Ecological Practices Research Articles

Black vegan rhetoric: race, healing, and conflict in Black women’s blog posts

ABSTRACT Making intersectional interventions within ecofeminism and rhetorical studies, this essay examines Black women’s vegan rhetoric on the website Black Vegans Rock! We argue that Black women’s vegan rhetoric includes two primary themes. First, their vegan rhetoric reveals how Black women find healing and love through veganism. In a world that shows little compassion for their needs, Black women turn to veganism to embrace radical acts of self-love and heal from trauma caused by misogynoir. Second, their vegan rhetoric underscores the challenges of Black women’s self-identification. Black women must navigate the whiteness of vegan spaces and restrictive social norms involving their body and hair, creating hurdles for Black women’s existence in both mainstream (white) vegan movements and Black communities. Through our analysis, we chart Black women’s decolonial ecological practices, which continue to go substantially understudied in ecofeminist and rhetorical studies scholarship.

Assessment of the risk of contamination by heavy metals and correlation analysis of the content of toxicants in animal feed and organic waste

Pollution of agroecosystems by heavy metals posesa signifcant threat to agricultural production in various countries of the world, including Ukraine. In the postwar period, the environmental situation will be even more complicated. Timely assessment of environmental risk using the results of laboratory analysis of the feed of dairy cows and their organic waste for the content of ecotoxicants such as cadmium and lead obtained in scientific experiments is important. Correlation analysis is one of the methods of statistical data processing that, when properly applied using modern computer software, allows you to quickly establish the strength of the relationship between indicators and its statistical signifcance. Such research methods are used by scientists from the countries of the European Union, the USA, China, and other countries. Previous studies have focused directly on the concentrations of contamination with heavy metals Cd, Pb, and other animal feed and organic waste, but have not investigated the relationship between them. Scientifc and economic experiments were conducted on dairy cows with different types of feeding. The animals were selected by the method of analogues for live weight and productivity. The diet included feed with an excess of cadmium and lead. The high biological activity of pollutants influenced their transition from ration fodder to products and organic waste. The aim of the research was to analyze the correlation dependence between the content of Cd and Pb in cow feed and their organic waste with an assessment of the risk of soil contamination by hazardous toxicants in the area of activity of agro-enterprises producing milk after the introduction of organic waste as organic fertilizer. With the help of the STATISTICA version 10.0 computer program, the Shapiro-Wilk's W test, the conformity of the obtained data of laboratory analyzes of feed and organic waste with the concentration of heavy metals, the law of "normal" distribution (Gaussian), and then the non-parametric Spearman rank correlation coefcient necessary in this case is selected for calculation. The analysis established a high r=0.66-0.75 (Cd) (р<0.05), r=0.66-0.77 (Pb) (р<0.05) and a very high r=0.83 (Cd) (р<0.05), r=0.83 (Pb) (р<0.05) correlation dependence between the content of toxicants in feed and organic waste, which allows specialists to act quickly and efectively in production conditions, confdently use the method of environmental monitoring, forecast the environmental situation, assessenvironmental risks, including those related to organic and biological farming and avoid disturbing the ecological balance of agroecosystems. Further research is aimed at correlational and regression analysis, but on other important indicators of environmental safety in veterinary, zootechnical and ecological practice, with an assessment of the relevant risks of running the livestock industry in the forest-steppe zone of Ukraine. Key words: feed, organic waste, organic fertilizers, heavy metals, cadmium, lead, correlation, ecological risk, dairy cows.

