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Category Archives: Urban Life
Why Does Whole Foods Sell Meat?
(Hint: It has something to do with the economic system) James McWilliams recently (September 4) wrote an open letter to Whole Foods asking them to close their meat counters. This is noteworthy because John Mackey, their CEO, is himself a … Continue reading
Passive House Politics Getting Complicated
The “passive house” concept is taking off. This is a new way of building homes that reduces the energy required for their maintenance by an amazing 90% from the standard construction. This way of constructing buildings is essential if we … Continue reading
Posted in Ecological Economics, Simple living, Urban Life
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Does Digitization Decrease Empathy?
James McWilliams recently asked whether the digitization of communications decreases empathy, and thus potentially our empathy with other humans and animals. He talks about e-mail between students and professors, “butchered” grammar in e-mail being used to substitute for the student … Continue reading
Posted in Ecological Economics, History, Urban Life
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Rules and Regulations Governing Food Producing Animals
The ordinance on “food producing animals” (chickens, ducks, and goats) in Denver was passed last June. What follows below is the statement I submitted to the Board of Environmental Health on the proposed rules and regulations. You can read the … Continue reading
Akers, the Chicken
In case you don’t already know, the Denver “Food Producing Animals” ordinance passed at the Denver City Council on June 20 by a vote of 7 – 3. This is actually closer than it sounds, because there are 13 members … Continue reading
My Concerns About Backyard Livestock
(Statement at Denver City Council’s Public Hearing about the “Food Producing Animals” ordinance) My name is Keith Akers and I live in District 4. I urge a vote against the proposed food producing animals ordinance unless substantial concerns are addressed.
HSUS Letter to Denver City Council on the FPA Ordinance
I have just received a PDF copy of a letter the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) sent to Denver City Council concerning the proposed Food Producing Animals ordinance. Read the whole thing (PDF document) here. The letter raises … Continue reading
Denver City Council Hearing June 13 — your input needed / Protecting Backyard Chickens, Ducks, and Goats
The main issue which both sides on the debate over the proposed Denver Food Producing Animals ordinance underestimate is the welfare issue. Simply put, how do we protect backyard chickens, ducks, and goats?
Vegans Marching for Climate Change Action
We joined the “iMatter” youth-led march for climate change action yesterday, shortly after it left Cuernavaca Park in Denver. There were several hundred people who marched up 15th Street to Civic Center Park. We had our “Go Vegan” signs, and … Continue reading
Next Door to Livestock — Another Neighbor’s Reaction
Sundari Kraft is the most visible proponent of the proposed “Food Producing Animals” ordinance which would drastically reduce the limitations on backyard chickens, ducks, and goats. Earlier I reported that one of her neighbors, Roseanne Jelacic, has written to … Continue reading