alternatives

Categories: General, Agriculture, Horticulture, Organics, Recycling, Climate, Energy, Running a Business From Home.

General

Sustainable Futures
http://sustainablefuture.info/

A new independent site that offers resources, links and information on sustainability related topics in New Zealand and abroad. There is a 'What Can I Do' link to practical solutions, followed by 'Discover More' - a link to pages that examine the current landscape (e.g., key players and issues). There are also Sustainable Future pages, which include publications, research projects, products, donations and two links to events and submissions. And more!

A Study of Alternative Enterprises on Farms
http://www.maf.govt.nz/mafnet/rural-nz/profitability-and-
economics/emerging-industries/entrepreneurship-in-farming/httoc.htm

MAF Policy Technical Paper 97/7a, June 1997.

"The report summarises the findings of the final stage in a major research project which has documented the sources of income of farm families. Surveys of farmers undertaken by MAF staff for various purposes identified that the farm business operation was not the only economic activity pursued by farmers. It was also apparent that some of the other activities farm families engage in were a significant source of income. Little information was available about these activities, how they fitted into the farm business structure and how important they were to the farm family and local community."

Agriculture

GrowOTAGO
http://growotago.orc.govt.nz/

This project was developed by the Otago Regional Council, using the scientific expertise of NIWA, AgResearch, Landcare, and the universities of Otago and Auckland. The latest climate modelling and mapping techniques, including satellite technology were used to develop maps that document the Otago region's climate and soils. It provides information that can be used to improve existing land uses, develop new high value land-based activities and foster regional economic development, through optimising the use of Otago's varied climate and soils.

The online maps include 92 climate maps and 4 soil maps that were produced for the growOTAGO project, as well as topographic maps and aerial photographs. There is a legend and text explaining each map. Read more about the project...

Crops for Southland
http://www.cropsforsouthland.co.nz/

A not-for-profit organisation with the aim to support "the development of privately owned, market based commercial cropping of a significant scale for Southern New Zealand." Its primary objective is to improve employment and community wealth through the growing and development of a crop industry through selecting research projects with a competitive advantage for Southland, ensuring information gets out to the general public as well as providing on farm support.

The site has a wealth of information available, for example crops data sheets and organic production in Southland.

Crops Data Sheets are available on tree crops, flowers and foliage, medicinal herbs, vegetables and culinary herbs, berry fruits, and arable and Bio-Oil Crops.

A New Crops Centre is operated at 100 McIvor Road, Invercargill.

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Dunedin Rural Development Network
http://www.cityofdunedin.com/city/?page=rurdev_about

Established in 1996 as a joint venture between Dunedin City Council and CEG. Investigates and promotes new farming options for rural Dunedin, aiming to boost the cashflow of Dunedin’s rural economies and create jobs through the introduction and support of new initiatives in the rural sector. Organises seminars. Read article about Cool Crops in Otago and a recent meeting seeking to develop a national Gevuina Association.

Also Crop Centre, Factory Rd Mosgiel Dunedin, (03) 489-5688.

Contact:
Jon Muirhead
Mosgiel Library
7 Hartstonge Avenue
P O Box 5045
Mosgiel
Email: jmuirhead@clear.net.nz
Phone (03) 489-0040

Smallfarming New Zealand
http://www.smallfarmer.org.nz/

The aims and objectives of this organisation are to assist smallfarmers get the most benefit from their land.

Interesting Web Sites: http://www.smallfarmer.org.nz/sites.htm

Contacts:
Canterbury: Lorne Kuehn, Kaituna, RD 2, Christchurch. Ph. (03) 329 0822

Otago: Andy & Sue Barratt, Apes Road, RD 1, Waikouati. Email: andy.barratt@stonebow.otago.ac.nz

Horticulture

Herbs or Hydrangeas?
http://www.lifestyle-farmer.co.nz/Pages/Features/floriculture.asp

Profiles the experiences of choosing the right crop for their plot with the help of Crops for Southland.

Horticulture
http://webdirectory.natlib.govt.nz/dir/en/nz/science-and-
technology/agriculture/horticulture/

A subject list of web resources pertaining to Horticulture, provided by the National Library of NZ via Te Puna Web Directory.

HortNET
http://www.hortnet.co.nz/

"An internet based information and communication service especially designed for the horticulture industry. Developed by HortResearch, it concentrates key grower information in one place."

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Organics

Organic Pathways
http://www.organicpathways.co.nz/

"For anyone who grows or eats organic food, whether for their health, for the sake of the environment, to make a living, or for the pure joy of it.

Provides information and links, and covers not only organics, but subjects, products and services related to the organic lifestyle."

Organic Farming Links
http://www.wintec.ac.nz/index.asp?PageID=2145823176

Compiled by the Waikato Institute of Technology Library for the Department of Land Based Technology, it features links to biodynamics, genetic engineering, certification organisations, research organisations and lists publications with fulltext articles.

Organic production
http://www.maf.govt.nz/mafnet/rural-nz/sustainable-resource-
use/organic-production/index.htm

Information from MAFNet.

Organic Links
http://www.maf.govt.nz/mafnet/links/organiclnk.html

Also from MAFNet.

Recycling

Reduce Your Rubbish Campaign
http://www.reducerubbish.govt.nz/

The website has lots of information about how you can reduce your rubbish - A joint initiative between the Ministry for the Environment and most of New Zealand’s regional councils.

