Protests over “unconscionable” bottled water business in California
As tension over the drought increases in California, residents are mounting protests against bottled water companies. This follows revelations that Nestlé and other big companies are depleting mountain streams and …
Near groundwater zero, a farmer draws on his resolve
From all the day’s news about California’s drought, this emerges: a deeply moving piece about Adam Toledo, a young farmer from near Terra Bella, in California’s Central Valley. His well …
Q & A: UC’s Doug Parker on California’s drought
“I find it rather disturbing that some people see this as an urban vs. agriculture issue. The California Constitution states that water belongs to the people of the state. It is …
Drought watch: a rogue’s gallery of water guzzlers
One response to California’s disastrous drought has been to point fingers at specific crops and frame them as villains. But it’s not that simple. For example, while almonds consume a …
Is it time for a warning label on sugary drinks?
Few disagree that the consumption of sugary beverages is contributing to the national crisis of obesity and chronic disease, including Type 2 diabetes. Various ideas have been suggested to cut …
This piece is via UC Davis, with reporting by Luis Alvaro, student intern for Strategic Communications. Fruit box labels and seed packets tell the story of agriculture and explain – …
Opinion: Seriously, stop demonizing almonds
In a clever, highly readable piece, Alissa Walker (@awalkerinLA) of Gizmodo debunks the controversy surrounding almond production and water use. She proposes a different way to value water. Her analysis …
Opinion: De-Californify the Nation’s Produce Supply
In the crush of recent articles about California’s drought, a number of op-eds featuring big ideas have appeared. Journalist Tom Philpott (@tomphilpott) – he writes for Mother Jones – has penned …
Michael Pollan is an award-winning journalist, a prolific author, a professor at the University of California Berkeley, and a fierce and tireless advocate for sustainable living. An internationally renowned speaker, …
UC Food Observer chooses a handful of important stories for you to read as you finish your work week. On the menu, in no particular order: a Q & A …