Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with sustainable

Help me start a landscaping business!

Sentus — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:59:42 -0800

I am thinking about starting a landscaping business. I don't really have direct experience in the field. Looking for resources. Hello there,
I am in my mid twenties, moved to a midsized city in Texas about two months ago. As you probably know, our economic condition is not the best these days, which made looking for a good steady job pretty frustrating. To sustain myself I did a bunch of small gigs including small landscaping projects (Through craigslist mostly).

I am thinking about starting my own little landscaping business.

I volunteered in various organic farms for about two years; Have a modest knowledge about edible crops, organic growing methods, love and know my plants. I enjoy working outside, using my body, planting stuff,.

My selling point will be organic/sustainable landscaping.
* Trying to use native plants that require less water. Demand less upkeep and just thrive once established.
* Using organic methods, good soils, heavy mulching, sound irrigation techniques, maybe vermiculture in the future (earthworms castings).
* Showing people the beauty and functionality of edible perennials.
* Down the line get into Permaculture design, and just using Permaculture principles in people's yards.

I don't have a truck or heavy duty tools YET. So I'll have to start out doing smaller projects/rent truck on special occasions (to haul bulk soil/mulch).

Is any one here works/owns a landscaping operation? Any insights? Words of wisdom? Pros and Cons? Warnings?

Any good books on Landscape design? I know there are dozens if not hundreds, do you have any specific recommendations?

Any good software available? With design, plants for climate zones?

What would be cheap and effective marketing channels?

Thank you and have a great day,

Best Practices in Sustainable Forest Management

53B3L1U5 — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:15:01 -0800

I am looking for information related to sustainable forestry management. I have recently secured a consultancy in Central America for developing a business plan related to the industry. While my client has provided useful information, I am also looking for external resources on the subject. I am researching best practices, value-added services, international markets, and technologies for streamlining operations. The client has recently received a land concession of Caribbean pine which is divided into 30 plots, one of which is available each year for harvest. After 30 years the process is repeated, having given the forest enough time to biologically rebound. Hence, sustainability is achieved and the impact of logging is restricted to a relatively small area.

Independent Organic Products?

pleasantries — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:05:30 -0800

List of organic brands (Food/Cosmetics/Cleaning products) that are not subsidiaries of major corporations? Examples: Nature's Gate, EarthBalance. Have already used this and this.

Coffee Certified By Both Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance?

toomuchkatherine — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:56:21 -0800

Coffee filter (!): Is there any type of coffee available for purchase that's certified Fair Trade and also certified by the Rainforest Alliance?

How do I grow food in my shady apartment?

Lord_Pall — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:03:13 -0800

How do I grow food and be more sustainable in a shady city apartment? So we live in a ground floor apartment in Marina Del Rey. We're near the water so the temperature is pretty stable.

We're ground floor, facing a courtyard. We have a sizeable outdoor area that backs up on a shared courtyard. Figure 15X10 worth of usable floor space.

We get VERY little sun. Like an hour or 2 max in summer. Due to sprinklers and the location, it's quite humid too.

I can't do much or any growing inside since we have voracious cats who will eat all they can get their paws on.

Outside we've got tomatoes growing, but they're not too happy. They're growing out into the courtyard to try to find sun.. Herbs sorta grow as well in containers.

So how do I successfully grow vegetables or other foods?

I'm thinking about getting some grow-lights to supplant the low sun content. Downside is that most grow-lights dont work outside, plus the energy consumption is batshit insane if it's not a cfl or led.

Is this a good idea? Should I keep the plants out on the patio and use a grow-light during the day to help? Move it inside when it's done?

Should I convert the outdoor closet into a mini grow-room where I can blast out the light as needed?

Do the energy costs with running grow-lights defeat the idea of sustainability?

I'm less concerned about the footprint, and more concerned about raw cost.. heh

Any pointers or ideas on how to turn this shady space into a food-generating or more self sufficient space?

Can a MBA offer creative career paths for a right-brainer?

Anonymous — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:03:52 -0800

Are there opportunities for creativity and non-soul sucking work at the end of the rainbow if I elect to get an MBA? Or does getting an MBA lock you into a certain career path that can't be escaped? Context: I'm in my mid-30s and I have an opportunity to pursue an MBA (at no tuition cost) from a WASC accredited University with a program emphasis in green and sustainable design. I'm interested in the degree from an entrepreneurial perspective - but the fact that tuition is paid for doesn't hurt either. It would take two years and I can still work 3+ days a week.

My background: I've been a "creative" in some sense my whole life and whole career. My undergrad was a BFA with an emphasis in graphic design. I started in print and identity design and shifted to web and interactive design. I've started my own fledgling design studio this year and I'm also consulting and working with other design studios. In this capacity I'm doing more client interfacing, project management, scheduling etc. Right now I'm at about 20% design, 80% everything else.

My perspective: I'm relatively happy with what I do professionally, but design is frequently viewed by Business as a tool; not something that inspires real change. I think there is something deeply flawed with the American corporate ethos. I think it needs to be fixed. I see potential opportunities to 1) fix it from the inside and 2) jump into an emerging industry (green & sustainable) that I'm betting will be the Next Big Thing. I think my design background will actually be an asset.

