Food is medicine. What we put into our mouths will heal us. 

It needs to feed the world. 

Spending more time outside helps us to feel more connected to our environment and our community. Studies have shown that there is a correlation between the decreasing amount of time people spend outside and how connected they feel to the environment and the community they live in. A significant factor for this decrease is that many cities and other places have become less walker and biker friendly due to vehicle centric design. This disconnection from the environment and community could explain why there is an increasing amount of cases of depression in our country and others. We need to work towards helping people feel welcome in their community if we want to truly make progress in the world.

My water source has changed recently, since we moved from a house in the country to a condo in the city. Out in the woods, we had a dug well, and so we always had fresh water, right out of the spring fed ground. Now that we live in the city, it's a different story, and I'm not sure the answer. But I think Brattleboro's water comes from the Pleasant Valley reservoir, just outside of town.
   Interestingly, the two water sources have different challenges for us. In the country, our water was very hard, and so our pipes, our appliances, (and our insides
?) were corroded, and that was always a source of concern, even though I loved the fresh spring water. Now in the city, our water isn't hard, so it's easier on the system, but is chlorinated, as city water needs to be. So we have to use a water filter to make it more healthy. Either way, we're clear that drinking water out of the tap is better for us and the environment than from plastic bottles. So let's hear it for fresh water right from a local source!

Now that I have lowered my showers down to 5 minute showers I can also cut back on the amount of water I use to wash my dishes. I can do this by turning off the water while I wash the dishes and only turn on the water when I am ready to rinse a entire sink full. Not leaving the water running the entire time will save ALOT of fresh water.

I will substitute plastic grocery bags with reusable grocery bags. This will cut back on the amount of plastic and paper that goes in the trash. I will also replace coffe cups with reusable ones. This saves money and also cuts down on waste and helps save the planet.

Yes Organic farming can feed the world. If everyone grew their own produce and fruits, vegies and herbs in the comfort of their own home, they would ultimately save hundreds of dollars each month and they would be able to supply nearly 20% of their family's food with just home grown organic foods that they grew themselves. If everyone did this then we would save food and cut down on waste.

We can shift a meat-focused food culture by opening more food options to the public. Rather than having so many fast food joints that sell meats and unhealthy, greasy foods, we can open salad bars and other places that serve healthy food choices and organic options.