Monday, April 22, 2013

Earth Day

Well, I did have this post for you with the statistics about poverty/hunger that I promised a while back. Unfortunately my computer is currently under repair, so I'm unable to procure that post, which is saved only on the desktop. However, I thought that I should write something considering it is Earth Day.

Firstly, I would like to refer you back to previous posts I have written that contain advice which is pertinent to the topic of Earth Day. Specifically the posts on weekday vegetarianism and urban gardens. Both of which topics are addressed in the following articles on Huffington Post: Grow Food at Home and Healthy Food Swaps.

I would, however, caution you not to become too obsessed with what nutrients the plants you decide to plant can add to your diet. I have been reading Michael Pollan's "In Defense of Food," where he cautions against the radical ideology of nutritionism that has permeated American culture since the 70s.  Pollan describes research that suggests we were better off before science became involved in our food habits because we were less stressed, we spent more time gardening and cooking (therefore expended more calories) and we ate real food rather than processed empty calories. I'm only a third of the way through the book at the moment, so I'll have more to say on this subject once I've finished. I would recommend reading any book he has written, though. His writing style makes the topics easily accessible with a serious humor that keeps you turning the page despite the sheer amount of facts presented in so few pages.

Pollans writing always reminds me of the reading I've done on the Slow Food Movement, which tells us to go back to enjoying our food for it's flavor and complexity rather than for what nutrition it can add to the body. (You can look up information on the slow food movement in the U.S. here.)

Mostly, I just wanted to share links with you today. Also, to wish you a happy Earth day and remind you that you can make a difference with small changes.

Cheers!