Sustainability guide final

Sustainability GuideUsing The Natural Step Framework as a guide to a more sustainable lifestyle for young adults and families in Minnesota

Sarah Dehlinger - Design For Community - Sustainability Guide: Intro - Fall 2011

The Natural Step Framework is based on systems thinking and looks at how all parts of a system effect each other. By doing this, we can better understand how our actions impact society and the environment and take preventative measures to reduce any harm we may cause. It consists of four system conditions that we can use as tools to look at a system through the lens of sustainability and start making changes that are good for the system as a whole.

This sustainability guide will walk you through these four systems conditions and offer suggestions in each area to build a more sustainable lifestyle for you and your family. Some will be simple changes that cost nothing to implement that you could start today, while others will be long term changes that may happen over time or require a large investment. At the end of the guide, you will also find a few tools that will help you evaluate your current household and imagine what the future will look like as some of these changes are implemented at a large scale. It will be up to you to decide which actions to take, but even making just one change is a step in the right direction to helping build a more sustainable world.

Sustainability GuideTable of Contents

Sarah Dehlinger - Design For Community - TOC - Fall 2011

System Condition 1: Eliminate Pollution from Mined Materials.............................................. 1-4System Condition 2: Eliminate Pollution from Human-Made Chemicals.................................... 5-7System Condition 3: Preserve Nature from Degradation by Physical Means................................ 8-11 System Condition 4: Meeting Fundamental Human Needs.................................................... 12-15

Appendix A: Materials InventoryAppendix B: BackcastingAppendix C Scenario Building

Sustainability GuideThe Natural Step Framework, System Condition 1 - Eliminate Pollution from Mined Materials

Sarah Dehlinger - Design For Community - Sustainability Guide: SC1 - Fall 2011

Building sustainable households by reducing their impact on use of raw materials

System Condition 1 of the Natural Step Framework focuses on eliminating pollution from mined materials. This includes the mining of fossil fuels like oil and coal, hard metals, and minerals. Nature has adapted to be in balance with these materials that have built up in the earth’s crust over billions. Burning and mining these materials releases a range of persistent substances into the ecosphere where they build up and spread. Living systems are not equipped to handle these large changes over a relatively short amount of time and we risk destroying the functionality of the natural environment by continually releasing these substances.

To help meet this condition, we must work towards keeping the flow of these materials in balance with what the environment can handle. We can begin to make changes in the quality, quantity, and choice of mined materials that we use to bring the system back into balance.

Currently, our exploitation of our natural resources has lead to acid rain, smog, ozone depletion and global climate change, but there are ways to turn this around! There are many great alternatives to the consumption of mined materials for energy as well as in the products we consume to meet this goal and get on the path to a more sustainable lifestyle.



Alternative Energy

Buildings are one of the largest sources of energy use in the United States and by using alternative forms of energy, we can reduce our dependence on mined materials like oil, natural gas, and coal. Wind and solar energy are great alternative sources of energy for heat, light, and to power our many appliances and electronics. While most of us don’t live on a plot of land where wind farms are a viable option, there are many types of solar panels that are available and becoming more affordable. They may be a large investment up front, but will be a huge cost savings in the long run and many power companies will now pay you for any energy you generate, but don’t use. By designing our homes to maximize daylight, we can also reduce our energy use.

Sources: www.myenergysolution.com

Energy Efficiency

Another great way to reduce you energy use is though more energy efficient heating and cooling systems. As shown in the graph to the left, the majority of our energy use in our home is devoted to these systems. While the initial cost might be high to replace an old, inefficient system, you’ll quickly find the huge cost savings in reduced energy use is well worth the change. More efficient water heating systems can also have a huge impact.

Appliances are the next big energy user, but gradually replacing old appliances with energy efficient Energy Star appliance, much less energy will be use. You can also have an energy audit done on your home for more specific information about how to make your home more energy efficient and visit www.mnpower.com for more information.

Average energy use in a home



Transportation

Energy use for transportation is one of the biggest culprits for consumption of mined materials, primarily oil. Cars currently consume half of the world’s oil and create nearly one fifth of its greenhouse gases. While it is most effective to move to a location where you are close to work, school and/or grocery stores and shopping, sometimes it is not possible to move to accommodate these goals or find a job within a few miles of your home.

If you do live close to work and other places you travel to frequently, bike or walk as much as possible. Both biking and walking have a relatively low impact and they will not just be good for the environment, but keep you healthy too! Use public transportation is also a great way to reduce your impact. Rail systems are a great way to travel into city centers if they are available as they greatly reduce pollution and relieve traffic congestion. Buses can also be a good alternative to getting around the city.

