Vijen Patel’s Post

Have you noticed how people often look to ‘the good old days’ as an answer for todays sustainability issues? One example is people speaking out against anaerobic digestion, saying we should deal with food scraps through composting. Composting is a great way to return nutrients to our soil and should be part of the solution. I compost - but I have a quarter acre section and I’m a keen gardener. For many people it just isn’t feasible and contributing to a community scheme isn’t a priority. And even with my compost and worm farm I have food scraps that can’t go in either. Anaerobic digestion can also safely process organic waste streams that aren’t ideal for composting, such as liquids or meat or diary. So let’s not let nostalgia holds us back from progress. I’ve got plenty more examples, I’m interested to hear yours?

I Did Not Mind My Business Today Imagine witnessing someone casually toss a full plate of food into the trash. It's a scene we often overlook, yet it carries a profound weight. This seemingly small act reflects a more significant societal issue: food waste. As someone deeply concerned about food security, I couldn't ignore what I saw. Earlier today, in the heart of our university's cafeteria, I witnessed a young woman carelessly discard a bowl of untouched food. A wave of frustration and disappointment washed over me. I thought of the countless people around the world who struggle to meet their basic nutritional needs. Every wasted morsel is a missed opportunity to nourish someone in need. Driven by a sense of responsibility, I approached the woman and gently inquired about her decision. She replied that she was full and didn't want the food. I shared that millions of people worldwide struggle with hunger and that wasting food is a significant issue. Her response surprised me: "I'm sorry about those people, but I can't let you tell me how to live my life." If only there were laws safeguarding food use by consumers, I would have called the Police to arrest her. This was clearly a violation of food use and equitable consumption. There is no justification for someone to waste food and not be sorry about it. While I understand her desire for autonomy, I believe it's important to be mindful of how our actions impact others and the planet. I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of sadness as I walked away. I hope she remembers this incident every other time she has thoughts of throwing food away. This encounter has reinforced my belief that we must be more mindful of our actions and their impact on the world. It's time to break free from the mindset that we can live without considering the consequences. By being more conscious of our food consumption and reducing waste, we can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future for all. #FoodWaste #FoodSecurity #Sustainability #MindfulConsumption #SocialResponsibility

The Real Question: Nature's Flaws or Man-Made Toxins? When it comes to our food, we often face an unsettling choice. Would you prefer a few natural imperfections, like the occasional worm in your vegetables, or chemical insecticides coating every single bite? This might sound extreme, but it captures the essence of a bigger issue. Our current food system prioritizes appearance and shelf life over the purity and naturalness of what we consume. Commercial farming relies heavily on chemical insecticides and pesticides to ensure every vegetable looks perfect—unblemished, shiny, and free from nature’s little “intruders.” But what is the real cost of this perfection? Chemical insecticides, though effective in keeping pests at bay, leave residues that we eventually consume. The long-term impact of these toxins on our health is still a growing concern, with studies linking pesticide exposure to a host of health issues, including hormone disruption, neurological disorders, and even cancer. Essentially, while our food might look pristine, it often carries hidden dangers beneath the surface. On the other hand, organic or naturally grown produce may not always be as visually perfect. The occasional worm or insect is a reminder that what you’re eating is part of a living, breathing ecosystem. It’s a sign of a healthy, chemical-free environment where nature still plays its role. These natural imperfections don’t just signal purity—they remind us that food is meant to nourish us, not harm us. At the end of the day, the real question we should be asking isn’t whether we can tolerate a few flaws in our food—it’s whether we’re willing to compromise our health for a picture-perfect meal. Choosing vegetables with a little more character, grown naturally without harmful chemicals, means choosing life over convenience, health over appearance. The occasional worm isn’t an enemy—it’s a sign that the earth is still alive and well. #OrganicChoices #HealthyLiving #NaturalProduce #ChemicalFree #SustainableFarming #RealFood #EatClean #HealthyLife #FarmToTable #EcoConsciousLiving #FoodForThought

Why I Stopped Eating Meat 🥩❌ I've transformed my diet and my body by choosing compassion over cruelty. My journey to muscle-building is fueled by plant-based choices, like the seitan I rely on that's not only cruelty-free but packs a powerful protein punch with 17g per serving — and it's easy on the sodium too. This shift isn't just kind to animals; it's kind to my body, proving that soy doesn't compromise testosterone levels — mine stands strong at 846. This change has helped me build conscious muscle, aligning my physique goals with my ethical stance. If you're ready to transition from a diet of cruelty to one of compassion, and build strength that's both physical and moral, comment 'NEW VEGAN' below. I'm here to help guide you. #ConsciousMuscle #PlantBasedPower

