I think that science and technology are combined to create completely new edible foods to release into society. We use our knowledge of food, the world, and chemicals (science), to create new foods by mixing them together. The technology comes in, with us finding new ways to create chemicals, new ways to harvest food, new ways to raise animals etc, and using technology to do that. Once we combine the technology and science, we create incredible edible products that, while we may be able to eat them, are bad for the environment and us.
2.) How did the film describe science & technology as a positive or negative impact on society or the environment?
This film describes science as a negative impact on the environment, but a positive impact on society. When we create new foods, find new ways to raise animals and harvest plant foods, we are harming the environment. We put more CO2 in the air when we do that, produce more greenhouse gasses, and we actually spread bacteria/viruses like E-coli around the planet. Science & technology has a positive impact on society, because when we do all the new things listed above, we become faster, produce more, create more jobs, and do a whole bunch of things that are much more economical than if we did everything the old-fashioned way. The one 'con' of science and technology that affects society is the fact that serious disease can spread into our food. When we eat that food, we get sick and die.
3.) How do our consumer choices affect what is out on the market and therefore, our own survival?
Our consumer choices have a massive affect on what is out on the market. If we want something out there, then it will be provided. If we don't want something out there, than it won't be. If we stop buying a product, that company will either go out of business or decide not to sell that product because it is a waste of time, money, and other resources. If we want a certain product, a company will notice that demand and start providing it to make more money.
We can affect our own survival by making the right choices. Once we know what is bad for us, what's really behind the label, what's happened to our meat before it's been slaughtered, we can stop buying them. We can buy organically from farmers that don't support the big companies, prevent E coli from spreading from the mass production of meat, and much much more, just by making healthy choices. If we stop buying the company will stop making and providing it.
4.) How are we as humans connected to how the Earth is used?
We as humans consume so much more of the Earth's resources than other animals. We probably consume more than all the other animals on the planet use, put together. We use too much of Earth since we are at the top of the food chain. We basically control Earth. That is how we are connected to how Earth is used. Earth is kind of at our mercy - we can decide what to do with it (use up resources, save the planet, trash it...). We have to learn how we can live sustainable lives in order to keep Earth healthy.
5.) When do we say no to more high tech devices and go back to what caused the problem in the first place? Why are we only into the "HOW" and not the "WHY?"
We are only into the "HOW" and not the "WHY", because some among our number don't believe that the "WHY" is economical. In the E coli issue, all we have to do is feed our cows grass instead of corn, to prevent it, but NO, we have to find a way to CLEANSE our cows of E coli because grass is expensive. I think that another reason why companies are into the "HOW" and not the "WHY", is because they are reluctant to get rid of technology. Maybe they think that the more technology they use, the better.
6.) What is the difference between natural farming and industrial farming? Which is better? Are they both necessary?
Natural farming allows the animals to run free, see the light, and basically just grow up naturally. Industrial farming forces the livestock to live in SUPER close quarters, eat hormones, not really see the light of the sun...you might call it torture. Industrial farming feeds chickens growing hormones that make them grow twice as big as regular chickens int HALF the time, AND grow bigger breasts because that's what most people like to eat. Right now, both types of farming are necessary, because there aren't enough farmers that will consent to natural farming to provide enough livestock for the entire country. If we suddenly got rid of all the industrial farming farmers, a whole bunch of people would probably be forced to become vegetarians.
7.) If technology and industry have improved so much that we are getting faster, fatter, bigger, and cheaper, how are science and technology involved in our survival?
Science and technology may actually be affecting our survival for the worse. In the States, we are growing fatter, slower, and less fit as people, which is poor for our health. Even though our factories are bigger, faster, and cheaper, we are not healthier. Food companies are combining science and technology to produce new, artificial meals. Everything is getting more convenient – fast food, drive through, frozen pizza, Lunchables, 1 min. oatmeal…and, they’re all super tasty! The reason why they’re tasty and convenient is because a lot of them are pumped full of unhealthy chemicals or use big, bloated chickens/cows/pigs in them. We are spreading life-threatening viruses through mass production, and all this is affecting our survival.
8.) What economic costs, environmental costs, ethical costs, health costs, and cultural costs did you observe while watching the film?
I observed environmental costs, health costs, cultural costs, and ethical costs while watching the film. There is a health cost because we’re spreading viruses and making people more obese; there are cultural costs because the 'old ways' of farming are being destroyed; there is an ethical cost, because food production company owners, workers, and farmers have to choose between money and doing the right thing; and there is an environmental cost because of all the bad things food production companies are doing - they're clearing forests to plant corn to feed the animals, they're clearing land to house the animals, and much, much more.
As a result, Food Inc. opened my eyes to what's really happening to my food helped me decide what I'm going to do about it.
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