SPIRIT
Therapists never ask their patients if their suffering is connected to world events. But psychotherapist Miriam Greenspan believes that more and more people are hurting from the increasing perception of threats in the world. Greenspan takes a stand on the psychology of global suffering.
LIFE
While enough food is being produced to feed the world, a large portion of the population is going hungry. Meanwhile, the incidence of wealth-related disease is increasing in the west due to unhealthy eating habits. Ode launched an investigation and details the devastating myths around modern agriculture.
Multinationals spread ruin with their search for cheap labour.
Marco Visscher introduces this month's theme on modern agriculture and food.
How an 11-year-old Canadian boy became the hero of an African village.
HEALTH
Rob Baris, who owns the Z&M delicatessen and the famous Zinc restaurant in Rotterdam, is a bon vivant without dogmas. He has worked out an action plan for Ode readers: a menu of delicious food that is healthy and socially responsible.
Not true. Hunger is not caused by food shortages, but by poverty.
Not true. In fact, industrial agriculture compromises food safety and nutrient values while increasing incidences of illnesses such as cancer, heart disease and obesity.
Not true. Social, health and environmental costs are not included.
Not true. Small-scale farms produce more agricultural products per hectare.
Not true. Supermarkets only offer the illusion of increased choice.
Not true. Biotechnology offers no solution to these problems.
The shopping list that really contributes to a better world involves local, biological farmers, fair-trade products and vitamin supplements. Some steps for an action plan.
'Fungi are the planet's recycling champions.' Mushroom prophet Paul Stamets talks about the power of nature.
Ok, so industrial agriculture has not been the most favourable development. But what does this mean to consumers? To their health and rights?
The United States presidential elections are tomorrow. more
