Food Choices & Environmental Impact (By Audrey Dwyer, Chemistry & Environmental Sciences Instructor)
April 22 is Earth Day! To celebrate, we brought in a specialist to talk to the Environmental Science elective classes. Ms. Carol Whitaker presented a three-part series on food choices and their environmental impacts. It is important to note that the focus was not about what students should or should not eat, but on equipping students with the science so they can make more informed choices.
"Education is the first step towards sustainable living, healthier bodies and a more compassionate society. By understanding the realities behind their food choices and the many benefits of healthful eating, students can make informed, responsible and compassionate decisions" (Carol Whitaker).
Presentation Part 1 covered the nutritional biochemistry of food and how our bodies react to different types of food. Part 2 focused on the environmental impacts of our modern agricultural industry. Part 3 was about factory farming. Students were encouraged to engage in discussion and use critical thinking throughout the presentation.
Below is more detail on each of the presentations:
"Education is the first step towards sustainable living, healthier bodies and a more compassionate society. By understanding the realities behind their food choices and the many benefits of healthful eating, students can make informed, responsible and compassionate decisions" (Carol Whitaker).
Presentation Part 1 covered the nutritional biochemistry of food and how our bodies react to different types of food. Part 2 focused on the environmental impacts of our modern agricultural industry. Part 3 was about factory farming. Students were encouraged to engage in discussion and use critical thinking throughout the presentation.
Below is more detail on each of the presentations:
● Healthful Eating
Obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and other diseases can be lifestyle-related. Participants learned about the connections between diet and health, discussed ways that informed dietary choices can help prevent or relieve diseases and investigate how modern farming and agriculture practices contribute to present-day health concerns.
Obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and other diseases can be lifestyle-related. Participants learned about the connections between diet and health, discussed ways that informed dietary choices can help prevent or relieve diseases and investigate how modern farming and agriculture practices contribute to present-day health concerns.
● The Environment and Modern Agriculture
We explored how raising farmed animals and related crops affect ecosystems and our health through climate change, the depletion of natural resources, pollution, pesticides, antibiotics, soil erosion, GMO crop production, deforestation, and world hunger. Participants discussed alternative choices that could help protect our environment.
We explored how raising farmed animals and related crops affect ecosystems and our health through climate change, the depletion of natural resources, pollution, pesticides, antibiotics, soil erosion, GMO crop production, deforestation, and world hunger. Participants discussed alternative choices that could help protect our environment.
● Factory Farming
More than 95% of animals raised for food in the U.S. are raised in intensive confinement facilities, often called "factory farms." Participants learn about the reality of how modern factory farming practices affect the animals in these facilities. We explored alternatives for a more compassionate and just society.
More than 95% of animals raised for food in the U.S. are raised in intensive confinement facilities, often called "factory farms." Participants learn about the reality of how modern factory farming practices affect the animals in these facilities. We explored alternatives for a more compassionate and just society.
List of 1 items.
-
We are a
Family of Families
3000 Barton Creek Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78735 (512) 328-2323
Associations
Nondiscrimination Policy
St. Gabriel’s Catholic School and St. Michael’s Catholic Academy do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, age, gender, national or ethnic origin in : (i) the admission of students; (ii) the offerings of rights, privileges, programs, or activities generally made available to their students; or (iii) the administration of educational policies, financial grant programs, athletic programs, employment practices or policies, or other school-administered programs.