With the increasing awareness that food sources are drying up and that current food systems have to give way to a more sustainable and eco-friendly path in order to be able to replenish themselves, gourmands around the world are morphing into environmental ambassadors with every conscious decision that they make. A keenness to have a closer and healthier relationship to food has translated to the slew of green options that have branded many products as organic, bio dynamic, humanely - raised, fair trade, Amidst all the intimidating jargon, understanding these terms will give you an appreciation of their broader significance and the impact you can make by contributing to the green philosophy.
Despite having no official definition, there are several underlying approaches to the sustainable food movement. Seeking to affect minimal negative impact on the environment, improving food security and providing a sustainable livelihood for farmers are some of the salient points of this ethical campaign. The saying "knowledge is power" rings ever so true - a greater awareness of how we want to live and the choices we have at our disposal is the starting point of sustainable dining.
A GREEN - ER REVOLUTION?
The green revolution of the 1960s promised us an increased amount of agricultural production as a feasible solution to providing food security. This industrial approach to farming was seen as the epitome of progress at that time, but has unfortunately received much flak over time regards to its impact on the environment.
Extensive use of pesticides leading to pollution and dangerous residues, a drop in agricultural biodiversity as well as recent genetically modified organisms (GMO) health scares have turned the spotlight on the need for greater accountability towards Mother Earth. Instead of pursuing practices that might wound the ecosystem, the organic movement put into place the aim of protecting and rebuilding the soil through strict avoidance of synthetic chemical inputs such as fertilisers, pesticides and antibiotics.
Bio dynamic agriculture is an extension of the organic movement, with an adherence to unique philosophical principles. Not only are adherents working towards farming practices that are sustainable, being bio dynamic also takes into account a keen observation of nature itself like the rhythmic influence of the moon, the seasons and weather patterns as well as using special plant, animal and mineral elements to reduce pests and diseases.
THE MEAT INDUSTRY
The advent of mad cow disease was a wake - up call for many on the controversial customs of the meat industry. With contaminated feed being the most common causes of diseases, there are also concerns that these residues might escape into the waste stream, impacting the environment negatively, Not only are human lives and the environment at stake, over exploiting food resources have also led to inhumane practices.
McDonald's made headlines in 2000 when it became the first major corporation in the US to improve farmed animal welfare, Under pressure from the largest animal rights group, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), it agreed to buy meat only from suppliers that could ensure minimum humane treatment of livestock. These 'free farm' animals are allowed a healthy access to water, space and food. Another category of sustainably produced meat is known as 'free range' where animals are allowed outside and not confined to the feedlot, but it makes no specification as to what the animals eat. And then there is the term 'grass fed' or 'pasture-raised'. This term takes the meaning of 'free range' further by allowing them to forage on grass openly, allowing animals to observe a natural feeding schedule that allows them to mature at a normal rate of growth with less stress and injury.
'Hormone-free' and 'antibiotic-free' meats and dairy products prohibit antibiotic and hormone use in animals. These artificial substances eventually pass through the animal's body as they are not fully digested or broken down and enter the environment through waste water and runoffs. The use of organic livestock feed is also one of the many ways to contribute to the humanely-raised meat movement.
HARVEST OF THE SEA
The ocean, one of our main culinary lifelines, is also progressively being depleted - no thanks to over-fishing, with most of the endangered species facing the highest consumer demand. Species such as the Atlantic cod, Chilean sea bass, blue fin tuna, swordfish, monk fish and shark (for their fin) are critically threatened. Much has been done on an international level to stern the negative effects on marine life such as making sure that seafood products are being caught in an environmentally sustainable manner, but it is the consumer who needs a bit more pushing to create that higher level of awareness. The introduction of aquaculture-the rearing and farming of marine and fresh water organisms under controlled conditions-as well as marine conservations regions are some methods to combat this decrease. Responsible fishing methods such as longlining, harpooning, and handlining also lessen negative impact on the environment.
Eating fish in a sustainable manner require one to be updated on the 'What's Hot' and 'What's Not' list of critically endangered species, especially since there seems to be inadequate or even absent labelling of information on seafood in supermarkets and fish counters. Being aware of this list also means that that the discerning diner is able to pick out sustainable fish species from the critically endangered ones like the red mullet, snapper, certain types of tuna and Alaskan salmon.
COFFEE, TEA OR ME?
Even coffee, tea and chocolate products have joined the bandwagon.Products that have been certified under the eco-label Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance have brought forth ethical considerations for the consumer to support, Being Fair Trade-certified adds to the cause of environmental protection through the sustainable production of coffee and tea. It also benefits farmers by ensuring a fair price for their products and technological support, as well as keeping a strict lookout on child labour standards. The Rainforest Alliance certification champions environmentally-sound methods in specifically tropical rainforest areas. Organic coffee prohibits chemical fertilisers and pesticides and encourages soil preservation.
A SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE?
