Recipe

Roasted Sage Potatoes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

• 12-15 potatoes, each about 1 1/2 inches in diameter
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 2 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of salt
  
• 10-12 clusters of sage

Preparation:
Preheat an oven to 350°F. Rub the potatoes with the olive oil, salt, pepper, and 2 of the sage clusters. Put the potatoes and all the sage clusters in an attractive ovenproof dish just large enough to hold them in a single layer. Bake until the potato skins are crispy and the centers are tender when pierced, about 1 hour.

Source: http://www.epicurean.com/featured/sage-roasted-new-potatoes-recipe.html

This meal sounds fairly easy to prepare and requires only two crops from our garden. I've eaten these tasty potatoes before and remember them being quite filling.

Research Paper Abstract

I chose to research California’s water resources and its water supply system. The Sierra Nevada snow pack and the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta are two of the largest sections of the state’s water supply system. Measurements of snow pack levels over the last century have revealed a declining Sierra Nevada snow pack and have formed the basis for some startling predictions. “The Sierra [Nevada] snowpack will experience a 25 to 40 percent reduction from its historic average by 2050." The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta is the heart of California’s water supply system. About 80% of the water pumped from the delta is used solely for agricultural purposes.California’s Department of Water Resources projects that urban water demand in California may increase by 1.5-5.8 million acre-feet by 2030.

Increased rates of snow melt for the Sierra Nevada snow pack, and federally initiated cutbacks of water exports from the fragile Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, have caused a decline in fresh water reserves throughout California, threatening the state’s future water supply. A reduction in the water consumption for both the agricultural and urban sectors of the state’s water system can be achieved by providing subsidies that promote more efficient use of water, promoting the use of water-efficient technologies, expanding educational programs that promote water efficiency, and improving water and land planning.

Pull Quotes:
“The Sierra Nevada snowpack will experience a 25 to 40 percent reduction from its historic average by 2050."

"...urban water demand in California may increase by 1.5-5.8 million acre-feet by 2030."

Sources:
Managing an Uncertain Future; Climate Change Adaptation Strategies for California's Water. Rep. State of California | The Resources Agency Department of Water Resources, Oct. 2008. Web. 10 Feb. 2009.

California Water Plan 2005 Update. Rep. Sacramento: Department of Water Resources, 2005. Print. Bulletin 160-05.

Food Inc. Reflection

Food Inc. caused me to review my feelings regarding the food industry. I did not realize the full extent of the food industry's political power prior to watching Food Inc. Many of the current FDA officials, and one Supreme Court justice, are former employees of some of the largest companies in the food industry. The government officials who oversee the quality of food products owe their political success to an industry that they must regulate. These political ties have allowed the largest companies in the food industry to decrease the nutritional value of their products and increase their economic growth.

Food Inc. changed my view of animal treatment in the food industry. The footage of groups of cattle being electrocuted and then shoved on to an assembly line was hard to watch. The way in which these animals were killed was nothing short of disturbing. These mass executions were committed without any empathetic response. 35,000 pigs are given an automated death sentence each day in the slaughterhouse featured in Food Inc.

In 1960, the average farmer could produce enough food to feed 7 people. The average farmer can now produce enough food to feed 126 people. The appetite of the U.S. public is continually increasing because the cost of processed foods is decreasing.

Discussion Question: What is the most immediate change that the food industry must experience in order to redirect the health of the public towards a positive future?

I believe that the U.S. public must make the first step towards a healthier future by demanding organic foods that have greater nutritional value than that of processed foods.

More Water Info

Climate change and Sierra Nevada snowpack

The Sierra Nevada snowpack is one of the largest sources of fresh water for California. The melting of the snowpack allows water to be captured and pumped to homes throughout California. However, the Sierra Nevada snowpack is melting at a faster rate than it has in previous years.

Scientists measured snow accumulation and melt trends over a 28 year period at 260 different snow sensor stations in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This study revealed that less snow accumulated and melted earlier in areas below 2400m. Generally, most snow sensor stations above 2400m revealed an increased trend in snow accumulation but earlier snow melt.