If public transportation is not available, you can also reduce your impact by carpooling with coworkers and friends. Whether making short trips around town, to work, or long trips visiting friends and family, one vehicle on the road instead of two will always be the more sustainable option!

When there aren’t any other options available and you need to drive, by investing and a fuel efficient car, each trip will use less oil and gas to get you where you need to go. This is a long term investment, but will save you money in fuel to help offset the cost. Many hybrids are now available and even a few electric cars which are a great alternative to a large gas guzzling vehicle. To use even less fuel, you can consolidate your trips when running errands also saving you money and time!



Reduce and Recycle

By reducing your overall use of mined materials and reusing what we already have, we can also reduce our overall impact! Here are just a few more easy tips to get you started right away!

1. Buy local - Local items travel much shorter distances to get to your home and as a result use a lot less fuel2. Recycle Properly - This seems like an obvious one, but many products have like batteries and electronics are made with heavy metals and require special recycling. Many retail stores that sell these types of items have drop off bins that make it easy to keep these out of the landfill. Best Buy is an especially great resource for recycling many electronics and their website is a great tool for learning where you can properly dispose of these items.3. Unplug Kitchen Appliances - Even when these items are not in use they are still consuming energy. Your microwave, coffee maker and other gadgets can be unplugged when not in use to cut back on energy usage.4. Unplug Electronics - Your TV, cell phone charger, and computer all consume energy even when not charging or when in the “off” position. An easy way to control many items at once is to have them all plugged into one power strip that you can switch off when you leave for the day or at the end of the night before bed. Approximate 10% of energy consumption in the home is from electronics that are on standby and consuming energy when not in use.5. Turn Down the Heat - It is estimated you can 10-20% of your heating costs by turning the thermostat 10-15 degrees for 8 hours a day. Or even just turning down the temperature one degree 60-70 degree temp range save you 5% of your total heating costs.6. Turn Off the Lights - Turning off the lights when you’re not in a room is a simple but effective tip!7. Use Re-Useable Bag - Skip both paper and plastic and consume less by using cloth bags when shopping. You’ll consume less and not have to worry about the bag breaking on the way to the home!8. Skip the Disposable Plastics - Instead of using one-time use products like zip lock bags and cling wrap for left overs,put your food items in tupperware or glassware for easy reheating.9. Pass on Paper - Napkins and paper towel all consume a lot of energy and resources for their very short life. Use awash cloth or cloth napkin to clean up small messes and toss them in the laundry each week to keep them clean.

Sustainability GuideThe Natural Step Framework, System Condition 2 - Eliminate Pollution from Human-made Chemicals


One of the major problems with these chemicals is that it is hard to predict the full effect they are having on our natural systems. We already know that they gather in the fat stores of animals and accumulate in our bodies impairing our reproductive abilities, diminishing intelligence, altering behavior, and manifest birth defects and cancer. Many of them are also known to be hormone disrupters and can be extremely dangerous for unborn fetuses and young children. These chemicals can cause improper hormone development, autism, attention deficit disorders, learning disabilities.

Knowing these are some of the effects we are already aware of and that there are many long term effects we are still discovering, it is important for us to reduce our use of these unsustainable chemicals until we can eventually phase the out completely. Most of what we can do to reduce our impact is learning which products contain these chemicals, and discontinuing our use of them.

Building sustainable households by reducing their use and exposure to harmful chemicals

System Condition 2 of the Natural Step Framework focuses on eliminating pollution from man-made chemicals in our environment. Many of the products we use contain synthetic compounds that accumulate in our bodies and in the earth. In the environment, they are not able to be broken down and spread through all systems by attaching to soil and water particles that travel through the air. These chemicals can pollute our land and food sources and are magnified as they make their way up the food chain.



Increase Your Awareness - Which chemicals are harmful and where do they exist?

PhthalatesThis is a chemical that is found in personal care products listed as fragrance or parfum and is used in many plastics as a softening agent. Phthalates in the body can act as an endocrine disrupter and possibly lead to malformation of reproductive organs. The best way to avoid exposure to this chemical is to read product labels and research which products contain the chemical before making a purchase. A lot of the personal care products might even say “fragrance free” or “natural” but can have phthalates, so it is critical to read the labels and many products will now specifically say “no phthalates”. Air fresheners often contain phathalates so it’s better to avoid them completely and opt for fresh air. Toys are notorious, so visit out healthytoys.com to check out toys you might already have or are looking to buy to see if they contain this chemical.