Recyling in Otago

Queenstown – Wakatipu Recyclers
http://www.orc.govt.nz/html/details.html?details=8&articleID=267
Industrial Place
Gorge Road
Queenstown
Ph 442 4387

Central Otago WasteBusters (Inc)
http://www.orc.govt.nz/html/details.html?details=8&articleID=266
Resource Recovery Park: Boundary Road,
ALEXANDRA
Phone: (03)448 9948
Email wastebusters@xtra.co.nz

Waitaki District
http://www.orc.govt.nz/html/details.html?details=8&articleID=269
Waitaki District Council
Oamaru
Phone 434 8060

Recycling Links for Southland
http://www.reducerubbish.govt.nz/regional-pages/southland.html

WasteNet Southland
http://www.wastenet.org.nz/

A joint effort between Southland's three local councils. The site provides information on what is happening with waste management in Southland. You can also contact your local council or visit their website for more information about rubbish and recycling in your area.

Zero Waste
http://www.zerowaste.co.nz/

Zero Waste is a charitable trust that aims to motivate New Zealand society towards waste minimisation and recycling. Issues discussed on the site include Solutions for the management of unwanted farm plastics, Baleage Wrap waste, issues with the 575 million "disposable" nappies used every year in New Zealand and what to do with your old computer.

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Climate

New Zealand Climate Change Office
http://www.climatechange.govt.nz/

Government information about climate change and how it might affect us, what the New Zealand Climate Change Office does, the Kyoto Protocol explained, media releases, speeches and cabinet paper as well as links to useful websites. See also Projects to Reduce Emissions and Negotiated Greenhouse Agreements and how you can take action to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Energy

Wind

New Zealand Wind Energy Association
http://www.windenergy.org.nz

"The purpose of the NZWEA is to ensure that the wind energy industry is fairly represented to the General Public, to Government and to other stakeholders in the NZ energy sector." See map of windfarms in NZ, read about the cost of wind energy, download documents such as 'Wind Energy - Introduction to domestic/small wind systems' and check the latest facts about sound emissions from wind turbines.

Tararua Wind Farm
http://www.trustpower.co.nz/Content/Generation/WindFarms/Tararua.aspx

Project details about New Zealand's largest wind farm near Palmerston North with consent for 103 wind turbines.

Danish Wind Turbine Manufactures Association
http://www.windpower.org/en/core.htm

Excellent and accessible information, for example the Guided Tour for those who want to know everything about windpower - short of becoming a wind engineer - and Wind with Miller, an animated website for kids of all ages. It is the fast and fun way to get an intuitive grasp at advanced wind power knowledge.

Wind Energy Group, University of Newcastle, Australia
http://www.wind.newcastle.edu.au/

Profiles work on small wind turbines, intended for isolated power supply. Many photos and excellent links.

Air Marine Australia
http://www.airaus.com/

"A factory authorised distributor, service agent and supplier Cannon/Unisolar (PV) modules, Inverters and renewable energy equipment, electric vehicles and charging systems." An amazing range of products!

Westwind Wind Turbines
http://www.westwind.com.au/

Manufacturer of 3kW, 5kW, 10kW and 20kW wind turbines. New Zealand agents listed on the site are: KAYROD Services and Spinks Energy Systems (the latter appears to specialise in solar hot water and solar heating).

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SOMA Wind Turbines
http://www.somapower.com.au/wind/wind.htm

Wind turbines for remote locations. "Enough power for lights, radio, television, fan, water pump, kitchen appliances, microwave oven, washing machine, high efficiency DC refrigeration, power tools and more, depending on the average wind speed. The ideal source of power for telecommunications and scientific equipment."

Grid Link
http://www.gridlink.com.au/

Australian site, company based in Victoria. Produces medium sized (15kW, 20kW, 30kW and 50kW) wind turbines for the Agri-business sector industries.

Windpower Monthly
http://www.windpower-monthly.com

Subscription magazine with substantial free content. "The world's leading and independent wind energy news magazine. Articles on political, industrial, environmental and technical developments, national news updates which analyse, inform and put the news in focus reported in every issue, along with regular charting of market forces, thought provoking editorials and incisive analyses of business and economic trends. In short, critical and agenda-setting journalism."

Solar

Energy Effeciency and Conservation Authority
http://www.eeca.govt.nz

"EECA’s role is to make a difference by improving the energy choices we make." Through EECA financial assistance for solar water heating units is available before 30 June 2005.

Centameter
http://www.centameter.co.nz/

Want cheaper power bills? Centameter encourages you to save power by constantly monitoring how much you are using and how much it is costing. Check out this little gadget!

Fuel

Biodiesel
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biodiesel

Biodiesel is an alternative to petroleum-based diesel fuel made from renewable resources such as vegetable oils animal fats or algae. It has very similar combustion properties to petroleum diesel, and can replace it in current uses. However, it is most often used as an additive to petroleum diesel. It is one of the possible candidates to replace fossil fuels.

Biodiesel Association of Australia
http://www.biodiesel.org.au/

Biodiesel facts, making biodiesel, newsletters, links, a discussion forum and more.

Grassroots Biodiesel and Vegetable Oil Fuel Homepage
http://www.dancingrabbit.org/biodiesel/resources.html

Particularly useful for the collection of resource links listed.

Running a Business From Home

BIZ
http://www.biz.org.nz/public/section.aspx?sectionid=40

Information includes tips on running a business from home and "8 steps for caring for a home based business."

Running a Business From Home
Part I: http://www.nfib.com/object/1584042.html
Part II: http://www.nfib.com/object/1584050.html

Commonsense information by a US advocacy organization representing small and independent businesses.

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