Problem 1
Suppose you got a job with Growing Power, Inc. (Core Case Study) and were given the assignment to turn an abandoned suburban shopping center and its large parking lot into an organic farm. Write up a plan for how you would accomplish this.
Problem 2
Do you think that the advantages of organic agriculture outweigh its disadvantages? Explain. Do you eat or grow organic foods? If so, explain your reasoning for making this choice. If not, explain your reasoning for some of the food choices you do make.
Problem 3
Food producers can now produce more than enough food to feed everyone on the planet a healthy diet. Given this fact, why do you think that nearly a billion people are chronically undernourished or malnourished? Assume you are in charge of solving this problem, and write a plan for how you will accomplish it.
Problem 5
What might happen to industrialized food production if oil prices rise sharply? How might this affect your life? How will it affect the lives of any children or grandchildren you might eventually have? List two ways in which you would deal with these changes.
Problem 6
You are the head of a major agricultural agency in the area where you live. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using synthetic pesticides and explain why you would support or oppose the increased use of such pesticides as a way to help farmers raise their yields. What are the alternatives?
Problem 7
If the mosquito population in the area where you live were proven to be carrying malaria or some dangerous virus, would you want to spray DDT in your yard, inside your home, or all through the local area to reduce this risk? Explain. What are the alternatives?
Problem 8
According to physicist Albert Einstein, "Nothing will benefit human health and increase the chances of survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet." Explain your interpretation of this statement. Are you willing to eat less meat or no meat? Explain.