Teflon and Non-stickPerfluorochemicals (PFCs) are used in Teflon and other non-stick products. They persist for a long time in our bodies and in the environment and are classified as a likely carcinogen. They are used on many non-stick cookware and also are in fabrics as Gore-tex, Stainmater, and Scotchguard. The first step you can do is to get rid of your non-stick frying pan for better alternatives such as cast iron and stainless steel. Many food wrappers also contain PFC making it important to read labels before making a purchase. Even microwave pop-corn bags are often coated with PFCs and ingested. Encourage legislators to phase our PFCs from our food wrappers and other consumer products.

Flame RetardantsPolybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) is the chemical used as a flame retardant in furniture, clothing and electronics. While some furniture is now being manufactured without this chemical, it can further be avoided by purchasing products that contain PBDEs. Naturally fibred products like wool, hemp, and cotton are chemical free and naturally fire resistant. PBDEs are often found in dust particles, so dusting and vacuuming regularly can reduce the accumulation of the chemical in your home. When possible, buy electronics that are PBDE free and reuse or properly recycle used electronics.

Sources: www.slowdeathbyrubberduck.com



Increase Your Awareness - Which chemicals are harmful and where do they exist?

Triclosan Antibacterial and antimicrobial products have become popular as people have become obsessed with killing germs. Triclosan is the chemical used in personal care products, cleaning products, and even socks and underwear as an antibacterial agent. The problems this chemical causes is that is can create resistant strands of bacteria to develop, it is a possible carcinogen, it is an endocrine disrupter, it can lead to the development of allergies in children, and it is toxic to aquatic bacteria which inhibits photosynthesis on Earth. Some small steps you can take are to avoid products labeled “antibacterial”, wash your hands the old fashioned way with soap and water, use natural cleaners such as baking soda and borax, and check out www.safecosmetics.org for personal care products that don’t contain harmful chemicals.

MercuryMercury is another chemical that has polluted our food source, especially in sea food. While there are many online resources to learn which fish contain the highest levels of mercury, a simple rule to follow is eat fewer big fish and more smaller fish. Ingesting mercury can lead to nervous system damage and is especially dangerous for pregnant women as it can lead to severe disabilities in infants. Properly disposing and recycling products that contain mercury such as batteries, thermostats and fluorescent bulbs is also import to keep it out of the environment.

BPAMany of the products we buy are contained in plastic. Bisphenol A, known as BPA, is one of the harmful chemicals in many different kinds of plastics. In general, most plastic products will be numbered and numbers 4, 5, 1, and 2 are deemed as relatively safe, while the others can have chemicals that are associated with carcinogens, hormone disrupters, can be a brain and nervous system toxicant and have other adverse heath effects. Most recently there have been concerns about BPA being used in the lining of tin cans and in baby bottles. To reduce your expose to this chemical, you can opt for glass containers or choose fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables instead of those in a can, especially for highly acidic items such as tomatoes. Also, avoid putting plastic containers in the microwave. Reducing your use of plastic in general can help prevent this chemical from leeching into the environment, so pass on using plastic bags at the grocery to and use canvas instead, and don’t purchase water in disposable plastic bottles as more than half of these are never recycled and end up in landfills.

Sources: www.epa.gov

Sustainability GuideThe Natural Step Framework, System Condition 3 - Preserve Nature From Degradation by Physical Means


Here are just a few of the services provided by nature that are easy to take for granted:1. Plants counteract climate change2. Wetland purify water3. Forests absorb water and prevent flooding and erosion4. Worms and insects turn waste into rich soil5. Many medicines are derived from plant based materials6. Micro-organisms in the ocean produce oxygen we breathe

Is it easy to see what the immediate impacts would be if any of these individual systems were disrupted, but even more important to also look at the linkages of the individual parts and the effect of the larger system as a whole when sustainability is compromised. To prevent the degradation of these natural systems, in this section of the sustainability guide, we will look at how we can limit our impact by reducing water usage, taking a deeper look at our food selections, and products we consume.

Building sustainable households by preventing the physical degradation of our environment

System Condition 3 of the Natural Step Framework focuses on eliminating our contribution to the progressive physical degradation and destruction of nature and natural processes. The value of nature is easy to evaluate by the products we can create from it, but we must also look at the inherent services it provides and the benefits to be gained by its preservation.



H 2 Oh so easy to Conserve!

Water is one of our most precious and valuable resources. You might be thinking, “How could we possibly run out of water when 71% of Earth’s surface is covered by water?” While that statement is true, it is also true that only 1% of that water is available for human use. The rest of it is salt water that is not drinkable or frozen, which is why we need to protect this important resource that we cannot live without!

According to the EPA, the average American family of four uses roughly 400 gallons of water per day at home, but there are many simple and even low-cost ways to lower your number! And less water going down the drain means more water available in the lakes, rivers and streams that we use for recreation and wildlife uses to survive. Using less water will also save you money and reduce energy and resources used in water treatment.

