The Triple Bottom Line

There have been rumors that democrats may take up and push through the progressive $15 per hour minimum wage policy. Though I think it’s insane how low paying many workers wages are relative to their workload and the wealth of our nation, I can’t see the $15 minimum wage helping much by itself. Also it will disadvantage independent businesses, which simply do not have the cash on hand to pay $15 f...

Contrasting the centralized/corporatized model that offers cheap food but complicates the farm to table chain, which dilutes nutritional content, while depending on cheap labor, and is controlled outside of and extracts wealth from communities, with a localized/community coop model which may be slower economically, but makes it easy for farmers to sell directly to customers, is more accessible for...

I hate to see how they’ve developed commercial centers in the east side of my hometown of Petaluma, Ca: Big box shopping centers that favor multinational corporations, supplying low wage jobs, and are developed in such a way that they are unwalkable and lack public meeting spaces. I’m hoping that locals can organize to favor locally owned businesses for all of the reasons I explain in this angered...

State parks and rec leaders visited the farm last week. The farm operation, which is enabled by Omnia Humanitas, has been leasing 14 acres on the Kranz property from the state on a year to year basis. This short term arrangement is the farms biggest barrier to growth. However the state has indicated that an RFP process will begin soon under which Omnia can propose a long term lease agreement.

Discussing the aspect of the food system from harvest to market, contrasting the centralized vs localized approach.

New routines and workout recommendations now available. For all ability levels. Flexible plans. No gym needed. Includes aerobic recommendations, core balance mobility, strength and power routines. Contact Coach Matt matthinds25@gmail.com and get access to a printable worksheet with links to demo vids. Personalized plans and consultations available.

There are known agriculture land use practices that serve a triple bottom line: agroforestry, silvopastures, ally cropping, rotational mob stocked grazing, and closed looped systems to name a few. These are opposed to the dominant clear cut, monocropped, biodiversity free and concentrated animal ghetto based systems whose products fill our big box grocery stores and chain restaurants, and make sho...

I don’t know about you, but I’m getting frustrated with COVID. It seems our efforts to deal with it are failing, and we need to reassess and focus on the core of the problem. I suggest an approach that bucks the partisan poo slinging, and focuses on supporting working people, small businesses and public health while holding those exploiting this crisis accountable.

A big issue affecting our food system is related to land ownership. Farming is a “slow” economic venture. When farmland changes hands it can be difficult to resist selling to developers, and pay property taxes given the speculative land revaluation. As a result prime ag soils can be paved over, and the ownership of what ag lands remain are ending in the hands of fewer, already wealthy people, who...

Wellness seekers may tend to fear the holidays. Perhaps we can embrace this time of bounty and relaxation, and feel better than if we worry too much. This and other holiday wellness considerations discussed..

This is an introduction to a series of episodes, each focusing on a different sector of our food system. There are some clear shortfalls at each point in the way we manage land, grow food, processing, packing, distributing, consuming preparing, and managing wastes. At each, there are some great projects happening here and there. I’d love to see these efforts come together in a more coordinated, sy...

Regardless of the result, this election will be a win-win for wealthy oligarchs, and a loose loose for working people and communities. We’ve generally failed to vote our interest, perhaps because of the partisan hysteria that we’ve been whipped up into. But don’t lament, the solution is easier than one might think.

If their were one federal policy or bill that could have the greatest positive impact for working families and communities across he country, what do you think it should be? I’d do a robust infrastructure stimulus. I talk about why and how in this episode.

Here at Kranz Hill Farm, we have been constructing a greenhouse to grow greens and roots during the winter. This will allow us to keep sales up all year, and provide fresh veggies for our community. I discuss more details about winter growing and greenhouse design considerations in the podcast.

Check out the Balanced Body System fb page and see the Fall 20’ workout routines. Routines can be done at home or at the park. Scalable for all ages and abilities. Downloadable workout sheets available at thebalancedbodysystem.com. Also on the site you can sign up for a consultation, and I can work with you to design a personalized plan.

What do you think is the most important action that we can take to stabilize the climate? I suggest that reforestation, planting trees, especially places where the tree cover percentage is low, should be a top priority. *Recorded 5/18/19 in Bath, ME

If we want to make our towns and cities better for everyone who lives and works there, what should the top priority projects be? I talk about two of my top choices: comprehensive bike/pedestrian pathways, connecting parks, and plazas or public squares on “main st.” I believe that even during this economic downturn, federal programs targeting infrastructure redesign for towns across the US could be...

In a bid to promote and lobby support for boosting local vegetable farming throughout the country, I outline a few reasons for why it’s worth it. Veggies are high in micronutrients in a time where western diets are devoid of them. Also, issues of accessibility and the environment are addressed when they are grown close to where they are eaten.

Last night Sep 15 was Delaware’s state primaries. Of particular interest to me was the dem primary for the senate seat, the incumbent Chis Coons, representing the big donors vs Jessica Scarane, the grass roots workers candidate, for whom I campaigned. She got crushed. Why? How? What to do next as a progressive?

This year I deeply felt the meaning of Labor Day, and want to shout out all of the working people around the country and around the world. Though we are often undervalued and under appreciated, I believe there is dignity in our work that transcends money and acclaim.

The 7 step exercise planning process, using the Balanced Body System to create personalized, well rounded workout plans for anyone. Go to http://www.thebalancedbodysystem.com to sign up and get access to the plan, and sign up for a consultation with Coach Matt

Millions of acres of prime ag soils have been paved over, built on top of, or used for something other than ag. The Kranz Hill Farm in Newark Delaware is currently being threatened. In this episode I discuss this particular case, and possible steps that can be taken to save the farm, and ones like it all across the US

Details about a exercise plan available soon. For anyone regardless of age or ability level. All at home workouts. Well rounded and flexible in terms of time. Contact me matthinds25@gmail.com to learn more, or sign up for a consultation at thebalancedbodysystem.com

Yesterday an online convention was held, featuring dozens of speakers, around the formation of a new political party. I’m very excited by the prospect of having a viable third party that represents the people, checking the all powerful multinational corporate duopoly. I like a lot of what I saw, but see some immediate flaws that must be addressed if this party is to gain any traction #peoplesparty...

Now is the time to enact a Federal Infrastructure Bill. The green new deal is a great agenda, but needs refinement and rebranding. I share some thoughts on an approach that can directly meet those with the greatest needs in our country while taking climate action, and promoting long term financial independence.