How green can you be? Green: Drive the speed limit Greener: Drive a fuel-efficient car Greenest: Bike or walk The perfect guide to help readers decide how to best spend their time and money to protect the environment, Green, Greener, Greenest offers flexible tips for everyday living, all categorized as green, greener, and greenest. More
"Planet Animal"showcases some of the world's best-loved animals that are now at risk due to hunting, habitat destruction, and more recently, climate change. Featuring a host of animals, from polar bears, to elephants and albatrosses, this book uses a new, dynamic format and sumptuous photographs, to explore each animal in the context of its habitat. Quick reference fact boxes explain clearly the reasons why the animals are threatened, how many are left, and what is being done to help them. More
From internationally renowned yoga teacher Gurmukh comes a book on pregnancy unlike any other. Bountiful, Beautiful, Blissful is a treasury of wisdom, information, and inspiration for pregnancy and motherhood based on the spiritual and physical practices of Kundalini yoga, which Gurmukh has taught for the last thirty years.
The Sylvia Browne Book Collection
Boxed Set Includes Sylvia Browne's Book of Angels, If You Could See What I See, and Secrets and Mysteries of the World By Sylvia Browne
Sylvia Browne's Book of Angels Sylvia talks about her personal experiences with angels, presents extensive research on the subject, and offers heartwarming stories by numerous contributors. Today, as the nightly news reports one disaster after another, books, TV shows, and movies are filled with tales of angels. Is it mere coincidence, or are angels making their presence more actively known? In these chaotic times, this work makes sense of it all--offering us reassuring messages from these beings of light who surround us each day
Bringing together new essays by philosophers and activists, "In Defense of Animals: The Second Wave" highlights the new challenges facing the animal rights movement. This book contains an exciting new collection edited by controversial philosopher Peter Singer, who made animal rights into an international concern when he first published "In Defence of Animals and Animal Liberation" over thirty years ago. . More
James Lovelock described his previous book, The Revenge of Gaia, as "a wake-up call for humanity". Stark though it was in many respects, in The Vanishing Face of Gaia, Lovelock says that though the weather currently seems cooler and pollution lessens as the recession bites, the environmental problems we will face in the 21st century are even more terrifying than he previously realised. The Arctic and Antarctic icecaps are melting very quickly, and water shortages and natural disasters are more common occurrences than at any time in recent
In "Organic Gardening", Charles Dowding, who started the first vegetable box scheme in 1983, shares the philosophy, tips and techniques which have enabled him to run a successful organic garden supplying local restaurants and shops for over 25 years. Forget the rules: 'received wisdom' about gardening is surprisingly inaccurate. Understand better what is going on in the soil and with your plants, in your own garden and climate, and work out your own methods instead. Respect and encourage life as much as you can, chiefly by spreading good compost or manure. There is no need to dig in compost and manure - just spread it on top and let worms take it in. More
In this informative and practical guide, two seasoned vegans offer tips and advice for thriving without animal by-products. Sometimes funny and irreverent yet always aware of its serious message, this resource for being vegan in a world that doesn't always understand or have sympathy for the lifestyle illustrates how to go vegan in three weeks or less by employing a "cold tofu method;" convince family, friends, and others that there is no such thing as a vegan cult; and survive restaurants, grocery stores, and meals with omnivores. Also offering answers to questions such as "Do you, like, live on apples and twigs?" this reference dispels myths and explains the arguments for ethical, abolitionist veganism, encouraging everyone to embrace their inner vegan. More
Buddhism And Deep Ecology (the latter can be considered thespiritual dimensions ofthe environmental movement) is approached on a holistic,consciousness, and value I basis. It presents basic ideas, knowledge, experiential exercises, examples, public participation aspects, and a Dhamma\ecology glossary on how Buddhism and Deep Ecology relate to each other and to protecting natural forests and the environment. The essential teaching of Buddha are related to Deep Ecology and visa versa, especially under Oneness, ecocentric, and spiritual orientations, for awareness, compassion, loving-kindness, and care for all living beings, including trees, for a wide spectrum of readers. More
Growing our own veggies organically. Farming techniques that do not use pesticides or chemicals. Composting. Here is a selection of excellent books to get novices off on the right path and to inform the experienced.