Source: www.epa.gov

Ten simple, but effective ways to reduce your water usage:1. Turn off the water when you brush your teeth2. Convert to low flow fixtures - Low flow shower heads are available for under $20 or take shorter showers and save money!3. Invest in a dual flush toilet, or for a cheaper solution, fill a water jug with sand and water and place it in your water tank4. Only run the dish washer when it is a full load5. Use rain barrels to collect water for using in your garden6. Use native plants for landscaping and reduce the amount of grass you have which requires a lot of water to survive7. Buy a water filter for drinking water and keep a plentiful supply in the refrigerator. It uses less energy than bottled water, is cheaper, and you’ll always have fresh, cold, drinking water8. Compost instead of using the garbage disposal9. Invest in a water and energy efficient washer/dryer and only wash full loads10. Fix those leaks ASAP!

You can also visit www.h2oconserve.org for more tips and to calculate your water footprint!



Food for Thought

The food we consume has a big impact on how our natural systems are sustained. Development of genetically modified mono-crops and over harvesting of our fisheries is having a devastating impact on our earth and is putting our food supplies in jeopardy.

Large corporate food production practices are depleting the soil of its rich nutrients, and are often replacing them with chemicals. They are also clearing forests to create more land for farming resulting in a loss of habitat for many species and increasing the chance for erosion. Many seeds have also been genetically modified and patented by chemical companies which has deeply limited the traditional growers’ ability to plant natural crops since any crop with traces of genetically modified products not purchased as seed from the chemical companies is considered patent infringement and are subject to strict legal penalties. They also plant one mono-crop of their products believing they are increasing efficiencies. These practices are reducing biodiversity and making our crop supply susceptible to huge crop losses from disease and insects.

Commercial fishing has also had a huge impact on the environment. According to Greenpeace.org, 70% of the world’s marine fish stocks are fully exploited, over-exploited, depleted or slowly recovering. They also state that “many marine ecologists think that the biggest single threat to marine ecosystems today is overfishing.” The natural ecosystem cannot keep up with the rate we are fishing the oceans and this devastating impact can create huge changes in our ocean wildlife system that we may not be able to reverse.

What can you do?

Purchase from small local growers. This helps support biodiversity since many smaller growers plant many different varieties of crops and rotate their fields to keep key nutrients in the soil. Farmers market’s and co-ops are great places to find locally grown food items.

Purchase fish that is harvested sustainably or limit your total fish intake. You can also visit www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/seafood-watch.aspxv for more information about which seafood choices are most sustainable, seafood with the lowest contamination, and pocket guides for making sustainable decisions when you’re on the go!

Source: www.greenpeace.org



Consuming vs. Conserving

To preserve our Earth for future generations, it is important to understand the boundaries of nature. Earth is inherently sustainable if we do not allow ourselves to destroy it and if we work with nature’s systems, humans and the environment can thrive. How can we reduce our de-pendence on ecologically destructive practices so that we can live in balance with nature’s systems?

Support companies that use sustainable practicesMany companies will post information about their company practices on their website. Look for companies that use FSC certified wood if they sell paper or wood products. Look also for information about how their facilities are run. Do they run water efficient equipment and have gray water catchment systems? Where is their waste water going? Into a nearby water source or are they filtering and/or re-using it on site? Do they use sustainable energy resources?

By purchasing products from a company, we are intentionally or unintentionally supporting their business practices so they should be taken into consideration just as much as the end product. Your dollars can influence the way a company does business and if you’re not happy with how they are operating, let them know or send a message the declining to purchase their products

Limit your consumption of goods made from virgin raw materialsMany items are now made from either or both post-consumer or post-industrial recycled materials. By purchasing items with recycled con-tent, you are eliminating some need to mine new materials from the Earth. Used items are also a great way to reduce raw material con-sumption. This doesn’t just mean going to the thrift store, but also using what you already have. Do you need new cabinets or would a fresh coat of eco-friendly paint give you the change you’re looking for? Damaged wood furniture? How about sanding it down and making it look like new with a new finish? There are also many great alternatives to purchasing books, magazines and newspapers. The library likely has exactly what you’re looking for and you can rent it for free! Most of these items are also available digitally as well. There are many great alternatives to always thinking we need to buy, buy, buy when we think we need something. What else can you think of? Check out more great tips and add some of your own at www.consumeless.net.

Sustainability GuideThe Natural Step Framework, System Condition 4 - Meeting Fundamental Human Needs


Building sustainable households by working towards meeting the fundamental need for every human

The final, but perhaps most important idea to look at within the Natural Step Framework is social equal-ity. If the most basic human short term needs are not being met, then people cannot think about long term sustainability. However, there are also many people who have abundant resources and all their “needs” are being met, however they are still not making sustainable choices.

