After reading Michael Pollan and Wendell Berry, I have a slightly better understanding of the economics of the food industry. Pollan very rationally illustrates the principle that matter cannot be created or destroyed, merely transferred from one state to another. The increases in yield per acre for crops like corn do not come without a price; for every acre of corn grown today, around 50 gallons of oil is used for tasks such as harvesting, transporting, and producing fertilizers.
I believe that every advance in technology comes with a price. For every progressive technological action, there seems to be an "equal and opposite reaction." Cars shorten the distance between us while simultaneously drawing lines against human interaction. They simplify travel, while creating traffic jams, urban sprawl, and harmful greenhouse gases. Electric cars avow a solution to one of these problems; now we just have to figure out what to do with all those dead batteries.
It seems the same with food. While nothing I read will immediately change my already-mindful eating habits, I would like to help affect change in the choices that are available to us as consumers. Berry makes a list of ways to eat responsibly. On his list is to "participate in food production to the extent that you can." Last year, I began a small garden in the backyard, unaware that the neighborhood association has a policy against planting vegetables. I don't know if a well-maintained garden brings down property values (shouldn't it be the reverse?), but it does seem a bit tyrannical not only to have limited choices at the supermarket, but also to prohibit one of life's basic tenants, the freedom to produce your own food.
I believe that every advance in technology comes with a price. For every progressive technological action, there seems to be an "equal and opposite reaction." Cars shorten the distance between us while simultaneously drawing lines against human interaction. They simplify travel, while creating traffic jams, urban sprawl, and harmful greenhouse gases. Electric cars avow a solution to one of these problems; now we just have to figure out what to do with all those dead batteries.
It seems the same with food. While nothing I read will immediately change my already-mindful eating habits, I would like to help affect change in the choices that are available to us as consumers. Berry makes a list of ways to eat responsibly. On his list is to "participate in food production to the extent that you can." Last year, I began a small garden in the backyard, unaware that the neighborhood association has a policy against planting vegetables. I don't know if a well-maintained garden brings down property values (shouldn't it be the reverse?), but it does seem a bit tyrannical not only to have limited choices at the supermarket, but also to prohibit one of life's basic tenants, the freedom to produce your own food.
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