“If a product is harmful or unnecessary, how it is made, how it involves the circular economy, or how much energy is supplied by renewables is irrelevant.”

Paul Hawken, Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation

Reflections

The 15 trillion dollar food industry is the largest industry in the world and is dominated by 10 global food companies (e.g., PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Kellog’s, General Mills), collectively referred to as “Big Food” or “The Big 10.” These companies largely determine which staple foods are grown and what most people eat.

The top selling products sold by Big Food are soft drinks, chips, candy, cookies, crackers, ice cream, and frozen pizza — foods that have low nutritional value, are sold in convenient packaging, and need little or no preparation. Nearly 60 percent of the calories consumed in the U.S. come from these ultra processed foods.

Despite overwhelming evidence that ultra processed foods harm both environmental and human health, companies like PepsiCo and Kellog’s continue to increase their promotion of sugary soft drinks and cereals, especially to minority children (one of the most vulnerable populations).

In January 2020, PepsiCo announced its commitment to using 100 percent renewable energy in its U.S. direct operations. They achieved this goal by the end of 2020. A valiant effort, indeed, as the climate crisis poses an enormous threat to humanity.

But the problem isn’t how these products are made, it’s that they are made at all.

A product that is inherently harmful or unnecessary doesn’t become “good” just because it was made using clean energy.

The only benefit of so-called greenwashed junk food is the instant gratification it provides our taste buds. Beyond that, the impact of ultra processed food is deplorable: addiction, depression, obesity, and, ultimately, chronic disease.

In his book Regeneration, Paul Hawken states:

“The expertise of the modern industrial world is not in question. The goals and assumptions are in question. We have one job to do on this planet: to protect and enliven it for the future. Either a corporation is doing this or it is not.”

Big Food knows about the deteriorating health of their customers, but for legal, commercial, and reputational reasons won’t admit their role. Certainly, their business practices have become kinder to the environment, but they have failed to extend that same kindness to their kin.

Paul goes on to say,

“The number one solution to human health and regenerative agriculture is to stop purchasing ultra processed food. Individuals, companies, co-ops, cafeteria, and hospitals need to embrace real and regional food where possible — boosting community-supported agriculture, local farmers, and organically farmed food; educating your friends and collegues; and engaging in food-related activity that brings people together.

This is not about banishing candy or ice cream cones. It is about banishing commercially sponsored ignorance…A sustainable food system that provides all people with nutritious, delicious, healthy food is the ultimate act of regeneration. 

When we provide clean, healthy food, we are engaged in the act of healing land, body, and climate. Food is one sector that touches every aspect of culture, climate, health, and ecology, and it is a sector where every person has influence.”

It is our job as individuals to stand up to industry. After all, we comprise the system. Let us remember that we are here to serve each other, and only then do we as a collective prosper. Without our health and that of the planet, humanity ceases to exist — a reality I’m not willing to accept.

Here’s to making moves, taking action, and finding ways to give back to the community.