CVA Blog
Monday, November 20, 2006

Environmental Impact of Modern Agriculture
Welcome to the weekly CVA blog! In it you will find famous quotes,
news and commentaries.
1. Is there “organic” fish?
– a close look at the misleading claims of the fish farming industry
2. Famous quote – Arthur
Schopenhauer (1788 –1860), German philosopher
3. Living beyond the
Earth’s means – the indiscriminate exploitation of the Earth’s
resources
4. Bible verse – 2
Corinthians 3:5-6
5. Satellite
carrying fruit and vegetable seeds – an effort to feed the growing
Chinese population
6. How bad US dairy farms are
– a good example of how dairy farms pollute the environment
1. Is
there “organic” fish? Farm-raised fish are being the
target of scrutiny by environmental groups and chefs since the
government is exploring whether to grant fish farmers the "organic"
label if they use organic feed.
Those who oppose believe that “organic” shouldn’t include fish that
are never allowed to migrate naturally (as in the case of farm-raised
salmon) and because they eat fish meal that comes in part from
wild-caught fish, a practice that can be very harmful for the
environment since it depletes ocean resources and increases the fish’s
concentration of carcinogenic PCBs.
To read the full article please visit
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/17/AR2006101700295.html
“Organic” is a misleading term that consumers should take with a
grain of salt. It deceives the consumer implying the product is
healthier, has been obtained humanely, and/or that is environmental
friendly. As consumers and stewards of God’s creation it is our
responsibility to be informed. No creature should be denied their
God-given instincts and desires.
2. Famous quote:
"All truth goes through three stages. First it is
ridiculed. Then it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self
evident."
~ Arthur Schopenhauer (1788 –1860), German philosopher
3. Living beyond the Earth’s means:
The World Wildlife Fund, among other environmental organizations, is
once again warning us that humanity is living far beyond our planet’s
means. Humans are making use of resources faster than the Earth can
produce them. Pollution, waste, deforestation, overfishing and
industrial agriculture are some of the culprits of current environmental
problems. WWF Director-General James Leape said, "For more than 20 years
we have exceeded the earth's ability to support a consumptive lifestyle
that is unsustainable and we cannot afford to continue down this path."
To read the full article please visit
http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/
newsid/38638/story.htm
The depletion of resources, the degradation of the environment and
the exploitation of animals do not show good stewardship on our part.
God gave us a sacred responsibility and we should choose obedience to
our Creator. Adopting a plant-based diet is a compassionate way to show
reverence and respect for God’s animals, our health and the environment.
4.
(RSV) 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 “Not that we are competent of
ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our competence is from
God, 6 who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not
in a written code but in the Spirit; for the written code kills, but the
Spirit gives life.”
God’s covenant with all creation is one of love and grace. God
enables us to bear witness of this covenant and calls us to be good
stewards of our bodies, animals and the environment.
5. Satellite carrying fruit and vegetable seeds:
An ongoing effort to feed the 1.3 billion people in China has led
scientist to launch a satellite carrying 2,000 seeds from nine different
fruits and vegetables. The hope is that the data gathered will enable
scientists to try to cultivate high-yield and high-quality plants.
Because of the rapid decline in farming land due to increased
industrialization, China is looking into more effective and efficient
ways to grow and produce food.
To read the full article please visit
http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/09/09/
060909134839.9pelioda.html
Converting grains into meat is a very inefficient process. Apart from
political, economic and social issues, the transition to a plant-based
diet could potentially liberate enough grain to feed all the people in
the planet.
6.
How bad US dairy farms are: Food & Water Watch welcomed
farmers from France, Spain, and Germany this week to take a look at the
deplorable environmental consequences of dairy factory farms in
Michigan, Oregon and Washington. According to Wenonah Hauter, Food &
Water Watch Executive Director, “European farmers touring U.S. factory
dairies and communities will take home a snapshot of what European
agriculture could become if farmers and their governments aren’t
careful.” Pollution, health problems and animal cruelty are all linked
to the way factory farms are run.
Lynn Henning, Sierra Club CAFO Water Sentinel and a leader of the
Environmentally Concerned Citizens of South Central Michigan, believes
that “showing just how bad it is in Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties is
one way to advocate for stronger laws here as well as to make sure
Europeans don’t weaken their laws to allow these horrible facilities to
move into their communities.”
To read the full article please visit
http://www.commondreams.org/news2006/0929-05.htm
Factory farms are one of the clearest examples of how we can harm our
health, God’s animals and the environment. Being good stewards of the
Earth requires love and compassion for everything God created. Factory
farms involve immense cruelty and disregard for God’s creation.
Return to CVA Blog
Your question and comments are welcome