MONITORING OF PESTICIDE RESIDUES IN GRAPEVINE LEAVES UNDER VARIANT FUNGAL DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Food contamination is the result of over-reliance on fungicides in crop production. The presence of pesticide residues in agricultural commodities needs to be strategically solved by applying gentle agrotechnical procedures. The research aimed to evaluate the effect of the treatment of grapevine with fungicides on the content and mobility of 4 active substances in the leaves of the variety Hibernal. The experiment included a control variant treated with fungicides and an untreated variant. We focused on monitoring the active substances of fungicides used in the first half of the vegetation: azoxystrobin, cyflufenamid, difenoconazole, myclobutanil, and another 25 active substances, in terms of multi-residue analysis methodologies. Grape leaves for analysis were collected on two dates: in the phenological phase of berry development BBCH 73 and 14 days after grape harvest – BBCH 91. Samples were prepared according to STN EN 15662. For qualitative analyzes of residues, we used the QuEChERS method in combination with liquid (LC-MS/MS) and gas (GC-MS/MS) chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. In the untreated variant, the contents of residues from both leaves collection were in undetectable values. In the leaf samples of the treated variant collected in BBCH 73, we established higher values of residues than the MRL determines, namely for azoxystrobin 0.083 mg/kg (MRL – 0.01 mg/kg). Azoxystrobin is the active substance of the Quadris max fungicide, and we applied this preparation 41 days before the first collection of leaves. In the analyzes of leaf sampling from the treated variant after grape harvest in BBCH 91, we found a decrease in the content of all monitored residues below detectable values. We consider the gradual degradation of residues in biological materials to be a very favorable result from the point of view of their impact on consumer health and the environment. Through visual observations of the vegetation, we found out that even the untreated variant had a perfect state of health. Hibernal is a variety suitable for biological production systems, and we assume that even in vintages with high pressure of fungal diseases, it is possible to maintain the health of the grapevine with ecological products. Using the appropriate grape variety combined with the right agrotechnical interventions makes it possible to use safer ecological practices to produce healthy food, maintaining sustainability and a healthy natural environment. The research will continue in the early Table grape varieties, where the vegetation period is shorter, and space for breaking down the residues is more difficult.

CAN CLIMATE CHANGE AFFECT INCOME-GENERATING ACTIVITIES?: EVIDENCE FROM FARMERS IN ENUGU STATE NIGERIA

The need to analyze the changes that the effect of climate change brings on the income-generating activities of farmers in Enugu state necessitated this study. The study examined farmers' socio-economic characteristics, described the perceived climate change effects, analyzed changes in income-generating activities, and evaluated the link between socio-economic factors and income-generating activities. Primary data were collected from 120 respondents using well-structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson product-moment correlation. The results showed that the majority (73.3%) of the respondents were male farmers. Results of the study also showed that reduction in productivity (89.2%), change in farming pattern (77.5%), and soil degradation (65.0%) were the most perceived effects of climatic change among the respondents. The result also revealed strong negative change in income-generating activities in the areas of goat/sheep rearing (-33.4), fishing (-32.5), rabbit rearing (-15.0), and basket weaving (15.0), while petty trading (+23.4), hair barbing (+18.3) and food vending (+15.8) had strong positive change in the study area. The study revealed that socio-economic characteristics such as marital status, household size, and years of farming experience are correlated with positive income-generating activities. The study recommends that farmers should prioritize positive income-generating activities that correlate with their socio-economic characteristics. The study also recommends the implementation of crop rotation and organic manure as one of the ecological practices for climate change mitigation.

Do creditors care about greening in corporations? Do contingencies matter?

AbstractThis study assesses whether creditors consider ecological practices (i.e., resource usage, emissions, and eco‐innovation) when setting interest rates during loan decisions and whether firm‐level contingencies play a role in this relationship. Based on a sample of 38,127 firm‐year observations of non‐financial firms operating worldwide between 2004 and 2019, our evidence indicates that eco‐friendly practices have no significant direct effect on the cost of debt. Thus, we consider other theoretically expected channels that moderate this link. Notably, profitability and board gender diversity significantly moderate the relationship between eco‐friendly practices and the cost of debt. Further investigation reveals interesting associations between low and high governance systems, low and high financial development environments, code law versus common law systems, and polluting versus non‐polluting sectors. We suggest theoretical and practical implications by which firms can reap greater benefits from environmental engagement.

