Organic Farms are Weathering the Drought
By Donella Meadows
–August 4, 1988–
Organic farmers have long believed that soils managed without chemical fertilizers produce steadier yields, year in, year out, than soils farmed conventionally. In a season when the weather happens to be perfect for chemicals, organic yields might be a little lower. But they should be higher in times of drought.
This year is the perfect time to [...]
Methanol Is Not What It Takes to Clear the Air
By Donella Meadows
–July 28, 1988–
In more than 60 U.S. cities, where 75 million Americans live, the air regularly violates health standards, and it’s getting worse.
The original Clean Air Act deadline for making city air breathable was 1975. That deadline was extended to 1977, then 1982, then December 31, 1987, then August 31, 1988. If the EPA ever decides to enforce [...]
Dear Folks: July 24, 1988
Dear Folks, I’m looking out the window at a RAINY DAY, HOORAY!!! I was gone for two weeks, and every time I called back, Ruth or Dennis or Anna told me it was 100 degrees and sunny. I didn’t want to come home. I didn’t want to watch what was happening to the garden or the pastures, which were already too [...]
Nuclear Power Is Not the Answer to the Greenhouse Problem
By Donella Meadows
–July 21, 1988–
To the folks who bring us nuclear power, this year’s drought is a bonanza. They don’t have to advertise any more, the media are doing it for them. Nearly every report on the drought calls it a sign of the global greenhouse effect. One cause of greenhouse warming is carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels. Nuclear [...]
Private and Public Addictions
By Donella Meadows
–July 14, 1988–
As we limit the public spaces where smokers can indulge their habit and consider calling out the Army to apprehend drug dealers, it might be well to step back and consider the behavior we are trying to control — addiction. Addiction permeates our private and public lives in more ways than we are willing to admit.
The [...]