In this section of the sustainability guide, we will look at how we can make more sustainable choices in our everyday activities to help increase social equality to so all humans can have their basic needs met to make it possible to begin building a more sustainable life for ourselves, our community, and our world.



Think before you buy

By asking yourself a few simple questions before you make a purchase, you can change your shopping habits to better support sustainable communities.

1. How was this item produced?Many of the products sold are produced in developing countries where environmental standards are low and working conditions are poor. Re-search companies that you frequently by products from and find out what their environmental policy is. Are they polluting the air and water in the communities where their product is produced? Are they consuming large amounts of virgin raw materials, or do they use recycled ma-terials and divert waste from landfills? It is also important to find out how their employees are treated. Are they working in dangerous condi-tions where they are prone to injury or exposure to harmful chemicals? Are they paid a living wage that is enough to support themselves and their families? Do they offer health care and other benefits to their employees to improve their quality of life?

Organic and fair trade products are often a great place to start in ensuring that these standards are being met. By purchasing locally grown or produced items, you are also building your local economy and reducing the impact from transporting goods around the globe. A great pocket resource for learning about companies when you’re on the go and making a purchase is “The better World Shopper Guide” where you can learn about the best and worst companies rated on their social and environmental practices. You can visit their web-site http://www.betterworldshopper.org/idea.html for more information.



2. Do I need this?Part of the problem creating social equality and fairness is the distortion of what we actu-ally “need”. The “keeping up with the Jones’” mentality and high exposure to marketing has turned humans into consumers and made us want more, more, MORE! By asking ourselves “do I need this?” before making a purchase, we can take a second to think about what we have and all the resources needed to make the product you’re about to purchase.

3. Can I buy this used?Thrift stores, donation centers such as the Salvation Army and Goodwill, and Craigslist are just a few places to find used items. By purchasing used, you are not only saving money, but are reducing the consumption of raw materials, helping divert usable items from becoming waste, and reducing the energy needed produce and transport new goods.

4. What else can I do besides throwing something “away” (and where is away?)Once you’ve made a purchase, the next step is to consider what will happen to the product at the end of its life. Can it be recycled, donated, composted, or re-purposed to help divert waste from the landfill or incinerator? Did you consider the end of life when you made the purchase? Does the manufacturer have a take-back program so you can return the product so the raw materials can be salvaged? There are now many ways to recycle highly manufactured products such as electronics which can be recycled at your local Best Buy, running shoes which can be recycled at REI, and many usable household items and clothes can be donated at your local Salvation Army or Goodwill. If you live in the Minneapolis area, these items would otherwise be sent to the incinerator at the Hennepin Energy Resource Co.

http://www.globalissues.org/issue/235/consumption-and-consumerism

Yellow - U.S.Blue - Developed CountriesBrown - Undeveloped Countries

http://www.mindfully.org/Sustainability/Americans-Consume-24percent.htm



Create a sense of responsibility for the future

Asking the yourself the previous questions can help reduce your consumption and the impact you have on social equality and conserving our resources for the future. Below are a few more things to think about to build social equality for future generations.

1. Analyze your consumption and the impact of your familyNatural resources are decreasing while the demand is increasing. How will you be able to support your growing family if resources become scarce? Is a large family sustainable in a world that has a population growing at an exponential rate? At some point the earth will reach its carrying capacity and may not be able to support the growing human population. While family size preferences are very personal and can be dictated by family traditions and religious beliefs, it is sensible to analyze what size family you can support financially so the burden does not fall on community and government programs. Producing your own food can also be a great way to offset your family’s social and environmental impact.

2. EducateTalk to your spouse, friends, and family about how you can be sustainable. Also, teaching your children or future children about sustainable principles can instill important values for them to build a sustainable lifestyle for themselves and to pass along to future generations. The impact you can have through influencing others to live a more sustainable lifestyle will be greater than any single impact you can have on your own, so spread the word!

Appendix A: Materials InventoryAudience - Young Adults and Young Families (Approximately age 23-35)

Summary

This inventory helps analyze the resources you are currently using in your home to begin recognizing where you can begin making changes in your daily consumption choices for a more sustainable lifestyle. This table shows the inventory for a typical home in Minnesota for young adults and young families, but you can add or subtract items and customize this table to reflect your home more completely.

