Page 9 - Economy_Sustainable Global Economy

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Local non-GE vs Mass GE

Several studies show that organic, micro farming is a low pesticide- high crop yield process, which deems
more effective in quantity of per seed, than the genetically engineered(GE), mass manufactured produce.
There are other studies that contradict these studies, in support of pro-pesticide agriculture. However, it is
highly encouraged in a sustainable perception to use the minimal herbicide and pesticide direction,
considering major crops in the United States, such as corn and soy, are becoming herbicide resistant at
a 85 % to 93 % level.

Pesticides are potentially toxic and can have acute and chronic health effects. The toxicity ranges from the
type of pesticide being used. They can range from affecting the nervous system, hormones, skin, and can
even be carcinogenic. Ideally, they are supposed to be absorbed by the vegetation; however, due to
irrigation, waterfall, and herbicide resistance increasing, pesticides leak into groundwater and surface
water.

Local Organizations: Fleet Farming

Fleet Farming is an non-profit program in Orlando, Florida that install farmlettes, Edible Landscapes, and
Fleet Education throughout the Orlando area. It is affiliated with IDEAS For Us and accredited by the United
Nations. Multiple studies report an average American meal travels 1500 miles to reach the dinner table.
There are 40 millions acres of lawn space maintained by 800 million gallons of gasoline from lawn mowers
and they use 30 to 60% of the average cities’ freshwater.

Fleet Farming was created to combine lawn space with agricultural production, reduce carbon emissions,
and improve the convenience of healthy, economic food consumption. Fleet Farmlettes is a program that
creates model urban farms for communities to learn about sustainable food growth and local farmers
markets. It supports local vendors, SNAP Certified Farmer’s Markets, and the Farmlette Hosts. Edible
Landscapes is a service that installs and maintains low-maintenance growing systems such as raised garden
bed and food forests.

Case 2. Waste: recycling for money

What/ Why:

Recycling is one of the most cost effective and diversive ways to attain products or save money. It is the
practice of reusing waste or older items that would normally be discarded. Different kinds of recycling
include upcycling, downcycling, E-cycling, or precycling. When recycling, the seller uses a platform such
a website, mobile app, recycling center, clothing store, pawn shop, furniture store, or even a garage sale to
to sell an old item at a price cheaper than its original value.

This way, the buyer is able to purchase the desired product at an affordable cost. Some people choose to
donate their used items instead of asking for money in return. Virtually anything can be reused. Compost
from food and feces could be used for gardens, Clothing, shoes, cars, cell phones, blankets, toys, teeth,
nails…