9 posts tagged “economics”
Slavery was once a socially accepted form of human exploitation. Exploitation of "inferior" humans, by "superior" humans. The movie Amazing Grace is about the abolition of slavery in England, a country that once relied heavily on the slave trade to run the plantations in its many colonies. The practice was an integral part of the British economy, yet it was rarely questioned by ordinary citizens because it seemed so far removed from their everyday lives. No one but the slave traders themselves saw the atrocities committed, yet everyone enjoyed the benefits of free labor.
Throughout the movie, particularly during descriptions of the conditions on slave ships and plantations, I noticed a number of parallels between this system (which we now find publicly abhorrent) and the factory farming industry (which the general public still finds acceptable). The only highly visible parts of both systems are their seemingly rewarding results. The questionable means to those ends are effectively hidden from the public. No one wants to ask where their cheap food is coming from.
"If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be a vegetarian." - Paul McCartney
I recently read a book called The Omnivore's Dilemma, in which the author decides to thoroughly examine the food system at work in the United States. Although I didn't much enjoy his defensive attitude in dissembling the vegetarian movement, I would highly recommend the book to anyone who eats.
Maybe one day factory farming will be a social and economic practice just as frowned upon as slavery or child labor or *ahem* sexual discrimination.
By the way, besides being an abolitionist, William Wilberforce (the guy the movie is about) was a founding member of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
peace.
Throughout the movie, particularly during descriptions of the conditions on slave ships and plantations, I noticed a number of parallels between this system (which we now find publicly abhorrent) and the factory farming industry (which the general public still finds acceptable). The only highly visible parts of both systems are their seemingly rewarding results. The questionable means to those ends are effectively hidden from the public. No one wants to ask where their cheap food is coming from.
"If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be a vegetarian." - Paul McCartney
I recently read a book called The Omnivore's Dilemma, in which the author decides to thoroughly examine the food system at work in the United States. Although I didn't much enjoy his defensive attitude in dissembling the vegetarian movement, I would highly recommend the book to anyone who eats.
Maybe one day factory farming will be a social and economic practice just as frowned upon as slavery or child labor or *ahem* sexual discrimination.
By the way, besides being an abolitionist, William Wilberforce (the guy the movie is about) was a founding member of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
peace.
Greetings omnivores, I have a feeling you will enjoy this post.
Last week I was in Connecticut, visiting family. On a windy country road near my grandparent's house there is a family-owned organic farm stand and bakery called Holbrook Farm, where we were allowed to step out back and see some real free-range chickens.
Even if some egg cartons in the grocery store are marked "free-range", it doesn't mean the chickens that produced those eggs are humanely treated. The label "free-range" is virtually unregulated by the USDA, and the requirements are easily evaded by factory farmers.
At Holbrook we bought some fresh organic tomatoes, yogurt and feta cheese made from "happy" goat's milk, and one dozen beautiful eggs, two of which I ate for breakfast the next morning.
My beef is with the factory farming industry, if all animals were treated as well as these ones, I would not feel the need to be a vegan. (I'd be a vegetarian)
peace.
Last week I was in Connecticut, visiting family. On a windy country road near my grandparent's house there is a family-owned organic farm stand and bakery called Holbrook Farm, where we were allowed to step out back and see some real free-range chickens.
Even if some egg cartons in the grocery store are marked "free-range", it doesn't mean the chickens that produced those eggs are humanely treated. The label "free-range" is virtually unregulated by the USDA, and the requirements are easily evaded by factory farmers.
At Holbrook we bought some fresh organic tomatoes, yogurt and feta cheese made from "happy" goat's milk, and one dozen beautiful eggs, two of which I ate for breakfast the next morning.
My beef is with the factory farming industry, if all animals were treated as well as these ones, I would not feel the need to be a vegan. (I'd be a vegetarian)
peace.
You've heard all the statistics before. Deforestation is the commonly accepted term for the deliberate destruction and/or removal of vast wooded areas. Its infamous environmental impacts include massive contributions to ozone depletion as well as reduced biodiversity. In tropical areas, it is a key aspect in the exploitation of native peoples.
The measured forest loss since 1970 is over 277,490 miles. At the current rate of deforestation, the world's tropical rain forests may be completely gone by the end of the century.
