The plastic debris on the left below was taken from the bird's stomach
Remember there are lots of people and organizations working to solve these issues in ways big and small every day.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
The Future of Food
The theme of our weekend was to look at some issues in food, water and food packaging and noting the changes in agricultural food production to an industrialized, global production model. While we have an abundance variety of cheap and convenient foods in America, we hope to be mindful of the inherent problems such as food waste, starvation, pollution from plastics and other chemicals in this system, and health consequences. The students learned about the Pacific garbage patch - one of the ocean vortex's that captures the tons of plastic debris which washes into the water each year. Since it does not decompose, only breaks into smaller pieces, it remains in the water and is frequently eaten by seabirds and other marine animals.
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The video and presentation was very enlightening for me. I would never have imagined so much devastation from plastics. For me, this will be life changing. I will also inform and educate my family and the children and people that I work with about this epidemic. Just being aware of this pollution that affects us all can help make a change for our futures.
ReplyDeleteI'd be curious to know what changes we would all be willing to make to see a change. Would we give up all bottled water? Boycott companies that don't do there part to discourage this kind of waste or pollution? Decrease our consumption of plastics all together? Little changes can add up to big ones though. It's easy to see how one small piece of plastic can grow into a much bigger problem.
DeleteJennifer Caughey
Jen, You are asking some probing questions. I would be willing to give up plastic bottled water only because we have already been studying the adverse effects of plastic leaching in our bodies, and we have a water distiller at home. Our water could not be any cleaner or purer or taste better. However, I like my diet coke in a screw topped bottle to lock in the carbonation.
DeleteMy concern was for the people of Fryeburg, Maine and all the other spots that Nestle, Coke and Pepsi have been getting their water. I would love to see the people of these towns win. But like it said in the video, they are up against a huge giant. That's a tough one.
The Future of Food, hunger, waste, plastics and safe water are all issues that I feel that everyone at some point will have to deal with if they haven't already. It is easy to see how bottled water is causing much suffering for many, though most of the time we do not see it's effects. The films and video clips we saw, "Tapped" and then the video clip about where our food somes from, in the film, regarding the treatment of hens and so on, elightened me more as well. I had seen, read and heard about all of this prior, but feel like I needed to hear it all again. I really think too that many of these issues and problems will be remedied my future generations, the children of today and tomorrow. The awareness is coming forth more and more...making changes for the better, together!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Tina. I think that the videos we watched and some of the other videos are going to start making a difference. Lately there seems to be more of a push for treating animals better.
Delete- Darah
The videos we watched this weekend were very eye opening. "Tapped" brings light to exactly what it means to be a big name company that can basically do whatever it wants. It is sad to think that companies such as this can come and do as they please. It is true that money is power. As we discussed in class though, it really is the cities fault for not informing their citizens of what was about to happen. Also, the videos about how food is processed were very informative. Those poor chickens! As eye opening as they were though, people have to know that their meat products and such are not just created, they have to arrive in stores and on our dinner tables somehow. I find it surprising just how shocked people are by these videos because it's really no secret that these animals are being treated this way. The only way that this will change is if people are willing to stand up and fight for change; too often people watch these videos, get upset, and then continue to buy the products. Nothing will change if that process continues. Unfortunately, one person can't make that much of a difference, everyone has to join together to see some change.
ReplyDeleteI had actually seen "Addicted to Plastics" a few semesters ago and got to meet the filmmaker. The longer version was more impactful and worth a watch to anyone who has not seen it.
ReplyDeleteThe water video made me think twice about the brands I buy. I don't care if I am only drinking filtered tap, but I do care if the company who is filtering it is cheating the citizens of the town from which it came.
And the video on the chicken, I have to admit I covered my ears and closed my eyes. I couldn't handle it. I eat mostly chicken and eggs and I do not want my food source tainted by reality. I prefer to bury my head in the sand and pretend that the stuff I eat originated in the aisles of the grocery store!!
While everyone is entitled to their own way of dealing, by "burying your head in the sand" you are contributing to the problems with our food sources and allowing them to continue. Sorry to be harsh, but it is true. Change will not come until individuals like us start to take responsibility for the actions that they take, even if it is just buying particular food items at the grocery store. While it is great to save a little money and buy the regular eggs, try the $6.99 local eggs that are 100% free range, vegetarian fed chickens. To make a difference, you might have to make cut-backs on some of the other things in life in order to do what is right.
DeleteThe video about the chickens, was too much for me...I had to shut my eyes at some things. This and the video about "Tapped" should be shown more often, then maybe something will be done about it...otherwise, no one is the wiser/or cares for that matter.
ReplyDeleteIt really is amazing, I have been drinking Poland Springs water every time I go back to VT, but knowing this, I will not be again...I will have to look into an alternative...
I always thought that garbage was hard to dispose in other countries, but this was a powerful video. I learned a lot about how plastic can affect humans passed on from animals. It's also sad to see people struggle in their situation. It's amazing how some people make a living out of it in many ways to survive.
ReplyDeleteMarcus
Marcus
I have seen similar documentaries on the subject of our waste problems and about "garbage island" but each new one I see is still so shocking. I found it interesting in class that the instructors kept saying how these documentaries we watched were definitely taking a side, almost trying to defend the biased nature of the documentary. I didn't understand why that needed to be defended, I cannot see how anyone could debate this issue and say "it's too biased," or "it's not a big deal" or "those liberals hippies are at it again." This should not be a political issue or a corporate vs. general public issue vs. hippie issue. This is a world issue and I'm sorry if you are one of those that think the hippies are awful for trying bring serious issues into your face, but sooner or later, all of us are going to have to face this reality.
ReplyDeleteI thought that it was cool how bags, curtains, and other trinkets were made by plastic in Africa. It showed talent and hope for the people. They definitely are trying to utilize instead of wasting. Chicken nuggets...no more!!!! Did not know that's what I was eating! Hey, I'm not sure if I ate a about either, so I guess I will have to move on. ~Michelle
ReplyDelete