THE FOOD SYSTEM

Food & Agriculture is one of the leading causes of climate change. It's also the leading cause of deforestation, biodiversity loss, and uses copious amounts of water and land. Rethinking and regenerating our world is possible to changing our food system.

WHY?

 WHY OUR FOOD SYSTEM MATTERS

These should get your attention:

  • Around 40% of all food produced around the world is wasted in one form or another.
  • Animal agriculture is responsible for 90% of deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest.
  • For every pound of fish caught using industrial- sized nets, five pounds of “bycatch” is caught as well (think dolphins, sharks, turtles, etc). 
  • If all of the crop production currently allocated to animal feed were directly consumed by humans, food availability (measured in calories) would increase by 49%.
  • If cows were a country, they’d be the 3rd largest  emitter of greenhouse gases (behind China/USA)
  • Without meat and dairy consumption, global farmland use could be reduced by more than 75% – an area equivalent to the U.S., China, the European Union and Australia combined – and still feed the world.

In spite of all this, many of the worlds leaders are not taking this seriously enough. So investors need to step up and lead the charge.

WATCH

FILMS AND TALKS
TALKS & TV SERIES

There's no shortage of great documentaries on climate change. These are a few we really like:

DOCUMENTARIES
  • Wasted! The Story of Food Waste: This documentary delves into the global food waste crisis.
  • Cowspiracy: This film gets to the heart of how our food system is one of the biggest contributors to climate change, and the powers behind it.
  • Kiss the Ground: Woody Harrelson sheds light on the approaches to agriculture that can regenerate our soils and also reverse climate change.
  • Seaspiracy: A gripping exploration of the environmental impact of the fishing industry, highlighting overfishing, plastic pollution, and human rights abuses.
  • Food, Inc: Reveals the hidden processes behind America's industrial food system, exposing its environmental, ethical, and health implications.
  • The Need To GROW: Explores innovative solutions to soil depletion and emphasizes the urgency of adopting sustainable agricultural practices.

READ

BOOKS & ARTICLES
ARTICLES

Sometimes there's nothing better than cozying up on the couch with a book. These gems are worth a look:

BOOKS
  • We Are The Weather: JSF's inspiring take on how to tackle climate change. It begins at breakfast.
  • The Omnivore's Dilemma: Michael Pollan investigates the origins of the foods we consume, examining industrial, organic, and foraged food chains. He highlights the environmental and health impacts of our dietary choices, encouraging readers to consider the sustainability of their food sources.
  • Diet for a Small Planet: Frances Moore Lappé's groundbreaking book emphasizes the environmental consequences of meat production and advocates for a plant-based diet. She provides insights into how individual food choices can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable food system.
  • The Third Plate: Dan Barber envisions a future of food based on sustainable agriculture, where the concept of a "third plate" focuses on ecological harmony.
  • How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease" by Dr. Michael Greger
  • The Blue Zones Kitchen: 100 Recipes to Live to 100 by Dan Buettner; Inspired by the world's longevity hotspots, this book emphasizes diets that combine health and sustainability.
  • Waste: Uncovering the Global Food Scandal: A groundbreaking investigation into the global food waste crisis, offering actionable steps to reduce waste, by Tristram Stuart.

LISTEN

INSPIRING DISCUSSIONS

Podcasts are one of the best ways to absorb information about our food system. Check out these notable food sustainability podcasts so you can find what you need to know:

  • Earth Eats: A weekly podcast and radio program bringing you the freshest news and recipes inspired by local food and sustainable agriculture.
  • Eat For The Planet: Features conversations with food industry leaders, health and sustainability experts, and entrepreneurs redefining food.
  • SFYN Podcast: Gives voices often overlooked in the debate around food, demonstrating everyone contributes to a more sustainable food system.
  • All The Dirt: Weekly discussions, interviews, and garden-to-kitchen recipes focusing on gardening, sustainability, food, and organics.
  • Regenerative Agriculture Podcast: This is for those who want to learn about the science and principles of regenerative agriculture systems.

LIVE

YOU CAN DO A LOT TO HELP, EVERYDAY
HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
  • Eat more sustainably: Food is one of the easiest ways we can have a direct impact on climate change. Whether it’s eating less meat, reducing waste, or eating organic, there’s a lot we can do when we sit down to eat everyday.  Happy Cow and Abillion can make it easier to find restaurants and stores nearby. For home-cooked meals, check out Beyonce’s meal-planner.
  • Make easy adjustments: For example, when you feel like eating fish, go for bivalves (oysters, mussels, etc) instead of large fish like Salmon and Tuna. This can go a long way in helping our oceans rebuild. It’s also much better for our bodies and the climate. This tool from Seafood Watch is a great way to ensure all your seafood purchases are a sustainable as possible.
  • Reduce your waste: this is more about being mindful with portion sizes and how much you order from the grocery store. This tool from Amazon is pretty cool. This is a great list of different apps you can use to limit your waste too. 

These areas can give you the power in everyday life to make a difference. Vote with your dollars and decisions!

GIVE

CHARITIES TO SUPPORT
RECOMMENDED CHARITIES
  • The Good Food Institute: accelerating innovation through food to help solve climate change and other issues stemming from our food system.
  • Kiss The Ground: supports farmers, ranchers, and land stewards from around the globe in their transition to Regenerative practices that heal the soil, revive ecosystems, increase farmer wellbeing, and help balance the climate.
  • ProVeg: a leading international food awareness organization working across four continents.
  • Transfarmation: helping farmers switch from raising animals to growing plants.
  • Rodale Institute: growing the regenerative organic movement through research, training, & education.
  • For more candidates, check out this list

These charities are working hard to tackle this issue. 

For those looking to do their own homework or simply looking to explore other options, check out these sites:

INVEST

CHARITIES TO SUPPORT
RECOMMENDED CHARITIES
  • The Good Food Institute: accelerating innovation through food to help solve climate change and other issues stemming from our food system.
  • Kiss The Ground: supports farmers, ranchers, and land stewards from around the globe in their transition to Regenerative practices that heal the soil, revive ecosystems, increase farmer wellbeing, and help balance the climate.
  • ProVeg: a leading international food awareness organization working across four continents.
  • Transfarmation: helping farmers switch from raising animals to growing plants.
  • Rodale Institute: growing the regenerative organic movement through research, training, & education.
  • For more candidates, check out this list

These charities are working hard to tackle this issue. 

For those looking to do their own homework or simply looking to explore other options, check out these sites:
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