With the rising demand for ethanol and other biofuels in wealthy countries, including the U.S. and Great Britain, and the demand for a more protein-rich diet in developing countries like China, the world is struggling to cope with the enormity of the shift in supply and demand that has gradually been taking place over the past five years. Soaring world food prices have ignited protests and killings in Haiti and prompted violent outbursts in bread lines throughout Egypt. Worldwide international aid is scrambling to help poorer nations cope with the skyrocketing food prices that are now the result of low food reserves, higher energy prices and grain crops being converted to biofuel.

The effects of our living without regard to our gross amount of food waste and fuel consumption is finally catching up with us. Until we address accountability of our actions and realize that what we do over “here” affects people over “there,” the food/fuel crisis will continue to spiral out of control, taking us right down with it into poverty and malnutrition. Can that really happen? Let’s not test the water.

The good news is that because it is a situation we’ve created, we are the ones who can turn it around! It’s time we pick up the slack, tighten our belts and hunker down to some honest soul-searching by asking, “What is my part in all of this, and how can I make a difference?”

So here are some of the things I’ve come up with:

• First, whether making choices as a nation or as individuals, let’s remember Sir Isaac Newton’s theory of “every action has an equal and opposite reaction.”


• When it comes to buying food, make sure we buy only what we need in order to reduce spoilage waste.


• Globally, nations that supply the world with grain need to stop driving prices up by hoarding their reserves.


• Let’s support our local farmers with gusto! Farmers who are not government-subsidized need to stay in business in order to help ease the food burden as a whole.


• Globally, grand-scale assistance for small farmers in developing countries needs to be enacted to make sure they have seeds and fertilizer in order to expand production.


• Check in with the businesses and local establishments that you patronize to encourage them to recycle if they are not already doing so. And don’t forget the local schools! I am surprised at how few establishments in my hometown recycle, but I’m working on it. Remember that the adage “the squeaky wheel gets the oil” holds true, so keep at it!


• Last but not least, read all you can to educate yourself about biofuels and the current world hunger crisis. The two are related, and something’s got to give. Make it a priority to educate yourself and act on this important issue.

As a part of your research, you might want to check out WorldBank.org.