Mark asks…
What’s Whole Foods’ stance on SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD?
I’m taking a class titled “Ecology of Sustainable Seafood.” My independent project for the class is to research Whole Foods’ stance on seafood, and sustainability in seafood. What are some good links for me to check out so I can make some bullet points about their policy?
The Expert answers:
You should know first of all, the Whole Foods’ policies on food does not match what they actually do.
I once met the man who owned the food supply company that supplied some 29 Whole Foods locations at a conference. We got to talking, and he stated that all of the land he owned was in Mexico, and none of the food produced there was organic. Yet, Whole Foods labels much of their food as organic. He said that in all of the time that he had been supplying Whole Foods, they never once asked him about food production. The reason why they never asked is that, if word got out of this situation, they would legitimately have plausible deniability. And of course, there was a huge markup at the retail level. This guy was growing the food in Mexico year-round with dirt cheap labor, then passing across the border without inspections, and dropping it off at a distribution center where it was split up and taken to the stores.
So, whatever you discover about sustainable seafood, you might want to also check and see which company supplies them with seafood, then research how that company gets their seafood – whether caught in the open sea or farmed.
Robert asks…
Hi fellow seniors, do you leave food out for our feathered friends?
I’m more inclined to do so now especially in this cold snap.
I never used to put any out in the past because up until last year we used to have a cat and as you know it doesn’t do to encourage birds and cats to share the same small area.
We now have a lovely bird table adorned with various recommended feed and a water unit (which keeps on getting iced over) also a little box to keep warm in and it’s such a joy to see our native birds helping themselves to sustainable food at this inclement time of the year.
So do you like to feed and watch the birds in your vicinity?
The Expert answers:
Yes! We’re avid bird feeders and squirrel feeders. I know some cringe at the thought of those pesky squirrels who always get into the bird feeders, but once you get the right baffle on there (like an upside down 2 litre bottle with the nozzle cut off)… The squirrels are perfectly happy to ground feed around the feeders.
We also set our picnic table with a tarp over it right at our picture window so that we can put out cranberries, raisins, toasted bread or cracker crumbs… Peanuts in shell… The occasional apple core… They truly have a feast and we get such a kick out of watching all the various birds out there… We even have two different types of hawks who come occasionally to the table… And a night owl who has left his undeniable droppings around the patio. Makes for great video footage and awesome snapshots… And the feathered friends love us for it!
Happy holidays to you … And to all.
Susan asks…
Can we create a self-sustainable civilization on the moon or another planet?
So it seems like NASA is gonna be sending a colony to the moon soon. I am wondering how that will work? Where will they get food, water and oxygen? But my main question is: are there any ways to perhaps grow (or even synthesize) those things? (food/water/oxygen) Without any help from our planet what so ever. I know that for electricity and heat we could use solar energy, but not sure of the rest.
The Expert answers:
Similar to what is done aboard the ISS, as many necessities as possible will be recycled (air, water)
so far as i know, food would need to be imported
Daniel asks…
Are exponential population growth, consumer economics, and climate change the ultimate “tragedy of the Commons?
Individually and as nations we fight to protect what we “own”. But what are we doing to protect the Commons nobody owns (unless privatized) but on which life itself depends – clean air, water, sustainable food, and assurance of peace. It’s apparently not safe to leave it to politicians?
The Expert answers:
In modern countries the concept of “National Parks” is the beginning of a new awareness of Common property. It does require a somewhat democratic country for the people to feel that it is their common, or public, property. It is also in those countries where unrestrained population growth decreases. It can only be trusted to those politicians who can be fired through the democratic process.
The tragedy of Commons happened because it was set up for commercial use, which always leads to abuse. There are state parks in the US which allow commercial use, and the people are trying to stop that now. If the people of the Earth could see their planet as common property, not a corporate resource, then the same tragedy could be averted.
Short answer=Yes.
Mary asks…
What are some good books about food ?
I’m looking for some books about nutrition. I’m not looking to loose weight as much as to develop a sustainable, healthy diet.
I’d like to read a book, or books, with advice that is grounded in science but also engaging and inspirational. Maybe even with a philosophical bend. Any recommendations?
Thanks!
The Expert answers:
Pandora’s Picnic Basket
Seeds of Deception
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