When you buy produce at the grocery store, do you know where it came from? Have you ever thought about the farming practices used by the farms supplying produce to stores? Would you, if you could, visit the actual farm supplying your food ?
Let me convince you.
Sludging. The practice of using “biosolids” as a low cost fertilizer is a practice allowed in 49 out of 50 states in the US. So what IS “sludging”? In a nutshell, municipal waste treatment facilities separate the solid from the water components of human poo, compost/treat it, then let growers spray it on to their growing fields to fertilize the soil. Strict permaculturalists may say, “what is the problem with that ? Human waste contains nitrogen, which is good for the soil.” Unfortunately, human poo collection systems may contain more than just poo. PFAS - polyfluoroalkyl substances or microplastics can also find their way into “biosolids” as well. Many states do mandate PFAS testing of soil. Charming. Human poo is still a heterogenous. Poo is still made and donated to sewage systems from people who are eat poorly, have communicable diseases or are on a host of medications that are eliminated through the gastrointestinal tract.
How do you feel about the grocery store now ?
Here is a lovely app to help you find your local farm:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/localize-farmers-market/id6756440767