Live in the Here and Now

Insects Dujour

So we hear that we need to eat less red meat.  If it has eyes or wings still attached, I can’t eat it! They claim in Thailand, insects are enjoyed as a snack food with beer.

 If this appeals to you, check out the following web site.

 

http://importfood.com/thai_insects.html

Environmental Issues – Key Words

These key words are helpful  when dealing with “Public Service” concerning environmental issues.

• FONSI – Finding of no significant impact.
• NEPA – National Environmental Policy Act
• ROD – Record of decision.  This is written up after the final Environment Impact Statement has been published.  It includes alternatives considered, the Environmental Impacts of the alternatives and reasoning used to determine final decision.
• Environmental Assessment – Similar to Environmental impact, but less comprehensive.Included short discussion for need of project.  Possible alternatives to the action including taking no action.  Opportunity for public comment at the study and proposed action.  EAch will have one of two results FONSI or ROD.
• Environmental Impact Statement – Accompanies every Federal recommendation or proposal for legislation. A document that describes the nature of the proposal, why needed, short/long term impacts of the proposal and possible alternatives to the proposed action that would create fewer adverse effects.  NEPA requires solicitation of public comments when preparing an EIS, generally provides a broader perspective on the proposal and likely effects.
• Environmental Justice – The right of every citizen regardless of age, race, gender, social class or to adequate protection from environmental hazards.
• Environmental Literacy – Environmental Education.
• Executive Branch – Headed by the President of the United States, also home to various administrative agencies.  They receive authority for the statutes adopted thru the legislative branch.  This agency is responsible for making the goal of the statute happen.
• Judicial Branch – Includes the Supreme and Lower Courts.  Responsible for interpretation of statutes.
• Legislative Branch – Responsible for recognizing an environmental issue that must be addressed and writing a bill that will be considered.  If passed, it becomes a statute or law.
• Precautionary Principle – Making new decisions about a new technology or chemical product by assigning the burden of proof of it’s safety to the developers of that technology or product.

The Hidden Truth About The U.S. Food Industry

Filmmaker Robert Kenner created ” Food, Inc.“, exposing the highly mechanized food industry that has been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of the U.S. Government’s regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA.

~ A must see documentary that will change your way of thinking of what you eat.~

http://foodincmovie.com/

Also check out the following website to learn what we can do to help make a change. http://www.takepart.com/search/all/food

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)

This is a volunteer subsidy program that pays U.S. Farmers to stop producing crops on highly erodible farmland.

It requires the farmers to plant native grasses or trees, retiring from further use of the land for 10 to 15 years.

The program has reduced soil loss on land over 90%.