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PeakOil is You

PeakOil is You

But why isn't anyone doing anything about it?

General discussions of the systemic, societal and civilisational effects of depletion.

Postby TrueKaiser » Sat 30 Apr 2005, 02:08:52

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('uNkNowN ElEmEnt', 'E')xactly which mods are you talking about? and which items have they gone on about

which mods "constantly say nothing can be done but horde guns like they did in waco, and horde food/water like it was going out of style... encourage this behavior and completely ignore advancements in science that changes the equation that represents the problem that is peak oil. but most of all not while they say 'getting out of dodge' is the key"

I've refered to "getting out of dodge" as a key to my survival, but there is more to it than Peak Oil.


well you kindly admitted your part of the 'get the heck out of dodge and fsck everyone else.' though your in some interesting company with jack and jato, though honestly i wouldn't trust any of you as far as i can throw you. if you run away with your tail between your legs for something like this how can i trust you to do what you need to do so the community can survive?

aaron and montequest while intelligent are in the 'ignoring changes to the peak oil equation' mainly using eroei, which in it's self is a useful tool. though they fail to take into account changes in science that effects it. which explains why a good amount of posts i see of theirs in the energy tech and conservation forums basically go along the lines of 'eroei says this wont work so it will never work'

in a interesting note jack is a prime example in two category's, this time though he is leading the 'hording guns etc' group though if spec_op was a mod then jack would fall into second place. honestly you get these things to protect yourself yet ironically it will most likely lead to your death either by others or by some accident.

please note that this is my opinion on the matter of how everyone here is handling the problem of peak oil and how they are not helping in solving it, this was not intended as a personal attacks. to be honest i would not count on any of you on helping solve the problem of peak oil, i would even go as far as saying some of you are part of the problem.
though that doesn't mean all of you are hopeless, small pox girl seems to have her head properly attached on her shoulders as far as i can tell.

and to be fair, i spend too much time thinking and little to none doing.
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Postby Schneider » Sat 30 Apr 2005, 14:02:49

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('TrueKaiser', '
')
1. yes i have seen the 'planing for the future' room. it's mostly filled with 'how to buy the best guns' 'where to go to hide in a hole' or 'what food should i put in my massive horde of food.' hardly whats needed to survive whats coming for more then a few months at the most.(come on do you really think you and your family(at best) can defend that horde of food of yours from those who want it even though they might not need it?)
.


Psst,come here :wink: --> Your personal library

Maybe it will change your mind :) !?


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Postby uNkNowN ElEmEnt » Sat 30 Apr 2005, 14:48:45

I have never said nor implied "fuck everyone else". Ever. you have criticized us for not helping out and changing things. first of all its much bigger than any one or ten of us, second you have no idea what kind of lives we lead. I, for one, only used to put my car on the road during the summer and recycle religiously and have for at least 15 years.

I have been without for more years than I care to say. I have rarely put my car on the road and have gone for periods of up to four years without insuring it. I have always recycled, cycled to work, volunteered in my community (mostly at my kids school with recycling, bottle drives, building playgrounds being the PAC treasurer and helping with landscaping and emergency preparing).

so now I am supposed to cry for or give up the little I have with the rich SUV drivers who will go without (if this is indeed the future) who have splashed me with icy sleet as they drove by on icy winter days as I walked to work?

your inaction is as daming to you as our supposed lack of helping others to fix things.

further since I live in a ghetto currently and have guarded half of my neighbours in jail (as a prison guard) its more than just the usual self-preservation to get out of town. I never said nor implied that I would let everyone else go to hell. I picked a place where there is more community spirit so I can pitch in and learn as much as I have to contribute.

Spec-op is obviously very knowledgeable about guns and such. He is not a moderator and its rather uncouth to be mentioning him. He and Jack have valid responses not just because those are their feelings but because they also represent a large percent of the population.

