Renewable and Non Renewable Energy Sources Explained

Renewable and Non Renewable Energy Sources ExplainedRenewable and non renewable energy sources explained will help you to understand the differences between the two and determine which is better. For this explanation, we are referring to electrical energy or energy to run our vehicles, boats, and other forms of transportation. The two combined are the driving factors behind both our economy and our society as a whole, for without either we would almost be back in the dark ages so to speak.That day will come when we will be without coal and oil, however there are alternative sources of energy available to us which we are finally beginning to utilize more of. Fossil fuels are not good for the environment so to help protect our planet, it is wise for us to move forward with alternative energy for our future energy needs.

Renewable and Non Renewable Energy SourcesNonrenewable Energy Sources

Nonrenewable energy sources are natural energy sources that are finite, or in limited supply. While these sources of energy may at first seem abundant, the supplies will dwindle as we consume them, eventually exhausting them altogether. This is what we call unsustainable, as we cannot sustain our reliance on them indefinitely because sooner or later they will run out. In addition to these resources being finite, not only is the burning harmful to the planet but also the extraction of these sources of energy have dire consequences on the environment. Crude Oil

o Crude oil is a naturally occurring highly toxic combustible liquid primarily made up of hydrocarbons. Oil is the result of the partial decaying of living organisms occurring in the rock strata of certain geological formations.

Coalo Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock formed from fossilized plants. Coal consists of

amorphous carbon with various organic and some inorganic compounds and is normally occurring in rock strata in layers or veins called coal beds. Coal is another highly toxic element that is bad for the environment, and currently is the largest source of energy for power plants, referred to as coal fired power plants.

Natural Gaso Natural gas is another combustible mixture of hydrocarbon gases that occurs with petroleum deposits consisting

primarily of the gas methane. It is found with other fossil fuels and in coal beds. It is created by the decay of methanogenic organisms in marshes, bogs, and landfills. Lower temperatures are likely to produce more petroleum, and higher temperatures are likely to produce more natural gas. Of all the fossil fuels, natural gas is the least harmful, but it is still harmful and is becoming harder and harder to get to as easily obtained sources are being depleted, as with all the other fossil fuels.

Nuclear Powero Nuclear power is produced by the controlled splitting of atoms, which is called nuclear fission. In most cases nuclear

power plants use nuclear fission chain reactions to heat water, using the resulting steam to produce electricity. Uranium, specifically, uranium -235, is one of the few elements easily fission-ed. Some would think of this as renewable, but it is not, and it is also dangerous, as the radioactive materials used and the resulting radioactive waste are extremely hazardous to both humans and the environment.

 

Renewable and Non Renewable Energy Sources

Renewable Energy Sources

The name here speaks for itself, as this energy is derived from resources that are not finite, and can either be grown, or replaced easily, or are a naturally occurring phenomenon like the wind and sun. When it comes to renewable and non renewable energy sources, renewable is the best option in our opinion. It is sustainable, and eco-friendly for the most part, and will not pollute our planet. With oil becoming more scarce, it will only lead to rising prices, and demand continues to remain high, and with developing nations booming, is even still growing, which sooner or later will become a major issue. This is why we support the sustainable energy when it comes to renewable and non renewable energy sources. Geothermal

o Geothermal energy is power extracted from heat stored under the earth’s crust. This power source is generally cost effective, usually reliable, mostly sustainable, and generally environmentally friendly. Historically, geothermal energy extraction has been limited to areas near tectonic plate boundaries. Recent advances in technology have significantly widened the range of viable resources, especially for applications such as home heating.

Windo Wind power is growing at a rate of

30% a year and is harmless to the environment. There are three minor problems with wind energy however, wind is not available in sufficient quantities in all locations all of the time, the current turbine technology tends to be loud, and birds can sometimes fly into the propellers and get killed. Advancements in technologies are helping to solve or minimize these issues.

Solaro Solar energy has been used by humans since the beginning of mankind I would imagine. There are three types of

solar energy: passive solar energy, active solar energy, and solar energy created by converting solar radiation into electricity using photovoltaic cells. Solar energy using photovoltaic or solar cells is currently the fastest growing power generating technology in the world. Technology in this area is also advancing rapidly with exciting changes resulting in much greater efficiency and flexibility.

Hydroelectric Damso Hydroelectric dams use hydro-power to produce electricity. Hydro-power is created from the force of moving water

turning large turbines to create electricity. Modern age large scale hydroelectric dams however impact the environment through loss of natural habitat, changes to the downstream riverbed, the disruption of fish spawning, and even the loss of fish and other species, not to mention forcing people to abandon their farms and homes, and even abandoning entire cities and villages in certain instances, such as the Three Gorges Dam in China, which forced the relocation of roughly 1.3 million people.

