Environmental Sciences Commons^™

The Local Food Movement: Definitions, Benefits, And Resources, Roslynn Brain

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

What does it mean to eat locally? Although perceptions of what makes up “local food” differ by region (due in large part to varying climates, soil types, and populations), most researchers accept that eating locally means minimizing the distance between production and consumption, especially in relation to the modern mainstream food system (Peters et al., 2008). According to the 2008 Farm Act, a product can be marketed as locally or regionally produced if its end-point purchase is within 400 miles from its origin, or within state boundaries (Martinez et al., 2010). Most retailers, however, consider local to be on a …

Urban Edibles: Weeds, Roslynn Brain, H. Waldbillig

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

They invade your garden, tap your soil’s precious nutrients and grow quicker than lightning strikes. If you can’t beat them, eat them! Increase your garden’s yield by identifying the edible weeds and adding them to your harvest.

Urban Edibles: Ornamentals, H. Waldbillig, Roslynn Brain

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

Who says the only place for city dwellers to pick up their daily dose of vegetables is the local farmers market or grocer? Much of the produce you need and enjoy is available to you in your own backyard and, better yet, is free of cost! Urban foraging is the art of finding, identifying and collecting wild edibles in everyday urban settings. From delicious fruits to weeds you would never in your wildest dreams think to eat, cities are full of handpicked eating opportunities!

Vermicomposting, H. Waldbillig, Roslynn Brain

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

Vermicomposting, or worm composting as it is more commonly known, is the process of using worms to break down discarded food and other organic wastes and convert them into compost and liquid fertilizers. Not only will this process save you money, but it will also downscale your environmental footprint. Vermicompost systems can be purchased online or assembled cheaply by up-cycling materials found around the house or at a local thrift store.

Beef Production And Consumption: Sustainable Alternatives, Jennifer W. Macadam, Roslynn Brain

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

Sustainable living involves choosing a lifestyle with minimal environmental impacts. The ultimate goal is to leave future generations with a healthier environment than the one we were born into. How can we do that with beef consumption? Beef is part of American culture, so is there a way to make wiser choices when it comes to purchasing beef ? The short answer is, yes!

Sustainability Cultural Indicators, J. Callewaert, Roslynn Brain, L. C. Malan

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Achieving Development Impact Among Pastoral And Agro-Pastoral People: Lessons Learned In Southern Ethiopia, 2000-2009, D. Layne Coppock, Seyoum Tezera, Solomon Desta, Getachew Gebru

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

The outreach and action-research component of the Pastoral Risk Management (PARIMA) project began with a focus on the Borana Plateau of southern Ethiopia in 2000. Our goal was to use participatory methods to learn about development needs and apply the knowledge gained to benefit local communities. Today it is clear that the project has had positive impacts on the lives of thousands of people. This report helps tell this story by emphasizing the process we used.

At the start we knew that the traditional pastoral system was under intense pressure as poverty and hunger were common. Community-based problem diagnosis confirmed …

Reuse: Creating A Next Life For Common Items, Roslynn Brain, H. Waldbillig

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

If you are looking for ways to save money and add creative flair to your daily life, reusing everyday items you are likely to throw away could be the answer! We produce an average of 4.4 pounds each of trash a day in the U.S., which amounts to 1,600 pounds per person each year (Environmental Protection Agency, 2011). This yearly waste produced by each one of us is more than the typical weight of a Bison, America’s largest land animal! Often overshadowed by recycling, reusing is a zero-impact technique for waste prevention. By using a product or item in its …

Vermicomposting! Sustain Your Life: Utah State University Extension Sustainability, Roslynn Brain, H. Waldbillig, K. Ladd, J. Greene

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Changing Lives In A Semester: A Teaching Approach To Help With Tenure And Promotion While Providing An Experience They'll Never Forget, Roslynn Brain

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

Do all university courses have to be structured in a traditional way? For many, the answer is a resounding, NO! Generally, we assume a course needs to have a midterm, final and at least one major project. Although this may fit well with many standard courses, it can be a wonderful experience to deviate away from the norm and delve into the world of service learning.

Fostering University-Wide Sustainable Behaviors Through Service Learning: A Classroom Transition From Theory To Real World Application, Roslynn Brain

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Creating Environmental Leaders Through Service Learning: A Transition From Theory To Real World Application, Roslynn Brain, Robert H. Schmidt

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.