Part of the 4.4 million people in Canada who face food insecurity, not having enough food to feed their families every day.
Introduction
Early this morning, sitting at my desk at Sustainable Circular Economy, enjoying my first sips of Peruvian organic and fair trade coffee, I read about a vertical farm growing algae, and another article about the challenges food banks are facing trying to meet the demands of the 12% of our population that face food insecurity every day.
The articles brought me down to earth to think about the First Nation communities we are helping to help themselves, applying the principles of the circular economy to address food insecurity.
The First Nation communities are a part of the 12% of Canadians, or about 4.4 million of our neighbours who face food insecurity and go to bed hungry almost every night.
Food Insecurity
Food insecurity; that sounds like one of those phrases developed to soften the blow. Put it in real terms, there are 4.4 million people in Canada, our neighbours, our friends, our kids’ playmates, that go hungry every day. It makes me immeasurably sad to think this goes on, and don't even get me started about energy poverty. Possibly next time.
Anyone can tell you that not being able to provide food for the family has huge impacts. Health is key to a community's well-being. Poor health, lower education results, suicides; When these happen year after year, they become a systemic challenge for Indigenous economic development.
The frustration, the sadness, anger, loss of hope, despondency are all in the forefront. And what to do about it?
The plan to fix the Problem
To make a long story short, with four First Nation communities in the north, we came up with a plan to fix the problem. No more talking, no more leaving it to someone else. We came up with a plan to start a for profit vertical farming business.
Vertical farming will allow the communities to address climate change, global warming and food insecurity all based upon the principles of a circular economy that considers the impact on the people, the planet and sustainability.
The community will use vertical farming to reduce food insecurity by increasing the amount of fresh produce available, it will be the springboard for an economic opportunity, and will have a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Our plan calls for a year-round vertical farming operation to feed fresh produce to 500 people per week. It has worked in the north and it will work in the communities we are helping to help themselves.
Stepping forward – Earth’s Own Food Company
And, one of the gratifying things is, we have people coming on board to help us help them too. Like a bright light, Earth's Own Food Company has stepped up to help. Earth's Own is a Canadian company manufacturing milk alternatives that are 100% plant-based, making zero compromises when it comes to taste.
Stepping forward – The Growcer
Another is The Growcer, also a Canadian company that empowers you to grow local produce anytime and anywhere, from the arctic to the desert, with its hydroponic container farms. They are already tried-and-true in about 40 First Nation communities, so this is not some pipe dream. Just a lot of hard work which has not stopped us before.
How will it address the needs of the People?
Quite simply, by providing the opportunity for the community members and others to access high quality, fresh produce at a price lower than they would presently pay at the local food market. This may not be a "perfect solution" to food insecurity, but it will significantly reduce the economic barriers to better quality food.
How will it address the needs of the Planet?
The local supply of leafy greens will be a contributing factor to reducing the need for long-haul trucking from the lower 48. Lettuce, parsley, and other greens will not have to be trucked to the community, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Also, plans are in the works to, as much as possible, eliminate the use of diesel-generated electricity to further reduse emissions.
How will this address the needs for Sustainability?
It will be the springboard for an economic opportunity, being a for-profit business. To be sustainable, any business must be profitable and all our projections indicate a reasonable and sustainable profit.
Who is leading This?
First and foremost, it is the community leadership that has stepped up to make a difference to the lives of its members. They have left no stone unturned to look for, and act on initiatives that can close the wide gap in substantive equality that exists in service delivery, child and youth programming, housing, business development, traditional On-the-Land access, education, and the list could go on. But, most importantly, they are attacking the issues, changing the heartbeat of their community, one beat at a time, and Sustainable Circular Economy is there to help them each step of the way.
Sustainable Circular Economy - Who are We?
Sustainable Circular Economy is not just another company or program to implement, or policy to follow. We understand that personal and business activities impact the earth and its resources.
We focus our efforts to protect and enhance our living environment while helping people and businesses on a pathway to do the world a world of good. We will help you achieve results.
Based upon the principles of the Circular Economy, we help individuals and businesses to:
a) Eliminate waste and pollution b) Circulate products and materials to their highest value c) Assist with a pathway to sustainability
Contact Sustainable Circular Economy today to discover if your company is doing the world a world of good. It is the right time to seize the new era of opportunity and innovation through integration of a circular economy and sustainability into your life and your business.
Best wishes from us all at Sustainable Circular Economy.
Sustainable Circular Economy
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Telephone: (604) 788 7261
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