The food industry hides some pretty unappetizing secrets. From pink slime and pesticides to food dyes and contaminants, the news about food can seem negative and overwhelming at times. The food system is far from perfect, but we want you to know there's a lot to smile about, too. Here are some promising developments…
#1. European Bee-Killing Chemical Ban
The European Commission will move forward with its plan to protect honeybees by implementing a two-year ban on certain neonicitinoid insecticides. Independent studies are increasingly linking these nerve-agent chemicals to colony collapse disorder, or CCD, and the new ban will help scientists see if eliminating the chemicals leads to a rebound in bee numbers.
The ban could pressure further action in the United States, where about 50 percent of honeybee hives have been wiped out, threatening food production because bees pollinate many of our food crops.
#2. GMO Labeling Bill in Congress
Most people in America want to know if their food contains genetically engineered (otherwise known as GE or GMO) ingredients. Now we're one step closer to national regulation that would require labeling so people can make more informed choices. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) sponsored the new federal legislation, known as the Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act. According to the nonprofit Center for Food Safety, nine senators and 21 representatives have signed onto the bill as original cosponsors.
#3. Locavorism Explodes
Getting your hands on fresh, locally produced foods is getting easier than ever, thanks to the explosion in community-supported agriculture (CSA), coops, and farmer's markets in the United States. From 2012 to 2013, there's been a 9.5 percent increase in farmer's markets. Urban farms, pop-up restaurants and gardens, and food trucks selling local menu items are also fueling the growth.
#4. A Major Grocery Store Chain Embraces Honesty
One grocery retailer isn't waiting to see if Congress mandates GMO labeling of foods. The chain announced in early 2013 that it will require all foods sold in its stores to indicate whether they contain GMOs by 2018. Walter Robb, Whole Foods' co-CEO, says the company is responding to consumers' requests. Whole Foods is the largest natural and organic foods retailer, so the announcement should have a huge effect.
#5. Kinder, More Responsible Seafood
It's getting easier and easier to source more responsibly harvested and safer seafood selections from veteran businesses with a sustainable mindset like Vital Choice/ and Wild Planet.
Bumble and Bumble also recently announced its new Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)–certified line called Wild Selections, seafood picks that aim to reduce damage when harvesting fish. Each can sold sends a donation to the World Wildlife Fund.
Even the fast-food industry is taking seafood sustainability seriously. McDonald's announced that as of February 2013, all of the fish served up in its U.S. locations will come from MSC-certified fisheries. This promotes more responsible fisheries management and fishing techniques.
#1. European Bee-Killing Chemical Ban
The European Commission will move forward with its plan to protect honeybees by implementing a two-year ban on certain neonicitinoid insecticides. Independent studies are increasingly linking these nerve-agent chemicals to colony collapse disorder, or CCD, and the new ban will help scientists see if eliminating the chemicals leads to a rebound in bee numbers.
The ban could pressure further action in the United States, where about 50 percent of honeybee hives have been wiped out, threatening food production because bees pollinate many of our food crops.
#2. GMO Labeling Bill in Congress
Most people in America want to know if their food contains genetically engineered (otherwise known as GE or GMO) ingredients. Now we're one step closer to national regulation that would require labeling so people can make more informed choices. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) sponsored the new federal legislation, known as the Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act. According to the nonprofit Center for Food Safety, nine senators and 21 representatives have signed onto the bill as original cosponsors.
#3. Locavorism Explodes
Getting your hands on fresh, locally produced foods is getting easier than ever, thanks to the explosion in community-supported agriculture (CSA), coops, and farmer's markets in the United States. From 2012 to 2013, there's been a 9.5 percent increase in farmer's markets. Urban farms, pop-up restaurants and gardens, and food trucks selling local menu items are also fueling the growth.
#4. A Major Grocery Store Chain Embraces Honesty
One grocery retailer isn't waiting to see if Congress mandates GMO labeling of foods. The chain announced in early 2013 that it will require all foods sold in its stores to indicate whether they contain GMOs by 2018. Walter Robb, Whole Foods' co-CEO, says the company is responding to consumers' requests. Whole Foods is the largest natural and organic foods retailer, so the announcement should have a huge effect.
#5. Kinder, More Responsible Seafood
It's getting easier and easier to source more responsibly harvested and safer seafood selections from veteran businesses with a sustainable mindset like Vital Choice/ and Wild Planet.
Bumble and Bumble also recently announced its new Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)–certified line called Wild Selections, seafood picks that aim to reduce damage when harvesting fish. Each can sold sends a donation to the World Wildlife Fund.
Even the fast-food industry is taking seafood sustainability seriously. McDonald's announced that as of February 2013, all of the fish served up in its U.S. locations will come from MSC-certified fisheries. This promotes more responsible fisheries management and fishing techniques.