Food & Farming
Following on the heels of transportation efficiency, the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) urges consumers to make food-related choices the next priority for helping to reduce the size of their ecological “footprint.” Food is central to human survival, and often a central feature in many congregations: as a sacramental part of worship, an important dimension of fellowship, or an absolute necessity to those in need. The UCS writes:
"Food production has a pervasive impact on the environment. About 60 percent of our country’s land area is devoted either to crops or to livestock grazing … Then there are the effects of fertilizers, pesticides, animal wastes, and erosion on water quality, not to mention … air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from energy use."
Simple Things You Can Do
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Eat lower on the food-chain (i.e., less meat)
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Buy organic produce
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Support local, family farms
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Grow some of your own food
Further Resources
Food & Faith: Justice, Joy and Daily Bread
Caring for All Creation: At the Table
Food & Farming Related Publications