Johnson, Tammy, Jeff Dozier, and Joel Michaelsen. Climate change and Sierra Nevada snowpack. Publication. Wallingford, Oxfordshire, UK: International Association of Hydrological Sciences, 1999. Print.


Climate Change Impacts on Water Supply and Agricultural Water Management in California's Western San Joaquin Valley, and Potential Adaptation Strategies (2009)

This study revealed that "increasing agricultural demand under climate change brought on by increasing temperature will place additional stress on the water system, such that some water users will experience a decrease in water supply reliability."

California residents must adapt water consumption habits that conserve this precious resource in order to guarantee it for the future.

CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS ON WATER SUPPLY AND AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT IN CALIFORNIA’S WESTERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY, AND POTENTIAL ADAPTATION STRATEGIES (2009). California Climate Change Center, Aug. 2009. Web. 28 Feb. 2010. http://www.energy.ca.gov/2009publications/CEC-500-2009-051/CEC-500-2009-051-F.PDF.

Nathan Lewis Presentation Reflection

Nathan Lewis gave a well structured presentation that was consistently supported by facts. There were many points throughout his presentation that specifically captured my attention, most notably was the global energy consumption in one year. The world uses about 13TW (terawatts) of energy a year, the U.S. using 3 of those 13TW. I am finding it difficult to visualize what 13TW looks like. When I hear 13TW all I imagine is a number.

Solar energy is the best alternative, carbon-free energy source for the future. During his presentation, Nathan Lewis discussed that solar energy was the most likely candidate for a future fuel source because the amount of energy that the sun emits is far greater than the amount of energy that we use. One of the biggest obstacles on the pathway towards a more solar energy reliant future is the current cost of solar energy vs. the current cost of energy generated by coal. Solar energy is stuck at a crossroads of what is most environmentally friendly and what is most economic. Solar energy will not replace coal until it becomes a more cost effective source of energy.

Climate Change in Regards to Water

Article 1

"Pacific Institute - Bottled Water and Energy." Pacific Institute: Research for People and the Planet. Web. 11 Feb. 2010. http://www.pacinst.org/topics/water_and_sustainability/bottled_water/bottled_water_and_energy.html.

The source lists several key facts that highlight the large carbon footprint that the bottled water industry leaves behind. Tap water is the alternative to bottled water.

Most households in the United States have access to purified drinking water that is supplied via faucets, however many Americans choose to buy bottled water rather than take a drink of tap, a decision that leaves behind a substantial carbon footprint.

In 2006, Americans bought a total of 31.2 billion liters of water. Bottling water produced more than 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide and 3 liters of water were required to produce 1 liter of bottled water. 3.4 megajoules of energy are required in order to produce a typical 1-liter plastic bottle, capping and packaging. 900,000 tons of Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), a type of plastic typically produced by natural gases and petroleum, were required to produce water bottles. Once a plastic water bottled has been produced it must be shipped to markets, further increasing its carbon footprint.

Articles 2 & 3

"Climate Change." California Department of Water Resources. Web. 11 Feb. 2010. http://www.water.ca.gov/climatechange/.

Uncertain Future; Climate Change Adaptation Strategies for California's Water. Rep. State of California | The Resources Agency Department of Water Resources, Oct. 2008. Web. 10 Feb. 2009. http://www.water.ca.gov/climatechange/docs/ClimateChangeWhitePaper.pdf.

These two sources host valuable pieces of information regarding California's increasing drought and how it is a result of climate change. They provide facts about the water that Californians receive from the Sierra Nevada snowpack and the San Joaquin Delta.

The effects of climate change can be felt in the form of California's current drought and projections for how it may worsen. "Sea level has risen about seven inches at the Golden Gate Bridge in the last century, and continued sea level rise could threaten many coastal communities as well as the sustainability of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta which supplies 25 million Californians with drinking water."

"The annual snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada snowpack currently releases 15 million acre-feet of water," with much of it eventually making its way into the San Joaquin Delta. "Based upon historical data and modeling, DWR [California Department of Water Resources] projects that the Sierra snowpack will experience a 25 to 40 percent reduction from its historic average by 2050." Rising temperatures in California will result in lower levels of fresh water collection in the future if nothing is done to counteract climate change.

