The Italian Mosaic Flashcards
How is plastic harmful to the environment?
Plastic is man made and introduced 70-80 years ago. If left out in the environment after years it will break down and turn into micro-plastic and consumed by animals then consumed by humans. The food we are eating is contaminated by plastic.
Great Pacific Garbage Patch
The waves move and collect trash into one spot which is big enough to be its own country.
Negative impacts of industrial farming
Harmful agricultural practices decreases the air quality, pollute water sources, and increases crops’ risk of disease through monoculture. The food system contributes to 35% of greenhouse gas emissions. A majority of these emissions come from meat, dairy, and other kinds of animal production.
Carbon Footprint
A measure of the carbon compounds emitted as a result of fossil fuel consumption from a particular person. Meat in general, but particular beef, has a significant carbon footprint. Livestock farming is a major source of greenhouse emissions. This is largely due to release of methane from cows and other animals. Deforestation to make more space for gazing and growing crops to feed, also play a part.
Mad Cow Disease
A disease first found in cattle. It’s related to a disease in humans called VCJD. Both disorders are universally fatal brain diseases caused by a prion. It can cause an infection of the nervous system. A human eating an infected cow can cause the disease to pass on to them.
Monstanto
They sell cheap seeds and pesticides that have been found to be harmful to human health and the environment. “Roundup Ready Soybeans.”
Monopoly in agriculture. They have a staff of 75 dedicated to investigating and prosecuting farmers.
How much of the entire food supply goes to waste?
About 30-40%. This includes the water, land, and energy that is used to produce food. Food waste ends up in landfills and produces methane a potent greenhouse gas.
Dioxins in Mozzarella
Buffalo mozzarella in the Campania region. The mafia started gaining money by exploiting the unorganized trash collecting in Italy. The trash collected was dug underground. The rain and storms pushed toxins into crops and then in animals.