Tidal Hydro-powero This is a form of hydro-power where the rising tide fills a damned reservoir, then as the tide lowers, the water is

released through a turbine that produces electricity, similar to that of a hydroelectric dam. There are no known significant environmental threats known at this time with this renewable energy.

Wave Hydro-powero Wave power involves extracting energy from the surface motion of waves or from the pressure fluctuations below the

surface caused by waves. This technology is promising as well, and is similar to that of wind energy, in that large turbines are used similar to wind turbines, however they must be built stronger to sustain the pressures of being underwater, not to mention shielding the electrical apparatus within them from the water.

Radiant Energyo This energy is used for heating. An obvious example is using solar to heat the water for a hot water heater or a

swimming pool, or even a solar oven if you are familiar with them. Enertia homes use radiant heat from the earth to heat themselves.

BioMasso Biomass is biological material from recently living or currently living organisms such as trees and landfill gasses and

alcohol fuels creating from crops such as corn. Burning grease or ethanol derived from corn to run a vehicle are two common examples of biomass energy production. Here are the Biomass advantages and disadvantages to see more on this type of energy.

 Sustainable Forests in Hawaii Sustainable Superiority and Lumber Prices Provide Wood's Competitive Advantages in Hawaii

In recent years, sustainable building and green design have added a significant amount of worth to Hawaii's homes. Sustainable, energy efficient homes are increasing in value due to their lower operating costs and superior comfort levels. No other building material achieves these green standards more so than wood. Furthermore, a recent study found that wood, compared to steel, has once again proven to be the most environmentally sustainable building material.

In 2010, the Consortium for Research on Renewable Industrial Materials (CORRIM) conducted a cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment (LCA) to identify and compare the environmental impacts related to borated treated lumber framing and galvanized steel framing. An LCA assesses the overall environmental impact of products from the manufacturing process to recycling or disposal. This study focuses on each material's greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), fossil fuel use, water use, acidification, ecological toxicity, smog forming potential and eutrophication. Based on a 2225 square feet U.S. family home, the study shows that the environmental impact of borate-treated lumber used for wall framing is less than one-tenth of a percent of the family's annual overall impact on each level.

The study also states that the cradle-to-grave life cycle impacts of borate-treated lumber framing were approximately 4 times less for fossil fuel, 1.8 times less for GHGs, 83 times less for water use, 3.5 times less for acidification, 2.5 times less for ecological impact, 2.8 times less for smog formation and 3.3 times less for eutrophication than those for galvanized steel framing.

Each area of this LCA study has concluded that wood is the superior environmentally sustainable building material. From overall environmental impact to water use, wood is completely superior to steel. "The green movement is gaining more and more momentum each year and will continue to influence how we build our homes," said Connie Smales, President of Plywood Hawaii, Inc. "Homeowners who choose to build green using borate treated lumber are fundamentally creating a home that preserves the future of our environment." In addition, because of wood's environmentally home building aspects, Hawaii's homeowners can also benefit from reduced energy bills. Unlike other building materials, wood has a cellular structure that contains air pockets, limiting its ability to conduct heat and reducing heat transfers from the sun. This minimizes the energy needed for cooling a warm home, resulting in hundreds of dollars in reduced energy costs every year over the entire life of the home. Also in terms of price, leading indicators show that wood holds a competitive cost advantage in Hawaii due to an ever increasing worldwide demand of other building materials. A survey conducted in March of this year compared the price of Douglas Fir (DF) preservative pressure-treated wood and 20 gauge steel studs from Oahu's top three home supply stores, which includes City Mill, Home Depot and Lowes. "The survey evaluated four different dimensions of treated lumber and steel studs up to the price of $25," said Dave Rinell, President of Rinell Wood Systems, Inc. "The results illustrate that lumber has an 82 – 107% competitive price advantage over steel studs."

To encourage the use of treated wood in Hawaii, the Hawaii Lumber Products Association (HLPA) is committed to promoting wood as a sustainable and economical building material. As Hawaii's only

devoted lumber association, the HLPA is dedicated to providing homeowners and building industry professionals with information on wood's environmental benefits and money-saving opportunities.

Wood's true value lies rooted in the fact that it is the most environmentally sustainable building material. From this, homeowners can benefit from reduced costs during the building process and all through the entire life of the home. Wood, therefore, proves that it is the best value building material as it is beneficial for Hawaii's residents as well as the environment.