Sarah Dehlinger - Design For Community - Materials Inventory - Fall 2011


Category Source Use ImpactElectricity Xcel - Primarily coal and natural

gasHeating, cooling, lighting, electronics

Consuming non-renewable resources, pollution

Water Municipal Systems (the great lakes, ground water, Mississippi River and other rivers)

Drinking water, plumbing, cleaning

Limited water supply, potential pollution

Food Some farmer’s markets, co-ops, grocery stores (Rainbow, Pick n Save), gardens

Produce, Dairy, Meats, Grains, Processed foods

Some organic, some from large manufacturers with monocrops, synthetic hormones in animals, transported long distances, especially in winter, poor living conditions for animals at large factories and often un-safe working conditions. Waste likely ends up in a landfill or incinerator, but same may be composted.

Textiles Target, Shopping Centers, Specialty home goods stores

Clothes, Linens, Towels, Draperies

Huge water and energy use, chemical pollution from dyes and processing, poor working conditions in developing countries, collects in landfills

Electronics/Equipment Best Buy, Office Depot, Online, Target, Apple Store

Computers, TV’s, Cell Phones, Video game stations

Many raw materials like plastics and metals used, many cannot or are not recycled and end up in landfills, some have a short useful life and require a lot of energy for operation

Transportation Cars, Light rails, Buses, occasional flights

Commute for work, leisure, daily errands & activities

Use of oil and creating a dependency on resources from other countries, high levels of pollution, many in-efficient vehicles are still being produced



Category Source Use ImpactPaper Products Target, Grocery Store, Office

Depot, book storesToilet Paper, tissue paper, paper towel, books, mail, magazines

Deforestation, high water use during processing, bleach and other chemicals used, air and water pollution, some can be recycled, some incinerated or sent to the landfill

Cleaning Products Target, Grocery store Glass cleaner, kitchen and bath cleaners, laundry detergent

Releases chemicals into the air and water, some “green” products are environmentally friendly, plastic bottles discarded or recycled after use

Hygiene Products/Cosmetics Target, Specialty shops, Department stores

Shampoo, deodorant, make-up, toothpaste, lotions, hair products

Many un-tested chemicals are used, hormone disrupting chemicals can be released into our bodies, typically lots of packaging and plastic or glass containers, much is washed down the drain

Housing Condo, Rental, Town home, single family home

Lumber, masonry, stone, cement board, plastics, foams, metals, glass, lawns and landscaping

Lots of raw materials used, high mainte-nance required, chemicals on lawns and in paints, many impervious surfaces cre-ating run-off, high energy consumption

Furniture Idea, Furniture Specialty Stores, boutiques

Chairs, couches, tables, desk, shelves, bed

Use of raw materials, often shipped long distances, end up in landfill or incinerator, often highly manufactured with materials that can’t be separated


Appendix B: Scenario-BuildingLooking at Agricultural Food Production Practices in 2025

Summary

This tool can help you look at what might happen to the food production system through our choices in consumption. We are affected by the situations in each scenario in that one way or another, our food choices are being controlled or limited. We have a very personal relationship with food because what we eat can control our mood, health, and is part of many of our cultural traditions, so we need to be aware if the availability and quality of our food is restricted. Food is such an essential part of daily life and survival, we should be able to have control over our choices and in these scenarios, a lot of factors would be beyond our control and we would be subject to whatever is made available to us by food producers.

Sarah Dehlinger - Design For Community - Scenario Building - Fall 2011

Appendix B: Scenario-BuildingLooking at Agricultural Food Production Practices in 2025

Sarah Dehlinger - Design For Community - Scenario Building - Fall 2011Sources: http://www.thefutureoffood.com/

Organic Farming

Genetically Engineered Farming

Large Commercial FarmingSmall Local Farmers

People have rejected the infiltration of large, corporate growers and government has moved to break up large conglomerates so small farms again become the norm. However, they are now required to all plant genetically engineered seed due to the patents held by biotech companies and cross-contamination that inevitably took place.

Communities are struggling because they cannot afford the seed and chemicals required to grow them. Only the small farmers that cooperate with these companies have survived. In third world countries, individuals can no longer grow their own food and people are forced to move into city centers and fight for the limited industrial jobs. Large populations are pushed into malnutrition and poverty.

The environment has suffered a huge loss of biodiversity and many crops are often lost to drought and other natural causes that the plants are not resistant against. However, local farming has reduced the cost of transportation in some areas.

Economically, many jobs were lost during the break up of large conglomerates, but the local farmers that have survived are thriving.

Mobilization of the general public has lead to strict regulation of the large conglomerates, eventually making their methods of production un-profitable and they have been broken up. Patents on seeds have become obsolete and genetically engineered food is now longer grown and is being weeded out of existing crops.

Communities are thriving and becoming food independent as new crops are grown for specific regional conditions. Some areas experience food shortages in large cities where the small farmers can sometimes not support the large need for food. Prices have also gone up on some food items, especially during the cold season when local farmers cannot product the full variety of produce needed for fresh items.

