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 Keynote address on Friday night
Natural Capitalism is a whole-systems approach to doing business that enables companies to increase profitability and competitive advantage by behaving responsibly towards both nature and people. The approach consists of four primary principles:
- Radically increase resource efficiency. Through fundamental changes in production design and technology, it is possible to make natural resources stretch 5 to 10 times further than before, and even more.
- Shift to biologically inspired production models. The benign productive processes of living things can guide industrial innovation and teach us how to close production loops, thus eliminating waste and toxics.
- Invest in restorative practices. Any good capitalist reinvests in productive capital. Businesses are finding an exciting range of new cost-effective ways to restore and expand the natural capital directly
required for operations and indirectly required to sustain the supply system and customer base.
- No net loss of natural or social capital. To achieve genuine prosperity and an economy worth sustaining, it is essential to ensure that neither form of capital is diminished.
Together, the principles of Natural Capitalism provide the foundation for a complete rethinking of business. They show how, contrary to conventional wisdom, far greater profits are to be achieved through protecting and enhancing nature, culture,
and community than by harming them.
Agriculture and Food
Cathy Wilkinson Barash - "Edible Wild Flowers from Garden to Palate"
Have your ever eaten a flower? Before answering, consider this: Daylilies are standard ingredients in Chinese hot-and-sour soup; chamomile and hibiscus are the basis for different herbal teas (chamomile and Red Zinger teas). In Europe, candied
violets and rose petals are favorite breath fresheners. Do you remember sucking the nectar out of honeysuckle blossoms when you were child? All of these are edible flowers.
This presentation, given by the authority on edible flowers highlights some common and favorite blooms of the 90+ edible flowers. Accompanied by luscious photography of each flower in the garden and mouth-watering images of a completed dish,
it is sure to get your culinary and horticultural juices flowing.
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Ronnie Cummins - "Powerdrive: How to Speed Up America's Movement Toward an Organic and Sustainable Future"
M. Cummins will talk on the crisis of industrial agriculture and genetic engineering and the movement toward a sustainable future. Topics covered will include food safety, environmental sustainability, social justice, global marketplace trends,
and global activism.
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Dr. Kathleen Delate - "Organic Agriculture in Iowa"
Kathleen will talk about organic production practices and research in the Organic Agriculture Program at Iowa State University.
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Steven M. Druker - "Why Genetic Engineering is Incompatible with Sustainable Agriculture"
This presentation explains the risks of genetically engineered (GE) foods as reported by the scientific staff of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Royal Society of Canada, the Public Health Association of Australia, and other
eminent experts; and it discusses the extensive body of evidence indicating that genetic engineering tends to cause unintended and potentially harmful effects in the food-yielding organisms it reconfigures. The presentation will include cutting-edge
information about problems of agricultural biotechnology, much of it acquired on a recent five-week speaking tour of the Hawaiian Islands (e.g. how the highly vaunted GE papaya has not "saved" the Hawaiian papaya industry as claimed but driven
it more deeply into an unsustainable and undesirable predicament.)
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Dr John Fagan - "Maharishi Vedic Organic Agriculture--A Cosmic Approach to Sustainability"
This talk will present the fundamental principles of Maharishi Vedic Organic Agriculture and discuss this ancient, yet leading edge, approach to agriculture in the context of agriculture as it is practiced today. We will look at the spectrum
of agricultural practices and the spectrum of "bio-technologies" that we find in operation around the world today, and place Maharishi Vedic Organic Agriculture in the context of these spectra. A key element of this discussion will be to examine
the role of the farmer in Maharishi Vedic Organic Agriculture, and contrast this with the farmer's role in current industrial agriculture and in the high-tech vision of agriculture's future.
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Dr. David Fisher - "Organic Agriculture in the Context of Sustainable Living"
Organic agriculture is more than just converting a conventional field to one on which no synthetic chemicals are used; it is just one component that ideally fits seamlessly into a whole different system of community life - Sustainable Living.
This talk will explore how that takes place, describe the new MUM degree program in sustainable living, and contrast organic models with other paradigms that promise to be the future of agriculture.
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Lawrence (Lonnie) A. Gamble, P.Eng. - "Eating Locally - a report from 3 months in France"
(Putting your activism where your mouth is)
This talk will present a vision of possibilities for developing dynamic and vibrant local food systems here in Iowa using inspiration gathered from three months of eating locally (and well) in the Ardeche region of France.
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Dr Robert Herron - "New Breakthroughs in Alternative Currencies for Sustainable Development"
How we can keep more of our resources cycling through our local economy? Dr. Herron will discuss topics such as local credit formation (banks, credit unions, cooperatives) and local currencies.