In "Organic Gardening", Charles Dowding, who started the first vegetable box scheme in 1983, shares the philosophy, tips and techniques which have enabled him to run a successful organic garden supplying local restaurants and shops for over 25 years. Forget the rules: 'received wisdom' about gardening is surprisingly inaccurate. Understand better what is going on in the soil and with your plants, in your own garden and climate, and work out your own methods instead. Respect and encourage life as much as you can, chiefly by spreading good compost or manure. There is no need to dig in compost and manure - just spread it on top and let worms take it in. More
By Eliot Coleman, Barbara Damrosch, Barbara Damrosch
Choosing locally grown organic food is a sustainable living trend that’s taken hold throughout North America. Celebrated farming expert Eliot Coleman helped start this movement with The New Organic Grower published 20 years ago. He continues to lead the way, pushing the limits of the harvest season while working his world-renowned organic farm in Harborside, Maine.Now, with his long-awaited new book, The Winter Harvest Handbook, anyone can have access to his hard-won experience. Gardeners and farmers can use the innovative, highly successful methods Coleman describes in this comprehensive handbook to raise crops throughout the coldest of winters.Building on the techniques that hundreds of thousands of farmers and gardeners adopted from The New Organic Grower and Four-Season Harvest, this new book focuses on growing produce. More
Permaculture is a verbal marriage of permanent and agriculture. Australian Bill Mollison pioneered its development. Key features include: use of compatible perennials; non-invasive planting techniques; emphasis on biodiversity; specifically adaptable to local climate, landscape, and soil conditions; highly productive output of edibles.Now, picture your backyard as one incredibly lush garden, filled with edible flowers, bursting with fruit and berries, and carpeted with scented herbs and tangy salad greens. The visual impact is of Monets palette, a wash of color, texture, and hue. But this is no still life. The flowers nurture endangered pollinators. Bright-featured songbirds feed on abundant berries and gather twigs for their nests.The plants themselves are grouped in natural communities, where each species plays a role in building soil, deterring pests, storing nutrients, and luring beneficial insects. And finally, you--good ol homo sapiens--are an integral part of the scene
This book guides you through all the stages, from why you should compost, what you can compost, building a simple heap and containers, to how to use your compost, supplementing your compost with green manures, and how to retain water. Beautifully illustrated, with step-by-step photographs and illustrations throughout, the pages are packed with practical advice and helpful information. This title features strong recycling theme and strong revival of interest in gardening without chemicals following media coverage of the harmful results of using pesticides, etc. Pauline Pears runs/oversees the organic gardening centre - HDRA. More
A fun and practical guide to compost from the bestselling author of The Little Book of Slugs and The Organic Garden. Whether you're crazy about compost or just keen to discover the uses of this organic plant food, The Little Book of Compost will show you exactly how easy compost is to make. It explains the basics of soil science and includes simple schemes for the space conscious, as well as advanced options for enthusiasts and those with large gardens. Packed with practical information and written as humorous and quirky compost "recipes".The book includes: /Composting basics: why we need to compost, who and what really makes compost, how to love your composting creatures, getting started /Easy composting schemes for the hard pressed and space conscious: includes compost-in-a-bag, indoor and backyard wormeries and community collection schemes /Feed-and-forget composting system: the perfect scheme for people with average gardens and a normal amount of garden and kitchen waste /Ideas larder: handy tips for when things aren't working in your compost bin -- includes websites and other resources; where to get help if you need it /More advanced composting options for compost nerds, keen gardeners and those with large spaces: how to process more waste and get quicker results. More
A renowned biodynamic expert, Klett provides a fascinating overview of the history of agriculture, then goes on to discuss the practicalities of spray and compost preparations and the philosophy behind them. This is essential reading for any biodynamic gardener or farmer who wants to understand the background to core biodynamic techniques. It is based on keynote talks given by Manfred Klett at Biodynamic Agricultural Association conferences. More
