Why Organic? Part 2

Human societies have known where their food came from for thousands of years. It is a recent development in the first world that has separated the food production process from the people. The first world claims to be a sophisticated, developed society by doing this, but the fact that our farming practices fail to recognize the interdependency between mankind and the earth has led to destructive behaviors, such as destroying invaluable rainforests and other bioregions. With this disconnect between the citizens of the first world and the food they eat, came a complete disregard for the earth that provides the ingredients. Human beings associate with food differently when they know where it came from. For instance, people generally show a higher appreciation for meals that are home cooked and slaved over for hours than they do a happy meal from a drive through restaurant. The interdependence of humans and the earth has become an issue rarely considered or discussed among the common layperson. This is because our society has moved into large cities far from agriculture. Our food is shipped to facilities which process our food to make it more accessible, marketable and long lasting.

The first world is driven by a fast paced society who value individualism and hard work. It can be argued that these very values are the reason that we are the first world. It can also be argued that we have created a society which does not value community and fellowship. The fast food restaurant industry has made eating on the go a common reality for the fast paced American. Over twenty-five percent of Americans eat fast food every day.[1] Drive thru windows have encouraged this fast paced lifestyle. More and more, people eat in their car on the way to work or just stop for a few minutes to eat by themselves. Although this may be efficient and conducive to the fast paced, overworked lifestyle of American society, it has directly affected the relationships between human beings.

Why Organic? Part 3 (Sneak Peek)
Can we change our current practices? Even more importantly: should we change our current practices?


Citation:
[1] Ransohoff, Julia. "Fast Food." Doctors, Patient Care, Health Education, Medical Research |    PAMF. Accessed December 12, 2011.    http://www.pamf.org/teen/health/nutrition/fastfood.html.