The Hawaii Lumber Products Association is comprised of professionals representing the development and construction industry as well as building material producers and service companies. They are committed to the education and promotion of lumber products as the best choice for home construction in Hawaii. To find out more about using wood to build commercial buildings, please visit www.hawaiilumber.com.

Sustainable Urban Water and Resource ManagementAuthor: Glen T. DaiggerThe challenge of effective water management can also be an opportunity for enhancing the urban environment.

The National Academy of Engineering included urban water supply in the top five engineering achievements of the 20th century (Constable and Somerville, 2003), and in a survey by the British Medical Journal (2007), sanitation was the single most important contributor to improving public health in the past 150 years. Clearly, efficient water management is crucial to public health, a viable economy, and a livable urban environment.

Effective, efficient management of water resources is essential to a sustainable urban area. Water must be supplied for domestic, commercial, and industrial use, as well as irrigation and maintaining and enhancing local environments (e.g., urban streams). In addition, storm water must be managed to prevent flooding and environmental damage, and used water, which contains heat, organic matter, nutrients, and other constituents that can be extracted and reused, must be collected and managed.Historically, with the exception of certain locations, such as the desert Southwest of the United States, water has been available in sufficient quantities, and providing supporting infrastructure has been relatively straightforward (Novotny and Brown, 2007; Solomon, 2010). Governments plan, implement, operate, and manage the physical assets (infrastructure) and institutions (urban water management utilities) to ensure adequate water management services, often the single most costly infrastructure investment by a municipal government. As populations increase, however, water is becoming increasingly scarce, leading to competition among users, one of which is urban areas (Daigger, 2007).Enlightened professionals are also becoming increasingly aware that water is not only an essential public service, but can also be a vehicle for enhancing the urban environment (Novotny and Brown, 2007). For example, managing storm water by taking advantage of natural systems not only relieves the burden on infrastructure, but also enhances natural areas, reduces heat-island effects, and contributes to a pleasing, livable urban environment. In short, the challenges of providing urban water management services, which some consider a problem, can also be considered an opportunity for enhancing the urban environment. For example, the International Water Association Cities of the Future Program (IWA, 2011) promotes the idea of water-centric urban design (Hao et al., 2010; Novotny and Brown, 2007).

In this article, I describe a new approach to supplying and managing water and resource infrastructure to achieve urban sustainability. Examples of system components are also identified, as are challenges to implementing higher performing systems.

Sustainable Urban Water and Resource Management

Urban water and resource management involves the following steps: collecting water in sufficient quantities to meet needs throughout the urban area; treating collected water to achieve the quality required for specific purposes; distributing water to end users; collecting used water; treating used water for reuse, including for environmental enhancement; managing residuals from treatment processes; and extracting useful materials, such as heat, energy, organic matter, and nutrients, from the used water stream.

This approach differs from the historical approach in several respects (Daigger, 2009). First, water-supply options today include not only imported surface and groundwater, but also locally collected rainwater (“rainwater harvesting”) and used water for reclamation and reuse. Second, all used water is reused, either to meet water-supply needs or to enhance and restore the environment.

Finally, the waste stream (used water) is no longer viewed as a necessary “evil” that must be managed to minimize harm. Instead, it is considered a resource from which useful products can be extracted. Heat can be extracted directly. Organic matter can be removed and used for energy production and the production of soil-conditioning products. Nutrients can also be extracted and re-used. TABLE 1  Comparison of Historical and Evolving Approaches to Urban Water and Resource Management  ApproachItem Historical EvolvingWater supply Remote sources Local sourcesOptimized costs Infrastructure Water use, energy

consumption

FunctionsSingle purpose systems for drinking water, storm water, and used water

Multipurpose systems to integrate functions

Configuration Centralized systems

Hybrid systems(centralized and decentralized components)

Infrastructure for implementing this newly defined system requires a significantly different approach to urban water and resource management (Table 1). For several reasons, water supply has historically depended on the importation of sufficient quantities of relatively pristine water from remote sources. First, because of the lack of pollution-control systems and technologies, local water supplies inevitably became polluted, making it impossible to produce safe drinking water in sufficient quantities. Thus, remote sources of water had to be imported.

This situation has changed, however, most importantly because of the development of effective treatment technologies that can produce clean water from a wide variety of sources (Daigger, 2003, 2008). In addition, the availability of remote, pristine source waters has diminished greatly in comparison to the human population. These trends have combined to make the use of local water supplies necessary.