Everybody knows that to garden successfully you need compost--and environmentally-aware gardeners realize that it's the most earth-friendly way to work. But not everyone knows just how easy it is to make. That's about to change, thanks to this guide by the editor of the highly-regarded magazine "Gardens Illustrated," It demystifies the whole process, and demonstrates that compost doesn't have to come in bags from the store, smell like a farm yard, or even cost a penny. All it takes are some egg shells, grass cuttings, and old banana skins, plus a little help from mold, insects and nature, more
Compost-making doesn't need to be hard work, costs almost nothing, and the only secret ingredient you need is patience' - Ken Thompson. Making compost isn't just simple and satisfying, it will save you spending money on expensive soil conditioners and mulches. There's no need for fancy gadgets. Discover how to build a simple bin, find the best tools for the job, and learn what type of mix is perfect for the size of your garden. From what's hot to rot, to bins and wormeries, discover how to transform your refuse into fertiliser that'll keep your flowers and plants blooming. More
Composting: The Ultimate Organic Guide to Recycling Your Garden is a comprehensive, easy to use, practical guide to soil improvement. It also recognises that time spent close to the soil expands the gardener’s understanding of biodiversity and the need to make room for nature’s complex processes, even in our cities and backyards – an awareness we must develop to maintain our land and water resources sustainably. More
Biodynamic agriculture, a method of organic farming that has its basis in a spiritual world-view (anthroposophy, first propounded by Rudolf Steiner), treats farms as unified and individual organisms,emphasizing balancing the holistic development and interrelationship of the soil, plants, animals as a closed, self-nourishing system. Regarded by some proponents as the first modern ecological farming system, biodynamic farming includes organic agriculture's emphasis on manures and composts and exclusion of the use of artificial chemicals on soil and plants. Methods unique to the biodynamic approach include the use of fermented herbal and mineral preparations as compost additives and field sprays and the use of an astronomical sowing and planting calendar.
Created from indications by Rudolf Steiner around 1924, and based on a deep understanding of the life forces at work in nature, farming and gardening with biodynamic methods are spiritual, artistic, and sophisticated forms of organic horticulture that nurture and enhance the earth. It emphasizes the interdependence and unity of all the elements of an ecosystem or landscape -- including soil, plants, animals, and weather. Taking the soil as the foundation for the vitality and diversity of a farm or garden, biodynamic methods use special herbal "preparations" to increase the energetic quality of the soil, stimulating plant growth and health. Biodynamic methods go beyond organic practices to actually heal the earth herself. Typical of the biodynamic approach are companion planting, crop rotation, cover crops, green manures, liquid manures, compost, the integration of crops and livestock, and planting and harvesting in harmony with the lunar and planetary cycles. (read more)
By Maria Thun, Matthias K. Thun - Pre-order. This title will ship upon release.
This is the original biodynamic sowing and planting calendar, now in its 48th year. This useful guide shows the optimum days for sowing, pruning and harvesting various plants and crops, as well as working with bees. It is presented in colour with clear symbols and explanations. For the third year, the calendar includes a pullout wallchart which can be pinned up in a barn, shed or greenhouse as a handy quick reference. (read more) (read more)
Any gardener who already works with biodynamics will tell you the difference it has made to his or her garden. From crispier lettuce to more intensely-flavoured onions, biodynamics is a great way to get your garden to produce tasty, nutrient-packed fruit and vegetables. The ideas behind biodynamics can sometimes be difficult to explain, however, and appear rather strange to those who are new to the technique. Hilary Wright, an experienced and passionate biodynamic gardener, guides the novice through the key points, whilst never losing sight of the ultimate goal: a healthy, abundant garden. Easy-to-follow step-by-step illustrations, explanatory diagrams and colour photographs show how biodynamic techniques can work for any gardener. (read more)
This "official" Demeter Cookbook presents more than 200 recipes developed and collected by the Swiss Chef Hermann Spindler. Included are tempting recipes for sauces, soups, hors d'oeuvres, salads, main dishes, puddings, and desserts. It also features special recipes for casseroles and gratins, vegetables, quark (curd cheese) dishes, grain dishes, doughs, savory and sweet pastries, muesli and drinks--interspersed with informative commentary on the value of spices.
