I already ranted about the food industry in Part 1 of my look into our food system. 🤷🏽♀️
Now, I want to shed light on some of the complexities and challenges of the modern, globalized food system. From farming methods to packaging, the way our food is produced, transported, and stored impacts both our health and the environment.
Farming Methods
Industrial farming methods that dominate today, prioritize high yields over nutrition and sustainability. The Green Revolution of the ‘50s and ‘60s introduced modified seeds, artificial fertilizers, and pesticides to increase crop production.
In contrast, organic farming—used by our ancestors—focuses on holistic, chemical-free practices that support ecosystem (and human) health.
The widespread use of chemical pesticides like DDT, which was all the rage back in the day, has shown long-term harmful effects on human health (to this day! 😲), including cancer risks. Similarly, glyphosate, found in Monsanto’s Roundup, is now linked to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, yet it’s still WIDELY used. 😩(Last year 856,000 million kilos of glyphosate was sprayed worldwide.) 🙃
Transportation and Storage
The journey from farm to plate is longer than ever, with the average meal traveling over 2,400 kilometers. This long-distance transportation, combined with storage practices, leads to a loss of nutrients in fresh produce. Foods are often harvested before ripening and treated with chemicals like ethylene (and others) to artificially ripen them during transit. In some cases, imported produce is even irradiated to kill pests, raising concerns about potential health risks from exposure to radiation.
Packaging and Plastics
The rise of single-use plastics in food packaging is another significant concern. These plastics break down into microplastics, contaminating the environment and entering our food chain. Studies show that microplastics can cause inflammation and oxidative stress in humans, leading to serious health issues such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune conditions and many more. Plastic contamination is particularly concerning in seafood, where (in one study) traces of plastic were found in nearly every sample tested. 🤦🏽♀️
What can we do?
Take a look at the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 and shop accordingly.
If you buy non-organic, be sure to add baking soda to water to soak produce in, instead of just rinsing.
Also, consider shopping locally and seasonally as much as possible. Or buy frozen.
Opt for reusable bags and containers, and prioritize whole, natural foods.
Start swapping out plastic storage containers for glass and stainless steel. These small consistent behavior changes will make a big difference in the long run.
Get ready to talk about wheat next in Part III It’s my favorite topic. 😬 Until then…
Eat well.
Coach Nellie