Possibly the scariest thing about those already huge (and still growing) numbers, is that they don't shock us anymore. Experts estimate that we are losing, forever, at least 137 plant, animal and insect species a day. And? The numbers are just too abstract.
Rain forests, and the land they are on, are being used for a few main, perceivably profitable, reasons - with many harmful side effects.
Logging, for timber as well as paper, which also releases emissions thanks to the required machinery and transportation.
Land is cleared for cattle grazing, there's the contribution of the meat industry.
And of course forests must be leveled to accommodate insatiable urban-sprawl.
The simplest way to stop the measures is to kill the market.
peace.
Cited from wikipedia: "Over 200 million tons of plastic are manufactured annually around the world, according to the SPE. Of those 200 million tons, 26 million are manufactured in the united states. The EPA reported in 2003 that only 5.8% of those 26 million tons of plastic waste are recycled. The wastage of plastic at increased rates is causing problems with landfill capacity throughout the world. The use of biodegradable plastic is one means of reducing the volumes of waste produced by modern societies."
"Bioplastics", or plastics made from plant-based materials, have been available for years. They can be manufactured through the use of renewable resources and, given the right conditions, will decompose within roughly 12 weeks - as opposed to conventional plastics, which will never biodegrade.
Two of the most widely used bioplastics currently available are Polylactic acid (PLA), which is derived from sugars and starches found in plants like corn and potatoes, and Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), which is produced by bacteria.
The philosophy behind bioplastics makes perfect sense. If you buy a bottle of shampoo, you're probably going to empty it within a year. So why should the plastic bottle it came in last forever? Everything is wrapped in plastic these days, and after all that packaging is discarded it ends up occupying space in a landfill.
As always, there are drawbacks. These plastics require the right conditions to biodegrade. Heat, moisture, oxygen and microorganisms are key components in the process, and these aren't found in the average landfill. Bioplastics have to be treated like compost to break down successfully, they have to be separated from all the other trash.
High production costs are absolutely crippling. Most environmentally friendly products are more expensive than their conventional, and polluting, counterparts. But new alternatives can't hope to cut costs if they're not widely enough produced to achieve large economies of sale. Unfortunately, most people (and companys) would rather stick with the cheaper options, instead of putting in the initial effort toward changing to safer ones.
peace.
The philosophy behind bioplastics makes perfect sense. If you buy a bottle of shampoo, you're probably going to empty it within a year. So why should the plastic bottle it came in last forever? Everything is wrapped in plastic these days, and after all that packaging is discarded it ends up occupying space in a landfill.
As always, there are drawbacks. These plastics require the right conditions to biodegrade. Heat, moisture, oxygen and microorganisms are key components in the process, and these aren't found in the average landfill. Bioplastics have to be treated like compost to break down successfully, they have to be separated from all the other trash.
High production costs are absolutely crippling. Most environmentally friendly products are more expensive than their conventional, and polluting, counterparts. But new alternatives can't hope to cut costs if they're not widely enough produced to achieve large economies of sale. Unfortunately, most people (and companys) would rather stick with the cheaper options, instead of putting in the initial effort toward changing to safer ones.
peace.
For those reluctant to sacrifice the luxurious trim on the hood of their winter jacket, faux fur seems the ultimate compassionate alternative. Now, it seems, a guilt-free substitute can't always be guaranteed.
A recent study conducted by the US Humane Society reveals that a number of designer coats labeled "faux fur", or not labeled at all, were in fact trimmed with the fur of a member of the canine family, the raccoon dog. The brand names included Tommy Hilfiger, Sean John, Calvin Klein, and came from a variety of department stores such as JC Penny and Macy's. Most of the coats were made in China.
Currently the law prohibits the import or sale of dog and cat fur in the United States, but if the value of fur on an item is less than $150, no label is required. The raccoon dog is being added to the list of outlawed fur.
A recent study conducted by the US Humane Society reveals that a number of designer coats labeled "faux fur", or not labeled at all, were in fact trimmed with the fur of a member of the canine family, the raccoon dog. The brand names included Tommy Hilfiger, Sean John, Calvin Klein, and came from a variety of department stores such as JC Penny and Macy's. Most of the coats were made in China.
Currently the law prohibits the import or sale of dog and cat fur in the United States, but if the value of fur on an item is less than $150, no label is required. The raccoon dog is being added to the list of outlawed fur.
peace.
