Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

bundy: newton's third law is conservation of momentum All this torque and no action.

was just tryn to use its correct title , like I said, the action is in the wrist ......you pull it one way its bound to bend the other?

Actually, EB didn't quote anything; he didn't attribute it to Newton at all. NJH, you -assumed- he was making a scientific reference. Instead (imo), EB was using a phrasing that we were all familiar with to make the point that there is give and take in any system. We can apply it to momentum, or social science.

I also believe that we need to be more respectful of the earth and what she can tolerate. I think most folks get trapped into a Consumerism mentality because that's the norm around them, and then realize what they've been doing after they are in the swamp up to their armpits. At least, that's where I feel I am. Here I am with my big house and two cars, wishing I could live in a small passive solar house with no need to commute. But I made decisions years ago, and they are difficult to undo all at once. So I try to effect change in my impact to the planet incrementally where I can. Replacement windows to snug up the house, flourescent lights, on-demand water heater, high-efficiency furnace, and so on. As things need to be replaced, I try to use what creates less waste.

As if that's not bad enough Janet, I'm worried about the bloody crocodiles in there with me passing themselves off as leaders / visionaries, defenders of the faith and the free world

Since I was one of those that threw a match in this powderkeg, I will chime in here too. I would like to see some return to simplicity. I have bicycle commuted before, and am at a point that, if allowed, I could do 90% of my work via telecommuting. (Unfortunately, about 3% of my work would require me to be in another section of the country.) I think that this mindset would greatly reduce drains on our resources. I recently moved. This reduced our driving by approximately 60-75%.

As to the overpopulation of the earth, there are some 6.5Billion people in the world today. There are 3.7 million square miles, (2.3 Billion acres, .96 hectares) in the US. that comes out to about 1/3 of an acre, or 1/6 of a hectare for every man woman and child in the world.
Granted, there are some areas that aren't habitable, but the rest of the world should make up some of the difference.

I don't think that the problem is lack of resources, it is more the misuse of resources.
If you are interested in efficiency, an AP system running at top efficiency, should be able to produce approximately 50Kg of Tilapia per year, and take approximately 3 square meters. This same area should be able to produce 10-30 times that in vegetable matter. Let's assume that you would need 4 times that much to feed a family of 4, we are now up to 12 meters of AP, which would fit on most driveways. Granted, people want to eat things other than Tilapia, salad, and tomatoes, but the point is that there is more than enough room for people, the problem comes from wastage.

One of the appeals of AP is the efficient use of resources.

As to buffers, yes, disease, wars, pestilences are among the buffers, as is starvation - not pleasant thoughts, especially given the predictions of a global flu pandemic. Unfortunately, we humans have compartmentalized our lives to the point that an anti-biotic resistant virus could be devastating, (more in the "civilized" areas of the world where people are dependent on antibiotics, rather than antibodies). One of the benefits of growing your own food is knowing what's in it, reducing the waste of other resources (see food-miles), and having fresh food.

I like the reduction of 'food miles' and we here are all contributing to this. also 'goods miles' (just made that up) - If you can buy local products - do so please! Anything that hasn't been shipped a thousand miles for 'free trade' benefits has less ecological impact.

It really is up to the individual to do what they can, Govts don't care unless it will get them votes or you show them a profit. Even those led and spoken to by God himself...

GOD = Gold, Oil, Dollars.