Aug 5, 2018
Most people think the difference between organic and conventional agriculture comes down to whether or not the crops are sprayed, but the notion largely misses the point. In organic farming, it's all about the soil. Conventional growers see soil primarily as a growing medium, sometimes to hold the roots on place while they feed their plants with synthetic fertilizers. Organic growers focus on feeding and nurturing the incredible biodiversity in the soil, so that the soils, and the complex web of life within it, can provide the plants with what they need. *
Many people tend to think of advances in medicine as high-tech and expensive, such as a new drug, laser or surgical procedure. we often have a hard time believing that something as simple as comprehensive lifestyle changes can make such a powerful difference in our lives - but they often do.**
We all know by now based on studies that animal protein dramatically increase the risk of premature death independent of fat and carbs. Eating well is not as confusing as it seems.
Eating primarily a whole foods, plant-based diet is a simple step to transition to a healthier diet.
And what's good for you is good for the planet. What's personally sustainable is globally sustainable.**
I was personally surprised to learn that animal agribusiness generates more global warming due to greenhouse gases than all forms of transportation combined. More than half of US grain and nearly 40% of world grain is fed to livestock rather than consumed directly by humans.
It takes about ten times as much energy to eat a meat-based diet as it does a plant-based diet. producing 1 kg (2.205 pounds) of fresh beef requires about 13 kg (28.660 pounds) of grain and 30 kg (66.138 pounds) of forage. This much grain and forage requires a total of 43,000 liters (11.359 gal) of water. ***
I found this very inspiring and motivating. When we can act more compassionately, it helps our hearts as well.
and the only side effects are good ones.
* The new farm - Brent Preston
** The whole foods diet - John Mackey co-Founder and CEO, Alona Pulde, MD and Matthew Lederman, MD
***The spectrum and Dr. Dean Ornish's Program for Reversing Heart Disease - Dean Ornish, MD