What’s Going On Here? The conservation of small-scale farming and the transition away from extensive industrial farming methods is key for a sustainable future. This twofold strategy is fundamental for the health of the planet, as highlighted this week by Prince Charles. What Does This Mean? Since the 1990s small, family run farms in the UK have been in decline, priced out…
Fairtrade beans and plant-based milk makes your daily habit an eco cup of gold, right? Well, we look into how your method of preparation could actually be making the planet more than just a little bit despressod… Like my curious.earth peers, before most acts of consumption, I stop in my vegan-Birkenstock made tracks and reflect upon the sustainability implications of my choices.…
We’ve been looking at inspiring stories of how organisations can empower women around the globe while doing good for the environment. One of our favourites is a new campaign called Beekeepers for Life run by Bees Abroad, a UK based charity run by a global community. We’re looking at how the campaign is helping female groups in Africa to alleviate poverty through…
What’s Going On Here? Gene-editing in livestock and crops is to be reconsidered in England as the UK government launches a consultation on its deregulation. There are strong restrictions on gene-editing in the European Union, and Boris Johnson has wasted no time in pursuing this move following the nation’s departure from the union just two weeks ago. What Does This Mean? Gene-editing…
Curious Earth talks to Helene Schulze, co-director of London Freedom Seed Bank and a Southeast England Coordinator for the Seed Sovereignty Programme of the UK and Ireland about the practice of saving open pollinated seeds and why it is vital for food security, biodiversity and resilience against climate change. What does seed saving mean to you? Seed saving is about stewardship. It’s…
What’s Going On Here? On Monday October 12, the UK Government voted with a majority of 53 to strip amendment 16 from the Agriculture Bill, which would have safeguarded food standards in trade deals. What Does This Mean? The Agriculture Bill sets out a roadmap for farming after Brexit. It includes the government’s plan to reward farmers for doing “public good” such…
What’s Going On Here? A letter addressed to the International Monetary Fund (the IMF) and other top global financiers, signed by over 100 eco-activists including Jane Goodall and Joanna Lumley, is calling for a halt in investments to industrial-sized agricultural businesses. What Does This Mean? Farming is a major contributing factor to biodiversity loss, climate change and species extinction. Compassion in World Farming who coordinated the…
What’s Going On Here? It’s International Compost Awareness Week, and with so much time on our hands, we’re taking a good old look at the joys of composting and why it’s so important for our planet’s soils! What Does This Mean? Who woulda known that there’s a whole week dedicated to – yep – compost?! International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) is an…
What’s Going On Here? Sales of vegetable seeds have shot up during the coronavirus outbreak as people take up home gardening during the lockdown. Last weekend seed sellers across the country were overwhelmed, claiming three weeks’ worth of seeds were purchased in just one day! What Does This Mean? Perhaps this enforced self-isolation has a few silver linings, as individuals begin to cultivate…