Reflection

It is important that we make larger steps towards preserving the availability of water in the future by improving our water consumption habits and making a more conscious effort to understand how climate change jeopardizes water resources. Water is an invaluable resource essential to life on earth. The most critical effects of climate change will be felt in the form of future water shortages if strong efforts are not invested toward water conservation.

I plan to use the information that I have gathered from these articles to show the reasons why we must conserve water in order to preserve our water usage for the future. If we do not initiate stricter water consumption and conservation efforts Californians will not be able to guarantee a future with water.

These are some of the ideas that I have brainstormed for my video:

• A time lapse of a simulation of the increased snowmelt in the Sierra Nevadas over the next 100 years.
• The carbon footprint that bottled water leaves behind from its production and transportation to markets.
• The path that our water travels: from the Sierra Nevadas to the San Joaquin Delta and then to Southern California.
  

Initial Plant Write-Up

I wish to plant and harvest white sage.

• White sage is a perennial herb that is a part of the sunflower family.
• Native to Southern California.
• Drought resistant.
  
• It is best to plant in the fall. Do not plant in the summer.
  
• The flowers of the white sage bloom from August through September, however the plant actively grows in the spring and summer.
• White sage grows on dry, but well drained, sandy to rocky soils below 3500 m.

White sage can be divided from the cuttings of other pieces of white sage and replanted. I know of specific areas in east county that wild white sage grows. I can harvest the cuttings from these areas.

• For dividing the whole plant, gently loosen the soil around the plant, taking care to not damage the roots, and then lift the plant gently with a pitchfork; shake off as much soil from the roots as possible.
• Divide the plant into smaller pieces by hand, retaining only healthy, vigorous sections, each with new buds.
• The cut pieces should be replanted as soon as possible so that they do not dry out.
• The roots of the white sage should be spread out when replanted.
• White sage should be planted in full sunlight and the rooting zone should be kept somewhat moist while it is still becoming established.
• Should be planted on 12-18" centers.
• White sage can live in soil with pH levels from 6-9.
  

White sage is a medicinal herb that is sacred to most American Indian tribes. The burning and smudging of white sage is used to purify the mind, body and soul of sickness and bad spirits.

Sources

"Conservation Plant Characteristics for ScientificName (CommonName) | USDA PLANTS." Welcome to the PLANTS Database | USDA PLANTS. Web. 28 Jan. 2010. http://plants.usda.gov/java/charProfile?symbol=ARLU.

United States. United States Department of Agriculture. National Resources Conservation Services. USDA National Resources Conservation Services | Plant Guide | White Sage. USDA National Resources Conservation Services. Web. 27 Jan. 2010. http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_arlu.pdf.

"White Sage." Horizon Herbs-Organic growers of medicinal herb seeds, plants and organic vegetable seeds. Web. 28 Jan. 2010. http://www.horizonherbs.com/pilot.asp?pg=white_sage.

"White Sage Plant Guide | Salvia Apiana Plant Information | Garden Guides." Garden Guides, Your Guide to Everything Gardening. Web. 28 Jan. 2010. http://www.gardenguides.com/taxonomy/white-sage-salvia-apiana/.

Water Consumption & Conservation

Water is the most precious resource on the planet. Life on Earth could not exist without water. I plan to make a video that details the important role that water plays in our lives and the natural world. This video will not be a doomsday outlook in regards to our water use, but rather a critique of our water habits and how we can work to reduce our water footprint so that we can provide the next generation with enough water to survive.

The first portion of the video will explain the water cycle. About 97% of the water on earth is the salt water in the forms of oceans, seas & bays and the remaining 3% is fresh water in the forms of surface water, ground water, icecaps, glaciers, rivers, swamps and lakes. Only 1% of that fresh water is usable to humans. The water cycle is the process that recycles water on Earth. Salt water from the ocean makes the transformation to fresh water when it is heated by the sun and evaporates into the air. Air currents take the water vapor into the atmosphere where it is then condensed into clouds. Clouds then release the water as precipitation. Precipitation can take three possible paths: 1) freeze and accumulate in the forms of ice caps or glaciers 2) fall back into the ocean 3) fall onto land. Precipitation that falls onto land can flow over the ground as surface runoff, into lakes, swamps and rivers. Much of the surface runoff water seeps into the ground as infiltration. Over time the water eventually makes its way back into the ocean where the cycle will repeat.