Comparative Analysis in Indigenous Women's Ecological Practices Across Indonesia: A Systematic Literature Review

Indigenous women in Indonesia have long practiced ecological management and sustainable resource use, deeply embedded in their cultural beliefs, traditional wisdom, and strong connection to the land. However, their specific ecological practices have been the subject of limited research, especially compared to broader studies of the relationship between gender and ethnicity in sectors such as mining. These existing studies often highlight negative impacts on women in general but focus less on the specific practices of indigenous women, especially in relation to their contributions to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. Recognizing this gap, this research aims to conduct an in-depth analysis of the ecological practices of indigenous women in various regions of Indonesia, focusing on their role in environmental conservation and sustainable development. The motivation for this research is to understand how these practices, shaped by cultural, traditional, and land-based relationships, contribute to ecological management and provide lessons for sustainable living. To achieve this, this study used a systematic literature review. The literature review will involve a comprehensive examination of existing academic literature, using databases such as JSTOR, Scopus, and local Indonesian research repositories. Literature selection criteria will include relevance to indigenous practices, focus on ecological management, and contribution to biodiversity conservation. Although specific findings have not been presented, the study expects to reveal a wide variety of indigenous ecological practices. This is expected to include traditional methods of land and resource management, contributions to the resilience of local ecosystems, and sustainable practices passed down from generation to generation. This study aims to highlight the important role of indigenous women in maintaining biodiversity and adapting to environmental change. A multidimensional approach that considers the institutionalization of gender and ethnicity in mining governance, as well as the role of gender and ethnic identity, will be adopted. The findings from this literature review and field study will make a significant contribution to our understanding of the rich ecological knowledge and practices of indigenous women in Indonesia. They will also highlight the importance of incorporating these practices into broader conservation and sustainability efforts, providing policy recommendations for a more inclusive and holistic environmental approach.

DEGRADATIVE IMPACTS OF ELITE LANDSCAPES: RESIDENTIAL LAWNS AND GOLF COURSES


 Environmental catastrophes, perpetuated by the unsustainable and unrestricted consumption of resources, are becoming increasingly apparent. Although elite practices often account for a disproportionate amount of resource usage, wealthy ways of life remain unchallenged while the non-elite continuously adapt to ecological crises. The cases of celebrity lawn-watering and golf course maintenance in drought-prone California represent the larger issue of elite practices that effectively oppose healthy change. These elite landscapes have become thoroughly ingrained in American culture, and dismantling their constructed necessity requires scepticism of information produced by those within dominant social orders. This paper will highlight the negative impacts of elite ecological practices while asserting that new ways of living, such as wild gardening and the repurposing of golf course land, should be embraced and empowered. Unnatural landscape aesthetics must be devalued to adapt to environmental changes, and to accomplish this feat, a cultural shift is crucial.

Integrating land and food policy to transform territorial food systems in the context of coexisting agri-food models: Case studies in France

Making the shift from global to territorial food systems is critical for sustainability and demands transformative, coherent, and integrated land and food policies. However, how policy integration may be achieved or hindered remains unclear, particularly in the case of coexisting agri-food models. The coexistence of conflicting models, such as specialization versus diversification and agro-industrial versus ecological practices, entails power relations that significantly influence the political agenda. Drawing on semi-structured interviews and document analysis, we focus on land-use planning and local food policies to examine how policy integration is shaped by, and reshapes, power relations in the context of coexisting agri-food models in a sample of case studies in France. Our findings show that policy integration occurs with innovative initiatives at the stage where territorial agriculture is assessed, strategies are determined, and policy instruments designed. Integration is, however, constrained by unbalanced power relations, which restrict land-based policy interventions that seek to transform food systems. Local authorities exercise caution when applying these interventions, seeking to involve major farmers’ organizations while mitigating contentions. The policy integration process reshapes power relations, empowering alternative minority agri-food professionals through greater influence in the political arena. This process also helps local authorities to acquire legitimacy in agri-food matters. As one of the first studies to offer empirical evidence about land and food policy integration, this article provides insights for policymaking in terms of the crafting of enabling institutional contexts for the transformation of territorial food systems. Future research is suggested to explore contextual influences and power dynamics in policy implementation.