If monte and aaron are skeptical about eroi, In my oppinion its more because they have more knowledge. They were skeptical about peak oil and now they apply that same rational skepticism to optomistic claims that technology will save us when its been seen that each and every claim has been shot down. It gives their opinions more weight becuase they will search out and give objective oppinions about the different alternatives. I value that highly.

Just cause you seem to believe that technology and other resources will save us, fine but the rest of us are entitled to our oppinions too and does it really warrant a flame thread?

Its all the responses such as they are that will give us an idea of how people will react because each of us represents a frame of thought that will be larger than life if and when oil peaks. live long and prosper.
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Postby beneficii » Sat 30 Apr 2005, 15:00:57

UnknownElement,

Hell, I don't have a car.
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Postby ArimoDave » Sat 30 Apr 2005, 21:45:34

The principle reason that no one seems to be doing anything about the peak-oil problem may be either there is too much money being spent not to do anything, or there is a perception that doing something won't pay off.

So, here's an idea. (It may warrant its own thread -- perhaps category.)

Why don't we do something about PO rather than just discussing it? (I am thinking on a national and global level independent of governments where possible, not just a personal level.) I wonder if volunteer's could come up with viable, and implementable solutions sooner than those paid to do so?

Those of you who are working in industries which are actively seeking solutions should -- out of ethical concerns -- abstain from participating, at least in areas where your company is engaged. Also, please don't sabotage our efforts; consider it a challenge to get things done before we do.

That said, the question is what do I intend we do?

My thoughts are as follows:

Organize and rank (as applicable) alternatives by

 energy return on energy invested EROEI
 impact on environment
 resources of raw materials
 what oil use it replaces
 how long it is projected to last -- life expectancy
 how long the raw materials are expected to last
 how well it recycles
 time and energy it takes to build necessary infrastructure
 feasibility of implementing now
 others?


Categorize by what it replaces or supplements by

 personal transportation
 public transportation
 goods transportation (trucking)
 agriculture planting, harvesting, processing
 agriculture fertilizing, pest/weed control
 electrical energy production
 shipping (overseas)
 others?


Once we know the pros and cons of the alternatives, then we choose the best options based on the data, then inundate the media with letters to the editor, and researched articles. Perhaps, hit-up potential philanthropic investors en-mass. Maybe even create an international company which is not out to get rich, only to supply the world with the best alternatives so that transition to an energy stable world goes as smoothly as possible.

I welcome any ideas and/or suggestions. This was put together rather hastily, so I am sure there are omissions and ideas not completely thought through.

Conservation, of course, will have to play a vital role. But, I think, this is beyond the scope of what I intend. If we get the public to rally behind the cause, then governments should follow suit.

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Postby dark-suzie » Sun 01 May 2005, 00:04:33

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('ArimoDave', 'T')he principle reason that no one seems to be doing anything about the peak-oil problem may be either there is too much money being spent not to do anything, or there is a perception that doing something won't pay off.

So, here's an idea. (It may warrant its own thread -- perhaps category.)

Why don't we do something about PO rather than just discussing it? (I am thinking on a national and global level independent of governments where possible, not just a personal level.) I wonder if volunteer's could come up with viable, and implementable solutions sooner than those paid to do so?


ArimoDave

Thats a great idea.
You could even have people make arrangments, for like, work exchange.
People with out helping people with.
Or people with helping people with out.

Suggest novel ideas for new living arangements.

Crop share.

Establish non petrolium feuled trading routes.

Just a couple ideas off the top of my head.
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Postby TrueKaiser » Sun 01 May 2005, 01:44:02

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('uNkNowN ElEmEnt', '
')Just cause you seem to believe that technology and other resources will save us, fine but the rest of us are entitled to our oppinions too and does it really warrant a flame thread?


this is what i am talking about, this is the mentality of montequest and arron. if it's not a complete solution it's not going to work at all and thus the person who mentions it is somehow a idiot that falsely believes technology will solve everything. the reality is this, just because it is not a complete solution doesn't mean it's completely useless. so what if solar or wind power can't solve the whole problem, it will greatly help those who can afford to buy them now as time goes by. also for your information i am not in the 'technology will save us crowd', neither am i in the group of people here which are the majority here who want to throw the baby out with the bath water so to speak.

