Size Matters 35.1

Size Matters 35.1

You’ve heard it before – small is beautiful. Whether it’s farming, mining or producing energy, the size of the operation is important. Despite the welcome trend toward smaller scale production, however, it isn’t always the best solution.

In this edition of Alternatives Journal , we look at the issue of scale. From pedal-powered biodiesel production to artisanal mining, from silviculture to Panama hats, from family farming to renewable energy, size really does matter.

You’ve heard it before – small is beautiful. Whether it’s farming, mining or producing energy, the size of the operation is important. Despite the welcome trend toward smaller scale production, however, it isn’t always the best solution.

In this edition of Alternatives Journal , we look at the issue of scale. From pedal-powered biodiesel production to artisanal mining, from silviculture to Panama hats, from family farming to renewable energy, size really does matter.

 Read selected articles and web extras from this issue

Here’s what else you get when you buy the issue:

News & Notes  – Samantha Magnus

Science Desk: Immigrant Insects 

Letter From Newfoundland and Labrador – John Gibson, Judy Gibson
On Sandy Pond

Mining Dilemma – Saleem H. Ali
Although small-scale and artisanal mining have potential, they require government regulation to avoid environmental and safety abuses.

Urban Harvest – Elaine Morin
Gail and Wally’s SPIN farming and Carmie’s soup service are yielding profits.

BC’s Rush for Hydro Power
Water privatization in a small-scale suit.

Pedal Power – Geeta Vaidyanathan, Ramani Sankaranarayanant
The Indian villages of Kinchlingi and Tumba are proving that small-scale biodiesel generation can create self-sufficient, sustainable communities.
 Four Hours to Fuel

Review: Scientizing PoliticsBrendon Larson
The Honest Broker: Making Sense of Science in Policy and Politics by Roger A. Pielke, Jr.

Horse Power – Kymberley Anne Snar
At the right scale, horse logging is both environmentally preferable and economically viable.

Review: Water Woesr – David Wellhauser
Dry Spring: The Coming Water Crisis of North America

Brain Mulch: Peace on EarthDavid Wellhauser


Publication of this issue was made possible by The Gosling Foundation; The Salamander Foundation; and the support from our many subscribers. We acknowledge the financial support of Canada’s International Development Research Centre (www.idrc.ca); EJLB Foundation; Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation; The McLean Foundation; Ontario Media Development Corporation; Ontario Trillium Foundation; Ontario Work Study Plan. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) of the Department of Canadian Heritage toward our project costs. The support of the Faculty of Environment at the University of Waterloo and the Waterloo Environmental Studies Endowment Foundation is appreciated.’

Here’s what’s online: