Suite101

From here to there.


© Bob Ewing

Surfing, I spend an hour or so each day just surfing or following hyperlinks. Information is everywhere but how accurate is what we uncover. A critical mind is an essential virtual traveling companion.

The following two quotes are a result of a more focused virtual search for the connections between the oil industry and the food production-distribution industry. The second quote is from an article that I wrote for Sute101.com. in September 2000.

Eating Oil - Food Supply in a Changing Climate

The report's author, Andy Jones says "The food system has become almost completely dependent on crude oil. This means that food supplies are vulnerable to increases in petroleum prices or any shortfall in oil supplies, as demonstrated during the fuel protests in the UK in 2000. Food distribution is also a major contributor to climate change and other forms of pollution.

The environment and society cannot continue to bear the costs. We need to invest, now, in regional and local food systems combined with fair trade initiatives that will bring about a more secure, sustainable and fair food system."

http://www.sustainweb.org/chain_fm_eat.a...

The above both worries me and gives me hope. The need is there. The market may be growing but is the demand for a secure, sustainable and fair food system growing fast enough?

Fast enough to head off any disasters which may result as a result of food shortages. I am an optimist and would rather be doing something to make a difference than snacking on my couch. Don't get me wrong there are nights, especially lates nights, when snacking on the couch is ideal.

Our eating customs have become dependent upon products that in one form or another travels hundreds and thousands of mile to get to our tables What happens when the vast distribution system is disrupted? Anyone have any thoughts?

You don't have to be driving for long on the Trans-Canada Highway to realize that there are a lot of trucks, big rigs, that is, rolling down the highway. They carry everything from toys to tomatoes. Cities, like Thunder Bay, and the smaller towns and villages in the region and elswhere in Canada, are dependent upon the trucking industry to keep us supplied in most, if not all, of Life's essential items.

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/fiel...

Transitional strategies that tack us from where we are to where we want to be are how we change without displacing people. More in upcoming issues.

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