globalbriefs
News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.
Astonishing Agriculture Food Grows Without Soil or Groundwater
Proponents of GMO (genetically modified) food may argue that the technique is necessary because the world is run- ning out of resources. However, agricultural startup Sun- drop Farms, with offices in the UK and Australia, has de- veloped high-tech greenhouse facilities that apply solutions to grow crops with less reliance on finite natural resources than conventional greenhouse production. In 2010, Sundrop Farms opened a pilot facility in Port
Augusta, South Australia, that is combining seawater and sunlight to grow food in the middle of the desert, unaffected by climate change, biotech land grabs, drought, floods and pestilence. They are using coconut husks, 23,000 mirrors to reflect solar power and desalinated seawater on a hydroponic farm of just under 50 acres to grow 17,000 metric tons of non-GMO food every year. Built at a reported cost of $200 million, the facility has a year-round growing season. In winter, its greenhouse operates with the help of 39 megawatts of clean energy from solar power. Coles Supermarkets has signed a 10-year contract for the exclusive right to sell the company’s produce.
Beverage Battle Water Overtakes Sweet Sodas
After decades of strong growth, bottled water consumption has outpaced carbonated soft drinks to become the largest beverage category by volume in the United States. Michael Bellas, chairman and chief executive at Beverage Market- ing Corp. says, “When Perrier first entered the country in the 1970s, few would have predicted the heights to which bottled water would eventually climb.” In 2015, U.S. bottled water consumption totaled 39.3 gallons per capita, while carbonated soft drinks fell to 38.5
gallons. Bad publicity about the health effects of sugary beverages is at the root of the trend, with some states considering making them off-limits to food stamp purchasers and cities voting for soda taxes to combat diet-related diseases like obesity and diabetes.
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Austin Edition
AustinAwakenings.com
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