oh and i hate to point out such a glaring contradiction in your post, but 'getting the hell out of dodge' as you put it is the exact same thing as fsck everyone else. of course that doesn't matter the mentality here is 'save your own skin and your immediate family's' at best.

yes jack and spec-op are passionate about what they like, even if it will most likely make them end up in a waco or ruby ridge like incident cause they fell hook line and sinker for a mis-interpretation of American constitution as well as the propaganda from the major gun company's. personally if i lived near them then i probably would suggest to my friends and family to move, i would hate to be around them when their mad-max warlord fantasy's don't come true.

ArimoDave, that forum idea is a great one and to answer uNkNowN ElEmEnt and your question. to prepare for peak oil one needs money, lots of it(not millions or billions). to get the money needed to prepare one needs a job, this job not only needs to pay enough so you can live in the real world of today it also needs to pay enough so you can get what you need to survive. this of course means you can't get a job at your local fast food store thats within walking distance. it means getting a job that will require one to have reliable transportation(ex: a car that at least runs). this is of course assuming you do not want to run into the woods at the first sign of trouble and eat bugs or old mre's till the so called end of the world blows over.
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Re: But why isn't anyone doing anything about it?

Postby BiGG » Mon 02 May 2005, 11:52:11

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('AirlinePilot', '.')... If the government isn't worried then why should I be? I see this as the main show, the big event, the tipping mechanism, whatever you want to call it. The failure of the general populace to realize something so dire is coming, and to mobilize in time to actually do something about it, will bring us all down. ......



What will “bring us all down” is a bunch of people running around yelling fire in a crowded theater when no fire exists. There’s plenty of oil to use between now and the time these completely viable new technologies replace it Geobioreactors * Energy Independence: Biomass * World's First Biomass-To-Ethanol Plant * 'Tree-power' Great Current Energy Source * Biomass Waste: Replacement For Gasoline * Microbial Fuel Cell * Geobioreactors * United States Department of Energy * Great Briton plus gobs of other stuff already in the works at Universities around the world. Man has no reason to worry about anything more them a recession or possibly a depression and the world will continue whether we have one or both.
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Postby AirlinePilot » Mon 02 May 2005, 12:20:49

I pretty much agree with TrueKaiser with regards to alternatives and thier applications. I see that there are many things coming down the pike which will undoubtedly ameliorate Peak Oil to some small extent. BiGG has some interesting links above and while I don't doubt we will actually use some of them, I think its just too little too late. I was a skeptic for many months after reading into PO and doing research and learning on my own about the issues. I am not a skeptic any more. My conclusions are that due to the momentum of our societies dependence on cheap oil, we will have some very difficult times ahead. There are many unknowns and to say you know whats coming is irresponsible. Personally I think I can say with some assurance that the effects of PO will be broad and painful. How painful? Well thats the 40,000 $ question isn't it? If our track record as humans is any example I have a very bad feeling about whats coming. I think if we have not started global conservation and education into the matter by now it will be difficult to avoid a hard landing. It's strictly my opinion, but I base it on careful thought, observation of our Western society, and the disgusting dependence and abuses of cheap oil we have perpetrated up until now.

We don't live in an ideal world where technology will save us. Maybe it can make it manageable but it will still be a phase shift in how we live and what our economies are based on. This non perfect world will fail to realise all but a few of these alternate plans. Its just the way things work. Not everything ever invented is successful. I hope for something to come down the road which can "get us over the hump" so to speak. My observation at this point is that I don't think it will be likely. It all depends on your frame of reference, how and where you were brought up, and what technical backgrounds or education that you have. Mine says we are headed for something very big, very long term, and without a happy ending. Take it for what its worth, just another educated mans personal opinion.

As for all the other diatribe, I have one more thing to say. Any forum which discusses these topics in an adult and intelligent fashion is a positive step. It will lead inevitably to more folks knowing and thinking about this crisis. In my book, that can only be a good thing giving us that many more chances to come out of this without plunging mankind into another dark age.
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Re: But why isn't anyone doing anything about it?

