New Paradigm Research Shows We Can Feed the World Sustainably
A benchmark study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research says that it’s possible to sustainably feed the world’s estimated 2050 population of 9 billion, while still preserving the planet. Findings suggest that a diet equivalent to eating meat three times a week would employ green farming methods, leave forests untouched and raise animals only under free-range conditions. “We can actually do without
factory farming,” concludes Lasse Brauun, of Compassion in World Farming. “With 60 billion animals being reared for livestock production every year and the figure set to double by 2050, we really need to reconsider our approach. Animals are being reared like factory units to provide us with cheap meat. The true cost of eating too much meat is animal suffering, deforestation and obesity.” The Indian state of Sikkim in the Himalayas is among those showing the
way. The government plans to have all of its arable land of 173,000 acres certified organic by 2015.
Eating Sewage Avoid Sludge Used and Sold as Fertilizer
Eight million tons of sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plants, euphemistically renamed biosolids, is annually marketed as fertilizer and applied to the American farms and gardens that grow our food, as well as the parks where we play. No food crop, aside from those labeled U.S. Department of Agriculture certified organic, is regulated to guard against it being grown on land treated with this sludge.
Because of the nitrogen and phosphorous found in human solid waste
residue, the sludge industry and certain government bodies overlook the toxic blend of all that goes down the drain. That’s why a few conscientious companies like Del Monte and Heinz have long had a policy not to purchase food grown in sludge. Sewage sludge contains antimicrobial compounds, heavy metals,
pharmaceuticals and pathogens that may be absorbed by food crops, water supplies and our bodies. Currently, the Environmental Protection Agency requires testing for only nine chemical elements and two bacteria for land application of sewage sludge and no testing for residue buildup in soil. Meanwhile, studies from universities including Yale, Cornell and Johns Hopkins express concerns about the health and safety of this practice.
To protect health: Buy USDA-certified organic; ask at farm stands if they use sludge or biosolids; inquire about food and bagged fertilizer companies’ policies; and tell elected officials that citizens don’t want sewage sludge in America’s food and water supplies. For more information visit United Sludge-Free Alliance at
USludgeFree.org.
WWW.NAJAX.COM
Shop for information on the origins of imported foods and key health issues to watch for at FoodAndWaterWatch. org/food/global-grocer.
July 2010 19
Natural Spin Shoppers Vote for Healthier Choices
Attendees at this year’s mega Natural Products Expo West, in Anaheim, California, saw everything from organic burritos and glass baby bottles to bags that extend the life of produce. “The 30th anniversary of the event mirrors major business and consumer shifts to values of health and sustainability,” observed Fred Linder, president of New Hope Natural Media. Organic products and green packaging are in— genetically modified foods are out. Accordingly, The Fresh
Ideas Group, which monitors new- product trends, has forecasted lower prices for private label organic food in 2010 and an increase in foods with fewer processed ingredients and more whole grains. While organic still accounts for less than 5 percent of national food sales, overall sales of organic foods and other products was up 5 percent in 2009, more than double the growth of conventional wares.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52