Yesterday Mark Bittman published an article on the soda tax. In “Soda: A Sin We Sip Instead of Smoke?“, Bittman explores the controversy of taxing sugar-sweetened beverages. The impetus for such concern are the rising rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes, both modern epidemics for children and adults in America. This is clearly a serious issue. And yet, the cure for this problem could not seem more ridiculous!
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A Tax on Soda = Illogical Food Policy
A Moment of Clarity
Amidst the chaos of a new class this afternoon, a student’s whispered inquiry made my day.
How did you get so passionate about food?
The Urban Farming Revolution
In cities across the country, it is becoming increasingly clear that the food movement and other sustainability ideals are gathering force. Even as the economy tanks and the job market tumbles, more and more people are inspired by the possibilities of “green businesses.” Here in Portland, the DIY (do-it-yourself) fad is more than just a trend. It’s a way of life for many people living here. It comes as little surprise that the urban farming piece is not far behind. But this trend has transcended the uber-liberal walls of the NW. The anti-Establishment goals of the local food movement are planting roots all over the place.
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Why You Should Not Support Whole Foods Market
Last Thursday I posted an entry titled, “Why the Non-Profit Model Does Not Work.” I admitted in parentheses that this post was a rant, and stating such gives me full right to complain – whine like a baby even. But my frustration that led to writing that post was far more than simple whining. A conversation I had that day struck a deep chord for me and erupted a volcano of anger. This conversation was with the “marketing and community relations specialist” at a Whole Foods Market in SE Portland. To clarify the emotions, let me tell you a story.
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Buy Local (or) We are “the market”
Our current economy is pretty awful and it often feels like the state or federal government isn’t helping very much. Given this, I think it’s important for us citizens, to think beyond the box of subsidies and tax cuts. Forget all the mumbo-jumbo you hear on the news or read in the paper. Think about this simple idea:
If you buy locally grown food or products, you encourage growth in the local economy, which in turn will create jobs and lower costs.
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