Biosolids: The Eco-Friendly Choice

Biosolids are organic materials that are rich in nutrients and acquired from wastewater treatment. It is also referred to as "sewer sludge" and it can be used as fertilizer. In my opinion, biosolids are superior to other agricultural practices. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supports the land application of biosolids as a safe method of recycling. Furthermore, we can use biosolids as fertilizer for farms, forests and even our own backyards.
 
Prior to usage on land, biosolids must be filtered of their harmful compounds. They are processed through a sewage treatment which removes the solid segments, pathogens and other toxic elements. When complete, the newly cleansed and finished biosolids can be used. 

Among other nutrients, phosphorus and nitrogen are present in biosolids. These elements are detrimental in aiding and increasing plant growth. Even though biosolids are helpful to the entire community, some people find them unsanitary. Many people find it difficult to eat produce if it was grown in biosolids. Another negative is the distinct odour of biosolids. Although I understand these points, I believe that the positive factors outweigh the negatives.
 


In short, I believe that biosolids are extremely important in determining the future of our environment. The use of biosolids is a cost effective way to dispose of human waste. EPA supports this process and I'm inclined to agree.


Sources:


http://www.cwwa.ca/faqbiosolids_e.asp
http://www.toronto.ca/water/biosolids/index.htm
http://www.nwbiosolids.org/index.php
http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/wastewater/treatment/biosolids/genqa.cfm
http://sewagetreatment.us/tertiary-treatment/waste-water-treatment-sewage-treatment/
http://www.biosolids.state.va.us/


Blogs I commented on:

• http://taylorbioblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/are-biosolids-good-use-as-agricultural.html?showComment=1306882070419#c8598688309240510734
• http://jessy3149.blogspot.com/2011/03/human-waste-as-fertilizer.html?showComment=1306881727976#c3508739075872282874

Sustainable Agriculture vs. Industrial Agriculture

What is the difference between sustainable agriculture and industrial agriculture? Which is morally correct? Is one better than the other? 

Sustainable agriculture produces food naturally. Although it is more costly, this type of agriculture utilizes natural resources and is better for the environment. This is due to the fact that no harmful emissions or chemicals are released into the atmosphere. In my opinion, this is better than industrial agriculture. Animals are treated justly and are not abused for their meat or byproducts. Consumers also receive benefits - the food is generally higher-quality, tastes better, and is healthy due to lack of unnatural substances in the products. Even though sustainable agriculture is not the main source of many people's food, I think that it would be able to meet demands if it was. An increase in the amount of farms would also provide more jobs, as more people are needed in sustainable agriculture as opposed to industrial agriculture (less machines and more workers involved). Most importantly, sustainable agriculture is an aspect of sustainable development - a way in which humans can expand without destroying the environment.  People in today's society have a responsibility to keep the earth in good condition for future generations and this responsibility is fulfilled when our focus is on sustainable agriculture. It is only morally right to choose sustainable agriculture over industrial agriculture for the following reasons: the treatment of the animals involved, the well-being of our planet, and the well-being of people in today's society.

This photo displays the degrading value at which animals are held in industrial agriculture. Animals are fattened up with chemicals and meat is sold at much cheaper values due to the mass slaughter of farm animals.

Industrial agriculture is a form of modern farming. Chemicals and machinery are heavily involved with the processing of food. This is not only much more cruel for the wildlife involved, but is also harmful to the humans. We consume the chemicals involved through the food we eat when buying industrial agriculture. These chemicals also harm the environment and other life surrounding the areas in which they are used. However, the chemicals are not the only factor affecting the health of the environment. Industrial agriculture is a form of modern family meant to quickly and efficiently meet the demands of consumers - meaning that is doesn't always keep in mind the environment's future and well-being. Resources are used up at an extremely fast rate - many of them non-renewable or taken in such large quantities that more is being taken than what can be renewed. This method is not realistic and will provide even greater problems in the future. Although it may provide answers to present problems, such as meeting demands and providing/producing food at cheap prices, it does not put long-term problems at the forefront of concerns. The beneficial aspects of industrial agriculture are greatly outweighed by its downfalls, in my opinion, as it fails to regard the long-term well-being of consumers, animals, and the planet.

Humans workers do not play a heavy role in industrial agriculture and are rather replaced by advanced machinery and technology.

  I think that sustainable agriculture is definitely the ethical and moral option for the reasons stated above.

Sources:

http://www.sustainabletable.org/intro/whatis/
http://www.globalissues.org/article/171/loss-of-biodiversity-and-extinctions#MassiveExtinctionsFromHumanActivity
http://www.ecocentricblog.org/
http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1175526032952&lang=eng
http://www.alternet.org/story/13900/

My comments:

http://michelleflynnbioblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/feeding-growing-population-vs.html?showComment=1299622778311#c2705639068527691655

http://graceelkhechen.blogspot.com/2010/12/blog-post_20.html?showComment=1299626517332#c4093474138439093129