changing the world in our own backyard
News from the Humus Project is sent out once a month
On this page we post links to projects which inspire Earthkeepers.
Projects
Eco Life in Portugal
https://www.ecolife-experience.com/
A project founded and run by some inspiring women!
Um mundo mais sustentável que passa pela salvaguarda do nosso planeta, uma mudança de ciclo onde o respeito pela Natureza seja condição primeira para garantir a continuação da vida na sua biodiversidade.
A more sustainable world, for the protection of our planet, with respect of nature, to ensure the continuation of life in its biodiversity.
La Ferme Bec du Hellouin
https://www.fermedubec.com/english/
This is the permaculture project of Perrine Hervé-Gruyer and her husband Charles (see TED talk above).
»we have started our project with the intention of exploring ecologically sound food growing practices, despite neither of us having previous experience of farming.«
And here is an interview with Perrine Hervé-Gruyer in English by Oliver Gardiner at the Oxford Real Farming Conference 2018
https://www.facebook.com/organicconsumers/videos/10155576773139934/
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Films
http://www.downtoearthfilm.com/
This film is the starting point for a people-powered change, based on the wisdom of the Keepers of the Earth.
On Saturday, March 24th there is a chance to watch the film in London at a DOWN TO EARTH Pre-Premiere Event. Check it out here:
http://www.downtoearthfilm.com/mygreenpod
And here is an interview with one of the makers of the film, Rolf Winters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ozc8M34xI8o
Symphony of the Soil
http://www.symphonyofthesoil.com/the-films/symphony-of-the-soil/
Symphony of the Soil, film by Deborah Koon Garcia
In English with subtitle options: English, Spanish, French, Chinese, German, Italian, Portuguese. 104 minutes
Symphony of the Soil is an artistic exploration of the miraculous organism that gives life to all creatures on planet earth. The film also explores the relationship between humans an the soil, including our misuse of it and the latest research on the connection between the soil and environmental issues. An important and inspiring film for a better and healthier understanding of Mother Earth.
TED talk by Perrine Hervé-Gruyer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0TDajzeomg
TED talk by Perrine Hervé-Gruyer
Why I became a farmer (in French with English subtitles)
Perrine Hervé-Gruyer shares her experience of returning to the land. She and her husband created a farm from scratch. With the Bec Hellouin biological farm, they discovered the permaculture and its principles based on the respect of the land and the men.
A passionate and confident insight into the future of Humankind: "What if using permaculture could feed the world?". And why not apply these permaculture principles to other areas?
The Worm is Turning
Film makers Åsa Mark and Hilary Bain tell the story of how corporate agribusiness has taken over the world’s food production.
“We’re eating World War 2's leftovers! For the past 70 years chemical agriculture has been waging war on life.”
Agrochemicals are big business. The same chemicals that were used in war fare have been sprayed over our fields for decades. Polluted crops are continuously being sold to us 'safe food'. Pesticides and fertilisers are systematically destroying human health, plant health and soil health, not to mention, the global economies and the ecology. — This is the shocking truth. It's sickening and sad , but it's important to be aware of it, especially if you are an 'eco-friendly' gardener, farmer or consumer.
Despite these bad news, this is also “a film about feeding EVERYBODY well and restoring the environment.” Many projects and initiatives all over the world are showing how to regenerate the soil and feed the world's growing population without poisoning ourselves.
Everyone who cares about the soil, planet Earth and their own health must watch this film.
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Music
The Mad Farmers Liberation Front
A trio of seasoned musicians and 'mad farmers' in Central Portugal
Inspired by Wendell Berry's Manifesto:
"Put your faith in the two inches of humus that will build under the trees
every thousand years."
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Organisations & Initiatives
Vienna Soil Declaration
The Vienna Soil Declaration was formulated by the International Union of Soil Science in December 2015 to mark the International Year of Soils.
At the same event the IUSS declared the period of 2015-2024 the International Decade of Soils (because they realised that one year was not enough to help soils regenerate)
“Soil matters for humans and ecosystems”
You can download the Vienna Soil Declaration here
http://iuss.boku.ac.at/files/vienna_soil_declaration_december_7_.pdf
Regeneration International
http://www.regenerationinternational.org/
Regeneration International is an international alliance founded in 2015, the International Year of the Soil. It is a global network of projects, initiatives and information around the regeneration of soils.
Lots of inspiring links here:
http://www.regenerationhub.co/en/
The Oxford Real Farming Conference
The ORFC brings together practising, mud-on-the-boots farmers and growers with scientists and economists, and activists and lawyers, and everyone else with a serious interest in food and agriculture. The idea is to ask the really big questions – like what kind of farming do we really need and why and lots more...
So in January 2010, the Oxford Real Farming Conference was launched in the late mediaeval library attached to the University Church of St Mary’s in Oxford’s High Street. In part the ORFC was conceived as the antidote to the official, Oxford Farming Conference, which for the past 60 years has presented the Establishment view and of late has encouraged farmers to focus on high tech, and trust to the global market.
Read more about the ORFC here http://orfc.org.uk/about/
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Art
AnaRita de Albuquerque
Feltmaker at Volume Atelier
https://www.facebook.com/VOLUMEAtelier/
Beth Richardson
Fine art
http://www.brichart.co.uk/index.php
Gabriele Mazaracis
Maker of beautiful felted animals at Filzkram
Nikola Orpen
Textile Artist
https://nikolaorpen.wordpress.com/
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Poetry
Joshua Bond
Poetry and Form
Photo: Juan Di Nella