Granted that Malaysia is only just being introduced to green ways and means,is it then an uphill task to convince consumers to make ecologically-sound choices? Knowing that our food choices affect the environment, even a small step like paying attention to what you eat matters. By being aware of the consequences of your choices, you can now look forward to reconnecting with your food on a deeper, more meaningful level-a fitting philosophy for the discerning gourmand.
Despite having no official definition, there are several underlying approaches to the sustainable food movement. Seeking to affect minimal negative impact on the environment, improving food security and providing a sustainable livelihood for farmers are some of the salient points of this ethical campaign. The saying "knowledge is power" rings ever so true - a greater awareness of how we want to live and the choices we have at our disposal is the starting point of sustainable dining.
A GREEN - ER REVOLUTION?
The green revolution of the 1960s promised us an increased amount of agricultural production as a feasible solution to providing food security. This industrial approach to farming was seen as the epitome of progress at that time, but has unfortunately received much flak over time regards to its impact on the environment.
Extensive use of pesticides leading to pollution and dangerous residues, a drop in agricultural biodiversity as well as recent genetically modified organisms (GMO) health scares have turned the spotlight on the need for greater accountability towards Mother Earth. Instead of pursuing practices that might wound the ecosystem, the organic movement put into place the aim of protecting and rebuilding the soil through strict avoidance of synthetic chemical inputs such as fertilisers, pesticides and antibiotics.
Bio dynamic agriculture is an extension of the organic movement, with an adherence to unique philosophical principles. Not only are adherents working towards farming practices that are sustainable, being bio dynamic also takes into account a keen observation of nature itself like the rhythmic influence of the moon, the seasons and weather patterns as well as using special plant, animal and mineral elements to reduce pests and diseases.
THE MEAT INDUSTRY
The advent of mad cow disease was a wake - up call for many on the controversial customs of the meat industry. With contaminated feed being the most common causes of diseases, there are also concerns that these residues might escape into the waste stream, impacting the environment negatively, Not only are human lives and the environment at stake, over exploiting food resources have also led to inhumane practices.
McDonald's made headlines in 2000 when it became the first major corporation in the US to improve farmed animal welfare, Under pressure from the largest animal rights group, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), it agreed to buy meat only from suppliers that could ensure minimum humane treatment of livestock. These 'free farm' animals are allowed a healthy access to water, space and food. Another category of sustainably produced meat is known as 'free range' where animals are allowed outside and not confined to the feedlot, but it makes no specification as to what the animals eat. And then there is the term 'grass fed' or 'pasture-raised'. This term takes the meaning of 'free range' further by allowing them to forage on grass openly, allowing animals to observe a natural feeding schedule that allows them to mature at a normal rate of growth with less stress and injury.
'Hormone-free' and 'antibiotic-free' meats and dairy products prohibit antibiotic and hormone use in animals. These artificial substances eventually pass through the animal's body as they are not fully digested or broken down and enter the environment through waste water and runoffs. The use of organic livestock feed is also one of the many ways to contribute to the humanely-raised meat movement.
HARVEST OF THE SEA
The ocean, one of our main culinary lifelines, is also progressively being depleted - no thanks to over-fishing, with most of the endangered species facing the highest consumer demand. Species such as the Atlantic cod, Chilean sea bass, blue fin tuna, swordfish, monk fish and shark (for their fin) are critically threatened. Much has been done on an international level to stern the negative effects on marine life such as making sure that seafood products are being caught in an environmentally sustainable manner, but it is the consumer who needs a bit more pushing to create that higher level of awareness. The introduction of aquaculture-the rearing and farming of marine and fresh water organisms under controlled conditions-as well as marine conservations regions are some methods to combat this decrease. Responsible fishing methods such as longlining, harpooning, and handlining also lessen negative impact on the environment.
Eating fish in a sustainable manner require one to be updated on the 'What's Hot' and 'What's Not' list of critically endangered species, especially since there seems to be inadequate or even absent labelling of information on seafood in supermarkets and fish counters. Being aware of this list also means that that the discerning diner is able to pick out sustainable fish species from the critically endangered ones like the red mullet, snapper, certain types of tuna and Alaskan salmon.
COFFEE, TEA OR ME?
Even coffee, tea and chocolate products have joined the bandwagon.Products that have been certified under the eco-label Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance have brought forth ethical considerations for the consumer to support, Being Fair Trade-certified adds to the cause of environmental protection through the sustainable production of coffee and tea. It also benefits farmers by ensuring a fair price for their products and technological support, as well as keeping a strict lookout on child labour standards. The Rainforest Alliance certification champions environmentally-sound methods in specifically tropical rainforest areas. Organic coffee prohibits chemical fertilisers and pesticides and encourages soil preservation.
A SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE?
Granted that Malaysia is only just being introduced to green ways and means,is it then an uphill task to convince consumers to make ecologically-sound choices? Knowing that our food choices affect the environment, even a small step like paying attention to what you eat matters. By being aware of the consequences of your choices, you can now look forward to reconnecting with your food on a deeper, more meaningful level-a fitting philosophy for the discerning gourmand.
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