Industrial Farming

• Your thoughts about the vanishing of bees (what else have you heard/seen about this issue?)

This was quite an interesting video and article to read. I've been aware of colony collapse disorder for quite a while, but have learned more about the issue via the MPH 656: Agriculture, Food, and Nutrition and now MPH 632. It's amazing and at the same time, frightening to learn that a small critter, such as the bee, is responsible for the stability of ecosystems and food production. It's also terrifying to see how monocultures and their need for pesticides play a major role in destroying these ecosystems, by unintentionally targeting bees and leading to the collapse of colonies or simply killing them off. Our food ecosystems are interlinked in so many ways and can easily be compromised. The role of the bee is a simple yet enormous example of how the desire for profit can lead to compromised factors that keep our ecosystems alive and healthy. 

• Dirt!: The Movie 

I grew up in a household where letting a child play in the dirt was always better than allowing screen time. Watching Dirt!: The Movie, reinforced that belief, reminding me of the value of soil within our lives. Not only does it give us sustenance, it helps build our immune system for healthier lives. This was made clear through the examples of farmers in India and the winemaker in the movie, both reminding us of the importance of healthy soil for healthy food options, and overall, a healthy environment.

Everywhere I turn, it seems like monocultures and their need for pesticides are the one unifying factor that have led to immense destruction of our ecosystems. Not only is soil compromised, so is our water, and our atmosphere. However, what few of us remember is the importance each of us plays in supporting healthier ecosystems. One great example was the story of the hummingbird and the burning forest. I believe that if we each do what we can, we are making a small, but significant effort to support healthy environments. This can include something as simple as the urban gardens mentioned in the movie. By introducing more green spaces in areas that are "concrete jungles", we introduce youth to the concept of farm to table and we create healthier environments in otherwise unhealthy areas of of our communities. 

• Were you able to discover if there is a factory farm near you? Were you already aware of farms near you? What do you think about this? 

There are no factory farms in any of the counties that I have lived in throughout my life. This would include Contra Costa, San Francisco, and San Mateo. However, I work in Marin County, which based on my experience as a nutrition educator in that county, is one of the most self-proclaimed healthy counties in California. For this reason, I was extremely surprised to find out that dairy factory farms are located in the area. 

Due to the many problems brought about by factory farming, I have done my best over the past years to only purchase local, seasonal, organic, and sustainable food within my community. I've actually also been considering a vegan lifestyle and may transition soon, due to the multiple health concerns associated to dairy items, such as cheese. 

• Composting: Do you currently compost? Have you composted in the past? Do you know anyone who composts? Would you consider composting, after learning about its benefits from the movie? 

I currently do not compost, because I feel like I don't have enough space in my apartment to do so. I also don't feel confident composting, because I've never done it before on my own. However, I do engage in composting off-site when I'm at work or in the community. I purchase compostable materials as much as possible, particularly within my work setting where we use plates, cups, and utensils often within our cooking classes. I'd definitely be open to composting, but I'd love to do a bit more research, so that I can feel more confident about starting the process.