I am reading this book right now & I find it fascinating how Peter Singer shows that some activities that are commonly accepted as “environmentally friendly” or “socially conscious” are in fact not neccessarily the best choices. I think it is interesting how he is not neccessarily priviledging the environment over people – this book is about how to make ethical choices about the food we consume – that means thinking about how our choices impact the environment, other people, the animals we eat, the communities we live in and those we will never see.

The most interesting part to me so far has been Singer’s analysis of the local eating phenomenon and his assessment that it is not always more ethical to eat locally-produced food. By eating food that is grown in other, less fortunate parts of the world, we spread the wealth and improve the quality of life for people who are significantly worse off than the American small farmer (according to Singer). There are probably holes in this argument that I am not seeing, but I think it is commendable that Singer is taking a world-wide view on ethical consumption.

My progress on this book has slowed considerably since classes started. I hope I can get through it soon.

“Food is an ethical issue, but you don’t have to be fanatical about it.” (281)

It’s very rare that a book will make an actual, measurable impact on my life. This one did. I’ve been a vegetarian, almost-vegan for a long time. Despite this, I’ve long resisted buying organic, mostly because I didn’t see a point. This book made me see a point.

The book is well-written and cleverly organised. The authors introduce us to three families: The typical meat-and-potato eaters, the compassionate meat-eaters and the vegans. We go shopping with each family, peer through a keyhole into their day-to-day lives and meals and here’s the best part: we get a behind-the-scenes peek at the farms and companies that are behind the food.

It wasn’t particularly shocking to discover that the factory farms were less-than-open to scrutiny while the organic and free-range farmers were generally an open book. It was heartening to read the success stories of ethical farmers and businesses. I got tears in my eyes reading about a cocoa co-operative in Ghana. Granted, I love chocolate, but I really love the idea of fair trade and will now seek out this brand (Divine chocolate).

One of the strengths of this book is its sharp analysis – all angles are explored. Buying local vs. buying fair trade. The fuel consumption involved in transporting food. Environmental impacts. One example: the authors explore the environmental impact of tomatos trucked up from Florida vs. locally grown hothouse tomatos (here’s a hint: think of the energy required to keep the hothouse tomatos warm). These details kept the book interesting, even when the subject got a tad dry.

Like John Robbins’ book ‘Diet for a New America,’ this book contains some graphic descriptions of factory farm conditions. I found these sections less dramatic than in Robbins’ book, but I appreciated that the sections were clearly identified for the more squeamish reader and, in one case, presented as a sidebar. In a way, this made it more powerful.

The books ends on a positive note. Rather than browbeat the reader into accepting a completely vegan diet, the authors advocate a more balanced approach. Do what you can. Do your best and make small, positive changes.

So in the checkout line, I was able to feel good about my organic carrots and mango without feeling bad about the conventional cherries and mushrooms. I felt a sense of victory when I discovered that the wheat pasta I already love is actually organic. I understand more about GMO foods and why I might want to avoid them. I feel re-committed to a vegan diet.

This book informs without preaching, it flows nicely and it’s a fairly quick read. Definitely recommended.