What is "Soylent Green?"

  Nature is against us, simple enough. Biologically speaking, our environment is filled with carcinogens, neurotoxins, and death. There is, then, an odd paradox in the thought that in our day and age, wherein there is a growing trend to be responsible for our environment, that the environment around us feels no such responsibility towards us.

  What is considered "organic?" Biologically speaking, anything organic is something produced by living processes; chemically speaking, it is any carbon-containing molecule with a carbon-hydrogen bond. All food is organic, as it is initially produced through living processes. Politically speaking, organic relies on the appeal to nature fallacy, a fallacy that states that "a thing is good because it is natural, and that something is bad because it is unnatural." Regardless, it is safe to say that most people find common ground in the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle or sustainable production of food as a goal. Wherein we diverge is in how we achieve the means to that end.

  Science has continually shown to play an important role in increasing crop yields through the development of new strains of plants, but also in creating newer methods to combat pests and disease. Those who disagree argue that science and its development of these methods will harm the environment in a matter of ways including soil damage and runoff. At this point I must state that I am not completely against the concept of natural foods, for in fact I've never been able to reconstruct a better cup of coffee from coffee I can purchase at my usual market ($6.99) compared to the cup I made using coffee I bought at the local co-op ($18.99). Where I tend to disagree with organic food enthusiasts is in the marketing of such products: organic and non-organic foods are essentially the same product as they are both produced through biological processes, though organic foods are priced at a higher premium and justified by an alarm-ism towards standard, non-organic foods. Something being classified as "organic" does not guarantee its safety after being consumed by an individual, nor does it mean it is any more practical  or useful. It should be made clear that technological innovations regarding food should be proven to be safe and effective, and in most cases they are. Like diet, balance is key. Fluoridated water is generally healthier for you then the H20 from the Mississippi, and does away with diseases and pollutants that may be found in the river.

  In continuation of the role that science is seen to be playing in agriculture, I recently read an article regarding the development of a dietary food under the name "Soylent." To begin, Soylent is a mixture of essential and unessential nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, etc, that the body requires on a day-to-day basis, for a full list click here. Soylent is essentially a formless liquid produced from a variety of phytochemicals and other additives that replace what we tend to call food. This is a bit of an odd concept for me to grasp, especially with a name such as Soylent that reminds me of the 1973 movie wherein the world as a result of mass food protests has begun to make green "soylent chips" out of the deceased, lower class. With this, then, it is possible to suggest that food is long overdue in terms of innovation and higher food security that could also improve the health of those with an average income. This is not to say that this is an all-or-nothing affair, for it is easily possible to substitute Soylent or some other such product for breakfast and lunch, but also to be able to enjoy a nice evening meal. From the author's perspective, who is to say that this form of diet would not lead to psychological benefits, by exchanging biological cravings for psychological ones.

  In the not too distant future, as nutrition and diet continue to play a significant role in not just our society but throughout the world, we may begin to see some interesting developments take place including the form of what we call "food." What is considered natural and unnatural is relative to the individual, and I believe that further innovation in food and agriculture will allow us to put focus elsewhere while maintaining a healthy, fit lifestyle. To clarify, the average American spends roughly 13% on groceries annually. This being said, it could be suggested that spending less on groceries while maintaining a healthy, fit lifestyle will allow us to focus, or spend that money elsewhere. I also believe that these innovations will allow average income earners to improve not only their health and well-being, but many other aspects of their life.