Since its foundation by Rudolf Steiner in 1924, the international biodynamic agricultural movement has produced high-quality, premium organic food that is increasingly sought out and respected for its flavor, quality, and nutritional value. The Demeter® logo certifies that the product has been grown and processed using verified biodynamic methods. (read more)
E.M. Schumacher (Small is Beautiful) called Englishman Alan Chadwick "the greatest horticulturist of the 20th century." Chadwick was a student of Rudolf Steiner, an early advocate of organics, and founder of French Intensive Biodynamic System. He railed against the tragic policies of corporate agribusiness, while cultivating gardens of sublime beauty and production in the 60's and 70's throughout the United States. Nearly everyone practicing biodynamics today has been kissed by the Chadwick transmission. Up until now his unique artistic approach and deep perception of nature were unavailable in writing. Performance in the Garden harvests sixteen incredible, inspired and practical talks that will help us, as herbalist and friend Paul Lee aptly put it, "replant the vital root of existence." (read more)
By Ehrenfried E. Pfeiffer, Lady Eve Balfour (Introduction by)
Ways of working towards sustainable agriculture for our world have never been more important. This reissued edition of a classic biodynamic work from 1947 is as relevant now as when first published. The book covers all aspects of biodynamic agriculture, including ideas on forestry and market gardening, and includes chapters on evidence of scientific findings of the effect of biodynamic growing, and the effects of biodynamics on health. The book has been faithfully reproduced as originally published, but footnotes have been added to describe modern versions of methods referenced in the text. (read more)
By Maria Thun
Maria Thun, a preeminent expert in biodynamic methods of cultivation, or "premium organic," has collected more than a hundred of her best gardening tips from fifty years' research. Join the author on a journey through the seasons and discover great new tips and suggestions. The Biodynamic Year ontains a wealth of advice for gardeners who wish to care for and manage nature more responsibly and successfully.
Discover:
how to produce abundant and flavorful crops
how special preparations can transform soil and plants
how the moon affects planting and growth
the difference between root, leaf, blossom, and fruit plants
Nicolas Joly is responsible for producing some of the finest and most highly esteemed wines of France at his Coulee de Serrant vineyard. Practising the biodynamic method of agriculture - sometimes referred to as 'premium organic' - he is at the forefront of a movement to return to the concept of terroir, as full expression and embodiment of a particular grape-growing locality, or appelation. Today even expensive wines, made under strictly regulated controls and standards, are tainted by the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and manipulated in the cellar through the use of osmosis and the additions of aromatic yeasts and enzymes. To counter such trends, a new 'Charter of Quality', run by organic and biodynamic viticulturists, guarantees that the appelation comes to full, authentic expression (read more)
A renowned biodynamic expert, Klett provides a fascinating overview of the history of agriculture, then goes on to discuss the practicalities of spray and compost preparations and the philosophy behind them. This is essential reading for any biodynamic gardener or farmer who wants to understand the background to core biodynamic techniques. It is based on keynote talks given by Manfred Klett at Biodynamic Agricultural Association conferences. More
For a a more personal approach, check-out the sections on Biodynamics, Oranic Gardening, Permaculture or Vegan and Vegetarianism.