The environment is thriving from sustainable farming eliminating the pollution from chemical spray and benefiting from increased biodiversity. Bugs, birds, and other small animals along with humans are no longer endangered from the toxic chemicals traditionally used by large farms.

Economically, many of the farmers that had been pushed out of business by large corporations are able to sustain themselves again and agricultural farming becomes a desirable lifestyle again. Small local markets are popping up everywhere and small towns see growth throughout the US.

Large corporations and biotechnology companies have essentially bought out the government leading to world-wide patent enforcement of GE seeds. Individuals can no longer plant their own natural seed and undercut pricing by the large corporations has driven out the small growers.

Communities are struggling because individuals cannot afford to purchase the expensive seed and chemicals. Hunger is pervasive through all third world countries because while food production has increased, they still lack access to these critical food supplies. Communities are also suffering from pollution from the spraying of pesticides.

The environment as suffered greatly from a loss of biodiversity and small changes in climate conditions can lead to huge losses of crop that are not resistant to local climate variations. The soil has also been degraded from the chemical spraying and has polluted the water supply in many areas. Much of the produce supply also carries these harmful chemicals and is ingested by humans during typical consumption leading to many serious health problems.

Economically, corporations are thriving, but small farming communities are all but obsolete. Food is shipped globally from a few large suppliers and people are forced to drive to big box food stores with only a few, expensive brand options that are less nutrient rich than their natural counterparts.

Large conglomerate corporations has bought out the small farms that had remained. However, all farms have switched to organic farming methods. Environmental degradation has been greatly reduced, but most food is shipped across the country and across the globe before being consumed.

Communities are benefiting from less pollution and less contaminated produce resulting in a healthier lifestyle. However, small farmers have been put out of business because they cannot compete with the efficiencies of the large corporations. Government has been pushing for tax cuts and incentives that benefit the large companies and small farms are eventually bought out.

The environment is benefiting from the organic farming methods and the reduction of harmful pesticides and fertilizers used to grow crops. However, a large amount of fossil fuels are still being used by the huge machines and processing plants of the large corporations and to transport the goods around the country.

Economically, corporations are making billions exploiting the organic foods industry and are making organic foods more accessible to the general public because of economies of scale. Small farming towns have suffered though and become run down as small farms are shut down or bought out.

Appendix C: Backcasting: Examining Our Daily RoutineThe Path to Sustainability - Where we’re at and where we want to be

Sarah Dehlinger - Design For Community - Backcasting - Fall 2011

Ideal SituationCurrent SituationEvery morning many of us wake up to the sound of an alarm going off, drag ourselves out of bed and begin getting ready for work. We take a shower and soap ourselves up with heavily scented soap and shampoos while gallons of water run down the drain. We use our many cosmetics and lotions, primarily in all plastic containers and ready ourselves to step into public. We sift through our over-loaded closet wondering what to wear and hastily grab the first thing we see that matches. We might eat breakfast, probably cereal or an individually wrapped item we can eat on the go, or may just grab something on the road.

We get in our cars and drive to work. We sit in traffic in our gas guzzling cars and distract ourselves with talking on the phone, texting, eating and whatever else we can do to make up for the time wasted during our commute.

When we finally get to work, many of us spend our day in front of a computer, sitting in a chair that will give us back problems, typing on keyboards that might give us carpal tunnel, or maybe even doing more driving to attend meetings. For lunch, perhaps there is a cafeteria with a limited selection of meals, perhaps fast food will be the best option, or maybe we brought something from home. At the end of the work day we gear up for the commute home, which is likely just as bad or worse than the commute to work.

After work, then comes the time to make dinner, run errands or do some shopping, get chores done around the house, or maybe even continue working. There might be time to exercise after likely sitting all day, unless you have a job where you’ve been on your feet and now all you want to do is sit. Either way, a pre-packaged dinner from the freezer or a box with a few simple instructions will likely be the meal of choice for dinner. We’ll probably heat it up in the microwave in a plastic container or cook it on the stove with a teflon pan. We’ll turn on the TV, hop on our computer, turn on a game console or whatever suites us best to help us unwind.

Or maybe there were errands to run and we stop at Wal-Mart or our large retail grocer to pick up a few things. Maybe we do a load of laundry to wash a few items or feel the need to clean so we spray down our kitchen and bathrooms with bleach and other harmful chemicals. Our couches and carpets are also off-gassing releasing more chemicals into our home and as we lay down to bed, we breath them all in as we fall asleep.