My concern: My modus operandi doesn't seem to fit the standard MBA-seeking profile. Without intending to cast aspersions - I have no need to feed my ego, gain power, make a ridiculous salary or work 80 hour weeks. Sure, I think I will make a capable leader and I want a comfortable salary and to work hard. But I also want to leave this world better than how I find it. And do something meaningful with my brief time here.

The question (rephrased): Have others anecdotally found that an MBA offered them unique and creative career paths, or, did it force them into become a cog in the machinery? Can a unapologetic right-brainer with some moderate business sense make it in the world of industry and maintain a tempered altruism?

Put differently, can I get an MBA and still keep my subscription to Adbusters?

Anonymous because should I elect to get the MBA I may not want my future colleagues to know all these juicy details.

Switching off Traffic Lights

SarahM — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:21:19 -0800

I'd like to ask a relatively simple question – what would happen if we switched of traffic lights when we didn't really need them? I'd like to know from an environmental aspect what effect turning off the nations traffic lights would have towards saving electricity and reducing emissions. From a social point of view could the nation's road users manage with such a change? And from a technical innovation view point – could it and should it happen and if so how?

Detroit Green City

blapst — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:09:35 -0800

Sometime in the last year I read an article in a print magazine about Detroit becoming the model sustainable city of the future. Help me find it. The first part of the article detailed how Detroit has crumbled since the 70s. The second part argued that because Detroit is so totally ruined and unprofitable and abandoned, it may be the only place where it is possible for a new model city to emerge with a much greater focus on local agriculture, green technology, and small business. There were also some photos of areas so neglected that meadows are sprouting and wildlife is returning.

I thought I saw it in the Utne Reader, but a search of their online archive has proved fruitless. If it's not UR, it's likely some other liberal/progressive monthly. Did anyone else see this article?

How can I best involve myself in the Social/Political cause against Water Privatization?

albernathy0 — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 07:05:30 -0800

How can I best involve myself in the Social/Political cause against Water Privatization? I am 20 years old, a junior at the University of California San Diego. I am an International Studies Sociology major, but over the last couple of months I've been thinking about important issues that I want to work in and the world's water crisis has been at the top of my list. I was thinking originally about finishing my sociology degree while taking math/science/bio courses so that I could be eligible for a Hydrology graduate program. As I was looking into Hydrology programs, to see if this would cut it, it seems that they generally prefer pure science majors, such as Geology/Bio/Chem/Engineering. I am not particularly math/science oriented, I am much more of a humanities sort of person, so I am very confused about what I ought to do.

Another question I'm facing is if getting a Hydrology Degree is the best way I can address this problem. I want to be apart of the solution, but I want to be able to be apply my particular strengths to the cause, which I feel are not mathematical or scientific.

If I were to finish my sociology degree are their career possibilities involved in this?

Please help.
As I am supposed to pick my classes at the University of Chile soon...tomorrow. But I will have a month to alter my schedule.

University of California Davis has an undergraduate hydrology program, and I was thinking of possibly transferring. But that obviously is a step ahead.

Thank you all for the helpful comments. I would especially love to hear from actual hydrologists.

Oh, right... peak oil. What should we eat?

pseudostrabismus — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 13:45:03 -0800

Seeking ideas for healthy, balanced, kid-friendly meals that use local (ideally Ontarioan) ingredients, don't require the expenditure of electricity, and could be made by an 8-year old with minimal supervision? I'm doing some work for a youth organization, and we're trying to help kids understand the amount of energy that goes into getting food to their door. As a challenge, I want to suggest a few meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks, or dinner) that are healthy, kid-friendly, and extremely planet-friendly. The guidelines:

1. Local- Should use foods that are locally grown (Southern Canada). The foods don't have to be organic- I'm hoping to keep costs down so the recipies are accessible to all income brackets.

2. Accessible- The ingredients should be easy to find- say, even at a rural grocery store- and easy to prepare, not daunting and unfamiliar (no sprouted-spelt-germ type recipes), so that the meal is easily recreatable.

3. Human-powered- To show kids how reliant we are on electricity, I was hoping to find meals that required no electricity to prepare- so no oven, and bonus points if no food processor. But also no campfire- these must be indoor recipes.

4. Healthy- The meal must be balanced, with a good protein source.

5. Peanut-free- Because of the prevalance of peanut allergies, avoiding peanuts is probably best. Other kinds of nuts are probably ok.

6. Kid friendly- Ideally a second-grader (7-8 yrs) could make this meal, almost unsupervised. Using a knife is fine.

7. Tasty- Kids and parents should enjoy eating whatever-it-is.

It's okay if these meals turn out to be big, varied salads, or little tapas plate collections- I've been thinking about this for a few days and that's what I've mostly come up with.

If you feel there's some aspect of "planet-friendly" I could re-examine, I'll welcome your advice on those topics as well- I've done some research, but I don't pretend to be an expert.

Thanks in advance, and I look forward to your suggestions!