"Farming with Nature" offers a synthesis of the state of knowledge of key topics in ecoagriculture. The book is a unique collaboration among renowned agricultural and ecological scientists, leading field conservationists, and farm and community leaders to synthesize knowledge and experience across sectors. More
This equips the farmer to get the best from the land using environmentally sustainable methods which save time, expense, and worry, and to supply the rising global demand for pure food. More
During his years as a scientist working for the British government in India, Sir Albert Howard conceived of and refined the principles of organic agriculture. Howard's The Soil and Health became a seminal and inspirational text in the organic movement soon after its publication in 1945. The Soil and Health argues that industrial agriculture, emergent in Howard's era and dominant today, disrupts the delicate balance of nature and irrevocably robs the soil of its fertility. Howard's classic treatise links the burgeoning health crises facing crops, livestock, and humanity to this radical degradation of the Earth's soil. His message -- that we must respect and restore the health of the soil for the benefit of future generations -- still resonates among those who are concerned about the effects of chemically enhanced agriculture. More
"Organic Futures" presents an overwhelming argument for replacing modern farming methods with organic techniques. Exploring the history, politics and practicalities of organic farming, Adrian Myers shows how the current techniques of agriculture and horticulture based on chemical fertilizers, which inevitably bring about the deterioration of soil life, cannot provide a long-term sustainable future for humankind. "Organic Futures": shows what we can learn from 4,000 years of sustainable organic agriculture in the Far East; explains how organic farming is different from conventional agriculture; demonstrates the damaging effects of conventional farming; discusses the importance of maintaining soil fertility; and presents a vision of an organic future, including inspiring developments in both the West and the Third World. More
With global revenue surpassing twenty-five billion dollars annually, organic agriculture is a highly visible and rapidly growing component of agricultural production. In Organic Agriculture: A Global Perspective, Paul Kristiansen, Acram Taji, and John Reganold, and their international group of contributors scientifically review key aspects of organic agriculture. At the intersection of research, education, and practice, the contributors look at the organic agricultural movement's successes and limitations.
The first half of this book critically evaluates the agricultural production of both plants and livestock in organic farming systems. All major aspects of organic agriculture are explored, including historical background and underlying principles, soil-fertility management, crop and animal production, breeding strategies, and crop protection. This global and comprehensive overview also addresses the economic, social, and political aspects of organic farming. These include economics and marketing; standards and certification; environmental impacts and social responsibility; and research, education, and extension. Mor
Are you an organic farmer? Do you want to be? For those of us who want to eat better quality food, here is the chance with this easy-to-read, thorough, informative book. In a world where we are increasingly conscious of what we eat, this is the book every organic farmer needs to have, whether professional, allotment, or garden grower. Answering basic questions - How do you begin? Is fertilizer allowed, and if so, what sort? What is natural pest management, and how does it work? - there is everything you need to know in these pages from getting started to marketing your produce, be it fruit, vegetable, or animal. A list of resources points the way to helpful websites, books, and organisations focusing on every aspect of organic farming. More
Those who have loved and used Eliot Coleman's original The New Organic Grower will be glad for the opportunity to revisit the master to learn of his latest thinking on every aspect of organic gardening. Those who are newly acquainted with Coleman will find this revised, expanded edition an incomparable source of inspiration, good sense, and practical advice that includes a fully revised chapter on organic pest management, more than sixty new illustrations, an updated, comprehensive, annotated bibliography listing indispensable sources for serious growers, and an appendix of updated tools and supplies. More
“My advice is as old as the plow.” So says author, Karl Schwenke of his guide to making a full- or part-time living on the land, a book for anyone who plans to own a small farm. With sections on soil management, farm practices, cash crop selections, machinery, and many other topics, as well as comprehensive series of appendices, the author touches upon the basics of getting started with one’s own small-scale farm. Schwenke, himself a small farm owner, has provided a great practical resource for the beginning cash crop grower. Get started on acquiring “the hodgepodge of knowledge blended with a plethora of skills” necessary to becoming a successful organic farmer. More
By Eliot Coleman, Barbara Damrosch, Barbara Damrosch
Choosing locally grown organic food is a sustainable living trend that’s taken hold throughout North America. Celebrated farming expert Eliot Coleman helped start this movement with The New Organic Grower published 20 years ago. He continues to lead the way, pushing the limits of the harvest season while working his world-renowned organic farm in Harborside, Maine.Now, with his long-awaited new book, The Winter Harvest Handbook, anyone can have access to his hard-won experience. Gardeners and farmers can use the innovative, highly successful methods Coleman describes in this comprehensive handbook to raise crops throughout the coldest of winters.Building on the techniques that hundreds of thousands of farmers and gardeners adopted from The New Organic Grower and Four-Season Harvest, this new book focuses on growing produce. More
