Comments ccdangelo has made

Antitrust

I wouldn't have a problem with Exxon or the big agribusinesses making record profits if they weren't heavily subsidized with taxpayer money, which disables competition in energy and food markets and is due to strong lobbyists instead of what's best for the public and what's constitutional.On Food prices are high, and so are Big Ag's profits posted 1 year, 7 months ago 6 Responses

Captivity v. Wilderness

I wonder whether the impetus behind this activism on Lolita's part is due to Lolita's specific circumstances or a negative reaction to keeping animals in captivity in general. While I believe that large animals shouldn't be kept in captivity unless for some reason they cannot make it in the wild (grave injury, birth defect, etc.), climate change, loss of suitable habitat, over-hunting, and the massive extinction event occurring now is going to put us at an impasse.  Captive-breeding and release programs have had success for some animals (not all).  Anyway, the point is the human race has put some animals in the position where captivity is required to sustain the population. Hopefully some of these celebrities can lend their popularity to promoting habitat-protection and conservation efforts.On Elton John, Lindsay Lohan, and 50 Cent unite to free a killer whale -- meet the man who brought them posted 1 year, 7 months ago 11 Responses

But what is real Organic?

The Organic movement started out as a small, local ideal for good soil, and good plants.  Now, "organic" means different things to different people.  Yes, the pesticide load on convential items is awful.  But so is the long trucking distance (Most food travels 1500-2500 miles to your plate!).  Some organic food travels just as much, if not farther.  Part of the ideal of organic, I thought, was reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, and increasing our relationships in our communities.

Does Organic extend to large agri-business?  As LaurieO explains, having a relationship with your food grower is probably the most important method of changing your food sources to healthy ones.  Get a CSA share or go to farm stands, if you can.  I am in college too, with Aramark (EEEK!) providing our dining hall food (I assure you it ain't organic, natural, good, etc.).  But even large conglomerates are interested in investing in local sources of food, however, there are hindrances that need to be overcome with policy and smart investing.  Most catering companies want the food to come to them, so making a local food distribution center is crucial.  

So even though you're in college, you can still change things.  Start a green dining group and poll students.  Welseyan College switched to sustainable dining for an added cost of $2.75 per student per day.  Pressure your dining service to provide sustainable alternatives.  There are lots of models out there you can follow.

If you're in a city, follow San Francisco's lead and try to get all food from within 200 miles.  It all started with a little group.

Sustainable agriculture will always be more expensive.  Even with more businesses investing in organic, they can never compete with conventional agriculture's subsidies.  Our food costs have been unnaturally low since the 50s.  However, the ideals of the local food movement will hopefully provide the platform for food production to be satisfying to all; producer and consumer.

Hug a tree, hug each other, and hug Arnold Schwarzenegger. Go ahead, try. www.scrambledtoast.blogspot.com

Call a spade a spade

Of course, just because someone doesn't believe in all aspects of every bit published about global warming doesn't make them a skeptic.  But, gotta say, Ken, that it seems like you waffle a bit around the points.

What's your position on energy conservation policies?On How a conservative think tank's foray into climate policy stirred up a media hornet's nest posted 2 years, 9 months ago 25 Responses

But Rugby keeps fat children moving...

Obese people put more weight in their cars.. which makes the cars work harder to go.. increasing fuel consumption.

Rugby is a highly physical sport that encourages community, heavy drinking, and running and fighting.  Community is always good. Heavy drinking..well.. it burns calories, what with drunken walking and shouting.  And of course, running and fighting burns the most calories around.

So. I think it'll all balance out in the end, if we make cars super-efficient, and make public transportation much much better.

Cheers!

www.scrambledtoast.blogspot.comOn It's bad for the planet, we're afraid posted 2 years, 9 months ago 2 Responses