Food wise

There is much truth in the saying, "you are what you eat"... our food affects our health. Various perspectives provide food for thought:

Food pyramid 3

approx. 10% of the energy from the 'primary producer' is transferred to the 'primary consumer'.
approx. 10% of the energy from the 'primary consumer' is transferred to the 'secondary consumer'.
thus less and less energy reaches the 'higher' levels of the 'feeding pyramid'.
Most of the energy lost between each level is transformed into heat.

10 easy actions: Food Inc 10 Actions
Eat less meat: this will reduce your carbon footprint - according to the article, An Inconvenient Lunch

Choose your fish with care: overfishing has depleted our oceans and endangered some fish species. To help you make sustainable choices, check out the Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI).
Grow your own veggies: Your own 'kitchen garden' could be small field or a cosy window-box. More and more people prefer organic methods - such as Permaculture - avoiding harmful chemicals and improving the condition of the soil.
Support community gardening initiatives: You may choose to support a local food growing project such as the Umthathi Project in Grahamstown, or start a community garden in your neighbourhood. Other South African initiatives include the Green Club projects run by Eco-Access, and Food and Trees for Africa.
Support your local farmers' market: Every Saturday, from 9 am until about midday, local growers sell their produce in front of the Old Gaol in Somerset Street, Grahamstown. You can find fresh vegetables, fresh baked goods, jams and preserves, potted herbs and indigenous flowers and shrubs, and a range of attractive handcrafts. Sometimes live music also provides entertainment. Contact: 071-242.3050 or oldgaolmarket(at)gmail.com
Get plant-wise.

Go to the Rhodes University ENVIRONMENT front page. Suggestions/Questions? Contact environment(at)ru.ac.za