Decision making in complex land systems: outline of a holistic theory of agency

ContextModels of human agency within research on land systems and landscapes do not fully account for social and cultural factors in decision making. Conversely, within social theory, parallel concepts of agency do not fully take biophysical and spatial factors into account. This calls for a synthesis of conceptual models addressing human decision making in land systems.ObjectivesThe review identifies parallels between social and ecological perspectives on humans as co-constituent parts of complex land systems. On this basis selected models of agency combining insights from social theory and land systems research are outlined and compared, and improved concepts are outlined.MethodsElements of agency in modern agricultural land systems are reviewed. A case study illustrating the application of agency concepts in an analysis of decision making among farmers on the Canterbury Plains (New Zealand) is presented. On this basis it is discussed how to improve understandings of human agency in land systems.ResultsThe review identifies and compares parallel conceptions of agency, practice and holism in landscape ecology and social theory. Taking the agency of farmers in contemporary agricultural landscapes as an example, theories currently used to characterise and interpret the agency of farmers are discussed and improvements considered. Potentials for improvement of current conceptual models are indicated and discussed, and an improved model of agency is suggested.ConclusionsBased on the review, the article presents an improved conceptual model of agency in land systems emphasizing the position of agents in social-ecological contexts of action.

Key pathways toward developing more ecoliterate individuals: a harmonious discourse analysis perspective

This article explores key pathways to improve the Chinese people’s ecological literacy (ecoliteracy) in ecolinguistics, and uses the framework of harmonious discourse analysis (HDA) to show how those pathways work. First, by reviewing HDA and ecoliteracy, we clarified the feasibility of their combined study. Then, a questionnaire was conducted among the inhabitants of one of China’s most ecologically advanced cities, and the key pathways to improving ecoliteracy were determined. The results showed that there were eight factors that were considered to encourage the people to be more ecoliterate, falling into the categories of education, participation in activities, and documents and publicity. We also reviewed a variety of cases and demonstrated the significance of these pathways for ecoliteracy using the framework of HDA. We found that an ecoliterate individual can guide ecological practice better by following the general assumption of human-orientedness and the principles of conscience, proximity, and regulation. These results provide new ways for ecologists and linguists to explore ecological issues, not only broadening the linguistic pathways of ecoliteracy, but also enriching the content of HDA.

Experience in implementing the ecological concept of CSR (On the example of ukrainian fashion brands)

Experience in implementing the ecological concept of CSR (On the example of ukrainian fashion brands)

Conditions of Sustainable Welfare: A Cross-Case Empirical Analysis of 22 Locality-Based Welfare Systems in Decentralised Indonesia

The existing body of knowledge underpinning welfare state theory suggests that most welfare systems depend on growth. It signifies that the state–market mechanism is a prerequisite for achieving welfare. However, the current ecological crisis highlights the detrimental effects of unchecked economic growth, which often exploits human and natural resources. This phenomenon calls for a countermovement that protects society and natural resources through social and public policies. Within the domain of sustainable welfare, an argument points towards the need to gain an empirical understanding of sustainable welfare policies and gather qualitative evidence that explains the conditions and mechanisms of “better” eco-social performance. This article aims to identify conditions leading to achieving sustainable welfare outcomes and discern under which conditions sustainable welfare outcomes are attainable or fail, especially in the context of the Global South. It draws on empirical data to analyse the locality-based welfare systems of 22 villages across decentralised Indonesia using a conditions-oriented approach of the crisp-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis. The findings shed light on the institutional setting and policy mix leading to sustainable welfare outcomes in less-industrialised, informal economy-based, and highly decentralised country contexts. The evidence points to the presence of sustainable welfare outcomes when a substantial level of subsidiarity, self-governance, and meaningful community participation, and a policy mix covering basic needs, services for vulnerable groups, a functioning local economy, and innovative ecological practices are in place. While past research predominantly leans towards a statist-focused approach to sustainable welfare, this study proposes a society-focused perspective. It argues that transforming both modes of production and relational dynamics among society, state, and market in the Global South context is necessary, where an empowered society serves as a prerequisite for sustainable welfare outcomes.

Introspecting on Adivasi Rights: A Critique of C K Janu’s Autobiography Mother Forest: The Unfinished Story of C K Janu

Mother Forest: The Unfinished Story of C.K Janu (2003) is an autobiography of C.K Janu, a tribal rights activist from Kerala. The paper examines how Janu narrates the essence of the tribal culture and its shared sense of mutuality with the environment. Describing the enriched experiences of the tribal society, achieved through ecological practices, Janu focuses on the fact that the tribal society maintains an inherent relationship with the forest. The indigenous philosophy of life and its impact on the sustenance of forest terrains, is highlighted in the narrative. The paper also examines the politics of power while analyzing Janu’s role as an activist for tribal land rights. The insensitivity of the system towards tribal culture and tribal land rights is critiqued against the backdrop of contemporary and contentious socio-political scenario.