In 1952, Reader’s Digest published an article that fundamentally changed the conversation about smoking. My grandfather hadn't read it yet, but during a gathering with friends, he picked it up, read it, and then walked away, never to smoke again. He had been a heavy smoker, but his newfound awareness was enough to make him quit cold turkey. I’ve been reflecting on that story a lot lately, especially with the growing awareness of our food system’s dangers. For the past decade, we've been talking about regenerative agriculture and the risks of ultra-processed foods, but it seems like only now people are waking up to the reality that our food might be slowly poisoning us. I recently listened to a podcast with Calley and Casey Means, who are emerging voices in this conversation. Their message seems to be resonating quickly. It brings to mind Morphic Resonance a theory that has captured me lately. It’s the idea that when a critical number of individuals within a species adopt a new behavior or awareness, that shift begins to spread much faster across the whole group—even without direct communication. This has stuck with me because it feels like humanity is experiencing something similar—an awakening. We’ve known about the dangers of processed foods and industrial agriculture for a while, but now it feels like the collective consciousness is catching on, just like when my grandfather realized the truth about smoking. The Means, canaries in the proverbial coal mine are paying attention. As more of us realize the dangers of our current food system, I believe we're approaching a convection point. Just as my grandfather did as the consequences of that Readers Digest article hit him. Many people are now realizing it’s time to step away from contrived conventions andk tough questions and adopt a healthier, more sustainable path. What do you think—are we on the verge of a collective shift in how we approach food and health?

“Over 30% of all food produced globally is lost or goes to waste, and that's a big problem for society and the planet. Upcycled food prevents this problem by creating new, high-quality products from surplus food. 60% of people want to buy more upcycled food products, and that's because 95% of us want to do our part to reduce food waste.” Jonathan Deutsch, PhD, professor and director of the Drexel Food Lab Today, we honor our beautiful home, Earth, and spotlight the efforts of Drexel Food Lab at the College of Nursing and Health Professions. Our emphasis on creating upcycled food products, not only cares for our planet but also nourishes the health of our population. Recognizing our partners, Reveal Avocado Seed Brew, Abundantly Good, TBJ Gourmet, Agricycle, and Matriark Foods—who make this possible. Here’s to a greener, healthier future 🌎 #HappyEarthDay Check out the Food Lab: https://bit.ly/4aG1uah

Make good choices today so you don't have regrets tomorrow🍀 🍀Every day we face making hundreds of choices about our families, friends, health, jobs, money, education, time, purchases, food, and, most importantly, our values and beliefs. Some of these decisions have little impact on our lives, while others may greatly impact our circumstances and overall sense of fulfillment. 🍀Sometimes we forget about making good choices on our skin products and home care products which we use in our daily lives. We just follow people and buy chemical products that cause skin & health problems. 🍀This is the time when we need to switch to organic products which will not only make you healthy and shiny but also keep the environment and pets safe. Make a ✅choice today and start using organic products. #HughAndGrace #EnvironmentSafe #Healthy #BetterSkin🍀

As a food industry professional, do you truly recognize food waste when you see it? I once didn't. I noticed everything but food waste: quality and packaging defects, expired ingredients, excess production, animal feed, and more. Changing our perception of 'waste' is the first step to challenge our mindset and uncover new opportunities to reduce, redirect and repurpose food waste. Over the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing a series of tips on how to reduce food waste in your business and across your supply chain.

BEWARE: Local Foil Wraps Can Lead to... You are making the biggest mistake of your life if you are using foils without an ISI mark, called local foils! Did you know they've been linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and even multiple sclerosis? Not to mention, they can leach into your food while cooking! Confusion, muscle weakness, aching bones, seizures–these are just some symptoms of toxic exposure. Not cool, right? Especially for parents packing lunches for their little ones. You must check the ISI mark before making the purchase! Because if you're not checking, then be ready to face these harmful repercussions on health: 🚫 Chemical Leaching: Local foils often contain harmful chemicals that can leach into your food, especially when heated. 🚫 Toxic Exposure: Exposure to toxins from low-quality foils can accumulate in the body over time, leading to various health problems and concerns. 🚫 Environmental Impact: These foils are often manufactured using processes that are harmful to the environment, contributing to pollution and the depletion of natural resources. 🚫 Inferior Quality: Local foils increase the risk of tearing or puncturing during use, exposing your food to contaminants. While we don't want to scare anyone, it's good to be aware of the options! At Paramount, we prioritise your well-being by conducting proper quality checks and ensuring our foil wraps are free from hazardous chemicals. When your food is wrapped in Paramount foil, you can trust that it's safe for consumption. Because it's not just about convenience; it's about your family's health and well-being. Paramount offers a solution you can trust. Our foil wraps undergo rigorous quality checks, ensuring your child's food stays safe and healthy, bite after bite. Moreover, we prioritise sustainability (as expounded in our previous post) by utilising eco-friendly production practices, making it the responsible choice for a greener planet. This is precisely why making the switch to Paramount is crucial. Make the switch today and experience the Paramount difference firsthand. Your family deserves the best, and we're here to deliver it. Share this paramount information with all your acquaintances and save their lives by contributing to a healthy and sustainable world. 🌱 #local #foils #healthcare #toxic #food #paramount #paramountfoils

Check out my article: What Food Waste teaches us about Gratitude & the Value of Things. https://ed.gr/eewp1 #elephantjournal #foodwaste #gratitude #value #highvibrations