The second portion of the video will break down the water use of the average American and the agricultural industry. This portion will also inform the audience of many ways that they can reduce their water footprint.

"The average family of four can use 400 gallons of water every day, and, on average, approximately 70 percent of that water is used indoors."

"The bathroom is the largest consumer of indoor water. The toilet alone can use 27 percent of household water. Almost every activity or daily routine that happens in the home bathroom uses a large quantity of water."

"A bathroom faucet generally runs at 2 gallons of water per minute. By turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving, a person can save more than 200 gallons of water per month."

"Older toilets use between 3.5 and 7 gallons of water per flush."

Sources

"Where is Earth's water located? USGS Water Science for Schools." USGS Georgia Water Science Center. Web. 22 Jan. 2010. http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/earthwherewater.html. This source outlines the distribution of water on Earth (i.e. areas that contain salt water and areas that contain fresh water).

"The Water Cycle: Summary, from USGS Water Science." USGS Georgia Water Science Center. Web. 22 Jan. 2010. http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/watercyclesummary.html. This source outlines the water cycle.

"American Water Works Association – www.drinktap.org Home Water Information Conservation Water Use Statistics." Home. Web. 22 Jan. 2010. http://www.drinktap.org/consumerdnn/Home/WaterInformation/Conservation/WaterUseStatistics/tabid/85/Default.aspx. This source breaks down the common uses of water at home and the amount that they use.

"US Indoor Water Use | WaterSense | US EPA." U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Web. 22 Jan. 2010. http://www.epa.gov/WaterSense/pubs/indoor.html. This source lists several important facts regarding the average indoor use in the United States.

Farmer in Chief Reading and Discussion

Michael Pollen's article, Farmer in Chief, is a letter written to the President elect warning of the importance of the country's agricultural system and food industry, and the need for it to change in order to ensure a safer, healthier and more sustainable future. This was one of the most organized and flawless arguments that I have ever read.

During the socratic seminar our class seemed to focus on whether or not the government should be able to oversee the American people's diet and initiate changes that would benefit their health. Should the American people be given the responsibility to choose what they eat even if it does not benefit their health. During the discussion I made the comparison of the previous notion to the example of the U.S. government outlawing citizens from injecting harmful drugs and substances into their bodies. I believe that the U.S. government should reduce the number of subsidies that it provides for 'unhealthy' foods, and increase the number of subsidies for healthy food.

However with this suggestion comes another issue regarding the government's judgment. What exactly constitutes 'unhealthy' food? Should the healthiness of a food be judged on the number of calories that it contains? Or possibly the number of preservatives and additives that it contains. Pollen stated in his article, "We have traded quality for quantity." The American food system has been flooded with an array of foods that have lead to increased cases of health issues such as diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol. I believe both of these should be taken into consideration if the government were to initiate changes that would greatly limit the diet of American citizens.

I believe that the most immediate way toward a safer, healthier and more sustainable food system is for Americans to buy from local farmers and producers. The majority of local food producers tend to offer healthier alternatives to many of their regional counterparts that are using more sustainable methods of production. I support the idea of requiring all public schools to teach students to make healthy dietary choices.

Agriculture Family History

My family tree has featured several relatives who have had agricultural jobs. My grandfather on my mother's side of the family served in the forestry service for four years. Most of my relatives on my father's side of the family have grown corn and/or raised sheep, cattle or horses on the Navajo reservation.

What is one thing in the natural world that you are curious about?

I want to expand my knowledge of the evolutionary growth of redwood trees and the role they play in the environment. The enormity of these organisms never ceases to amaze me. What elements of their surrounding environment promoted their extraordinary growth and how long did it take this evolutionary leap? Where are other species of trees similar to redwoods found and how do their environments differ? What type of wildlife do redwood forests support? I hope to spend an extended amount of time studying redwood trees at some point in my life so that I may answer all of my questions pertaining to these colossal structures of nature.