Rethinking Lifestyle

In 2005, Mennonite Central Committee published a cook book called, “Simply in Season.”

Manitoba Hydro is important to Manitobans. It has allowed us to harness the vast energy potential of our rivers, so is a so it is not surprising that the routing of the BiPole III and talk of privatizing Hydro are already significant election issues.

These days normal February fare on our dinner tables is fresh lettuce and tomatoes. We don’t even consider it a luxury.

Readers of this blog will have noted that two weeks ago I wrote about the pending worldwide scarcity of phosphate. Last week I wrote about the pollution caused by phosphate. This week I deal with some ways of addressing both problems.

Last week I wrote about the need to respect nature’s phosphate cycle. After all, the world supply of accessible phosphate is limited.

Nature moves in cycles. The most common cycles are the carbon, nitrogen and phosphate cycle, but there are others.

Our push-button lifestyles emerged in the 20th century along with the introduction of electricity.

Last week I attended the annual field day of the Natural Systems Agriculture program of the University of Manitoba.

Old habits die hard. Usually we have to be thoroughly convinced that the old way of doing things is harmful or not sustainable and that an alternative way is better before we make a move to change our lifestyles.

Since July 1st we have had a national bio-diesel mandate. All diesel, whether for transportation, farming or home heating is to include 2% bio-diesel.