ethanol explained: a deep dive into its market, impacts, and innovations
Ethanol Explained: Discover its role in energy, market impact, and innovations. Learn about challenges like the food vs. fuel debate and future solutions.
did neoliberalism kill the family farm?
Neoliberalism, often associated with economic policies favoring market deregulation and individual responsibility, has had far-reaching implications beyond its economic dimensions. It has permeated into broader cultural and political spheres, reshaping societal structures and institutions. One such institution deeply impacted by neoliberal ideology is the family farm. This article seeks to explore how neoliberalism has influenced…
shaping sustainable cities: the intersection of urban planning & energy consumption
In the bustling tapestry of modern civilization, cities stand as the epicenters of human activity, culture, and innovation. Yet, as urban populations continue to swell, so do the challenges they pose, particularly in terms of energy consumption and environmental impact. Sustainable urban planning emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a blueprint for harmonizing urban…
a history and definition of corporations
It’s hard not to appreciate the success of a ‘mom and pop’ business. The romanticized notion of self-reliance and success. An idealized world where it’s possible for everyone – even the metaphorical ‘little guy’ – to transform their dreams into a vibrant, growing business that supports the local community and provides a good living for…
what does it mean to be open source? why is interest in open source licensing growing?
It’s no secret that property rights are a core element of western civilization and capitalistic societies. These property rights define how goods and services can be used, traded, or saved. Both individual and larger entities can own property and they can choose to use (or not use) that property however they wish. This is of…
drivers of ecolabel adoption – what factors lead to ecolabel uptake and acceptance?
Empowering long-term sustainability is no easy feat. Many interrelated factors must be accounted for to ensure that the social, environmental, and economic elements of sustainability are incorporated into long-term solutions. As such, a holistic approach that uses various tools to bring about incremental and intelligent change is needed. Ecolabels contribute to such approaches as they…
what are smart cities? how can smart cities improve the lives of citizens?
The advent of modern information and communication technology (ICT) continues to offer a myriad of new opportunities for advancing and improving our lives. As populations migrate to urban spaces, it becomes only logical to utilize the data produced by ICT to catalyze such improvements. Smart cities are the embodiment of such efforts as they utilize…
what is a life cycle assessment? what the different parts of a life cycle assessment?
Our planet and all of the resources she houses are part of a closed system, meaning that while energy and resources can be changed by consumption or conservation, they cannot be created or destroyed. Accordingly, every process and act of consumption has some effect on our resources and the environment in which we live. Understanding…
a history of domestic (American) agricultural policy
Although much of the original motivation to settle America was fueled by a divine imperative to ‘go forth and conquer’ in the name of God, domestic farm policy also played a large role in motivating both citizens and newly arrived immigrants to settle the lands of the vast unknown. This began in the 1800s when…
a history of agricultural education in the United States
Agriculture has been the backbone of communities throughout the United States since the birth of the nation. While the field has been wrought with controversy, it can also be considered innovative in many respects. Agricultural education is one of these areas… Until the mid-1800s, universities in the United States were mostly private organizations that focused…