest contribution to global warming, and air pollution. In addition, because of their dense forests and more than 40 national parks, Finland is rich in oxygen.
Finland's vast beautiful landscape encourages Finns to interact with nature and its creatures. Studies show that spending time outdoors in mother nature is known to make people happier as well as more grounded with their reality, says Environment America.
Picture taken of two students studying in a Finnish school, photo credits: UniScholars
Overall Quality of Life:
Overall Quality of Life:
Overall, Finland's quality of life is one of the best in the world. Finland’s public school system is one of the most honorable in the entirety of Europe By creating a multicultural environment, providing free healthy meals, services specifically for special needs, teacher-student dynamics, less homework as well as the window of opportunity to take a wide variety of classes that nurture different interests; leading to opportunities for rising younger generations, and it's in general, effective. Unlike other schools across the world, Finland focuses on collaboration instead of competition, instilling the belief that students should be cooperating and working with one another; not going head to head. In addition to its admirable education arrangement, Finland also has a universal healthcare structure, which are services open to the public. This includes social, health, and medical services. These services have been proven effective in changing the health of the population for the better by eliminating communicable diseases such as smallpox.
With little to no levels of crime, Finland has made it to the top of the charts once again.
But how?. As well as being the least corrupt country in the world, In contrast to other countries, Finland has focused its attention on organized crime, including Human trafficking, drug usage, prostitution, and money laundering. Not only does it increase happiness, but more importantly provides a sense of security and safety. Which is a very important component of the happiness test.
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
With all these different benefits it isn't a shock that finns are so upbeat living in Finland. Though not all of these factors can be applied to your daily life as easily as others can, it displays how these variables can be beneficial and should be integrated worldwide. In general, it shows that we have a lot to learn from the world’s happiest country.
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