Food Consumption and Environmental Degradation: Beyond Our Control?

Mass food consumption has been one of the foremost issues concerning environmental degradation. The food production industry has been detrimental, high amounts of waste and deforestation have played a damaging role in the ecology of our planet. This reflection tackles this issue with reference to the sign value food consumption has in our consumerist culture. Recognising the role of sign values in creating the problem, this reflection proposes that perhaps a way forward is possible if we attempt to change the sign values of more ecologically aware foods, though admittedly that this would be a formidable feat to achieve.