Postby ArimoDave » Mon 02 May 2005, 12:57:20

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('BiGG', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('AirlinePilot', '.')... If the government isn't worried then why should I be? I see this as the main show, the big event, the tipping mechanism, whatever you want to call it. The failure of the general populace to realize something so dire is coming, and to mobilize in time to actually do something about it, will bring us all down. ......



What will “bring us all down” is a bunch of people running around yelling fire in a crowded theater when no fire exists. There’s plenty of oil to use between now and the time these completely viable new technologies replace it Geobioreactors * Energy Independence: Biomass * World's First Biomass-To-Ethanol Plant * 'Tree-power' Great Current Energy Source * Biomass Waste: Replacement For Gasoline * Microbial Fuel Cell * Geobioreactors * United States Department of Energy * Great Briton plus gobs of other stuff already in the works at Universities around the world. Man has no reason to worry about anything more them a recession or possibly a depression and the world will continue whether we have one or both.


The problem is some, if not many, of these ideas will take too long to implement. And some, if not many, of these ideas take more energy to produce than can be obtained from them. My suggestion is that we work on finding the best and implementable solutions -- independent of those who have a financial interest in particular schemes -- and then take measures to convince the general public (and governments) that these paricular ideas are the best hope we have to avoid possible (probable) dire consequences.

As I pointed out in a reply to one of your other posts, with This Page it may take as much as six times the amount of energy to produce ethanol as we can get from it. Many other solutions you suggest have the same kinds of problems.

This is the whole point of my suggestion. Weed out those alternatives which do not give us usable energy in return. Some energy consuming methods are needed, of course, to produce transportable energy carriers such as bio-diesel, batteries, hydrogen, ethanol, and propane. The problem is making the best choice among these energy carriers, and the methods to produce them. Our choices need to factor energy returns, enviornmental impact, public safety, and other concerns.

I am still working on how to collect the data effectively, weed out bad data, and how to collate the data. If anyone has suggestions on how to do this, feeel free to spout off. I'm thinking some sort of spread sheet that all of us can tenatively add-to and update, and lock in data as a consensus is reached. I have no idea how to even start this, so please help if you have any ideas at all.

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Re: But why isn't anyone doing anything about it?

Postby BiGG » Mon 02 May 2005, 14:57:12



The problem is some, if not many, of these ideas will take too long to implement. And some, if not many, of these ideas take more energy to produce than can be obtained from them. My suggestion is that we work on finding the best and implementable solutions -- independent of those who have a financial interest in particular schemes -- and then take measures to convince the general public (and governments) that these paricular ideas are the best hope we have to avoid possible (probable) dire consequences.

As I pointed out in a reply to one of your other posts, with This Page it may take as much as six times the amount of energy to produce ethanol as we can get from it. Many other solutions you suggest have the same kinds of problems.


Tad Patzek from your link is talking about growing corn & sugar cane for the manufacture of ethanol but this article below and those that follow shows ethanol being made from waste and very economical. Tad Patzek's argument is debunked here: Ethanol Economically Competitive With Fossil Fuels

Quote: Ingram's microorganism produces a high yield of ethanol from biomass such as sugar cane residues, rice hulls, forestry and wood wastes and other organic materials.

"Until we developed this new technology, the chemical makeup of biomass prevented it from being used to make ethanol economically," Ingram said. "Biomass is a much cheaper source of ethanol than traditional feedstocks such as corn and cane syrup.


This report from the USDA shows 30% of the current fuel needs can be met just from current agricultural & forest waste: Feasibility of a Billion-Ton Annual Supply

Another from the: University Of Colorado

Another from: Eindhoven University of Technology

BTW: I’m all for the idea of assembling data like you mentioned as it will get people to stop repeating old information and start focusing on the present instead …

Edit: To correct link
Last edited by BiGG on Mon 02 May 2005, 18:21:26, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: But why isn't anyone doing anything about it?

