A few years ago, Michael Pollan wrote a piece for the NY Times Magazine called “Why Bother?”  Pollan noted that with all of the problems in the world, any one person’s behavior makes little difference – so why bother recycling, gardening, walking instead of driving, changing an incandescent lightbulb to a compact florescent – you get the picture).

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I was inspired by this article to write up some ideas that I often share in my Sustainable Living class at UMass about “why I bother” (to bike, raise chickens, invest in solar hot water, garden, and yes – use solar power to dry our clothes).  The article is here.

The story begins by talking about our current situation, which I present as “a perfect storm” of global problems.

The story continues by examining what could possibly motivate us to change the way we live.  For me it is an expanded sense of “self interest” which recognizes that I am “a part of – rather than apart from nature.”

Finally, I conclude by suggesting that simple actions, the ones we can all do on a daily basis, need to obey “Mother Nature’s Rules” if we are to be sustainable.  They are:

1. Rely as much as possible on current solar income

2. Cycle everything possible (waste=food)

3. Enhance biological diversity (it makes 1 & 2 work)

I share this essay in class and it often results in lots of feedback (some of it full of praise – and some of it pretty angry and cynical).  I appreciate it all and continue to ask us to think about the question “why bother?”

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Perhaps you will share this essay with friends and ask the same question – and maybe then share your thoughts below?

In any case, thank you for reading this far……..

Namaste.

The recall of a half million eggs is likely to help move the Food Safety bill, S 510,  through the U.S. Senate (a similar bill already passed the House) more quickly.   Small farm advocates have been suspicious of the intent (or at least the impact) of the proposed legislation.  While I certainly understand why we might be suspicious of anything coming from the federal government, in this case – I believe we need this legislation.

A recent brief from the Senate staff suggests that the legislation is NOT aimed at small farms. Specifically it states:

• Regulatory Flexibility for Organic Foods
  Throughout the bill, consideration is given to the unique agricultural practices and requirements of organic foods under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990.

• Protections for Farmers Markets, Cottage Industries and Direct Farm-to-Market Sales
  Small entities that produce food for their own consumption or market the majority of their food directly to consumers or restaurants are not subject to registration or new record keeping requirements under S. 510. This includes food sold through farmers’ markets, bake sales, public events and organizational fundraisers.

For details, here is a summary of the amendments that have been filed to protect small farms from being unfairly disadvantaged.  Personally, I can support this bill – BUT it is not a cure all.  There are bigger, more systemic problems associated with the industrial food system, such as:

1.  Factory farms that produce virulent forms of E. coli

2. The exploitation of people, the land and community.

3. The dependency of industrial agriculture on rapidly diminishing supplies of fossil fuel.

I believe the most effective action we can take s individuals and families is to “grow food justly”…

• • at home:  Grow a Garden
  • on nearby farms: Buy Local
  • in the marketplace: Fair Trade

For more on solutions see; Just Food Now.

I hear from my students all the time that they “can’t afford” good quality, locally grown food.  But is this true?  We pay for fast food in poor health, social inequities and environmental degradation.  While the Big Mac may seem to be a cheap way of filling your belly……  is it really?    Read more here.

The meat industry seems slow to change, but when you and I change our personal behavior (and eat right) it might make a difference.  Check out this web page. Do you think we are on the brink of a significant shift in how we produce meat?

Do you prefer to buy certified organic food (which is mostly grown on large farms and sold through major food chains)?  Or do you look for locally grown food grown on small sustainable farms where you get to know the farm family?  I guess the way I put the question shows my own preference?  Which is yours?  For more click here.