Food

For further information on food purchasing choices, as well as information on meat, see the boycotting and alternatives section Whatís dodgy and what rocks.

The food which we eat affects on the Earth. The effect is determined by how the food is produced, where it comes from, and how it is packaged. Humans have a greater environmental impact on the Earth than does any other species. As consumers, we should examine our eating habits and the impact that they have on our environment. Some ways in which we can do this are:

Buying food produced locally supports local business and local producers, rather than big agricultural corporations. You are also reducing the transport of produce which reduces the pollution created. The further that goods have to come, the more fossil fuels are required for refrigeration and transport.

Buying food in season. If your food is not in season, then it has been either refrigerated for a long period of time or transported a long distance, perhaps from country to country. The best way to find out what is in season is to ask a greengrocer. Besides, fresh produce tastes better anyway!

Organic/Bio-dynamic certification

The principle of organic agriculture is that a healthy plant grows from healthy soil, and is inherently resistant to pests and disease. "Organic" means that no synthetic herbicides, pesticides or fertilisers are used in any stage of production. In growing food without these artificial substances, growers rely on long term soil fertility. Hence, they must replenish organic matter, balance mineral levels, rotate crops, and sustain microorganism activity. The quality of our land, air, and water is maintained and improved by organic agricultural methods. Animals, as well as plants, can be raised using to organic agricultural methods. This means that no antibiotics, hormone stimulants or growth regulators are given to the animals. These animals have happier, healthier lives, and are better for you.

Foods produced by these methods are better for your health, because no synthetic chemicals are used, and nutrient levels are higher than those in other foods. A problem with the use of synthetic chemicals is biomagnification: the increase in the toxicity of a chemical as it ascends the food chain. Organic foods taste better as there are more nutrients available in the soil; better plant varieties are chosen; and fruit and vegetables are ripened naturally.

There are several organic certification schemes in Australia that may help you recognise organic products. Look out for BFA, NASAA, OHGA and Demeter logos, which require farmers, processors and retailers to follow certain practices. Some of these organisations have different levels of certification (eg, "Grade A" and "Grade B"), which correspond to already established organic practices and those undergoing conversion. Either way, you know youíre supporting people trying to operate sustainably if youíre buying certified products. Remember, though, that certification costs money, and that some local producers may not be certified although theyíre doing as much as anybody else.

BFA is a national certifying body accredited with the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service. BFA is a membersí based cooperative with over 1000 members and 600 certified members. Certifications included farmers, processors, allowed inputs, wholesalers and retailers. More information is available by contacting them at bfa@icr.com.au or by phone on 07.4639 3299 ///emailed 12/01/00; called 18/1/00 & they said theyíll fax & email something through.///they emailed description on 24/1/00; phoned & asked for logo to be sent too.

Demeter certifies bio-dynamic practices, which involve building & maintaining quality soil. For more information call them on (03) 5966 7333

///NASAA National Association for Sustainable Agriculture nasaa@dove.mtx.net.au 08.8370 8455 ///emailed 12/01/00; spoke 18/1/00 & they said would email stuff through.

Organic Herb Growerís Association of Australia (OHGA) certifies food and medicinal herb growers; see http://www.organicherbs.org for details, or phone them on (02) 6622 0100

///OVAA Organic Vinyerons Association Australia - ///trying to find contact details; try through wilsonís organics, (08) 8231 5014; call on Tuesday and ask for Terry (the proprietor).

Buying organic food in Canberra

Certified organic or biodynamic foods can be purchased from health food stores and health food sections of supermarkets, and at the stores below.

ANU Food Co-op at Kingsley St., Acton (in the ROCKS ? see page ///), phone 6257 1186, open 10amó4pm, Monday to Friday, and 10amó3pm Saturday. Membership involves four hoursí work per year and discounts.

Organic Harvests at Shop 5 Belconnen Fresh Food Markets, 6253 0444, supplies organic groceries, vegetables, fruit, non-dairy beverages, milk, eggs, grains, nuts, beans, seeds, and oils.

Mountain Creek Wholefoods at 14 Barker St Griffith, 6295 1474, supplies whole grains, freshly milled flour, nuts and dried fruits, coffee, dairy produce, eggs, etcetera.

Pialligo Winery at Kallaroo Road, Pialligo, 6247 6060, has organic, locally produced wines.

Yalleroo Organic Food Farm, 6236 3211, 1382 Cooma Road, Queanbeyan.

Griffith Butchery at 10 Barker Street, Griffith, 6295 9781, specialises in all types of certified bio-dynamic and organic meats.

Eco Meats at Shop 35 Lathlain Street, Belconnen Markets, 6251 9018, open Wednesday to Sunday 8amó6.30 pm, specialises in certified organic beef, lamb, chicken, homemade sausages, and game meats.

Urumbi Bakery at 25 Altree Circuit Phillip, 6285 3597, produces organic breads, pies, and other yummy baked treats.

Organic Patch in Queanbeyan. Phone 6299 0360.

Allergy Centre at the Jamison Centre in Macquarie supplies organic produce. Phone 6251 2670.

Organic Energy at 8A Barker Street Griffith, 62956700 supplies organic produce.

Josephís Fruit and Vegetable Stall, in the Fyshwick Markets in Fyshwick, supplies fresh organic produce.

Growing your own food

Growing your own food is the best option: you know what goes into or onto the food, freshness is guaranteed, there is no transport involved, and you can ëreap what youíve sowní. Some starting points are magazines that you can look for in your newsagent; numerous books available in shops and libraries (see the Information resources section); and your local nursery. It doesnít matter how big your garden is or how often you move, you can still grow some of your own vegetables and herbs. For more ideas and contacts, see the Your garden section.

Vegetarian restaurants

Bernadetteís Cafe and Restaurant at Shops 5 and 6 Wakefield Gardens, Ainslie, 62485018. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 8:30amó10pm and Sunday, 8:30amó4pm. Delicious European and Asia vegetarian/vegan food at great prices.

Karuna Vegetarian Restaurant at 32 Archibald St Lyneham, 6257 5517. Open TuesóSun, 6ó9pm, and check for lunches; bookings essential. Great oriental food.

Kingsland restaurant in Dickson has vegetarian versions of Chinese dishes; phone 6262 9350.

Comments, Queries or suggestions email enviro.collective@student.anu.edu.au