The Poncia family in Marin County, California, work to keep their 520 acres of land safe from the damages of traditional cattle ranching: among other things, they’ve put up cattle crossings to protect the creeks from indiscriminate trampling, and planted native species and over a thousand trees to reduce erosion on creek banks and provide bird habitat. I don’t eat meat at all for many environmental and compassion reasons, but if you do eat meat, you can help the earth by supporting farmers and ranchers who are using sensible practices like these.

[news from the Marin organic newsletter 4/16/10; website at www.stemplecreek.com]

Winemaker Mike Benziger recently explained how his vineyard used water so wisely that it won the Growing Green Award from NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). He described how important it is to design your vineyard (his vineyard has its own wetland!) to let nature direct and recycle the water.  Read more at SfGate.com

The Goldman Prize (fondly known as the Environmental Nobel) is given to 6 people each year. American Lynn Henning won this year for revealing how the cruel factory farm industry in Michigan was poisoning water supplies and air – and for persisting in her tireless work despite threats and intimidation. Read more here.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvfNEeQq6oo]
Meanwhile, in Cuba, Humberto Rios discovered that some farmers had never adopted “modern” farming methods, and that their traditional practices could help the nation rebuild their land and food system. Read more here.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qB_uvOnXteI]

In nearby Costa Rica, Randall Arauz led a campaign to stop the horribly cruel practice of getting shark fin (a delicacy in China). Read more here.

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*Earth-Friendly Food Chain salutes Lynn Henning, Humberto Rios, and Randall Arauz!