House of Health // 5.1.2020
The Great Quarantine (Covid-19) and its protracted stay-at-home order has the primacy of food procurement and preparation at the forefront of our days, in new ways and for good reason. Health is our most vital survival need and a communal non-negotiable. As we examine the personal and collective loops of sustenance - water, food, hygiene, medicine, sanitation, shelter, and transportation - it seems like an ideal time to recalibrate homestead rituals and shopping habits to reflect more sustainable ideals and values.
So, let's talk about food.
So, let's talk about food.
Agriculture has historically afforded civilization the opportunity to survive in even the harshest conditions. Yet cultivation has been drastically reconstructed by the throws of industrialization, all within the last 100 years. We are now seeing the innumerable, deleterious effects of fossil fuel emissions and cheap labor in our workforce, environments and health systems.
The #1 priority of the industrial food complex is PROFIT, built on the backs of low-wage and politically vulnerable humans (undocumented workers, prison labor, non-unionized factory workers living at or below the poverty line). In addition, this system necessarily relies upon the inhumane treatment of pharmaceutically-raised animals, the privatization of natural resources, massive government subsidies for non-consumable food crops (used for cheap animal feed and biofuel) AND a huge carbon foot print required to transport commodified goods around the globe.
UPDATE: Meatpacking plants and slaughterhouses have reported the most concentrated amount of COVID-19 in the US with over 4,000 growing cases and hundreds of deaths due to warm/wet working conditions and no safety protocols. Despite Trumps executive order to keep plants open with unwavering line speeds (to protect corporate interests and maintain excessive food supply), workers are walking out without paid sick leave nor legal protection. The US is the 2nd largest meat consumer after China, with 166 million animals killed per year across 835 facilities. Just 24 of those facilities process 80% of the US meat supply, owned by only 4 companies - Tyson Food, Smithfield, JBS and Cargill - all located in the midwest. Tyson Foods reported $40 billion in annual revenue last year alone. Now with indefinite closures of these plants and its labor force left out to dry, farmers expect to euthanize up 150,000 of animals per day (a horrific act)! All this to say that because California state has its own food ecosystem (more on that below), there is no foreseeable shortage of fish, chicken, beef and dairy in the region. The state distributes 20% of the nations milk and 50% of the its own chicken and eggs. Demand for California goods has plummeted though during the pandemic, so if local residents were more aware of these alternative, sustainable sources, we could take advantage of the present surplus.
All of these factors play an even more magnified role when we trace the relationship between the industrial food complex and bad actors like Big Pharma, genetic modification and pesticide companies (Monsanto/Roundup). The emphasis on shareholder dividends over public and environmental health measures continues to leave the general populace sick, hungry, confused and exploited.
The #1 priority of the industrial food complex is PROFIT, built on the backs of low-wage and politically vulnerable humans (undocumented workers, prison labor, non-unionized factory workers living at or below the poverty line). In addition, this system necessarily relies upon the inhumane treatment of pharmaceutically-raised animals, the privatization of natural resources, massive government subsidies for non-consumable food crops (used for cheap animal feed and biofuel) AND a huge carbon foot print required to transport commodified goods around the globe.
UPDATE: Meatpacking plants and slaughterhouses have reported the most concentrated amount of COVID-19 in the US with over 4,000 growing cases and hundreds of deaths due to warm/wet working conditions and no safety protocols. Despite Trumps executive order to keep plants open with unwavering line speeds (to protect corporate interests and maintain excessive food supply), workers are walking out without paid sick leave nor legal protection. The US is the 2nd largest meat consumer after China, with 166 million animals killed per year across 835 facilities. Just 24 of those facilities process 80% of the US meat supply, owned by only 4 companies - Tyson Food, Smithfield, JBS and Cargill - all located in the midwest. Tyson Foods reported $40 billion in annual revenue last year alone. Now with indefinite closures of these plants and its labor force left out to dry, farmers expect to euthanize up 150,000 of animals per day (a horrific act)! All this to say that because California state has its own food ecosystem (more on that below), there is no foreseeable shortage of fish, chicken, beef and dairy in the region. The state distributes 20% of the nations milk and 50% of the its own chicken and eggs. Demand for California goods has plummeted though during the pandemic, so if local residents were more aware of these alternative, sustainable sources, we could take advantage of the present surplus.
