Agriculture Archives - Green Businesses

The Current State of Green Businesses in 2023: A Sustainable Revolution

In 2023, the state of green businesses is evolving at an unprecedented pace. The world is witnessing a sustainable revolution, where eco-conscious practices and environmentally responsible initiatives are no longer a fringe movement but a mainstream, influential force. Green businesses are at the forefront of this movement, leading the charge towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly global economy. In this blog post, we'll delve into the current state of green businesses in 2023, exploring key trends, challenges, and opportunities that define this exciting era. The Rise of Sustainability as a Core Business Strategy In recent years, sustainability has transcended its traditional role as a peripheral concern for businesses. Today, it's a fundamental part of business strategy. Companies across industries have recognized that incorporating sustainable practices into their operations is not only an ethical imperative but also a competitive advantage. Green bu…

BioGas Provides Germany with Steady, Stinky Energy

So when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing, solar and wind energy may be nonexistent, but renewable energy can still be economically produced from the smelliest of sources. The more the stink, the greater the energy–Biogas energy. Local farmers use the waste their animals produce and send it into a biogas facility on their farm that produces electricity. They can also add corn and the fermentation substrate is then sprayed on the fields as fertilizer. This closed-loop system provides steady and sustainable energy to supplement the energy needs of larger but less predictable outputs from solar and wind sources.

Next Power Plants co-Founder, Hendrik Samisch networks over 1,000 renewable energy plants comprised of individual farms in Germany through a data grid and a bank of computers that make up a powerful virtual power plant that trades annually over $100 million euros of electricity in biogas energy.

Watch the …

New Study: Bioenergy May Be Bad News for Forests, Climate

Resource: Global Forest Reporting Network BioFuels like Ethanol have more than just an image problem (Growing food vs growing fuel). Now a new report from the World Resources Institute finds that dedicating land to the production of biofuels may undermine efforts to achieve a sustainable food future, combat climate change, and protect forests. The problem, of course, is that if you dedicate land to growing crops like sugarcane, corn, soybeans, or wood solely for the production of biofuels, you can’t use that land to grow food--or as a carbon sink. We already use a whopping three-fourths of the world’s vegetated land for crops, livestock grazing, and wood harvests, according to the WRI paper. And the remaining land really should be left as is, since it protects clean water, supports biodiversity, and stores carbon. Watch this video about new biofuels made from cellulose with the help of a bacteria under the development of AE Biofuels, which acquired Zemetis in 2011.

Toadal Invasion: Australia May have Finally Conquered the Cane Toad

The Problem The historic introduction of 100 Cane Toads to Australia in 1935 began a battle of unforeseen proportions for the indigenous species of the land (See invasion graphic >). The toads were brought over from Hawaii with the intention of setting them loose upon the beetles that were destroying the Sugar Cane crops. Instead of being the agricultural heroes everyone touted them to be, the toads ignored the beetles and proceeded to destroy native species at an alarming rate. Documentaries like “Cane Toads: The Conquest” and “Cane Toads: An Unnatural History” have shown the relentless path of destruction these miniature monsters are creating; and anyone who has watched these can tell you how hopeless the battle used to seem to the people of Australia. Now a ray of hope has come. These toads are successful because they reproduce very quickly, are toxic to eat, and are able to spray poison at their attackers. They also are not choosey about their diet – eati…

Poop to Power Plant Launches in Joaquin Valley

On February 10th, Calgren Ethanol Bioregister launched its new manure-to-energy plant in the small town of Pixley, Tulare County, 60 miles South of Fresno. Harnessing the power of poop is how this future thinking company is helping California meet its clean energy goals. It is the first digester (a sealed container where the biological digestion of animal manure can occur and biogas is formed) to be designed as a “closed loop and zero waste system” - meaning it provides its own energy to run itself. The location of this plant is logical since Tulare County is the largest dairy producing county in the USA. Tapping into the ready supply of manure waste from the dairy farms, the plant operates much like a cow’s stomach, bacteria that is naturally produced in a cow’s stomach is added to the manure and then it is churned in the digester for 22 days to eliminate any harmful pathogens (like e.coli). The end result is liquid extracted from the process supplies farmers water for…

Fun Fall Festivities for the Greenie at Heart

Fall is a great time of the year to get outside and enjoy all our planet has to offer. With the weather beginning to cool down, leaves starting to change colors, and the holidays coming soon, this is a wonderful season to bond with the family and enjoy some fun fall festivities. Green Businesses has a few favorites we love to do every year. Maybe you do too? Apple Picking Apple picking may be available all year round, but autumn just so happens to be the most festive time of the year to indulge in such a fun activity. You may have to drive a distance to get to your destination, but it is well worth the drive. The human soul seems to regenerate as you get out of that car and find yourself surrounded by trees and mountains and nature. It is so satisfying to walk through the fields of trees, picking and choosing which apple you would like to enjoy, twisting the select few until they snap off the branch, and later enjoying a crisp and delectable snack. Not to mention, these a…