Four Generations of Green

Climate Solutions, Solution Stories

This video features the story of a multi-generational, family-run dairy business in Oregon. The family strives for sustainability in their operations by conserving energy and reducing greenhouse gases across many aspects of their business.

Click to View

Notes from our reviewers

The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials.

Real stories of sustainability in local communities are powerful examples of the actions that humans can take to make a difference. Very useful in a discussion of sustainable agribusiness and humans taking action to reduce their contribution to climate change. Great tool and story to begin sustainable practices and/or energy conservation and/or renewable energy discussions. Provokes further research.
Jock and Buzz Gibson are the managers of Lochmead Dairy Farm, a fourth-generation, family-owned dairy farm in central Oregon. For the past 50 years, the dairy has demonstrated wisdom in thinking locally and reducing its carbon footprint in an industry that is typically a heavy emitter of greenhouse gases. The video briefly discusses the business decisions they've made to reduce their impact on the environment. Comments from expert scientist: Scientific strengths: - the link to the more information is really helpful - lists several ways in which the dairy farm is sustainable (solar panels, locally sold, methane digester) Limitations: - Doesn't really explain how a methane digester works, but easy to look up online for more information
Video can also be viewed at Climate Solutions website [link http://climatesolutions.org/solution-stories/four-generations-of-green], which gives a more thorough description of the conservation efforts the family has made. Engaging story told by 2 members of the family; it is illustrated with scenes from their production and waste management facilities.