All of these factors play an even more magnified role when we trace the relationship between the industrial food complex and bad actors like Big Pharma, genetic modification and pesticide companies (Monsanto/Roundup). The emphasis on shareholder dividends over public and environmental health measures continues to leave the general populace sick, hungry, confused and exploited.
California is ranked as the 5th largest economy in the world, largely due to agriculture (and yes tech). We grow 60% of US foods and wine, and 12% US global exports (which is 3rd in the world). We have beneath our feet a figurative goldmine, a paradise of food production. (Disclaimer: Water is not such a prevailing source in California, and is monopolized by The Resnicks - the largest producer of pistachios and almonds in the world via Wonderful Company - held in a private Kern Valley water bank. More on CA WATER SOURCES later...).
Distribution networks are, for the time being, essential for urban populations. Especially for social services like hospitals, schools, assisted living communities and food banks (albeit often cheap food). At the same time, the global food chain generates 41 million tons of waste per year (about 30% of the food supply and the #1 waste product in land fills, followed by plastic packaging), all while millions of people go to sleep hungry every night. The numbers don't add up.
We are left to conclude that large-scale sustainability within systems of agriculture and distribution is critical to the longevity of our species and ecosystem.
I know. The urge to purchase goods from a large distribution network, fast food chain or mega supermarket is STRONG during this precarious time of isolation. I encourage you to break the chain of "cheap", over-industrialized consumerism that fills the pockets of the 1% (Amazon, Whole Foods, Walmart, Subway), and purchase life-affirming essentials grown and harvested in your regional "backyard". Capitalism is almost synonymous with blind consumerism, so let's remove our tinted glasses and review the actual role we play in corporate schemes.
Distribution networks are, for the time being, essential for urban populations. Especially for social services like hospitals, schools, assisted living communities and food banks (albeit often cheap food). At the same time, the global food chain generates 41 million tons of waste per year (about 30% of the food supply and the #1 waste product in land fills, followed by plastic packaging), all while millions of people go to sleep hungry every night. The numbers don't add up.
We are left to conclude that large-scale sustainability within systems of agriculture and distribution is critical to the longevity of our species and ecosystem.
I know. The urge to purchase goods from a large distribution network, fast food chain or mega supermarket is STRONG during this precarious time of isolation. I encourage you to break the chain of "cheap", over-industrialized consumerism that fills the pockets of the 1% (Amazon, Whole Foods, Walmart, Subway), and purchase life-affirming essentials grown and harvested in your regional "backyard". Capitalism is almost synonymous with blind consumerism, so let's remove our tinted glasses and review the actual role we play in corporate schemes.
Where do we start?
California and its large population has many food advantages. While humans face many economic uncertainties, lets re-establish our connection to local and humanely-produced goods and VOTE with our DOLLARS in the following ways:
--- Track the transparency and ethical ingredients of your favorite food, water, beauty brands and cleaning products via these bookmarks: Environmental Working Group, The Never List™, Grab Your Wallet and B Corp. Here is also a link to the Green New Deal - a bill initiative posited by progressive congressman like AOC and Bernie Sanders.
--- Make friends with and support LOCAL farmers, butchers, chefs & restaurants, health food stores, nurseries, acupuncturists, naturopaths/herbalists and independent hardware stores for life essentials. You might be surprised by what you find, who you meet and how you feel.
--- Join a CSA, Co-op or Bulk Store/Club and close the loop! These structures offer a simpler shopping experience, saves money (i.e. hospital bills) and redirects your resources towards the local (less traveled) and seasonal (appropriate shelf life). Lets not forget how amazing the TASTE of fresh, nutrient-rich food is!
--- Grow 20% of your own food, practice zero waste and make a few of your own hygiene products (like toothpaste or face oil). These actions cut down on carbon emissions AND puts money back into your wallet. Investing in long-lasting household goods (not single-use) and slow cooking will inevitably shift your daily rituals and timelines (which we are all getting reacquainted with - the dishes oh my!), but this simple act has tremendous advantages for your body, family and environment all around.
--- Boycott the following mega brands, if merely to support May Day labor strikes in solidarity with worker force: Tyson Foods, JBS USA, Cargill, Smithfield, Kroger, Whole Foods, Instacart, Amazon, Walmart, Target, McDonalds, Subway, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Wendys and Coors.