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Dr. John Ikerd - "Reconnecting People and Earth Through Sustainable Food and Farming"
The corporate industrialization of American agriculture is destroying once-vibrant rural communities by transforming diversified family farms into contract factory farming operations. This industrial transformation is degrading both the earth
and people, by separating people from the land and separating people from each other. An industrial agriculture quite simply is not sustainable. Thankfully, a group of new American farmers has emerged to challenge the industrial paradigm of
farming by developing a more sustainable agriculture. This new approach to farming reconnects people with the land, by farming in harmony with nature, and reconnects people with each other, through reliance on relationship marketing. These new
American farmers are creating new sustainable systems of food and farming that are ecological sound, economically viable, and socially responsible -- by reconnecting with the land and with people.
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Dr Sam James - "Impressions of sustainability in the Philippines"
How can people live in a manner that does not degrade the ecosystems on which they depend? This is a difficult question in the modern context, but maybe it is hardest where the ecosystems are fragile, such as in mountainous tropical habitats.
Complicating factors such as powerful economic interests allied with government agencies may make sustainability an impossibility. In this session, I will present some examples of places where sustainable living seems to be working, places where
it was, but no more, and places where it is not now and maybe never has been. Solutions to the problem of sustainability in third world areas appear to require local control. On a larger time/geographical scale, changes in collective consciousness
are also necessary.
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Steve McLaskey - "Maharishi Vedic Agriculture"
A year ago, Maharishi inspired a Vedic Agriculture project with two purposes: to grow food that is "nectar instead of poison" and to generate income to support peace-creating groups of Yogic Filers. The pioneering site in the U.S. is in Sainte
Genevieve County, Missouri where vegetables are growing in hill-top fields, and in 43,000 square feet of greenhouses. This report on the project will include pictures, stories, and comments on Vedic Agriculture.
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Ray Reeves - "Building the Sustainable Landscape"
Learn how naturalistic landscapes can provide superior habitats for people and wildlife, while reducing long-term maintenance costs and environmental impacts. This information is pertinent to homeowners, business persons and developers.
Ray Reeves, M.S. is a botanist and the owner of Reeves Wildflower Nursery. The nursery specializes in plants native to Iowa, and offers landscaping and consulting services.
Grover Stock - "Working With the Maya, Organic Agriculture and the Resistance in Chiapas"
Grover will talk about their work with the indigenous communities on introducing methods of organic farming that go beyond their traditional use of slash and burn agricultural techniques.
Grover has spent the last thirty years practicing and promoting organic agriculture. Currently he divides his time between Fairfield, where he is helping in the Permaculture design process for Abundance Eco-Village, and Chiapas, Mexico.
Dr. Francis Thicke - "Organic Soils 101: The Real Dirt on Soils"
This will be literally a dirt-in-your-hands workshop (towels provided) to help you learn how to evaluate your soils and improve them. What are soils made of? Get the real dirt on soils--the facts may surprise you. You will learn to feel and
see differences in soils, will learn what makes soils different and what you can do to enhance your soil.
Dr. Francis Thicke - "Organic Soils 102: Organic Matter Really Matters"
Organic matter (OM) is the mantra for organic growers. Organic matter is the key to soil fertility. We will explore the many important functions of organic matter in soils and will look at how the soil food web contributes to fertile and healthy
soils and healthy plants. We will also explore some soil fertility basics such as how nutrients behave in soils and the role of soil pH.
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Tom Wahl - "Introduction to AgroForestry"
At the heart of sustainable agriculture are trees, which produce edible fruit and nuts. Learn which trees fill this need in southeast Iowa.
Tom Wahl and Kathy Dice are the owners of Red Fern Farm, a family owned nursery and farm, located in southeast Iowa. They research and sell a variety of food producing trees including chestnuts, hazelnuts and paw paws. One of their goals is
to promote sustainable agriculture. Trees are central to their work.
Karen R.M. Joslin and Rhonda Graef - "The Evolution of the Iowa State University Student Organic Farm"
Karen and Rhonda will be providing an introduction to the Student Organic Farm, discussing the farm's mission, goals, objectives, and providing a brief history. They will also talk about the educational and learning opportunities the farm offers
both ISU students as well as community members.
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Energy and Building
Dr. Kent W. Boyum - "Funding Assistance, Planning, Engineering, and Implementation of Sustainable Projects"
This presentation will be a practical overview of energy projects and sustainable design projects and will hopefully serve attendees in locating funding options for their requirements.
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Lawrence (Lonnie) A. Gamble, P.Eng. - "Activism begins at Home - Radical strategies for living wisely and well with without fossil fuels - beyond less bad"
If you live in a conventional home in a conventional city in the US, and you care for the earth, what practical things can you do? In this talk you will learn about ways to go beyond "paper or plastic?" and see how you can obtain energy, water,
food, and shelter in ways that are sustainable. We will also discuss how to turn what are normally considered waste products into resources. We will briefly discuss how the design of our communities affects the way these services are provided
and how our culture affects our choices.
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Michael Havelka - "Making and Using Biodiesel Fuel"
Michael runs two cars fueled entirely with sesame oil. He will discuss the fabrication and use of biodiesel fuel.