In 1979 the then third-largest automobile manufacturer in the US, Chrysler, petitioned the government for a loan of $1.5 billion to avoid bankruptcy.
In 1998 Chrysler merged with German automobile company Daimler-Benz to create DaimlerChrysler AG.
Now, the US investment bank J.P. Morgan & Co. is making preparations for an auction of Chrysler. Speculated buyers include international companies such as Huyndai - interested in accessing the American market, and the no.1 auto-producer in the US, General Motors. Rumor has it Daimler simply wants to "walk away" as the final solution for their struggling American unit. An intriguing theory as to the reasons behind Chrysler's perpetual, um, financial difficulties, is the company's addiction to sports utility vehicles. The current trend in rising gas prices hits SUV's and light trucks where it hurts most. The appeal of preeminent entitlement generally associated with gas-guzzlers (not that I've ever seen it) is beginning to override their practicality.
peace.
As we boldly enter the 21st century, things are getting pretty creepy in the kitchen. Genetic copies may seem like a fad pulled from science fiction, but sooner than you think a clone could end up on your dinner plate. The FDA has been very clear about where it stands on the safety of cloned meat, as well as milk, eggs and other byproducts from cloned animals. There is no significant difference between the derivatives of conventional livestock and those of test-tube chattel. However the FDA dose not address any ethical or environmental concerns on the topic, that's not their job. Anxious consumers will cast the deciding vote on the appeal of animal clone-food.
The most desirable prospect on behalf of cloned meat is the increased control of size and quality. Imagine the ability to produce grade A steaks on a regular basis, even if it is by artificial means. Sounds great, but don't forget to look into the details and procedures. You can't judge the quality of meat if the cow is still alive. There's no way to guess before killing it. So, you butcher the cow and see what you get. If the meat turns out top-notch, great - now you can grow more just like it. Animals are cloned from tissue samples, after confirming the quality of meat from an animal (by killing it) scientists can take a sample from the carcass and produce copies of identical excellence. Essentially, they bring the cow back to life. And then eat it.
Genetically modified food is nothing new. As much as 80% of processed food (in the US) contains some form of genetically modified crop. "Franken-fruit" has been stocking the produce department for years and the American populous doesn't bat and eyelash. Ok, so plenty of people have a problem with GM veggies, not mention pesticides and growth hormones, but there's just something a little more forbidding about living, breathing, edible experiments than say - a mammoth tomato. It all comes down to the intestinal fortitude of the modern day omnivore. Would you eat a duplicate burger?
peace.
Genetically modified food is nothing new. As much as 80% of processed food (in the US) contains some form of genetically modified crop. "Franken-fruit" has been stocking the produce department for years and the American populous doesn't bat and eyelash. Ok, so plenty of people have a problem with GM veggies, not mention pesticides and growth hormones, but there's just something a little more forbidding about living, breathing, edible experiments than say - a mammoth tomato. It all comes down to the intestinal fortitude of the modern day omnivore. Would you eat a duplicate burger?
peace.
Before I begin, allow me first to elaborate upon my profound aversion to fast food. I have not set foot in a burger joint beyond the grease capacity of Panera Bread in about two years. For anyone having trouble kicking a french fry addiction, watch Morgan Spurlock's documentary/experiment Super Size Me just once. It will gross you out. The end.
So imagine my surprise, and skepticism, after reading an on-line article hailing the manifestation of the McVeggie Burger. Ok, I'm sure that vision was highly amusing, now try my countenance after reading that this soy patty from "McDeath" may actually be vegan. Yeah. Wow.
Time for some research. The McVeggie is currently on a test run in restaurants in southern California and Manhattan. I've read several articles, blogs, and the McDonalds website (not helpful - propaganda overload!) on the subject and the customer accounts vary from enthusiastic satisfaction to blatant disgust. Apparently, the veganism of this sandwich depends on the cooperation of the franchise you happen to be eating at. Some McManagers will have the patty cooked separately in the microwave or on an "uncontaminated" section of the grill as a matter of course, it's a meatless burger for a reason, right? While others indiscriminately let it sizzle in the same juices as the Big Mac. So, if you can guarantee that your burger is safe (good luck), you have nothing to fear from the bun, or the lettuce and tomato (duh). However, you'll have to order no condiments, as the barbecue sauce contains meat flavoring. And your side of crispy golden goodness is out of the question, McD's french fries aren't even vegetarian. They're sprayed with meat flavoring. Is that sick and wrong or what?