Second, the historic system evolved when water was abundant and energy was inexpensive. Thus, the least expensive systems were those that optimized infrastructure costs. Moreover, because water was inexpensive, economies of scale led to the selection of systems focused on meeting demand rather than managing consumption, which often also increased water use. Today, with limited water supplies and

expensive energy, evolving systems focus much more on increasing water efficiency and minimizing energy use. Water demand is also managed to ensure a sufficient supply.

Third, water managements systems have evolved from single-purpose to multipurpose systems. Urban water and resource management systems were historically implemented sequentially as specific needs were identified and funding was obtained. As a result, systems for handling drinking water, storm water, and used water were often separate (except for sewers, which collected and conveyed both storm water and used water). These separate systems also provided services independently. Today, we know that many benefits are provided by integrating these functions into a single system (Daigger, 2008, 2009; Hao et al., 2010; Novotny and Brown, 2007).

Finally, systems have evolved from a centralized to a hybrid configuration that includes both centralized and decentralized components (Daigger, 2009). Because water was historically imported from outside the urban area, the most cost-effective infrastructure was a single or small number of systems, referred to as centralized systems, that treated and distributed water throughout the urban area. Similarly, because storm water had to be collected and removed from the urban area (because it was polluted), the most cost-effective approach was a single or small number of collection and conveyance systems. The same held true for the used water system.The following sections address two key components of the evolving urban water and resource management infrastructure paradigm: (1) hybrid systems; and (2) water-supply and used-water source separation.

Challenges and OpportunitiesEven though much remains to be learned about the potential of highly integrated urban water and resource management systems, we already know they have significant advantages. The direction of change is clear—from centralized, single-purpose components to hybrid, integrated systems.The transition from past, centralized systems to hybrid, integrated systems presents many challenges (Table 2). In the past, the various components of urban water and resource management systems were managed separately, often by different utilities or different departments in a utility. Integrated systems will require a new management structure, hence institutional reform. TABLE 2   Implementing Integrated Urban Water and Resource Management Systems  ApproachItem Historical EvolvingInstitutions Single Purpose IntegratedManagement    Conveyance Distributed DistributedTreatment Centralized DistributedFinancing Volume-based Service-based

Planning Independent, followed city planning

Integrated with city planning

Professional education and practice have also historically been organized according to system components (e.g., drinking water, storm water, and used water). To accelerate the transition to integrated, higher performing systems, education, professional practice, and utilities’ institutional structures must also become more integrated.Management of a hybrid, integrated system is necessarily more complex than management of a traditional system. Distributed water treatment and integrated potable and non-potable water supplies, storm water, and used water significantly increase the complexity of management and will require the development of new managerial systems.

In the future, the responsibility for system management may also be in private rather than public hands, which has raised concerns that public health and environmental protection might be compromised. Fortunately, we already have technology to manage increasingly distributed systems, and this technology will no doubt improve with “learning by doing.”Urban water and resource management utilities have traditionally been financed on the basis of “volume”—the volume of water sold and the volume of used water collected and treated. As happened with electrical utilities, when the volume sold decreases, financial resources for the utility also decrease, which may compromise the availability of financing for new systems. Thus we will need a funding approach based on service rather than volume.The most difficult challenge, however, may be associated with planning and implementing urban infrastructure as a whole. Historically, the planning and expansion of urban areas occurred with minimal consideration of water and resource management, often with the assumption that traditional, centralized systems would be used.However, evidence is accumulating that water can be a central feature of sustainable urban areas, and the concept of water-centric urban areas is becoming more common (Hao et al., 2010; Novotny and Brown, 2007). Achieving this vision will require that water professionals become strategic partners with urban planners. The International Water Association Cities of the Future Program promotes such partnerships (IWA, 2011).What is sustainable agriculture?Agriculture has changed dramatically, especially since the end of World War II. Food and fiber productivity soared due to new technologies, mechanization, increased chemical use, specialization and government policies that favored maximizing production. These changes allowed fewer farmers with reduced labor demands to produce the majority of the food and fiber in the U.S.Although these changes have had many positive effects and reduced many risks in farming, there have also been significant costs.Prominent among these are topsoil depletion, groundwater contamination, the decline of family farms, continued neglect of the living and working conditions for farm laborers, increasing costs of production, and the disintegration of economic and social conditions in rural communities.A growing movement has emerged during the past two decades to question the role of the agricultural establishment in promoting practices that contribute to these social problems. Today this movement for sustainable agriculture is garnering increasing support and acceptance within mainstream agriculture. Not only does sustainable agriculture address many environmental and social concerns, but it offers innovative and economically viable opportunities for growers, laborers, consumers, policymakers and many others in the entire food system.This paper is an effort to identify the ideas, practices and policies that constitute our concept of sustainable agriculture. We do so for two reasons: 1) to clarify the research agenda and priorities of our program, and 2) to suggest to others practical steps that may be appropriate for them in moving toward sustainable agriculture.Because the concept of sustainable agriculture is still evolving, we intend the paper not as a definitive or final statement, but as an invitation to continue the dialogue.Sustainable agriculture integrates three main goals--environmental health, economic profitability, and social and economic equity. A variety of philosophies, policies and practices have contributed to these goals. People in many different capacities, from farmers to consumers, have shared this vision and contributed to it. Despite the diversity of people and perspectives, the following themes commonly weave through definitions of sustainable agriculture.Sustainability rests on the principle that we must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Therefore, stewardship of both natural and human resources is of prime importance. Stewardship of human resources includes consideration of social responsibilities such as working and living conditions of laborers, the needs of rural communities, and consumer health and safety both in the present and the future. Stewardship of land and natural resources involves maintaining or enhancing this vital resource base for the long term.A systems perspective is essential to understanding sustainability. The system is envisioned in its broadest sense, from the individual farm, to the local ecosystem, and to communities affected by this farming system both locally and globally. An emphasis on the system allows a larger and more thorough