Help me throw away without guilt!

ocherdraco — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 15:27:30 -0800

Sustainable decluttering: how can I cull my stuff without feeling horribly guilty for throwing it out? Last June, I moved from a beautiful, light-filled, very spacious three-story apartment in Cambridge, MA, to a still very nice but significantly smaller (by two rooms) apartment in Queens.

I've got too much stuff, and I know the quickest way to solve that problem is to just toss things, but I hesitate to just throw things out because, well, landfills are atrocious. I've pretty much done the reuse and recycle part as much as I can, and the excess I'm left with is stuff that really doesn't have a purpose and wouldn't be taken by places like the Salvation Army or Goodwill.

What should I do with this useless stuff? (And I should mention that I don't have the time to craft, etc.)

I want to call her...but I don't know how...to use a phone

parmanparman — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 15:03:42 -0800

About a month ago, I began producing a daily one-hour radio show on environmentalism, sustainable living, and the common good. Putting the show every day is a challenge for a variety of reasons, but one of the hardest parts has been trying to find news to report and the experts to make these reports possible. Please help me! I am looking to join mailing lists and also liaise with academics/advocates/activists/industry experts and so on about important environmental and sustainable living issues. If you know of groups I NEED to know about, or ways to access experts, I would appreciate your feedback.

Plan of attack after undergrad

Etta Hollis — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 19:21:11 -0800

Anyone know of graduate programs, internships or jobs within the field of human geography? Something along the lines of activism, research or study in how we can make more sustainable or "green" decisions with our migration, transportation and consumer trends. I'm currently taking a course titled "Human Impact on the Environment" which has piqued an interest in human geography and sustainability.

Anything that might be considered alternatives to graduate school or not your typical run of the mill internships/jobs would be great!

My background is International Studies: Human Rights and Social Movements with a growing interest in "green" and environmental issues.

Where can I find the most affordable solar panels to power my dorm room?

peetle — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 19:23:56 -0800

Where can I find the most affordable solar panels to power my dorm room? I'm in the business to purchase the most affordable (new or used) solar panels. I'm on an extreme budget and want to get about 100 watts. Any suggestions welcome!

Where are the green jobs going?

quadog — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 15:37:35 -0800

From what industries are the green/sustainable jobs emerging? Are there educational programs in place to meet the potential demand? I'm interested in a more meaningful angle to my line of work by pursuing something in the field of green/sustainable design. Given the relatively recent spike in environmental awareness, is it possible to predict now what industries will be looking for folks with an emphasis in this knowledge/experience? Furthermore, are specific universities ramping up programs to address the potential demand?

I might be casting too wide a net with this question so if it needs to be boiled down to something specific: where are the green jobs going?

What are "green" alternatives to replacing an old shingle home roof?

chefscotticus — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 21:39:29 -0800

What are some "green" alternatives when replacing an old shingle home roof (in New England)? The roof of my parent's Boston-area home needs replacing (ie, to be reshingled). The house is a cape-style originally built in the 1940s (?), and doesn't currently have any radical/alternative design features. My dad, acting upon his new Thomas Friedman reading, "Inconvenient Truth" watching, energy-bill climbing environmental ethic is interested in finding out what sustainable alternatives (or modifications/additions) to traditional shingles are out there.

What's the current thinking on photovoltaics (solar panels) on residential projects? What about solar water heating? Rain collection? How might this options play out financially, both in initial cost and longer-term returns? Does anyone have experience with these types of projects (or architects/contractors with green expertise in the Boston area)?

Green home products

strangeleftydoublethink — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 13:37:13 -0800

I'm considering opening a retail sustainable home decor shop in Portland. What are some of your favorite green/sustainable/simple home products and where do you get them? I would focus primarily on practicle and simple items that most people have in their homes but with a green slant. Organic cotton sheets, plates and bowls made from recycled glass, simple furniture made from recycled or sustainable products, etc.

Forums discussing organic food, local/sustainable farming, humane meat sources, etc?

sdis — Mon, 02 Jan 2006 10:29:55 -0800

OrganicFoodFilter: I'm looking for some information sources and populated forums discussing local farming options, organic food, pasture-raised meats, humane meat animal treatment, etc. Do such forums exist? Do such forums with a decent sized Los Angeles community exist? This is mostly to find a more appropriate community than MetaFilter to ask questions such as:
-What restaurants in LA use locally farmed meats?
-How's Trader Joe's buffalo meat treated?
-If I find out, for example, that a restaurant gets its meat locally, what does that tell me about that farm's treatment of their animals? How do I get informed about the farms shipping into LA?
-Good questions to ask my butcher

etc, etc.

Household greywater wetlands

purephase — Thu, 13 Oct 2005 12:57:06 -0800

If someone were interested in building a greywater wetland on their property, what sort of plants would be required? Based on the information from this site, indigenous plant species that will last through a local climate are an absolute must. So, does anyone know what types of plants would work in southern Ontario?

What was that cool building David Adjaye did?

hydrophonic — Sat, 07 May 2005 09:45:03 -0800

I recently saw architect David Adjaye give a presentation. He showed slides of an interesting gallery/art museum he designed. It's on an island, off the coast of Croatia, I think. The building is half-buried and may be solar-powered. I can't find it on google. Anybody know?