So imagine my surprise, and skepticism, after reading an on-line article hailing the manifestation of the McVeggie Burger. Ok, I'm sure that vision was highly amusing, now try my countenance after reading that this soy patty from "McDeath" may actually be vegan. Yeah. Wow.
Time for some research. The McVeggie is currently on a test run in restaurants in southern California and Manhattan. I've read several articles, blogs, and the McDonalds website (not helpful - propaganda overload!) on the subject and the customer accounts vary from enthusiastic satisfaction to blatant disgust. Apparently, the veganism of this sandwich depends on the cooperation of the franchise you happen to be eating at. Some McManagers will have the patty cooked separately in the microwave or on an "uncontaminated" section of the grill as a matter of course, it's a meatless burger for a reason, right? While others indiscriminately let it sizzle in the same juices as the Big Mac. So, if you can guarantee that your burger is safe (good luck), you have nothing to fear from the bun, or the lettuce and tomato (duh). However, you'll have to order no condiments, as the barbecue sauce contains meat flavoring. And your side of crispy golden goodness is out of the question, McD's french fries aren't even vegetarian. They're sprayed with meat flavoring. Is that sick and wrong or what?
When Burger King launched the BK Veggie Burger in 2002 it was met with great acclaim by PeTA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), even though it's not vegan - the patty contains egg and the bun contains milk. You'd think by now the fast food chains would have noticed the eager audience they have in the veg-comunity. As consumers we vote with our money, companies will only sell what people will buy. If non-animal products are succussful on the menu, they'll stay on the menu and more will appear. Want to help the deep-vat-friers of the US get a clue? Order veggie burgers. They may not be perfect, but if no one's eating them, they never will be.
peace.
peace.
I just finished this book (big surprise) on "vegan freakdom". It is an excellent guide to ethical veganism and the details pertaining to those principles, written in a very first hand, personal style by two ethical vegans, Jenna and Bob Torres. It is full of great resources and suggestions, and although I think it could have done without the profanity sprinkled throughout, the authors definitely make their point and defend it with solid arguments. There would be more vegans in the world if people were willing to investigate where their meat (and eggs and dairy) is coming from. Ignorance is bliss. After visiting a pleasant family farm on Sesame Street no one wants to see the processes in between happy cows in a pasture and happy burger with fries.
The same mindset goes for any commodity in the department store. How did it get there? Oh, from a factory I suppose. The consumer audience doesn't see the work going on backstage. All your toys and clothes and power-tools just appear on the store shelves, and wait until you come to buy them. Capitalism is the system at work in the US, private companies are owned by private individuals, they produce goods for private profits. Don't worry, I'm not going "corporate conspiracy" on you, capitalism is a free system for good reasons, but like every system, there are ways to take advantage of it. Monopolies are the magicians and just like in a magic show, "the hand is quicker than the eye". The only part of the trick we see is the result. Even the people involved in the process don't see the big picture. The factory worker, the delivery guy, are paid to do their jobs and go home.
Now I've gone way off track, sorry about that. All I have to say in closing is - think, question, and act. Don't take things for granted, or ignore the inconvenient facts. If you're already a vegan, or seriously considering becoming one,
I recommend this book. If you're merely curious, beware, this book will probably convert you!
peace.
The same mindset goes for any commodity in the department store. How did it get there? Oh, from a factory I suppose. The consumer audience doesn't see the work going on backstage. All your toys and clothes and power-tools just appear on the store shelves, and wait until you come to buy them. Capitalism is the system at work in the US, private companies are owned by private individuals, they produce goods for private profits. Don't worry, I'm not going "corporate conspiracy" on you, capitalism is a free system for good reasons, but like every system, there are ways to take advantage of it. Monopolies are the magicians and just like in a magic show, "the hand is quicker than the eye". The only part of the trick we see is the result. Even the people involved in the process don't see the big picture. The factory worker, the delivery guy, are paid to do their jobs and go home.
Now I've gone way off track, sorry about that. All I have to say in closing is - think, question, and act. Don't take things for granted, or ignore the inconvenient facts. If you're already a vegan, or seriously considering becoming one,
I recommend this book. If you're merely curious, beware, this book will probably convert you!
peace.
