| Sustainable Floriculture Needed near Kenyan Lake |
|
|
|
| Written by Erika Fredrickson | |
| Thursday, 14 February 2008 | |
|
The Council of Canadians and the Food & Water Watch are urging the Kenyan government to push for more small-scale farming practices and sustainable agriculture techniques when it comes to raising flowers. Flowers are exported all over the world to satiate consumers on Valentine’s Day, but most people don’t consider the impact those brightly petaled bouquets will have on communities around the world, and their environment. Europe, Canada and the US all import flowers from Kenyan farms that have been using Lake Naivasha for its water source. The lake has been unpredictable in the past (nearly drying up in the 1890s) and has been consistently dropping due to floriculture practices. This is not just an environmental problem, but one that affects the community around Lake Naivasha, where fishing is a large source of employment and income. Pesticides sprayed in the farming of flowers goes straight into the lake, the community air and into groundwater. Predictably, bird and fish species are already disappearing from the lake. The drop in water level may also greatly affect the geothermal plant which was commissioned for the area in 1981 and provides a large source of energy. National Chairperson for the Council of Canadians, Maude Barlow, says that unless the Kenyan government takes action to switch over to more sustainably produced flowers, and unless wealthy flower consumers start demanding sustainable products, the environmental and economic state of the Naivasha Lake area will continue to decline. via CommonDreams.org and the Food and Water Watch |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
It's true what our moms said...we are what we eat. In fact, it's truer than they thought. What I eat doesn't just affect me anymore, it affects all of us.
Unfortunately, the story of food can sometimes be complicated. But envirovores help each other out...which is why this blog will be bringing you news, tips, and information about food and the environment every step of the way.