California and its large population has many food advantages. While humans face many economic uncertainties, lets re-establish our connection to local and humanely-produced goods and VOTE with our DOLLARS in the following ways:
--- Track the transparency and ethical ingredients of your favorite food, water, beauty brands and cleaning products via these bookmarks: Environmental Working Group, The Never List™, Grab Your Wallet and B Corp. Here is also a link to the Green New Deal - a bill initiative posited by progressive congressman like AOC and Bernie Sanders.
--- Make friends with and support LOCAL farmers, butchers, chefs & restaurants, health food stores, nurseries, acupuncturists, naturopaths/herbalists and independent hardware stores for life essentials. You might be surprised by what you find, who you meet and how you feel.
--- Join a CSA, Co-op or Bulk Store/Club and close the loop! These structures offer a simpler shopping experience, saves money (i.e. hospital bills) and redirects your resources towards the local (less traveled) and seasonal (appropriate shelf life). Lets not forget how amazing the TASTE of fresh, nutrient-rich food is!
- CSA stands for 'Community Supported Agriculture' and means direct sale of goods from farmer to consumer via market stands, deliveries and subscriptions. Affordable CSA boxes cost $25 to $50 per week depending on family size.
- Co-operatives (food co-ops) are membership based organizations that purchase in bulk from producers and pass on wholesale prices to its members.
- Bulk Stores are establishments that promote zero waste living and allow you to refill your own containers at affordable prices (without paying for packaging costs, which is typically more expensive than the food itself).
--- Grow 20% of your own food, practice zero waste and make a few of your own hygiene products (like toothpaste or face oil). These actions cut down on carbon emissions AND puts money back into your wallet. Investing in long-lasting household goods (not single-use) and slow cooking will inevitably shift your daily rituals and timelines (which we are all getting reacquainted with - the dishes oh my!), but this simple act has tremendous advantages for your body, family and environment all around.
--- Boycott the following mega brands, if merely to support May Day labor strikes in solidarity with worker force: Tyson Foods, JBS USA, Cargill, Smithfield, Kroger, Whole Foods, Instacart, Amazon, Walmart, Target, McDonalds, Subway, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Wendys and Coors.
Ultimately, a major result of this change is to re-invigorate alternative economies that have social benefits for the everyday man and don’t rely on large-scale degradation of people, animals and land to achieve its end.
Start here.
Start here.
LOS ANGELES SUSTAINABLE FOOD+ DIRECTORY
living directory updated 6.03.20
APOTHECARY + Alt MedicineWild Terra (highland park)
Wild Love Apothecary (Topanga) ∆Herbs of Mexico (Boyle Heights) Moon Juice (Greater LA) Anima Mundi Herbals (@Lassens/Erewhon) Hopper Acupunture (Highland Park) Art of Wellness (WeHo) ∆Sun Song Herbs (Greater LA) LA Herbalist Collective (*NEW*) Keasberry Health Center *∆Vibrational Medicine *∆Sacred Vibes Apothecary (Brooklyn) *∆Steamy Chick (global v steam herbs) ZERO WASTE BULKOtherwild (Los Feliz)
Sustain LA (Highland Park) Refill Evolution (Pasadena) Refillery LA (West LA mobile) BYO Long Beach (Long Beach) Public Goods Zero Waste Collective ∆Smile Natural *Villagers *Wild Minimalist *No Tox Life *Grove Collaborative *Common Good *+CA BULK REFILL STATIONS by Litterless *Sprouts *$Lassens *$Erewhon |
NURSERIES + FLORISTSFig Earth Supply (Eagle Rock)
Artemisia Nursery (Northeast LA) ∆Sunset Nursery (Silverlake) Hashimoto Nursery (WeHo) Two Dog Nursery (Mid-City) Los Angeles FLower Market (DTLA) *Armstrong Garden Centers (CA) ∆Bloom & Plume Kilkea Design SANITATION & COMPOSTLA COMPOST (guides, kits and drop locations)
LA CITY SANITATION (use the GREEN BIN for organics like fruit and vegetable scraps and chopsticks, as well as garden trimmings, dead flowers, chopsticks, unpainted wood and newspaper. No cooked or processed food, eggshells, meat, cheese or pits. LA is currently piloting a more comprehensive food waste service with residents.) LA SAFE Centers (recycle household hazardous waste and electronics, like batteries, phones, cables, computers, paint cans, mercury light bulbs, toxic liquids and much more.) "If you cant clean, you cant cook." - my friend Alyssa! |
WATER IS LIFE.
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