Conscious Consumption

Inspired by permaculture ideas and instigated by the reality of peak oil and global warming, two Brits established the Transition Network in 2005 to help individuals “transition” away from fossil fuel-dependent systems.

Choosing the right breed of chicken is a lot like dating. Well, not really, but there are serious matters of compatibility at stake and hundreds of breeds to choose from. Before making a commitment, take a moment to consider your “type.”

Patrick Holden was a naive hippie in the ’70s when he started Bwlchwernen Fawr – now the oldest established organic dairy farm in Wales. Fourty years later, Holden asks the question: How can we be more accountable?

In this age of Purell, the connection between excrement and nourishment may seem too disgusting to ponder. But there’s no denying it – poop is staging a comeback.

When Ron Khosla and his wife, Kate, started farming 14 years ago in upstate New York, they wanted to do things differently. “We were committed to the idea of doing local, organic and supercheap,” Khosla said. “And that forced us to look at our techniques or else we would die.”

Across Florida, a new disease has been devastating citrus crops. Can it be stopped?

Jorge Mendes Ribeiro Filho, Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply, believes his country should be a global breadbasket – “the main source of the world’s food.”

Escape from the city with a weekend house. But not just any old weekend house.

Things you’ll need: (1) Helmet with ear and eye protection; (2) Chaps; (3) Steel-toed boots and chainsaw gloves, padded with Kevlar; (4) Supervision by someone who has done this before.