Red the TomatoA Trip from Farm to Table

Sean Edward WilsonRensselaer Polytechnic Institute 15’Sustainability Education Fall 2015

One afternoon Tony, a 10 year old boy from a big city decides to work on a class project about multiple sources of air pollution impacting the planet. His dad knocked on the door just as he was researching global food systems and asked “Tony would you like to come to the grocery store to grab food for the week and tonight's dinner?” Tony thinks about the question, hears his stomach roar then replies “Yeah dad of course I will come. It will allow me to think about what I am reading.” They get in his fathers truck and drive up the street to Price Low.

Yeah dad of course I will come!

Yeah dad of course I will come!

Tony was amazed when he first walked in. He had never seen so much food before. Tony’s father asked what he would like for dinner. Tony makes the choice to have pasta and a salad. He and his father split up. Tony walked down the aisle where the vegetables were. He thought to himself, what do I need “Tomatoes, basil, pasta, marinara sauce, and turkey meatballs.” He grabbed a tomato when, suddenly, it opened its eyes and said “Hello my name is Red.” Tony responded by saying “Wow, hi my name is Tony.”

Red asked Tony, “What are you using me for?” Tony replied by saying, “I want to make pasta and salad with my father. I needed a tomato.” Hearing that, Red says “You should purchase a different tomato, my journey to the grocery store caused a lot of pollution.” Tony’s interests is peaked because he was researching air pollution not to long ago. Red states “I actually come from California.”

I am from California

Hmmm… That is far, 2900 miles

Red began to tell his story. “I come from a large industrial farm called Sunshine Farm. My father and mother raised animals, grew fruits, and sold other products such as jam, jewelry, and hand woven rugs. The problem is that farms pollute a lot. Pigs and cows are stacked up, and fruits and vegetables are sprayed with a lot of pesticides. Pesticides can pollute the air. Also our cows and pigs released a lot of methane gas, a greenhouse gas. Also, my parents need to use heavy machinery that releases carbon dioxide in to the air.” Tony is stunned at this point. Red says “But wait, there is more.”

Red continues “My parents raised me then sent to a place with a lot of other friends and relatives. It was called a warehouse. Afterwards, the people at the warehouse sent me to a another plant half way across the country. I was delivered on a really big plane. From there, a huge truck sent me to here. That is when I met you. Eventually I will end up at your table, but that is a different story!” Tony, shocked, says “Wow! I can not believe food is transported so far. It honestly makes no sense to me. I learned about pollution and its impact on the environment and people. I wonder what happens to the environment and people because of how food is grown and transported.”

Red replied by saying, “Well chemicals or greenhouse gases are released in to the atmosphere at almost any stage during the food system.” Tony then says “Well how does that impact the environment and people.” Red states “Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane enter the earth’s atmosphere where they disrupt natural processes. Many greenhouse gases can change our climate. It is really bad in California. We are in a drought season again.” Tony responds “Oh dear that is not good. If temperatures rise, your family will suffer. What about the health impacts?” Red answers “Cars and planes emit a lot of harmful chemicals which can impact people’s breathing. A serious problem can occur called asthma. Also, waters can become polluted from run off. Eventually that water enters the atmosphere causing a dirty recycling of bad stuff.” Tony, amazed, says “I see now. Well what can I do?”

Tony is sad because he realizes that he has contributed to many problems. Red tells him “Do not worry, there is a lot you can do to better our planet and health. You can eat less meat, buy local food at a farmers market, grow your own food, and walk to the store if you can.” Tony smiles and says “Thank You!” He places Red down and smiles. He grabs his stuff and heads home to enjoy a yummy pasta dinner made with local foods.

Start a GardenBuy from a local farmer Walk to the store if you can

THE END

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