Erica Toussant

Silvopasture is not something I had heard of before.  I think it's biggest advantage is it's ability to create a biologically diverse system.  Deforestation is often a discussion point against raising farm animals.  I think this option can allow for a compromise between the two.

The presentation discussed the statistical impacts of meat based diets vs plant based.  I thought it was interesting how grass-fed beef actually requires more land to raise than grain-fed cattle.  I think we have this idea that if something is healthier and of better quality, that it is a better option.  While grass-fed beef has the potential to be a more humane way of cultivating beef, it isn't better for the environment.  Consuming less or none will always be the most beneficial option in terms of the environment.

I think a sustainable community would require everyone buying into the idea of renewable energy.  We should be able to effectively use wind, solar, etc. power to sustain us.  My parents have solar panels on one of their pole barns, and their reliance on power companies has significantly decreased to where renewable energy is completely powering them during the summer months.  The video I watched shows how a dairy farm effectively uses a methane digester to bovine waste to capture methane gas to burn in a generator, which then creates electricity and the waste heat is used to heat the tanks holding the waste to allow for the process to be completed in the first place.  It's incredible that this is 98% efficient heat and power unit.  Any extra methane is burned, preventing it from being released into the atmosphere.  Remaining solid waste is packaged and sold for gardening purposes.  This project cost over $750,000 and was achievable through federal aid.  We need support from the country and from its citizens to make these types of sustainable sources a common reality.

The city has many different paths.  There is a wide multi-use path along the river beside the office.  This path is fairly new and offers a great opportunity to walk alongside the city.  The views are very pretty, especially on a sunny day.   The bike path near my home is much smaller, but it connects to nearby neighborhoods and parks, allowing for easy access to a safe place to exercise.

There are so many other great ways to use that money! I would rather spend it on experiences like going on another vacation! 

I think people believe meat should be a staple in their diet.  Society and the food industry in general pushes this ideology.  It is also a fairly cheap option in the US. I think this can show a lack of values.  The effects of what it takes to produce meat is overlooked by many.  I am not completely innocent of this, as I still consume some meat.  I certainly consume less than the average person, but I have also put more value on my health and the health of the environment in that decision to cut back.