May 2020 -

massimo-sartirana-iz_HuFCttA8-unsplash — Photo by Massimo Sartirana on Unsplash

All over the country and the world, the COVID-19 lockdown is carefully drawing to a close. It’s not because people are no longer dying from the disease—they still are. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the coronavirus pandemic is a long way from being over and continues to rise globally.

In many cases, it’s because of the sheer lobbying power of corporations forcing the hands of the world’s governments and politicians to reopen the economy. The lockdown measures are being eased despite medical scientists and epidemiologists arguing to the contrary (at least in some countries).

Whether you agree that lockdown measures should be drawn to a close or not, lockdown measures will likely be relaxed where you live in a matter of months, weeks or even days.

Do you have mixed feelings about this? I do! Continue reading “Faltering on The Home Stretch? Why Life Under Lockdown Is Stressing Us Out” →

Culinary Delights, well-being, What is Organic

Putting the Myths About Veganism on the Chopping Block

May 23, 2020 Melody Meyer

As we look at a world that is becoming increasingly frayed around the edges, it’s not surprising that more of us are looking at the possibilities offered by a plant-based diet.

There’s no getting around the environmental impact of eating meat, along with the downright cruel nature of factory-farmed animals. Being a carnivore raises both ethical and health concerns.

Even with all these facts, many people are reluctant to make a change in their diets to a more plant-based approach.

Part of the reason is simple animal magnetism—many of us enjoy the taste of meat. We’re reluctant to give up our culinary preferences.

Which is understandable, for sure.

For some of us, the reluctance to adopt a plant-based approach is based on one of the myths about veganism.

So, perhaps, it is time to take a look at some of those myths and bust them. Continue reading “Putting the Myths About Veganism on the Chopping Block” →

Culinary Delights, well-being, What is Organic

You Are Important! 3 Reasons Why You Need to Treat Yourself Well

May 21, 2020May 22, 2020 Melody Meyer

Right now, we may very well feel that keeping sane is one of the most difficult tasks to achieve. Whether we are still in lockdown or trying to make a better life for ourselves, we must remember that when we go without, we often struggle.

We have to remember that when we are struggling for the benefit of staying safe, improving our resilience, or just staying healthy, there’s a lot to be said for treating ourselves along the way.

A lot of people feel guilty if they do something nice for themselves. But I find there are good reasons for everyone to treat themselves well. Continue reading “You Are Important! 3 Reasons Why You Need to Treat Yourself Well” →

Culinary Delights, Environment, Social Implications in Agriculture, What is Organic

Breaking the Mold: Do You Know What Happens to “Ugly” Produce? It’s Getting Prettier

May 20, 2020May 21, 2020 Melody Meyer

Did you know that about one-quarter of all the food produced in the world is wasted? That means that one-quarter of the water, land, and inputs are essentially thrown away as well.

Around half of these losses could be prevented with a more efficient food supply chain—and one billion extra people could be fed if food crop losses were halved.

Our penchant for perfect produce has contributed to the massive food waste in our food supply. If you’ve ever been to a produce packing facility, you’d be amazed at the amount of fruit and vegetables that are tossed away.

These “ugly” fruits and vegetables are considered rejects; they are discarded for their perfectly shaped counterparts.

Finally, this ridiculous waste on vanity is being brought to our attention. Throwing away nutritious fresh food is having an impact on our global food security.

As global populations increase, we must begin to reimagine all the ways we can utilize more of the food we grow. Continue reading “Breaking the Mold: Do You Know What Happens to “Ugly” Produce? It’s Getting Prettier” →

Environment, Social Implications in Agriculture, What is Organic

Where’s the Meat? It’s Hidden in Political Quagmire

May 5, 2020May 5, 2020 Melody Meyer

If there is one thing this pandemic has shown us is the fragility of our food system. Most of the food we buy in the grocery store has been grown, harvested, processed, and packaged by corporate businesses. Continue reading “Where’s the Meat? It’s Hidden in Political Quagmire” →