Microfarms—or small acreage farms—are gaining popularity across the country for their astoundingly high yields and great tasting produce, as well as their profitability. This handbook reveals the secrets of successful micro eco-farming and explains what eco-farmers need to know to start their own small agribusiness. Questions such as What can be grown?How do farmers reach their markets? and What sustainable production methods can be used? are answered in detail and supported be hundreds of real-life examples. A variety of unusual uses for crops are also provided, including producing organic spa products, building an urban greenhouse, creating a heritage rose farm, or cultivating a connoisseur apple orchard. Ecologists, amateur gardeners, farmers, and those interested in sustainable living will enjoy this in-depth look at the spiritually and financially rewarding aspects of this new field. More
By Gareth Davies (Edited by), Margi Lennartsson (Edited by)
"Organic Vegetable Production" provides and invaluable, practical guide to the production of organic vegetables across a range of organic farming systems in temperate areas. The book covers all aspects of production, including crop choice, fertility building and weed, pest and disease management within a framework of rotation design and business planning. The specific needs of a range of commonly grown vegetable crops are discussed in detail. The authors consider that knowledge-gathering, marketing and financial management are integral parts of organic vegetable production and these subjects are examined in depth. Speciality topics as protected cropping and storage are covered. The book highlights the technical and economic consequences of converting from conventional to organic production and the challenges that can arise. The editors and authors of this book are all experts in their field and work as part of the Organic Horticulture Programme of the Henry Doubleday Research Association near Coventry, a charitable body dedicated to researching and promoting organic gardening, farming and food. More
This book is suitable for anyone considering buying a small farm for lifestyle or commercial purposes - retiring farmers wishing to move from larger holdings to smaller, easy to maintain parcels of land, and those retiring to fulfil their lifetime desire to own some land. It is also suitable for owners of lowline cattle and members of cattle breeds societies. The audience will also include academics and students in the TAFE sector, and public libraries.This book is for the growing number of people seeking to make a lifestyle change to fulfill a life-long dream of owning a small parcel of land on which to run some livestock. The book assumes no prior experience with cattle and covers everything from stocking rates, types of cattle available and fencing needs, to vaccination requirements. More
Entertaining and informative and will appeal to amateur and avid poultry farmers alike. The author, Alanna Moore, has drawn on her own extensive experience of herbal medicine and backyard poultry farming to produce a very compact and readable reference book.
Includes information on:
Housing
Feeding
Selection and breeding
Determining the sex of chickens
Keeping poultry as pets
Production
Natural products for treating lice
How to handle broody hens
Preventative and curative herbal medicines and homeopathies.
This is a comprehensive and attractive lifestyle guide to keeping ducks and geese - from what to consider before buying them, how to house them, their welfare and even egg selection. It includes a detailed section on all of the common breeds of duck and goose, enabling you to make the right decision about which ones to choose. It features extensive information on planning and welfare, helping you to ensure that you have the right type of space and housing, and guidelines on how to deal with any eventuality, such as telling the neighbours, going away on holiday and cleaning. A lavish lifestyle section provides recipes for using the rich eggs, together with activities for all of the family including quill making, fairy stories and folklore and how ducks can help with sheepdog training. "Keeping Ducks and Geese" fuses contemporary lifestyle design and an authoritative text, to appeal not only to those who already keep waterfowl, but also to those who are thinking of having them or even just aspire to the self sufficient lifestyle they represent. More
Ducks and geese make wonderful pets. Not only will they control the insects in your garden and act as handy lawn mowers and watchdogs, they will also provide you with a constant supply of fresh, delicious eggs. With detailed information on over 40 of the most popular duck and geese breeds, this book shows you how to select the right breed for you, what you need get started and how to care for your birds so that you get the best out of them from the very start. More
Choosing and Keeping Ducks and Geese provides a comprehensive overview of care and feeding requirements and all necessary equipment for keeping these popular and easy-to-maintain animals as pets. The all-inclusive guide provides extensive identification sections of 26 duck and 13 goose breeds and outlines how to incubate, hatch, and care for new ducklings and goslings. The author, an expert on ducks and geese, explains how to enter your purebred pet into a show, how to prepare the animal for competition, and identifies some of the standards that judges may be looking for when examining these beautiful birds. The eye-catching photography provides an up-close look at these lively animals throughout the text. More
In Defense of Animals: The Second Wave
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