view of the consequences of farming practices on both human communities and the environment. A systems approach gives us the tools to explore the interconnections between farming and other aspects of our environment.A systems approach also implies interdisciplinary efforts in research and education. This requires not only the input of researchers from various disciplines, but also farmers, farmworkers, consumers, policymakers and others.Making the transition to sustainable agriculture is a process. For farmers, the transition to sustainable agriculture normally requires a series of small, realistic steps. Family economics and personal goals influence how fast or how far participants can go in the transition. It is important to realize that each small decision can make a difference and contribute to advancing the entire system further on the "sustainable agriculture continuum." The key to moving forward is the will to take the next step.

Finally, it is important to point out that reaching toward the goal of sustainable agriculture is the responsibility of all participants in the system, including farmers, laborers, policymakers, researchers, retailers, and consumers. Each group has its own part to play, its own unique contribution to make to strengthen the sustainable agriculture community.

The remainder of this document considers specific strategies for realizing these broad themes or goals. The strategies are grouped according to three separate though related areas of concern: Farming and Natural Resources, Plant and Animal Production Practices, and the Economic, Social and Political Context. They represent a range of potential ideas for individuals committed to interpreting the vision of sustainable agriculture within their own circumstances.

Soil management. A common philosophy among sustainable agriculture practitioners is that a "healthy" soil is a key component of sustainability; that is, a healthy soil will produce healthy crop plants that have optimum vigor and are less susceptible to pests. While many crops have key pests that attack even the healthiest of plants, proper soil, water and nutrient management can help prevent some pest problems brought on by crop stress or nutrient imbalance. Furthermore, crop management systems that impair soil quality often result in greater inputs of water, nutrients, pesticides, and/or energy for tillage to maintain yields.In sustainable systems, the soil is viewed as a fragile and living medium that must be protected and nurtured to ensure its long-term productivity and stability. Methods to protect and enhance the productivity of the soil include using cover crops, compost and/or manures, reducing tillage, avoiding traffic on wet soils, and maintaining soil cover with plants and/or mulches. Conditions in most California soils (warm, irrigated, and tilled) do not favor the buildup of organic matter. Regular additions of organic matter or the use of cover crops can increase soil aggregate stability, soil tilth, and diversity of soil microbial life.

Efficient use of inputs. Many inputs and practices used by conventional farmers are also used in sustainable agriculture. Sustainable farmers, however, maximize reliance on natural, renewable, and on-farm inputs. Equally important are the environmental, social, and economic impacts of a particular strategy. Converting to sustainable practices does not mean simple input substitution. Frequently, it substitutes enhanced management and scientific knowledge for conventional inputs, especially chemical inputs that harm the environment on farms and in rural communities. The goal is to develop efficient, biological systems which do not need high levels of material inputs.Growers frequently ask if synthetic chemicals are appropriate in a sustainable farming system. Sustainable approaches are those that are the least toxic and least energy intensive, and yet maintain productivity and profitability. Preventive strategies and other alternatives should be employed before using chemical inputs from any source. However, there may be situations where the use of synthetic chemicals would be more "sustainable" than a strictly nonchemical approach or an approach using toxic "organic" chemicals. For example, one grape grower switched from tillage to a few applications of a broad spectrum contact herbicide in the vine row. This approach may use less energy and may compact the soil less than numerous passes with a cultivator or mower.

