One reason it can be so hard to accomplish the ends of sustainable-small-organic-green-ecofriendly-slow-local eating is just that: It’s not clear what we mean when we mean it. At least for those trying to live responsibly outside of an organization, group, club, or some other coordinated_activism.org. This lack of clarity is part of the problem in encouraging the average industrial eater to become more conscious of what he or she is chewing — or more important buying and supporting. Many interested parties compete every day to define the criteria that determine our buying habits. Of most concern are those that do so speciously. One example that comes to mind is the new “Smart Choices” label promoted by the big industrial food processors, like General Mills and Kraft, which identifies items like Fruit Loops and regular mayonnaise as healthy purchases. Another is the way the food lobby has co-opted the word “organic” (particularly “USDA Organic”), re-defining and softening it to include many industrial farming practices.
However, by having a clear idea of what we mean when we mean it, we can better determine for ourselves whether some product meets our standards, rather than being wholly at the mercy of some company’s label, the criteria for which they have defined in their interests, not the consumer’s.
I’ve been thinking about such things while trying to create a context for the food growing in my yard. Below are links to two articles that have helped me better understand what I mean by sustainable eating. Check them out.
“The Movement for a Sustainable Food System”
thanks for the links! from there i went to read the article about fish and sustainability, which is something that concerns me quite a bit working for the Fish Market. Fortunately, our higher ups are committed to having fish in the future and our fish monger, Aiden, regularly speaks at international symposiums on sustainable fishing practices. When are you and Sarah coming in for a visit. You won’t get better sushi in SD.
I read the sustainable fishing article, too. Depleted stocks are a huge problem. Glad to hear that the Market is taking an interest in sustainability. Do you happen to know how much of your stock comes from sustainable practices?
Jason and Sarah,
Phil and I are enjoying your blog! Loved the part about the winter squash–I was totally unaware that winter squash didn’t grow in winter! All we grew this year was one tomato plant that is trying to produce. This winter we are going to get our garden ready again for the spring; we have been lax and let it get weedy. Keep on giving us motivation, ’cause we need it.
Good! We can grow lots of things in San Diego right through the winter that you couldn’t elsewhere, like tomatoes (which are perennials in their native tropics). Keep me posted on your progress. And you should think about growing a winter crop to keep your motivation up: carrots, onions, lettuce, beets …