someguy
03-06-2010, 10:33 AM
I posted this on a previous thread but thought it deserved a thread of its own since I'm not sure many people saw it. https://www.waccobb.net/forums/waccotalk/64147-20-20-there-really-global-warming-consensus.html
Since so many of you that I've talked to find MMGW (man made global warming) to be such a pervasive global problem, could you please tell me what you are doing specifically to reduce your consumption of fossil fuels? I for one, as you all may know, don’t believe in MMGW, but I am not and never have been a proponent of the oil industry. I too yearn for a pollution-free environment. I despise mountain-top removal, and the oxymoronic “clean coal” industry which Obama enthusiastically supports BTW. I am sick of factory farm waste, and toxic chemicals poisoning our ecosystem. Our ocean is a garbage dump, and our cities are suffocating in a smoggy doom. We all could do our part to reduce these pollutants, and one of the most effective ways is changing the way you eat. In Michael Pollan’s book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma, he goes over very thoroughly the incredible amounts of fossil fuels that factory farming consumes. Now we can disagree as to whether or not burning fossil fuels contributes to climate change, but we can all agree that this stuff is nasty and its destroying our world in many ways, some of them economic, some humanitarian and some environmental. All of these negative impacts are definitely worth our time to investigate and eradicate. If you are truly concerned about this issue of fossil fuel pollution, well then here are some ways that we can work together and have an impact.
Michael Pollan says that 20% of Americas petroleum consumption goes to producing and transporting food. So obviously we should buy local foods and products as much as possible. This is good for our local economy, and the planet, and not so good for Cargill. The next thing would be to eat organic whole foods as much as possible to cut down on the excessive production of processed foods. These foods would not exist if we didn’t buy and eat them. Moreover there is increasing evidence that eating processed foods is detrimental to our personal health.
The third thing would be to switch to grass-fed and pastured meat and eggs, if you do eat meat. Id recommend going a step further and buying your meat and eggs directly from local farmers, such as Felton Acres in Sebastopol. We all know “free-range” means next to nothing, right? Feed lot beef uses an incredible amount of fossil fuels due to the corn and soy that is used in nearly all animal feed. In contrast, grass fed beef takes its energy directly from the sun. No fossil fuels involved.
Lastly, buy seasonal. Its an easy concept, but so difficult here in America where bananas and mangos are in our face year round. But its actually kind of fun and aids you in becoming more creative in your food menu. It may even save you a good amount of money, as foods that are in season cost less. And be sure to cook at home for most of your meals, as there are very few restaurants that use high quality ingredients that can’t be traced back to fossil fuels.
By doing these small simple things, you’ll be creating a healthier planet, less dependant upon corporations and fossil fuels. You will be creating a healthier, more sustainable community. Plus, you will directly benefit from eating a local whole food diet. These are the kinds of goals we should be striving for, not ridiculing each other when we disagree. If all of the people concerned about MMGW made a pact to stop eating all processed foods and by as seasonal and local as possible, that would cut down a substantial portion of our fossil fuel intake, not to mention the benefits of restructuring our food system.
The time for bickering and bitterness is over. Why not focus on our common values and similar goals? What do ya'll think? Do you feel like helping the planet by changing your eating habits? Anyone with me?
Thanks,
Someguy
Since so many of you that I've talked to find MMGW (man made global warming) to be such a pervasive global problem, could you please tell me what you are doing specifically to reduce your consumption of fossil fuels? I for one, as you all may know, don’t believe in MMGW, but I am not and never have been a proponent of the oil industry. I too yearn for a pollution-free environment. I despise mountain-top removal, and the oxymoronic “clean coal” industry which Obama enthusiastically supports BTW. I am sick of factory farm waste, and toxic chemicals poisoning our ecosystem. Our ocean is a garbage dump, and our cities are suffocating in a smoggy doom. We all could do our part to reduce these pollutants, and one of the most effective ways is changing the way you eat. In Michael Pollan’s book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma, he goes over very thoroughly the incredible amounts of fossil fuels that factory farming consumes. Now we can disagree as to whether or not burning fossil fuels contributes to climate change, but we can all agree that this stuff is nasty and its destroying our world in many ways, some of them economic, some humanitarian and some environmental. All of these negative impacts are definitely worth our time to investigate and eradicate. If you are truly concerned about this issue of fossil fuel pollution, well then here are some ways that we can work together and have an impact.
Michael Pollan says that 20% of Americas petroleum consumption goes to producing and transporting food. So obviously we should buy local foods and products as much as possible. This is good for our local economy, and the planet, and not so good for Cargill. The next thing would be to eat organic whole foods as much as possible to cut down on the excessive production of processed foods. These foods would not exist if we didn’t buy and eat them. Moreover there is increasing evidence that eating processed foods is detrimental to our personal health.
The third thing would be to switch to grass-fed and pastured meat and eggs, if you do eat meat. Id recommend going a step further and buying your meat and eggs directly from local farmers, such as Felton Acres in Sebastopol. We all know “free-range” means next to nothing, right? Feed lot beef uses an incredible amount of fossil fuels due to the corn and soy that is used in nearly all animal feed. In contrast, grass fed beef takes its energy directly from the sun. No fossil fuels involved.
Lastly, buy seasonal. Its an easy concept, but so difficult here in America where bananas and mangos are in our face year round. But its actually kind of fun and aids you in becoming more creative in your food menu. It may even save you a good amount of money, as foods that are in season cost less. And be sure to cook at home for most of your meals, as there are very few restaurants that use high quality ingredients that can’t be traced back to fossil fuels.
By doing these small simple things, you’ll be creating a healthier planet, less dependant upon corporations and fossil fuels. You will be creating a healthier, more sustainable community. Plus, you will directly benefit from eating a local whole food diet. These are the kinds of goals we should be striving for, not ridiculing each other when we disagree. If all of the people concerned about MMGW made a pact to stop eating all processed foods and by as seasonal and local as possible, that would cut down a substantial portion of our fossil fuel intake, not to mention the benefits of restructuring our food system.
The time for bickering and bitterness is over. Why not focus on our common values and similar goals? What do ya'll think? Do you feel like helping the planet by changing your eating habits? Anyone with me?
Thanks,
Someguy