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Think Globally, Eat Locally
by Debbie Bennett & Shelley Massa-Gooch
Throughout the discussions on global warming and peak oil concerns, there is one aspect often overlooked. The continued use of massive quantities of petroleum in the production of synthetic fertilizers, in the farm machinery, and in the transportation of food across the globe is clearly unsustainable. Not only is oil a finite natural resource, but CO2 emissions from a petroleum-based food economy also contribute to air pollution, related health problems, and global warming. We often discuss the use of alternative-energy vehicles, human-powered vehicles, etc., while overlooking the examination of our food’s cultivation and origin.
In human history, we have become quite adept at developing new methods for increasing the amount of energy and food we are able to obtain from the environment. The harnessing of fire, domestication of plants and animals, adoption of tools, and use of irrigation have allowed our species to increase our energy-gathering abilities while expending less and less energy in the acquisition. This change was a long, slow evolution that took tens of thousands of years and took place within natural limits. When natural crises occurred, we developed new ways of growing and cultivating our food. The use of fossil fuels to make fertilizer and later to power farm machinery allowed more food to be produced for the rapidly growing population. The internal combustion engine overrode the use of horses and made more land available to feed humans instead of animals. Pesticides and herbicides were developed to “advance” growing techniques. Transportation advances made it possible to trade food items across the globe; first by rail and steamship and then by truck and airplane. These advances not only increased the availability of food across the globe but also led to an explosion in the human population.
When taken individually, these advances would be well and good. Unfortunately, they have proven not to be sustainable. The question for us today is: What can the average person do to help change our current food consumption and cultivation practices while also improving our health and the health of the planet.
- First, take an inventory of your current consumption practices. Knowing where we are is the first step in making changes.
- Exchange non-organic items for organic equivalents. Removing chemicals from the food is not only beneficial to our planet but also to our individual health.
- Remove genetically modified items from the house. Nature has provided a bounty of foods for our consumption, and the less we interfere, the healthier we will be.
- Purchase food from local growers. Ask questions when purchasing food to find out where it’s grown and how it’s transported. Shift your focus to local sustainability.
- Move towards seasonal eating to enhance our local farming community and also individual health.
- Participate in local community supported agriculture, farmers markets, and food cooperatives. Take advantage of the bounty we have in this area and support the financial balance in our community.
- Eat less processed food. Not only will this increase your overall health, but less natural resources will be used.
- Buy less plastic-wrapped produce.
- Support the small family farmers. Encourage the rebirth of food variety and farming knowledge that we are losing at a rapid rate.
- Stop before eating the apple from Australia and consider the global impact.
As with anything else, think before you act. Simply because we have the financial ability to purchase foods out of season, etc., does not excuse us from playing an active role in the health and longevity of our planet. In addition, the longer the time from the harvesting to your table, the more nutrient-deficient the food becomes.
- Patronize food establishments that use local products. Become knowledgeable about local businesses and their practices. Encourage them to use local products.
- Plant a garden in any space you have; backyards, rooftops, etc. Plant items that you can eat. They are beautiful and can easily be added to any landscape.
- Support educational efforts in the use of organic and local farming and school gardens.
- Help to reform government subsidizing of industrial agriculture.
These are just a few of the practices that each of us can incorporate into our daily lives in order to reduce fossil fuel use and the overtaxing of the globe. The alternatives to doing nothing or attempting to solve our food production problems simply by applying more technology will certainly result in dire consequences, some of which we are witnessing already. Overcoming our fossil-fuel-dependent food production system is an immense global challenge, but we are all in control of our individual consumption on a daily basis. An army of one speaks softly and an army of hundreds will be loud.
Debbie Bennett is a Transitions Weight and Lifestyle management coach as well as a nutritional counselor and vegan/raw food chef. She works on both a group and individual basis to create balance and health through the use of whole foods in their natural state. Shelley Massa-Gooch has been teaching yoga for nine years on the Central Coast and is certified through the Yoga Alliance. Her classes in yoga and Transitions Weight and Lifestyle management are offered throughout the county.
Now Offering:
Nov. 3-5
Cleanse your Body and Soul
Women’s Wellness Retreat
Dancing Horse Ranch, Paso Robles
Yoga with Shelley Massa-Gooch
Organic vegetarian meals prepared by Debbie Bennett
Healthy living workshops and bodywork offered.
Contact information:
Debbie Bennett-805-550-2487 or dynamicwellness@charter.net
Shelley Massa-Gooch-805-441-4003 or ShelleyMassa@UnFranchise.com
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