Sustainable Orillia has created a digital food map to help locate our area Farmers’ Markets, Community Gardens and Independent Growers and Ranchers. Zero Waste Markets and Food Banks are also incorporated into the map with links to websites and other social media sites.
Regenerative agriculture enables soil to better sequester carbon and this is vital to mitigating and hopefully reversing the negative effects of climate change. By greatly reducing or eliminating chemical fertilizers, using low or no tilling practices, covering the soil with diverse cover crops and rotating ruminants on the land, farmers are able to build healthier soil. Healthier soil in turn leads to increased crop production, less erosion and more water retention. Regenerative agriculture done properly is both environmentally imperative and financially beneficial.
The importance of wetlands and forests cannot be understated as they are essential for healthy ecosystems and human health. Wetlands are vital in their ability to protect our water quality, store flood waters and provide habitat for fish and wildlife. They are also highly effective at storing carbon which helps to moderate climate change. Forests are also fundamental in storing carbon (in the wood, plant matter and soil) that has been released into the atmosphere. Afforestation, reforestation and the natural regeneration of forest systems is integral to our ability to cool the planet and sequester massive amounts of carbon.
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The World Forum on Natural Capital states that: “Natural Capital can be defined as the world’s stocks of natural assets which include geology, soil, air, water and all living things.”
Fig. 1, courtesy of Metro Vancouver Regional Planning, shows Natural Capital with 4 main components. Ecological services Support us e.g. soil; Provision us e.g. food and oxygen; provide Cultural opportunities e.g. beauty and Regulate e.g. flood control. Nature’s services are fundamental to our existence.
For some time, environmentalists have argued that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) does not well represent a nation’s well-being and perpetuates the notion of continuous growth. The World Economic Forum (WEP) agrees. It asserted “one quick fix is to adopt a measure like median income per capita,…” A more ambitious measure is “natural capital,” based on a country’s ecosystems, fish stocks, minerals, and other natural assets. …” (Fortune, Oct 2019).
A natural capital approach also supports the importance of a circular economy.
Natural Capital is a good way to look at the environment in context. A natural capital perspective (rights of nature) promotes nature to that of being all encompassing, Fig. 2 (theecologist.org), as opposed to the traditional Venn diagram view of the triple bottom line.
Natural Capital is ultimately more important than Financial and Social Capital. Most economic activity is directly dependent upon Natural Capital. Human health, wealth, culture, identity and happiness depend on nature; often complex and little understood. The air we breathe is renewed on this planet due to plant and algal processes. Other planets have actually lost their life-giving oxygen. Simply put: our green spaces give us life.
Decisions makers – individuals, organization and business should look at the downstream resource requirements of decisions, not just current requirements. You wouldn’t buy a house if you could afford the mortgage but not the taxes.
Sector Co-Chairs –
Allison Andrews
Jacob Kearey-Moreland
Sustainable Orillia’s most dedicated ‘birder,’ Mike Jones, shares more ideas on how to create a bird-friendly garden, part of our ongoing series in support of Orillia becoming a ‘Bird Friendly
…and there is no better time than now to visit our local food providers to enjoy fresh, healthy foods, knowing that you are supporting our local farmers, ranchers and gardeners
– by Mike Jones for Sustainable Orillia Below, Sustainable Orillia’s most dedicated ‘birder,’ Mike Jones, shares more ideas on how to create a bird-friendly garden, part of our ongoing series