In contrast to how we currently live our day to day lives, in a sustainable world, things would be much different. In an ideal situation, we could wake up in the

morning at whatever time suites us best to be fully rested and most productive. We would take showers using minimal water heated from sustainable energy

sources and the soaps and cosmetics we use are made of natural products instead of synthetic chemicals created by chemical companies. The packaging would all

be biodegradable or could be up-cycled, and the products don’t leave harmful chemicals in our water.

We have also transitioned into a time where most people can work from home the majority of the week if not 100%, and those that do have to go in to work can take light-rail transportation that is convenient and fast. People that still need to drive

have small electric cars and a quick commute due to the reduced amount of traffic.

We are also able to downsize our wardrobes since much less work wear is needed. Breakfast would be a healthy option at home, likely a whole grain cereal with fruit

or preserves that have been grown locally. People have work stations set up at home that increase productivity and also allow for flexibility so that people can still

have time to exercise and live a healthy lifestyle, combining work with our daily task more casually throughout the day with out the pressure of being at work a

specific number of hours and “punching the time clock” so to speak for an 8-5 day.

Because of this flexibility, people drive less, spend more time outside, and are generally healthier from less stress and inactivity caused by the “old fashion”

work day. Much more time is also spent now cooking fresh, homemade meals that are not polluted from plastic in the microwave and are cooked in pans that don’t

release chemicals into our food. Everyone now also shops at farmer’s markets and co-ops where almost all their food comes from locally grown sources.

In the evenings people are engaged in community activities since much of their time during the day is already spent at home. People are able to get to know one another, build a stronger community, and solve local issues with everyone chipping

in to help. Our homes are also no longer riddled with harmful chemicals, but use safe products that are also not harmful to the environment. Our furniture

is reusable and adaptable to be covered with eco-fabrics that do not pollute our indoor air and we fall asleep more easily knowing the air we’re breathing is cleaner

in our homes and outside from our reduced impact on the globe.

Appendix C: Backcasting: Examining Our Daily RoutineThe Path to Sustainability - How to get from here to there

Sarah Dehlinger - Design For Community - Backcasting - Fall 2011

1 Year 5 Years 10 YearsTransportation: Government regulations begin to tighten on automobile manufacturer’s requiring higher MPG requirements and funding is provided to develop the most fuel efficient technologies. Cities also begin to focus on creating a better infrastructure for public transportation.

Housing: Homes are retrofitted with energy efficient appliances, low flow fixtures and better heating and cooling systems through tax incentive programs.

Work: More companies begin to offer employees one work-from-home day a week, realizing that it will save them money in operating costs and give their employees more flexibility. Online conferences and video chatting makes communicating easy when employees are not in the office.

Goods and Services: TV ads and online marketing is used as a tool to educate people in the risks of the many chemicals we interact with in our everyday lives. People begin to look for more eco-friendly options in the products they buy and start trying to reduce their consumption of raw materials through the goods they buy. Many people are also switching to organic foods to support small farmers and reduce their impact on the environment through less chemical use and transportation.

Transportation: All automobiles are now electric and run on batteries that are made from sustainable materials or have clean engines with steam as the only output. City buses have been converted to electric hybrids and many train systems are being put into place. Smaller vehicles have also become the norm as people have realized large SUV’s aren’t necessary for city driving.

Housing: Homes are now running on green power from utility companies and many people have installed their own energy sources such as wind and solar, producing more power than they are consuming. Community gardens have also become popular so people can grow their own food.

Work: The most progressive companies now allow their employees to work from home as often as they like, with only a small central office that is a shared space for any required face-to-face meetings and as an additional resource for employees.

Goods and Services: The government has cracked down on large corporations that are producing harmful products cheaply and at the cost of the environment, causing many of them to close or adapt to meet new regulations. Environmental degradation and social inequality caused by companies is made public so consumers can make informed decisions about their purchases.

Transportation: Only small, electric cars are sold and trucks and other large vehicles require a special permit to be purchases (ie. for business use) and can otherwise be rented by the public for use. Light-rail systems and biking are the most common forms of transportation and massive highways are not as needed allowing for more permeable surfaces in cities for water absorption.

Housing: Large homes are frowned upon and many people are living in small houses in communities that share gardens and swap homemade food items. Since there is much more shared land, people are able to live closer to city and town centers to have closer access to work, shops, and restaurants.

Work: People are consuming less, but more jobs have been created for innovating more ways to live sustainably. Most people are able to work from anywhere.

Goods and Services: Products are now being designed to limit waste, so technology can be updated instead of replaced, broken items can be repaired, and worn-out items can have a few components replaced while most remain intact. Most companies now have take-back programs for unusable items that can be broken down into technical or biological components that are cycled back into the system, practically eliminating the need to mine new raw materials.