Green Options » world hunger

U.N. Declares Food Production Must Double by 2050

Mary Casper — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 06:00:36 +0000

In a meeting to discuss food security, the head of the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization Jacques Diouf announced another 40 million people globally were pushed into hunger in 2008. As population estimates project there will be nine billion people on the planet in 2050, Diouf says food production must double in order to address current deficits and to prevent another billion people from starving.

Lauren Bush, Rebel Niece, Has a Brand New Bag

Deb Hiett — Thu, 01 May 2008 06:01:18 +0000

While her uncle’s Presidential record on the environment has been a scandalous disaster, fashion model Lauren Bush has created a 100% organic cotton and sustainable burlap bag — and an accompanying humanitarian initiative — exclusively for Whole Foods, launching today.

For $29.99, you can purchase Lauren’s “Feed 100″ bag: a lightweight, white, cotton tote that collapses easily into its rectangular burlap zippered pouch. The bag is created in facilities which ensure fair treatment of workers, livable wages, paid overtimes, safe and clean working environments, benefits, and vacation time.

Best of all, each bag purchased provides 100 nutritious meals for hungry children in the U.N. World Food Program, a program which feeds 88 million people in 78 countries around the world. According to a press release from FEED Projects, hunger and malnutrition kill more people than AIDS, malaria, and TB combined. In fact, every five seconds a child dies because he or she is hungry.

Starting today, you can spend $29.99, get an environmentally-friendly bag, feed 100 school kids, and get all those free samples at Whole Foods, too? That’s what I call “feel good style.”

[Photos courtesy of FEED Projects.]

Tangled Up in Green: The Dangers of Using Food for Fuel

Ranjit Arab — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:49:58 +0000

Who knew Stephen King was a prophet?

No, I’m not talking about the demon-possessed hot rods (I think we all saw that coming). I’m talking about America’s zombie-like loyalty to a certain cash crop — one that has turned our entire nation into the children of the corn.

Lately, of course, you can’t watch, read, or listen to the news without someone touting the benefits of corn ethanol and how it’s the key to leading us on a path of energy independence.

There might be a *cough* kernel of truth to that argument, but… (sorry, I suffer from a cousin of Tourette’s that requires me to uncontrollably shout out useless puns)…

Seriously, corn is not the answer. It’s not even a major part of the answer. In fact, it’s a major part of the problem.

What do I mean? Well, lend me your *cough* ear (jeez, the medication is wearing off quicker)…