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Dan Isbell - "Living Sustainably: An Iowa Family's Story"
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Jonathan Lipman, AIA - "Building Sustainable Buildings in Tune with Natural Law through Vedic Architecture"
Building sustainable buildings using the ancient system of Maharishi Sthapatya Veda (sm) architecture produces buildings that promote the health, happiness and coherence of their users, while ensuring that the balance of nature's resources is
not diminished. See examples of buildings that nourish their occupants and nourish the earth.
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Dr. David Osterberg - "A Solar Powered Bike in Europe"
In this talk David will tell us how five Iowa renewable energy advocates brought the news of European Renewable Energy accomplishments to Iowans and how to use the press to help change energy policy.
www.greenbike.org
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John Root - "Energy Efficiency is Smart Business"
Mr. Root is an energy consultant for Muscatine Power and Water. His presentation covers all the aspects of Muscatine Power and Water’s award winning, community-wide, energy-efficiency and economic development plan, which reduced electrical consumption
in Muscatine by over 1,000,000 kilowatt hours last year. Mr. Root will discuss market barriers and working with residential, school, commercial and industrial audits. He will identify energy-saving opportunities and discuss how to convince property
owners to invest in energy-efficient products. He will give suggestions on how to start one’s own energy consulting business as well as where to find energy-saving products.
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John Root - "Solar, the Brighter Alternative"
Mr. Root will cover the history of Photovoltaic (PV) and how a PV module converts sunlight to electricity as well as the sighting of a PV System, the differences between the various types of PV cells, the components of a battery storage PV system,
the components of a battery storage PV system and the components of a Grid Intertie System. He will also discuss the future of PV, the economics of PV and what is needed to promote this technology.
John Root - "History of Wind Machines"
Mr. Root will also give a presentation on the history of wind machines from 200 BC to the present through narrated pictorials.
Jay Shafer - "TumbleWeed Tiny House"
Jay Shafer designed, built and lives in a house smaller than some people’s bathrooms. He calls his tiny home Tumbleweed. "The decision to live in 130 square feet arose, in part, from some concerns I had about the impact a larger house would
have on the environment, and mostly because I just do not want to pay for and maintain more space than I need to be happy. Tumbleweed meets my needs without exceeding them. The simple, slower lifestyle my home affords is a luxury for which I
am supremely grateful."
www.tumbleweedhouses.com/
Dr. Robert G. Wynne - "Building a New Sustainable City and Creating Individual Health and Individual Peace as the Basis of World Peace"
The Mayor of Maharishi Vedic City, The Honorable Dr. Robert G. Wynne, will speak about the City’s plans to establish municipal electric and water utilities that will be 100% renewable. The Mayor will also discuss an ordinance that the City Council
recently passed banning the sale of non-organic food in the City. Dr. Wynne will also describe the City’s master plan for expansion to 8,000 residents that will include sustainable building standards, non-polluting vehicles, beautiful gardens
and orchards, and amenities that are all available within walking distance. The Mayor will also describe the programs of Maharishi Vedic Science that the City and its residents use to create individual health and individual peace, and how he
is encouraging mayors throughout the world to adopt these programs for prevention-oriented, problem-free administration that is the basis of world peace.
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Brad Young, "Straw Bale Construction in Iowa"
The MidAmerica Straw Bale Association has currently documented 17 straw bale structures in Iowa. Learn about this "revived" building technique & what Iowans have already done with straw bale construction.
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Various Topics
Martha Cline - "Award given to MUM Students by the American Lung Association"
Students at Maharishi University of Management are taking direct action towards helping to clean up the planet. In an environmental management class in the business department students raised funds that they used to purchase government air pollution
permits, thereby making these permits unavailable for businesses to buy. It will be possible to donate money to withdraw permits from the market at the Sustainable Living booth in the trade fair on Saturday. Depending on how much money is raised
this action will result in reducing tons of emissions of sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Sulfur dioxide can cause asthma and cardiovascular disease, and it is also a cause of acid rain, which can kill fish in lakes. Excess
carbon dioxide from the massive burning of fossil fuels is considered to be the main cause of global warming.
Martha Cline from the American Lung Association will be giving an award to Maria Chookolingo, Gyan Kessler, Matthew Lindberg-Work, Bente Lovhaug, Jackie Mburu, Lorena Reynoso and Victor Sumbana.
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Dale Divoky - "Art and Nature; Art as the Expression of Life inspired by Appreciation of Nature"
Prof. Divoky will illuminate the connection of these two primary aspects of human experience "Art and Nature". His talk will include a slide presentation of environmental art created by internationally known and local artists. It will
also include the work of students from the "Art and Nature" course taught over the last 12 years at Maharishi University of Management.
Dale Divoky has taught sculpture, 3-D design and an occasional drawing course at Maharishi University of Management since 1984.
Joan Masover - "Invest with your Values, The Advantages Of Socially Responsible Investing"
Learn how investing in companies that have sustainable business practices can be as good for your wallet as it is for your heart.
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