Food wise

Consider how much energy is used to produce a kilogram of maize compared with a kilogram of meat. In this simple 'food pyramid', maize is a 'primary producer', a chicken (or a vegan) is a 'primary consumer', and meat-eater (carnivore) is a 'secondary consumer'.

  A simple feeding pyramid

• 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.

There is much truth in the saying, "you are what you eat"... our food affects our health. Various perspectives provide good food for thought: a Rhodes University student report: Veganism and Health essay, and George Monbiot on ethical livestock farming

Get involved in the ACTION:

• 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.
  

  
  
  Cabbage patch kids

• 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
• Join GRASS (Gaian Revolutions and Social Solutions) - the student movers and shakers at Rhodes University!
• Get plant-wise.

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