The Factory Farm and Biodiversity

Well, CNN seems to be getting onto the biodiversity bandwagon. This article on CNN is a good read and in my opinion does a good job of explaining why factory farming (or industrial livestock farming) is causing a reduction of biodiversity.

The article also points the finger of dwindling biodiversity to the public. Generally people don't want different foods. They want their t-bone steak, and russet potatoes and iceberg lettuce and pinto beans and big orange carrots. What of different things like rabbit or organic wild rice or a fresh salad with collard and dandelion greens. Why not try some of those odd looking purple carrots?

The reasons vary. People generally like what they know. Thus, there isn't a large demand at the grocery store for them. Without demand, the store will not buy them. Without demand from the store, the farmer will not grow them.

Do you want to support biodiversity? Be different. When shopping at a grocery store, buy one odd looking fruit or vegetable. That's a start. Take the next step and buy fresh produce from your local farmer's market at least once a month, more if possible. The last step is the most rewarding. Start a garden.

Go ahead and support biodiversity. I dare ya!