As a nation we rely on easily accessible food. We have adapted to a nation where processed food is a quick and easy option, but we do not stop to think where the food is coming from or how much energy is being used to get it. Professor Kleppel presented an inspiring lecture, which discussed how we as individuals could make a difference. He made a point that we cannot individually save the world without saving ourselves first. Many minor changes can affect short term and long-term effects. In order to find a solution to control we need to adapt to changed in food, energy usage, participation in change and how to adapt to “stuff”. We need to look for economical options. Whether it is to take the bus once a week or to walk once a week. The change does not need to be drastic or change an entire lifestyle. However, minimal contributions can greatly impact long-term effects.
One of the biggest changes that need to be made is where we each purchase our food. Most of us do not read the labels on the back of our food stuffed in the pantry. But, if you take a close look at all the cans and jars, you will notice that the food is being produced about a thousand miles away. Why would we purchase food that is out of reach when we could use that energy to produce the food locally? Most (but not all) local farmers are well aware of proper processing and production techniques. The animals are not abused, high levels of chemicals are not used and most of all, the animals are respected. This local food is grown in local found agriculture or smaller community gardens. The animals are given access to the grass they desire. Compare that to the conventional and industrial food chain, which uses chemical for vegetables to grow, and force-feed their animal’s corn. When conventional and industrial farms use such poor techniques, we are left clueless of what our food is made out of.
Many large farms place labels on their food in order to secure our decision of purchasing the products. One example is “Free Range”. Websters Dictionary states free range is the “to range and forage with relative freedom”. But, “free range chicken” are only allowed to be outside for two weeks. They live close together, with no space to even move. Their beaks are cut off in order to prevent pecking at one another. Therefore, the label which says “Free-Range” is quite misleading. How do you know how anything is made before you pick it up at the grocery store? You do not personally know the farmers or the processors. This is why purchasing local food would make such a great difference. If a farm which you purchase food from is within a 10 mile proximity- you have the ability to form a relationship with your food provider. You will be capable of asking questions and seeing the process “in action”
Conventional and industrial farms rely on chemical and cheap production and sell unhealthy products. Consider the amount of E-Coli strains, which have been found in meat. This is caused by poor techniques and methods used in farms. It seems like local food would just effect our health, however this not the case. Local farms will increase health as well as increase local and national economy. The money and energy that is being wasted to transport food to various areas could be circulated back into the economy. In a time like this, that would be quite beneficial.
Many people have started to make a difference, individually. Schools such as George Washington University and Cornell have been given the oppurtunity to have community gardens to produce their own food. UAlbany began to make a large difference. Petitions are being signed in order to increase the amount of local food by 2015. Also, we have started to purchase grass fed animals in order to decrease the chance of suffering from E-Coli. Slowly, each of us will be able be to put our efforts in to save ourselves and can contribute to “saving the world” as a whole
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free-range
Professor Klepper- Powerpoint shown on November 2, 2009.
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