There are interesting developments in sustainable and socially equitable agriculture today such as the vertical and urban gardening movement. Vertical and urban gardens bring hope that fresh, green, and healthy foods can be made more available to families in cities via smaller local gardens. In Figure 10.20, several vertical gardens are explored, including one that is feeding an entire group of children in their preschool in California.

https://youtu.be/BwgXb9h-Qgs

Figure 10.20. Vertical Farming – TechKnow [YouTube Video]. If you would like to see some creative ways to farm, watch this six-minute video that describes solutions to finding usable farmland.

The U.S. Water Alliance provides the most comprehensive view of water access in the United States and is dedicated to valuing and managing this resource. Via listening sessions and collaborations with businesses, governments, nonprofit organizations, and individuals all over the country, they have developed a platform of seven big ideas to sustain water resources:

1. Advance regional collaboration on water management.
2. Accelerate agriculture-utility partnerships to improve water quality.
3. Sustain adequate funding for water infrastructure.
4. Blend public and private expertise and investment to address water infrastructure needs.
5. Redefine affordability for the 21st century.
6. Reduce lead risks, and embrace the mission of protecting public health.
7. Accelerate technology adoption to build efficiency and improve water service.

Ideas and organizations such as this one provide leadership so that all families in the United States will have access to safe water and sanitation.

Licenses and Attributions for Looking Ahead: Vertical Gardens

Open Content, Original

“Looking Ahead” by Elizabeth B. Pearce. License: CC BY 4.0.

All Rights Reserved Content

Figure 10.20. “Vertical Farming” © TechKnow. License: Standard YouTube License.