Consideration of farmer goals and lifestyle choices. Management decisions should reflect not only environmental and broad social considerations, but also individual goals and lifestyle choices. For example, adoption of some technologies or practices that promise profitability may also require such intensive management that one's lifestyle actually deteriorates. Management decisions that promote sustainability, nourish the environment, the community and the individual.

The Economic, Social & Political ContextIn addition to strategies for preserving natural resources and changing production practices, sustainable agriculture requires a commitment to changing public policies, economic institutions, and social values. Strategies for change must take into account the complex, reciprocal and ever-changing relationship between agricultural production and the broader society.The "food system" extends far beyond the farm and involves the interaction of individuals and institutions with contrasting and often competing goals including farmers, researchers, input suppliers, farmworkers, unions, farm advisors, processors, retailers, consumers, and policymakers. Relationships among these actors shift over time as new technologies spawn economic, social and political changes.A wide diversity of strategies and approaches are necessary to create a more sustainable food system. These will range from specific and concentrated efforts to alter specific policies or practices, to the longer-term tasks of reforming key institutions, rethinking economic priorities, and challenging widely-held social values. Areas of concern where change is most needed include the following:

Food and agricultural policy. Existing federal, state and local government policies often impede the goals of sustainable agriculture. New policies are needed to simultaneously promote environmental health, economic profitability, and social and economic equity. For example, commodity and price support programs could be restructured to allow farmers to realize the full benefits of the productivity gains made possible through alternative practices. Tax and credit policies could be modified to encourage a diverse and decentralized system of family farms rather than corporate concentration and absentee ownership. Government and land grant university research policies could be modified to emphasize the development of sustainable alternatives. Marketing orders and cosmetic standards could be amended to encourage reduced pesticide use. Coalitions must be created to address these policy concerns at the local, regional, and national level.

Land use. Conversion of agricultural land to urban uses is a particular concern in California, as rapid growth and escalating land values threaten farming on prime soils. Existing farmland conversion patterns often discourage farmers from adopting sustainable practices and a long-term perspective on the value of land. At the same time, the close proximity of newly developed residential areas to farms is increasing the public demand for environmentally safe farming practices. Comprehensive new policies to protect prime soils and regulate development are needed, particularly in California's Central Valley. By helping farmers to adopt practices that reduce chemical use and conserve scarce resources, sustainable agriculture research and education can play a key role in building public support for agricultural land preservation. Educating land use planners and decision-makers about sustainable agriculture is an important priority.

Labor. In California, the conditions of agricultural labor are generally far below accepted social standards and legal protections in other forms of employment. Policies and programs are needed to address this problem, working toward socially just and safe employment that provides adequate wages, working conditions, health benefits, and chances for economic stability. The needs of migrant labor for year-around employment and adequate housing are a particularly crucial problem needing immediate attention. To be more sustainable over the long-term, labor must be acknowledged and supported by government policies, recognized as important constituents of land grant universities, and carefully considered when assessing the impacts of new technologies and practices.

Rural Community Development. Rural communities in California are currently characterized by economic and environmental deterioration. Many are among the poorest locations in the nation. The reasons for the decline are complex, but changes in farm structure have played a significant role. Sustainable agriculture presents an opportunity to rethink the importance of family farms and rural communities. Economic development policies are needed that encourage more diversified agricultural production on family farms as a foundation for healthy economies in rural communities. In combination with other strategies, sustainable agriculture practices and policies can help foster community institutions that meet employment, educational, health, cultural and spiritual needs.

Consumers and the Food System. Consumers can play a critical role in creating a sustainable food system. Through their purchases, they send strong messages to producers, retailers and others in the system about what they think is important. Food cost and nutritional quality have always influenced consumer choices. The challenge now is to find strategies that broaden consumer perspectives, so that environmental quality, resource use, and social equity issues are also considered in shopping decisions. At the same time, new policies and institutions must be created to enable producers using sustainable practices to market their goods to a wider public. Coalitions organized around improving the food system are one specific method of creating a dialogue among consumers, retailers, producers and others. These coalitions or other public forums can be important vehicles for clarifying issues, suggesting new policies, increasing mutual trust, and encouraging a long-term view of food production, distribution and consumption.