Weaving Dreams of a World Among Worlds: T’nalak of the T’boli as an Ecological Practice

George Marshall claims that environmental advocacy does not get enough traction despite the urgency of the climate crisis because of two things. One, the human brain reacts to things that are personal, definite, visible, and urgent. Climate change does not exhibit any of these and, thus, tends to be ignored. Two, most consciousness-raising efforts take the scientific route, disseminating information using technical jargon. While it appeals to the analytic side of the brain, it does not compel action. The brain’s intuitive/emotional side must be affected to elicit an effective response to an event. Affect is achieved creatively, especially through stories with which people can identify. The modern world, however, shuns stories as pre-scientific, outmoded, and false. Using a pluriversal view where the coexistence of different but overlapping epistemologies is imaginable, this paper shows that the reactivation of marginalized knowledge systems could counter the dominance and universalism of the (Western) modern world. Traditional epistemologies, as performances, could model the intuitive and personal relationship with the environment claimed to be effective in compelling climate action. It demonstrates this through the t’nalak culture of the T’boli, one of the Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines. T’nalak-making is a sacred ritual that performs a cultural ecology that sees the world as divine, composed of spiritual beings that guard natural resources. As such, the T’boli build relationships with them by respecting and caring for the environment where these spirits dwell and rule. As the t’nalak gains wide recognition through the performance of the annual T’nalak Festival and the t’nalak itself gains protection from modern systems as an intellectual property, the t’nalak-based cultural ecology could inspire a similar attitude toward the planet to help mitigate the effect of climate change.

The Crealectic Method: From Creativity to Compossibility

Can we fruitfully apply creative ecology practices in the world of industrial production? Enter the crealectic method for innovation and self-innovation, aiming at fostering creative long-term thinking and acting. The crealectic method proposes five steps: Step 1—Resetting (doing tabula rasa); Step 2—Crealing (reconnecting with the “Creal”); Step 3—Profusing (letting ideas pour out without censorship); Step 4—Compossibilizing (connecting compatible ideas); Step 5—Realizing (understanding and making real). I describe a pilot test of the method within the Research and Development unit of Vattenfall, a Swedish power company dedicated to fossil-free energy production.

Encouraging Eco-driving with Post-trip Visualized Storytelling: An Experiment Combining Eye-Tracking and a Driving Simulator

Air pollution contributes to global warming and climate change, leading to extreme weather events and rising sea levels. Promoting sustainable practices has become the focus of policy programs and awareness campaigns. In this study, we propose an effective and powerful way to promote eco-driving behaviors by drawing on data storytelling. Our study shows that animated narrative and narrative sequence can trigger varying emphases on the feasibility and desirability of eco-driving practices, affecting actual driving behaviors and attitudes toward efficient driving. Specifically, in two experiments, we find that a chronological narrative sequence with animation improves subsequent driving efficiency and efficient driving attitudes. Visualization designers may consider employing narrative sequence and animation to facilitate individuals’ information comprehension and behavioral changes. Policymakers can also encourage ecological practices through effective designs of data storytelling.

Irrigation Scheduling and Cultivar Management for Increasing Water Productivity under Dryland Condition: A Review

In Dryland environments with limited water resources, irrigation scheduling and cultivar management are play pivotal roles in enhancing water productivity. Effective irrigation scheduling involves the judicious timing and amount of water application, considering factors such as soil moisture levels and crop growth stages. Utilizing advanced technologies, such as soil moisture sensors and remote sensing, facilitates precise irrigation management. This approach not only conserves water but also prevents waterlogging and salinity issues, promoting optimal plant growth. Cultivar selection is another critical aspect, focusing on identifying and cultivating crops that are well-adapted to arid conditions. Drought-resistant cultivars with traits like deep root systems and efficient water use contribute significantly to water productivity. Integrating modern breeding techniques and genetic engineering enhances the development of cultivars with improved drought tolerance, ensuring resilience in dryland agriculture. Furthermore, the implementation of agro ecological practices, such as conservation tillage and organic farming, complements irrigation scheduling and cultivar management. These practices enhance soil structure, water retention, and overall ecosystem health, fostering a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system. Adopting a comprehensive approach that combines precise irrigation scheduling, resilient cultivar selection and agro ecological practices holds great potential for increasing water productivity in dryland conditions. This integrated strategy not only addresses the challenges posed by water scarcity but also contributes to the long-term viability of agriculture in arid regions.

