David Pimentel and his colleagues at Cornell University in New York set out a number of strategies which could potentially cut fossil energy fuel use in the food system by as much as 50 percent.  By just reducing junk food intake and converting to diets lower in meat, the average American could have a massive impact on fuel consumption as well as improving his or her health.
A few days after the presentation Dr. Pimentel agreed to be interviewed for the VSSE podcast by Louisa Dell'Amico an Environmental Activist.
Both Podcasts are located here.

Stanford Association of International Development (SAID) is having a major conference on the topic of food and agriculture on April 11. The topics will include economics, ethics, technology, the environment. The Environment panel is: Environment: The Impact of Climate Change on Agricultural Production Systems. Conference speakers include: Dr. Gurdev Khush, one of the heroes of the Green Revolution, Dr. Peter Timmer, the former chief advisor to USAID and panelists from the WTO, Carnegie Endowment, the International Food Policy Research Institute, CARE International, and many other major institutions. Register at http://foodforthought.stanford.edu/index.html

The USDA Agriculture Secretary states "It is essential for the federal government to lead the way in enhancing and conserving our land and water resources".  The USDA has announced the goal of creating community gardens at each USDA facility worldwide.  The official USDA announcement here.

This is a timely NY Times article from the Curious Cook on how much water is really needed to cook pasta.  Here's a perspective to save water, energy, cost, and time. (image NY Times)

The 3rd Annual San Francisco International Chocolate Salon will have 30,000 square feet of Chocolate, Wine, and Confections. I'm looking forward to trying Amano Chocolate and TCHO's dark chocolate is vegan. More information can be found here.

Reuters reports Austria and Hungary reaffirmed their sovereign right on Monday to ban growing genetically modified maize after EU environment ministers squashed more attempts by the European Commission to lift the restrictions.

There is an IPhone application for those searching for vegan and vegetarian restaurants in a variety of cities.  It's sponsored by Happy Cow.  Check it out and let us know if you like this application.

Small does of pesticides can affect people. The Environmental Working Group's latest study shows people can lower their pesticide exposure by almost 90% by avoiding the top 12  most contaminated fruits and vegetables and eating the less contaminated instead. Eating the 12 most contaminated will expose a person to about 14 pesticides per day. Eating the 12 least contaminated will expose a person to less than 2 pesticides per day.  Some vegetables listed here have the highest pesticides, therefore, it is recommended you only buy these organic:  Peaches, Apples, Sweet Bell Peppers, Celery, Nectarines, Strawberries, Cherries, Lettuce, Grapes (Imported), Pears, Spinach, and Potatoes. The lowest in pesticides are: onions, avocado, sweet corn, pineapples, mango, sweet peas (frozen), asparagus, kiwi, bananas, cabbage, broccoli, and eggplant.
More information about the study and the wallet guide are here.

Below is testimony given in Washington, DC by IVU International Council Deputy Chair Saurabh Dalal to the Advisory Committee for the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
"Good morning. I’m Saurabh Dalal and I’d like to thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony as you reshape the influential Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These comments are presented on behalf of three volunteer-driven, non-profit organizations:
The Vegetarian Union of North America (www.ivu.org/vuna)
The Vegetarian Society of DC (www.vsdc.org)
The International Vegetarian Union (www.ivu.org)
Vegetarian foods offer powerful advantages for humans. A large number and wide variety of scientific studies have shown that well-planned vegetarian diets support good health for all stages of the life cycle. Many nutritionists and other health professionals recognize that a well-planned, low-fat vegetarian diet – and preferably a vegan diet, completely free of all animal products - is the best diet for humans. Animal products are the main source of saturated fats, the only source of dietary cholesterol, and contain no fiber, often resulting in high cholesterol levels and a variety of diet-related disorders in people. Preventing and sometimes reversing heart disease, preventing several types of cancer, preventing and reversing diabetes, lowering blood pressure, and helping manage weight are among the many successes of such a diet.
We urge the advisory committee to clearly emphasize plant foods and alternatives to meat, dairy, and eggs in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. A wide variety of plant foods consisting of whole grains, whole fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and fortified cereals and fortified plant milks like soy milk can ensure a healthy, well-balanced diet. Naturally and strongly colorful vegetables and fruits should also be emphasized for their anti-oxidant and phyto-nutrient value.
I’d like to highlight some key points.
1. A diet drawn from varied plant sources can be nutrient-dense and easily satisfies protein requirements, without the potential for protein excess. Soy protein has been shown to be nutritionally equivalent in protein value to proteins of animal origin. Animal products being acidic, force calcium out of the body, thereby promoting bone loss.
2. Many plant-based sources of calcium exist. Excellent examples are dark leafy greens like collard greens and kale and fortified soy milk. The more extensive range of dietary sources of calcium from plant foods would increase intakes of boron, vitamin K, and magnesium, helping reduce the risk
of osteoporosis. Calcium absorption and bio-availability from dark leafy greens have been shown to be very good.
Also very important in regard to the basic food groups is that each serving of leafy green vegetables count as a serving from the calcium-rich foods group AND in the vegetable group. This is an added benefit, showing the versatility and benefit of plant foods.
3. Iron is plentiful in beans, whole grains, and fruits.
4. Flax seed oil and ground flax seeds are good sources of omega 3's, while consumption of fish and other sea animals have the downside of potential mercury and other contaminants, along with significant cholesterol.
5. An adequate intake of B12 is necessary and straight-forward, and should be from fortified foods or a reliable supplement. Fortified soy milk for example is a good source of vitamins B12 and D as well as protein and calcium.
6. Eating patterns are changing and the diets of a great many are more plant-based than a decade ago. The Dietary Guidelines must address the needs of those moving away from animal products, consistent with the messages of many major public health organizations, but also with guidance that is more comprehensive in terms of alternatives to animal foods and cow's milk.
We urge the advisory committee to clearly incorporate even more plant foods, specifically a well-planned, low-fat, vegan diet, with its health benefits and other benefits in all respects, as you update the Dietary Guidelines for
Americans for 2010."

Farm Sanctuary's California Country Hoe Down is coming up soon and they need talented volunteers to help make it a smashing success! To be held on May 16and 17, the Hoe Down at the Orland, Calif. Shelter can use the aid of:
- An energetic yoga instructor to facilitate a session.
- A few individuals that have a “way with kids” -- clowns, humane educators/teachers, puppeteers, face painters, etc. -- to create and oversee attention-grabbing activities for attending youth.
- Artists, crafters, innkeepers, business professionals -- anyone & everyone who can donate something to our silent auction. Auctions raise critical funds for our animal rescue and protection efforts. If you are interested, please contact Carolyn Mullin at cmullin@farmsanctuary.org or call 530-865-4617 ext. 15. More on the Country Hoe Down will be posted on their events calendar very soon. (photo: Farm Sanctuary)