Postby BiGG » Mon 02 May 2005, 17:03:21

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('ArimoDave', '
')
The problem is some, if not many, of these ideas will take too long to implement. And some, if not many, of these ideas take more energy to produce than can be obtained from them.
ArimoDave


Here is yet another answer showing people that are doing something about today’s problems and I just can’t figure out why so many think nothing is being done like the title of the thread asserts? Look at what’s being done with Biodiesel Production Gets Simplified with New Method
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Postby AirlinePilot » Mon 02 May 2005, 17:27:10

BiGG,

The title was supposed to represent the argument I get back when I mention anything to do with PO. I would submit myself that while your links are very informative, the fact that our government and the industry continue down the same merry path to oblivion, the fact remains nothing on a large enough scale is being done about the problem. If we haven't started some form of global powerdown by now we are all fucked. IMHO of course! :wink:
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Postby BiGG » Mon 02 May 2005, 18:08:17

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('AirlinePilot', 'B')iGG,

The title was supposed to represent the argument I get back when I mention anything to do with PO. I would submit myself that while your links are very informative, the fact that our government and the industry continue down the same merry path to oblivion, the fact remains nothing on a large enough scale is being done about the problem. If we haven't started some form of global powerdown by now we are all fucked. IMHO of course! :wink:


AirlinePilot,

These new technologies need a little time for implementation not so much because it’s hard to do, but because we need to ease them in slowly as replacing existing infrastructure to quickly displaces too many existing jobs and costs too much money. A balanced approach is prudent and we have plenty of oil remaining for decades while this new era is coming into play.

We also have plenty of people on top of this situation who are fully aware of what’s going on and have every intention of maintaining what we currently enjoy. You will see these new era technologies coming online while antiquated oil reliance diminishes until it’s replaced permanently. The United States Government has a vested interest in success like ever other government and we will prevail systematically.

Check out this thread in Current Events ! We might see the current price of oil falling through the floor if these guys are correct!
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Postby AirlinePilot » Mon 02 May 2005, 19:06:32

Interesting take on China, may or may not happen. I applaud your optimism and hope I can get myself back to where I can see what you do. It's going to take a lot of convincing and evidence for me though. I don't doubt that there are many intelligent folks working on the problems. I just don't share the optimism on the time frame I guess.
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Postby BlisteredWhippet » Tue 03 May 2005, 05:48:20

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Ebyss', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Ludi', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Ebyss', ' ')and be sure that I can feed around 80 people (family and friends, plus a few extras) if need be. That's the best I can do.


That's truly amazing. I can't imagine one person having that kind of productivity on a piece of land without petroleum inputs. I'm really astonished and hope you'll detail how you plan to do this (in the planning forum). I'll be lucky if I can manage to support myself and my husband, though I do hope to be prepared to support the rest of my family as well (total 6-7 people).



Well, for a start there's 50 acres, and plenty of farmland around, so we may buy more in a few years. Also, I don't plan to do this alone, not by a long shot. If you wanna eat, you gotta put your share of the work in. As you know Ludi, I'm going the Fukuoka "Do-nothing" route, so I don't plan on working myself to the bone while everyone sits around (having said that, I know this route means "harder work"). I want the 3-4 hour work day, if others want to eat, they can do their 3-4 hours.

There's just no way in hell there will be any chemicals going onto this land.

I'll give details for sure in the planning section when we start to get underway with the farm (it'll be a while, waiting on planning permission). Basic outlines will include pigs, chickens, sheep, cows, bees, horses. The horses will be the ones to do the "heavy labour", but as you know, there will be no tilling. They'll do the haying and harvesting, harrowing and carting. We plan on having a good few polytunnels, and outdoor beds. Most importantly, we'll be planting lots of native hedgerow plants and trees that are edible (there are enough blackberry bushes up there to feed an army). It's not going to be easy, but it's better than doing nothing.


Pic if anyone wants to see



What do you mean? You're going to do "do-nothing" farming and its not going to be easy?

