Sunflowers...helping the environment...

Miles and miles of sunflowers are now blanketing the hillsides of Umbria.  I had to ask myself, "Why, besides bringing me much happiness and giving me hours of field frolicking time, are there so many glorious sunflowers?"  Upon researching I learned so much about my favorite flower and how it isn't just pretty... it's going to help save the environment!

UNDER THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN:  Promote the development of an innovative and integrated crop production line in Umbria with low environmental impact in which sunflowers are grown in order to produce lubricants for agricultural purposes.

It was decided to use sunflowers because they can be grown in both heavy land and sandy land. In Umbria, about 40,000 hectares (98,840 acres) of land are planted with sunflowers.  High monthly yields make sunflower the region's most important oil producing crop.

Currently, about 50% of the lubricants sold and used throughout the world end up in the environment and are a toxic threat. Vegetable oil based lubricants are biodegradable and have a low level of toxicity. The plans to develop vegetable based lubricants in Umbria include the design of a special prototype distillation plant.

So while they lift my mood, they will also help to save the planet one day! Cool.

"Flowers have an expression of countenance
as much as men and animals.
Some seem to smile; some have a sad expression;
some are pensive and diffident; others again are plain,
honest and upright, like the broad-faced sunflower and the hollyhock."
-Henry Ward Beecher

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4 comments:

Chef Tom said...

Flower Power is not just from the 60's!

Anonymous said...

Hope you are avoiding the vipers! Beautiful picture! - DIL

Anonymous said...

Hmmm.
***

Anonymous said...

Sunflowers are the bees knees!

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