Archive for July, 2009
July 22nd, 2009
I can’t say I’ve ever heard of it, but I got an e-mail from Farmers Insurance Group about its new offering.
“Eco-Rebuild” can supplement Farmers homeowners insurance by allowing you to replace destroyed property in environmentally friendly ways.
It includes:
– $25,000 for extra costs incurred to rebuild or replace with “green” materials.
– Upgrading damaged property to meet new Energy Star requirements.
– Reimbursement for recycling debris rather than disposal.
– Reimbursement for extra costs incurred by using other means of power in the event of loss of alternative power generating equipment.
The company also offers a discount for owning a hybrid vehicle.
I see there are a number of local reps on the Web site, if you want a quote.
July 18th, 2009
Agriculture, the practice of farming, is an age-old method that has been used for centuries. Over time, farming has evolved. Centuries ago, farming was an everyday practice that all were involved in. Communities lived together, farmed together, all to feed the community, and prosper. Back then, there was not a need to categorize farming into an organic or industrial category. Farming was practiced out of respect for the earth, and in balance with nature. All was organic, and sustainable. Over time, as farming evolved, discoveries were made that increased the efficiency of a farm. As our population grew, so did our farming methods. Our population required a larger quantity of food, and as farming grew more efficient, and larger in size, agriculture began to feed the many. As with many things over time, bigger is not always better, and a lot has been lost in the translation. We, as a population, have lost touch with our food and our farmers.
In recent years, there has been much talk about the importance of knowing where your food comes from, and who produces it. Farmers markets and community supported agriculture is on the rise, but in order to maintain the upward movement, we need to invest our trust, time, and effort into making sure this food that is produced is appreciated, and is used within our community. The term “buy local” has become a buzzword that is helping fuel the movement towards a more localized economy. However, in order for this movement to not become a past notion, there needs to be more talk about how we can continue to grow our local economy, and get to know where our food comes.
Historically, small family farms have been the cornerstone of the rural community. Rural communities were built around the farms in the surrounding area, and both sustained each other. As agriculture has developed and become a larger enterprise, many small family farms that once dotted the landscape have disappeared. Along with the decline in family farms, our rural communities have declined, as well. Until we as a population invest in our fellow community members, we will not see a great increase in the valued small farming industry.
Overall, as a society we are at a remarkable time in agriculture. It is a time of re- enrichment of the importance and value of growing food, and how we, as a population, affect how our food is produced. In the future, I think we will see a new form of agriculture emerge — one that is a combination of old and new. As new, small farms arise once again, our rural communities will hopefully be revitalized, and our local communities will flourish. I think it is important for all of us to reflect upon what our food means to us, and how we want our food to be produced. After all, all food has a story to be told, and it is up to us to discover that tale.
July 16th, 2009
…writes about global warming.
Pat Cunningham, author of our most popular blog, Applesauce, which focuses on national politics, regularly posts links and videos that mock those who think it’s a hoax. Love him or hate him, he’s entertaining!
July 15th, 2009
Nationally, Rasmussen College will hold its first Community Service Day for employees Friday, dedicating more than 3,600 hours from more than 900 employees.
Locally, employees will be at Spectrum School that afternoon sorting, peeling and melting crayons used by Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful for environmental education (the school is their crayon recycling HQ).
Side note: Other folks are coming in, too, on other days: General Mills and students from Beloit Catholic schools, Lori Gummow of KNIB told me.
I also got a quote from local campus director Scott Vukoder:
“Becoming actively involved in the communities that we serve is a critical part of the mission and vision of Rasmussen College. We work to maintain and promote a positive community environment, not only on our campus, but in the Rockford and surrounding areas through partnerships and volunteer efforts. We felt that it was important to participate in our very own National Community Service Day, and volunteer in our communities across the country to show that education is more than just learning; it’s also about giving back.”
July 14th, 2009
I don’t use instant messaging much (mostly to communicate with the Webmaster, on AIM… I’m jpollock@rrstar.com, by the way).
I recently got an e-mail forwarded to me that included a signature pushing the fact that Windows Live IM and Hotmail users can help support social causes, like Sierra Club. This is not new ($2.4 million raised since March 2007). Just new to me.
Probably more of you could sign up for the Hotmail (e-mail) option, of course.
July 13th, 2009
I’ve seen a lot of chuckles about the fact that fewer people would drink bottled water if they knew where it came from (like labeling saying it came from a municipal tap, like some do).
Now I see that an Australian town, Bundanoon, is banning bottled water to help save the planet … and their own water reservoir:
The BBC’s Nick Bryant in Sydney says locals have promised not to set upon visitors if they ignore the ban, but they will be encouraged to fill a reusable container from water fountains in the main street.
The reusable bottles will bear the slogan “Bundy on Tap.”
Watch the AP video below (someone says “bubbler;” yes!).
July 12th, 2009
It’s apparently so difficult?
July 11th, 2009
“Staycation” and “frenemy” might have gotten more press, but a few greenie terms made the 2009 Merriam-Webster Dictionary:
Locavore:
one who eats foods grown locally whenever possible
Carbon footprint:
the negative impact that something (as a person or business) has on the environment; specifically: the amount of carbon emitted by something during a given period
July 10th, 2009
In case you missed it: We recently featured two businesses that are thriving in this down economy because of their niches.
One of them, Cartridge World, is doing well because of the desire to save money and recycle, according to Bob Opperman, who has locations at 6139 E. State St., Rockford, and 10209 N. Second St. near Illinois 173 in Machesney Park.
“Businesses that we’ve talked to in the past year are seeing the value of what we’re offering,” Opperman said. “They can cut expenditures and save money without hurting people or product.”
July 8th, 2009
July is here, and along with it, comes the kick off to one of our busiest seasons, the county fairs. Most people think of the food that is consumed at the fairs, and while we do supply some food stands at the various fairs, what keeps us going most is the processing of the livestock animals that are shown at the fair.
While some people may browse the farmers markets for produce and cuts of meat, at the county fairs you can actually browse for whole animals to purchase. There really is no better time for anyone thinking to put a hog, or a beef into the freezer then at the fair. You have the producers of the animal on site, and you have a selection to choose from. If you don’t have a farm contact, you can build one. If you were raised your whole life not understanding how livestock are cared for, the young individuals that raised their project animals are more than willing to share what they learned, and what it takes to produce a great animal.
Often, fair animals that are going to be sold are sold in one of two ways. The easiest way to purchase one of these animals is by attending the quality livestock auction. Each fair holds one of these auctions, and businesses and individuals come together to purchase animals and support the youth. I will warn you, these are live auctions, and you need to understand how they are run before bidding.
The second method is to roam the barns. Not all the animals on the fairgrounds will go through the auction. Often, individuals have extra animals that are going to go to traditional markets after the fair is over. These individuals can tell you all the details of the care of their animals, the feed, and the love that went into raising them. They can also set up transportation of these animals to a local processor, so that after the fair, you can enjoy the hard work put into the project to make a quality meat product.
Even if you’re not in the market to have a lamb, or hog in your freezer, please feel free to talk to the producers. These may be the people that produce your food already, and you never even knew it. The more educated you are about your food, the better it seems to taste.
If you have questions, please contact your local U of I extension office, or your local processor. Stephenson County fair is coming up the in the middle of July, followed by Ogle County, Dekalb County 4-H Show, McHenry County, Boone County, and Winnebago County. What better time to shop to stock up the freezer.
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