Practice of Xi Jinping's Ecological Civilization Thought Leading Wenzhou Ecology in the New Era

Under the guidance of Xi Jinping's ecological civilization thought, the ecological practice of Wenzhou in the new era was deeply studied. With the help of literature analysis, this paper first summarizes the main content and importance of Xi Jinping's ecological civilization thought, and points out that this thought is an important part of the development of Socialism with Chinese characteristics's great cause, with a strong background of the times and realistic orientation. Secondly, the article analyzes the main practice of ecological civilization construction in Wenzhou in the new era, and highlights the specific application of the concept of "Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets", such as focusing on promoting the development of green industries and vigorously improving environmental quality. Thirdly, from the perspective of the combination of theory and practice, the article explains in detail how Wenzhou carries out its practice according to Xi Jinping's ecological civilization thought, and thus reveals its internal logic and realization path. Finally, combining with Wenzhou's concrete practice, this paper deeply interprets the theoretical and practical significance of Xi Jinping's ecological civilization thought in the new era. It is emphasized that adhering to and developing the idea of ecological civilization and promoting the construction of ecological civilization is an important path to promote the all-round development of economy and society and realize the goal of a well-off society in an all-round way. Generally speaking, this study comprehensively and deeply discusses the problem that Xi Jinping's ecological civilization thought leads Wenzhou's ecological practice in the new era from the two dimensions of theory and practice, which has strong theoretical guidance and practical reference value.

ECKOchain: A FAIR blockchain‐based database for long‐term ecological data

Abstract Open data practices in ecology are increasingly accepted, yet primary long‐term ecological data remain hard to find. Barriers preventing open long‐term ecological data include social and economic constructs such as a sense of data proprietorship and fear of misuse of complex datasets. To incentivise open primary ecological data and ensure long‐term preservation, we propose a decentralised data management approach using blockchain technology. The blockchain‐based database is governed by transparent and immutable data management protocols, agreed on by members of the network. Specialised protocols ensure agreement in the network before new data is accepted, and no entity can single‐handedly alter existing data. We introduce the ECKOchain, a ‘proof of concept’ ecological blockchain‐based database created with the Hyperledger Fabric framework. While metadata and access policies are distributed to all network members, primary data remains with data owners and are served on‐demand to approved parties according to specified usage licences. Details of data requests are preserved indefinitely on the blockchain and serve as auditable data usage agreements. With the distributed blockchain‐based database we advocate for open science and transparency in long‐term management of ecological data. The ECKOchain is also suitable for other scientific fields where auditability and transparency are considerations to long‐term data management.

Eco-Efficiency of Olive Farms across Diversified Ecological Farming Approaches

Eco-efficiency is commonly used as an indicator of sustainability since it expresses the efficiency with which natural resources are utilized to meet people’s needs. Agriculture relies heavily on these ecological resources and by-produces significant environmental burdens, shifting the interest of researchers and policymakers toward the promotion of ecological practices. However, limited evidence exists regarding eco-efficiency across various ecological approaches like low input, conservation, and organic farming. This paper contributes to the existing literature and provides insight into the eco-efficiency of Cretan olive farms managed under different ecological approaches. Olive oil production is vital for the socio-economic sustainability of Mediterranean agriculture, a significant element of the region’s culture, and the basis of the well-known “Mediterranean diet”; therefore, it is crucial to investigate eco-efficient management options for olive farmers. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and a second-stage statistical analysis are employed to estimate the eco-efficiency of olive farms and investigate factors affecting it. Composite indicators for biodiversity, soil, and input management are incorporated in the eco-efficiency model. The results indicate that organic farms achieve the highest eco-efficiency scores, followed by other ecological approaches. Additionally, eco-efficiency seems to be explained by farmers’ dependency on subsidies, commitment to farming activity, and environmental awareness.