Do you always know what you put in your mouth is morally right? Are you helping the world bybuying ethnically,organic produce at high prices while they rot every minute its sits on the counter? These are questions that a lot of foodies and regular citizens ask constantly to make sure that its ok to eat. There have been studies made by economists, ecologists and university students to prove there point for what is a more ethical and practical solution. But, what about the general public who shop at supermarkets or the dinners who eat out all the time? Are they aware of the environmental, economical and ethical decisions that companies make everyday to ensure that they stay successful?
I just want to say that I was NOT paid by a big corporation to squash the competition or by local farmers to expose the evils of fat cat capitalists. This is simply my own analysis of the environmental, ecological, and ethical view points of what we eat and the practices of producing that product. If you have any objections of what I said here, I will be happy to read your comments below.
Lets look at the environmental side of organic products. Its true that USDA organic products must be grown in an environment that is chemical and hormone free environment, but what about the other factors involve in growing that product? Through out human history, we see what certain factors such as disease, whether, and infestations destroy crops. When we developed the advanced technology and chemicals to preserve our food, we prevent crops from getting destroyed and bring in a higher yield of food.
Yet at the same time, the chemicals can effect our own human health and our planet earth. So if you think about, organic products can be more healthier for you in terms of eliminating the chemicals, but it is more prone to disease that can make us sick and gives out less yield. So buying organic products can be good for the overall environment, but at the same time, can devastate our own bodies and rot to quickly. Its a bit of a dark thought, but these decisions does affect our own environment on a small or large scale.
As for the economical side of the spectrum, its a good idea to invest in local businesses and I completely support localism. Although, you have to also look at where the money is going to once you make the purchase. Is it going to the business to improve and grow or is it being invested in the owners pocket, buying illegal purchases or scamming the staff of their paycheck. IM not saying that all local business owners are buying drugs or other black market goods, but there are a few that might be a little sketchy. Its all about trust and the quality of the product. If the business has a good product and good service in a safe enviroment, then it's the best choice.
Its also o.k to shop at big supermarkets too. I say that because supermarkets used to be small businesses at one point and they grew to that magnitude because they were successful. Athough, we also have to take in effect that big businesses are dangerous not only to local businesses but to the overall economy.
If the big corporations take control of the market, then economic diversity would be destroyed and there would be only one company running the country's economy. If you think about, there has to be somewhat of a balance between how often we shop locally and with other providers.
In term's of the ethical spectrum, there would always be problems on both sides. One side says that big companies are not treating their employees the right, while the other side claims that local business is too loose with ethical training. In short, the best thing for both sides to do is simply teach the aspects of right and wrong. You wouldn't steal out of your own cash register from your own business for your own pleasure or to get out of debt, would you? Unfortunately, people sometimes cant tell right from wrong but that is what makes us human. Its the fact that we learn from right and wrong. We don't need advanced classes in ethics to tell you that. All you need to do is look in the other persons shoes and lead by example.
Again, as said before, this is only my viewpoint of the situation we are all in and I wrote this to ask the big question, "Which side is better for the over all health of our world?" I ask this question, because as a food writer, chef and culinary student, I must know what is ahead of me.
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