Friday, May 11, 2007

My Friend George


An email appeared from my friend George last night:

"Good evening Ian.
It would be hard to argue with the statements at the beginning of your latest newsletter, but it is not always easy to find that fresh organic produce close to home. A stall used to operate at the Ettalong Markets on Sundays. But the higher prices were a deterrent to the pensioners, and the working customers as well. So, if you buy organic, you eat less to stretch the expense."

George, Id have to argue with you on this one. Organic is simply a better delivery system than process-grown food. The data is in, in many repeated studies, that organic delivers far more essential nutrients than chemical foods. And yes, George, distance does degrade!

The true cost of food is going to become increasingly important to us as climate change bites deeper into our entrenched distribution and growing systems, and we'll see (I sincerely hope) a return to backyard and suburban 'lotties' as a necessary rather than a boutique way of growing food. We'll gather in communal gardens and sit and watch the vegies grow rather than in our concret boxes watching the 'boob tube'. We'll swap seeds rather than software, and people will gather to admire your broccolli rather than stare malevolently as they scurry for the safety of their mortgage cave. And we'll regain our connection with Earth because we'll see the miracle of food every day. Bring it on!

"The problem, you will explain is the degeneration of the food over time. Straight off the plant is best. In Byron Bay you have all that space, fertile soil (I hope), which gives you an advantage."

George, even though I love Byron Bay, I long for the rich earth and real season changes of Tasmania! When I see Gardening australia and listen to dear old Peter Cundall, I yearn to be away from the humid, bug-laden heat of the Bay. It may grown good Paw Paws but tomatoes? carrots? Nah. Forget it.

"You also have the water alkalizer to help neutralise any residual acid. Most of your readers are probably in a similar situation to myself and can't afford your device. We have to try to neutralise our acid intake by careful nutrition. Keep up the good work. Keep laughing.
Your neurotic friend George. Live Long and Prosper."

George, thank you for your letter. I love sharing. Please email me your address and I'll send you a bottle of Alkabalance.

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