You're doing it wrong :)

You want no-till? Then whats the horse for?

Your version sounds like an Amish-style boot camp. Baseline, you can feed 1 (vegan) person with .7 acres- fully developed with natural farming, of course. Thats a 4-6 year plan. You're a little late! But, never too soon to throw some seedballs, eh?

Here's how you do it. You figure out all the plant and animal species and divine their appropriateness to the current longitude/latitude. You throw open the doors to volunteers who collect seeds, sift, and spread seedballs. There- you're done! What are you going to do for the next month or so?

No till means no irrigation. Just rainfall and sun.

The key is to figure out which wild species of edible food to grow. Seedballing will create newer, hardier localized strains, but that would take a few years to develop. A small well-stocked greenhouse would be useful for plant research and technology. You're also going to need a library of everything from the almanacs to the history of the land, everything that won't be convenient when the lights go out. What you need is an Ethnobotanist to help you identify indigineous species. You'll need a cook to come up with recipies that work.

Meat is available locally. Start with squirrels, dogs or cats if you can't hunt. If you're on a river, don't overfish.

Yep that oughta do it!
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Postby Ludi » Tue 03 May 2005, 06:35:52

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'T')hese new technologies need a little time for implementation not so much because it’s hard to do, but because we need to ease them in slowly as replacing existing infrastructure to quickly displaces too many existing jobs and costs too much money. A balanced approach is prudent and we have plenty of oil remaining for decades while this new era is coming into play.


So I'm guessing from this that you don't believe the projections for a 2010-2020 peak,or any serious economic problems in the interim.
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Postby Ebyss » Tue 03 May 2005, 11:31:22

Lol.. BlisteredWhippet, the horses are for harvesting, baling, carting (etc etc) hay and other crops. They're not just ploughing animals :wink: . Do nothing is less intensive than regular agriculture, but it's not just throw some seedballs around and see what happens. I think there was sarcasm in your post somewhere... :evil: :-D .

Also, do nothing relates more to crops and less to animals. And I plan on having plenty of animals to eat (there is no way in hell this girl is gonna be vegan). Chickens, pigs, ducks, cows, bees... all need looking after, and I'm gonna have to look after them. I just meant that I didn't expect it all to be plain sailing. Still, I'm aiming for the 3-4 hours a day... I'll let you know how I get on :cry:
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Postby BlisteredWhippet » Wed 04 May 2005, 03:36:45

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Ebyss', 'L')ol.. BlisteredWhippet, the horses are for harvesting, baling, carting (etc etc) hay and other crops. They're not just ploughing animals :wink: . Do nothing is less intensive than regular agriculture, but it's not just throw some seedballs around and see what happens. I think there was sarcasm in your post somewhere... :evil: :-D .

Also, do nothing relates more to crops and less to animals. And I plan on having plenty of animals to eat (there is no way in hell this girl is gonna be vegan). Chickens, pigs, ducks, cows, bees... all need looking after, and I'm gonna have to look after them. I just meant that I didn't expect it all to be plain sailing. Still, I'm aiming for the 3-4 hours a day... I'll let you know how I get on :cry:


Yes, I can see you're aiming at spending 3-4 hours a day. Not worth it. The amount of resources required to produce beef, milk, meat or eggs isn't going to be worth it.

All these animals will increase the bacterial load of the area. The chickens will attract predators (and consume your time). The Horses will produce lots and lots of shit- convenient if its doesn't get tracked all over the place. Excess fecal matter isn't part of the do-nothing plan... These animals are more problematic than you think. Once you've (ruined) some acreage to provide space for these animals the chances for disease and contamination of water and the environment in general skyrocket.

The bees are the most sustainable part of your plan. They actually integrate with the natural environment in a meaningful way, unlike the domesticated species which will simply consume resources- how are you going to feed the horses? Maybe you like Horse meat though. H'okay!

