Health & Fitness
H-F Area LWV Hosts Program on Sustainable Food and Water
The H-F Area LWV recently hosted a program about Sustainable Food and Water presented by members of the Glenview LWV who have been studying the topic for over two years.
Three members of the Glenview LWV recently gave a presentation to the H-F LWV on the Sustainability of Food and Water. President Joan Ziegler, along with members Sheri Latash and Henrietta Saunders, gave a stimulating talk on current issues regarding this topic. They discussed the three-pronged aspects of sustainability: environmental, social and economic. During the presentation, audience members were amazed to hear some of the following facts:
- 95% of food consumed in Illinois is grown or raised OUTSIDE this state.
- 25-40% of food we buy is wasted.
- Both streptomycin and terramycin are antibiotics which can be sprayed on organic apple and pear trees to control fire blight.
- 26% of U.S. children and adolescents (ages 2-19) are obese.
- Only 1% of the Earth's water is suitable for drinking.
- Of potatoes, rice, poultry, and beef, beef uses the most water to provide 500 calories.
- It takes 9.3 gallons of water to process one CAN of fruit or vegetables.
- 34% of U.S. fresh water is used for agricultural irrigation, livestock production, and aquaculture.
The speakers also provided some informative handouts to the audience -- one sheet on Illinois Farm Facts and 4-page list of Food Systems Resource List. Lively discussion took place during the presentation. The Glenview League will be caucusing during the LWVUS National Convention in Washington, D.C., this coming June.
