World hunger has been a hot debate between humanitarians and environmentalists – rightfully so. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimated that in 2010 there were 925 million hungry people worldwide. That means that nearly 1 in 7 people are undernourished. The problem is not due to a lack of food. Instead the deficiency is related to the cost of food. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has identified multiple factors responsible for rising food prices that are responsible for increased starvation. Two of those factors, slowing growth in agricultural production and rising farm production costs, can be mitigated with the science and technologies of selective plant breeding.

The per capita fish consumption in the US has increased by over 50% over the last 25 years and is projected to continue climbing. This demand on fish has lead to and the problem of overfishing. As the wild fish population declines, fisheries have responded with a spur in growth of fish farming. So the real question is, does it matter if the fish you’re about to buy has been grown on a fish farm or was caught in the wild?

These days, we have several players in the ever-growing $1.5 billion artificial sweetener industry. Sugar substitutes are used in place of sucrose, or table sugar, to sweeten food or drinks. They are sweeter than regular sugar and, therefore, smaller quantities can be used to sweeten food to the same sweetness level. These compounds or chemicals sweeten food without the significant calories and also help diabetics to live a normal live. So what’s the catch?

Technology has managed to enhance the lives of people. However, along with the enhancements, there have been some adverse effects as well. For instance, the synthetic hormone diethylstilbestrol (DES) that had been used to stimulate growth in cattle was finally banned in 1979 after forty years of data had been accumulated reflecting cancer and birth defects. It seems that we would learn from our previous experiences, right?

People want to get the most bang for their buck. Who wants to spend $5 when they could find it for $4? This may seem most beneficial to the average consumer, but there are hidden costs to the buyer as well as the environment. It is undeniable that transportation is a considerable cause of greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide, along with other gases that contribute to air pollution, is released through vehicle emissions. Furthermore, other countries have loose standards on what chemicals can be used in food production.

Terms like free range or cage free conjure up a picture of livestock with the freedom to roam the green pastures. We think of all natural farming that supports both organic products, as well as abstains from animal cruelty. With free range farming, you can just imagine happy and lively chickens and turkeys, clucking in open fields, and feeding on natural grains. This is rarely the case.

Many of us try to eat the suitable food to promote a healthy body. If our fruits, vegetables and whole grains are grown in depleted or contaminated soils, how much good are we really doing for our bodies? It's likely you have also heard the term soil depletion, but what does it really mean to the average consumer?

When was the last time that you were truly satisfied with the taste of store-bought vegetables? You will likely discover a big difference when you buy from local growers vs. bringing home produce from big supermarkets. Can you remember a time that you went to the local produce market instead of the big supermarket? Here are a handful of reasons for buying local.

Your home is where your children spend most of their time. It's a place where they should be safe from any harm. However, when you consider all of the potential dangers lurking in your home, giving them the gift of green also gives you a piece of mind.

Having a healthy and green home is one of the ways to show your family you care. Make your home green to help reduce health risks associated with the use of toxic chemicals found in many home products. Here are some green home tips to help your home stay green and healthy.