Yea, theres some sarcasm. I'm just concerned, because your plan doesn't have any resemblance to Fukuoka's Natural farming. I mean- good material, sure. But what makes you think his plan is incomplete? You know better than Fukuoka? Just imagine him chuckling as you slave away your 3-4 hours to protect your girl from the ravages of veganism.

Can you bear responsibility for allowing some people to go hungry and possibly die just because you want your daughter to grow up with a prejudice against veganism, or that you want steak?

I'm just projecting. Do the math. Chances are you'll have barely enough land to feed your family, let alone a bunch of animals, and all the strangers at the property line.

Just remember, it won't be vegans breaking into the henhouse to steal chickens. It won't be vegans stealing your cow.

Look, if you're growing crops to feed horses you're just not "natural farming". Its a very picturesque plan though. I kind of picture you as someone who can't see himself "doing nothing"- doing nothing is 3-4 hours of work to you!! You're the type of person that is always focused on being "productive", right?
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Postby Ebyss » Wed 04 May 2005, 08:13:25

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('BlisteredWhippet', '
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Yes, I can see you're aiming at spending 3-4 hours a day. Not worth it. The amount of resources required to produce beef, milk, meat or eggs isn't going to be worth it.

All these animals will increase the bacterial load of the area. The chickens will attract predators (and consume your time). The Horses will produce lots and lots of shit- convenient if its doesn't get tracked all over the place. Excess fecal matter isn't part of the do-nothing plan... These animals are more problematic than you think. Once you've (ruined) some acreage to provide space for these animals the chances for disease and contamination of water and the environment in general skyrocket.

The bees are the most sustainable part of your plan. They actually integrate with the natural environment in a meaningful way, unlike the domesticated species which will simply consume resources- how are you going to feed the horses? Maybe you like Horse meat though. H'okay!

Yea, theres some sarcasm. I'm just concerned, because your plan doesn't have any resemblance to Fukuoka's Natural farming. I mean- good material, sure. But what makes you think his plan is incomplete? You know better than Fukuoka? Just imagine him chuckling as you slave away your 3-4 hours to protect your girl from the ravages of veganism.

Can you bear responsibility for allowing some people to go hungry and possibly die just because you want your daughter to grow up with a prejudice against veganism, or that you want steak?

I'm just projecting. Do the math. Chances are you'll have barely enough land to feed your family, let alone a bunch of animals, and all the strangers at the property line.

Just remember, it won't be vegans breaking into the henhouse to steal chickens. It won't be vegans stealing your cow.

Look, if you're growing crops to feed horses you're just not "natural farming". Its a very picturesque plan though. I kind of picture you as someone who can't see himself "doing nothing"- doing nothing is 3-4 hours of work to you!! You're the type of person that is always focused on being "productive", right?


Wow... strong stuff. The last sentence is where you have me completely wrong. If I was focussed on being productive, the land would not currently be laying fallow to rid it of all the mismanagement before we bought it. I have hard work ahead of me, because the land was overgrazed and treated. You don't like my plan? TS, I'm not doing it for you.. or "My girl" (I don't know to whom you are referring... my girlfriend? my hypothetical daughter?... I am a girl. I have a boyfriend. We do not yet have a family). Point is, Fukuoka's farming strategy can be adapted to suit anywhere, including farms that have domestic animals (he himself recommends pigs and chickens in some areas). Besides, I am using the do nothing method for the crops and some vegetables. I am also going to be planting some veg in the traditional "beds". I want to see what works best. This is a long term plan, it's not supposed to happen overnight.

As for destroying the land with my domestic animals.. yep. Happens all the time when people insist on productivity and overgrazing. Thankfully, I'm not that way inclined. The horses that are currently on the land eat just grass and nothing else, and the land is slowly improving each year. The springs are still clean despite the "dirty" animals. There's 50 acres. Only a few of those will be devoted to crop production, and there won't be any rice grown (we don't have the climate).

Anyway, this is now way off topic. Apologies to the OP.
We've tried nothin' and we're all out of ideas.

I am only one. I can only do what one can do. But what one can do, I will do. -- John Seymour.
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