
But enough of ancient history, the point I am trying to make is that the way my grandparents used to (and still do) put food on the table is distinctly different from the road food travels to the tables of most industrialized countries today. And I mean this quite literally. In the U.S., the average grocery store’s produce travels between 1,500 and 2500 miles between the farm where it was grown and your refrigerator (Worldwatch Institute). Furthermore, before it reaches our tables, that food has been genetically modified, chemically treated and sometimes processed beyond recognition. Our ability to ship food from anywhere to anywhere is creating a huge carbon footprint and hurting local growers. Our ability to grow any type of produce out of season results in food which is not as nutritious and flavorful as when grown naturally and in season (and even more chemically laden). Finally, the disconnect between producer and consumer facilitates exploitative treatment of (workers in) developing countries by developed countries.
I am not going to advocate that everyone of you grabs a shovel and start laying the drip irrigation for a garden, while feeling guilty for all the sins you've done. No way. However, I have been thinking about this a lot lately and I would like to explore the (growing) opportunities to eat safely, ethically and environmentally friendly (hopefully without breaking the bank).
The topic is indeed quite large and this will probably be a series of posts while I am researching the different topics for my own benefit and sharing my findings.
Your comments, thoughts, suggestions, advise, experiences and practices are welcome and encouraged.
1 comment:
Hi Iva,
Have you heard of Community Supported Agriculture? We have done it, and I think it actually saves you money. Their website is here:
http://www.tucsoncsa.org/
And, if you (or any or your readers) were interested in growing their own food in Tucson, but are limited on space, you can rent a plot of land:
http://www.communitygardensoftucson.org/main/
I'm sure there are similar (and probably better) options in other cities....
Nice blog dude!
Steph
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