Blog #16: Sustainable Farming

Animal rights activists have done a decent job of educating the public about the poor conditions for animals used in factory farming, but there have been no public campaigns that I have seen regarding the detrimental health effects on humans. Making factory farm practices public knowledge seems to be the first step toward adopting more ethical processes. Before this module I had no idea that factory farms used animal waste on crops, and I did not realize that these facilities, which reek of excrement and animal carcasses, were so strategically placed in neighborhoods of lower income and minority individuals. Of course, I was not surprised by this because in this country, this seems to be a pattern. As a nursing professional, it is important that I identify patients that are affected by the detrimental effects of factory farms and address issues that are particular to this population. It is also my responsibility to ensure all patients understand the places from which their food comes. We should all encourage patients to visit local farmers’ markets if available in their areas to support local farmers and reduce reliance on factory farms. Some communities have shared gardens from which they obtain produce, and I would encourage those that are able to become involved with these. Those that do not have access to community gardens may consider starting one in their neighborhood. I would encourage those that have the opportunity to attend local government meetings to propose ideas like this. Additionally, buying organic when possible can reduce exposure to dangerous pesticides. Cutting down on packaged and processed foods, which often rely on massive amounts of corn, can help reduce reliance on commercial farming.