Food & Drink

Small-scale family farms necessary for sustainable future

What’s Going On Here? The conservation of small-scale farming and the transition away from extensive industrial farming methods is key for a sustainable future. This twofold strategy is fundamental for the health of the planet, as highlighted this week by Prince Charles.  What Does This Mean? Since the 1990s small, family run farms in the UK have been in decline, priced out…

Too latte to change your coffee habits?

Fairtrade beans and plant-based milk makes your daily habit an eco cup of gold, right? Well, we look into how your method of preparation could actually be making the planet more than just a little bit despressod… Like my curious.earth peers, before most acts of consumption, I stop in my vegan-Birkenstock made tracks and reflect upon the sustainability implications of my choices.…

Will pigs fly in Brexit Britain?

What’s Going On Here? Gene-editing in livestock and crops is to be reconsidered in England as the UK government launches a consultation on its deregulation. There are strong restrictions on gene-editing in the European Union, and Boris Johnson has wasted no time in pursuing this move following the nation’s departure from the union just two weeks ago. What Does This Mean? Gene-editing…

The Power of Seed: Why is it vital for us to save open pollinated seeds?

Curious Earth talks to Helene Schulze, co-director of London Freedom Seed Bank and a Southeast England Coordinator for the Seed Sovereignty Programme of the UK and Ireland about the practice of saving open pollinated seeds and why it is vital for food security, biodiversity and resilience against climate change.  What does seed saving mean to you? Seed saving is about stewardship. It’s…

Environmentalists call on top banks to stop funding industrial-sized agriculture.

What’s Going On Here? A letter addressed to the International Monetary Fund (the IMF) and other top global financiers, signed by over 100 eco-activists including Jane Goodall and Joanna Lumley, is calling for a halt in investments to industrial-sized agricultural businesses. What Does This Mean? Farming is a major contributing factor to biodiversity loss, climate change and species extinction. Compassion in World Farming who coordinated the…

Sales of vegetable seeds ‘rocket’ as the UK digs for victory

What’s Going On Here? Sales of vegetable seeds have shot up during the coronavirus outbreak as people take up home gardening during the lockdown. Last weekend seed sellers across the country were overwhelmed, claiming three weeks’ worth of seeds were purchased in just one day! What Does This Mean? Perhaps this enforced self-isolation has a few silver linings, as individuals begin to cultivate…