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Industrial Farming

I enjoyed watching both the documentaries on the honeybees and our soil. It’s fascinating that a change in farming practices and the pesticide industry can be powerful enough to eradicate an entire species besides our own. Prior to watching “Vanishing of the Bees,” I didn’t have any knowledge of systemic pesticides killing off bee colonies. However, I did appreciate learning about the honey business and more about the bees’ role in the ecosystem in ensuring that plants grow and bear fruit. On the other hand, I felt that “Dirt!” was inspiring and humbling. It provided a great reminder that we all originate from the dirt and it is a living being that craves for human love, respect, and justice. It was beautiful to see what various community leaders worldwide have been implementing to replenish the earth. 

I currently don’t compost, but I’ve composted in the past and know that a few family members also composted previously. After watching the film, I have an urge to begin composting again. I already know its benefits for the environment. I also have a yard that can allow this activity and this can become a family effort in which we can both enrich the soil and facilitate the bees’ important role in cross-pollenating.

Additionally, based on my search, factory farms are growing in number each year. The map below demonstrates that the majority of California is already filled with factory farms. Placer County reportedly had  2,188 factory farms in 2012 which was nearly double the total number in 1997.

Comments

  1. Nica, that's great that you have composting experience. Dirt! was a humbling video, I too learned a lot about the earth and the need to take care of its skin, dirt.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Its nice to start to hear that you started composting. This module was really impactful on the little things we can do, to protect our environment. Dirt! provided fantastic insight and I have recommended it to some of my friends who are taking similar classes.

    ReplyDelete

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