The Second Green Revolution

I found an article proposing the scientific approach to the global issue of static food production in a ever multiplying population. This article states that we need a second green revolution that is based on a freer distribution of GM crops. The first revolution created from the development of technologies including pesticides, irrigation projects, synthetic nitrogen fertilizer. These developments seemed like a boon to society at the time. They made food production double in some developing countries. There were unforeseen costs such as massive water pollution from chemical drainage into streams. Also these technologies are allowing farmers to use the land in an unsustainable way, degrading the soil, so it may produce more food now, but at what costs? We didn't know what the downside of the massive jump in food production would be then, and we don't know how GM crops could be harmful now. Developing crops resistant to certain disease strains could make the strains develop into more harmful diseases.

Victory Gardens

In this op-ed article in the New York Times, Ms. Arieff talks about various land reclamation projects that use new innovative spaces for growing food. These projects are popping up all over cities, including St. Louis. For example, on my first expedition to the botanical gardens, I discovered that there is a entire section devoted to food crops. Funny that we have to visit the botanical gardens to know what plants look like before they reach our table. I'm curious where these crops will end up when they are ready to be used.

Amy Franchesni started a Victory Garden project in San Francisco (mentioned in the article) part of her art work was designing fun tools for gardening such as this awesome bike.


Franchesni convinced San Francisco City Hall to transform their lawn into a giant garden. Most of the food will be "donated to those with limited access to healthy, organic produce through a partnership with local food banks and meal programs."

Tower Grove

Hello avid readers! I know you must have been wilting away while I was on hiatus. Never fear for I have returned! Better yet, I'll be here for another year. Aren't you lucky.

SO, have you been to Local Harvest Grocery? It is a tiny little shop in the Tower Grove South Area on Morganford. I make an effort to not buy eggs unless I'm in the area for some Local Harvest eggs. They have so much more flavor, and they are from local farmers. They carry a range of locally grown and produced foods, including food from the urban farms like City Seeds. All of their local products are labeled with a green tag. Their other products are "wholesome and healthful foods that are produced in organic and sustainable methods." They recently opened a cafe down the street. I cannot rate it for you yet because I still haven't eaten there, but I look forward to it!

The Tower Grove Farmers' Market is located next to the kiddy pool fountain in the middle of Tower Grove Park. It's great because all of the vendors are local businesses. It is smaller and has less variety than Soulard, but at Soulard you can't tell where the food is coming from. If I remember correctly it isn't even labeled by farm. Extra double plus bonus is if you are buying from vendors here or at Local Harvest, you are getting food that is in season.