Health Hotline Magazine | January 2024

ECOLOGICALLY THOUGHTFUL TRENDS

You may have heard that lab-grown animal products are the way of the future, promising a “kinder, greener protein.” But this year, consumers will give a hard pass to synthetic biology used to make these animal-free proteins and instead, focus on meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, and seafood raised, sourced, and processed in ways that are better for the environment, the animal, and humans. Unlike those who profit from lab-grown animal products, we know that the true way of the future is one of regenerative land- and animal-based agriculture, a system that will improve human nutrition, while also improving and safeguarding the environment 2 CONSUMERS REJECT LAB-GROWN MEAT

1 LEARNING TO MITIGATE THE HEALTH HAZARDS OF WILDFIRE SMOKE BECOMES AN UNFORTUNATE REALITY Wildfire seasons are getting longer and more extreme as our climate changes, resulting in tens of millions of people being exposed to hazardous smoky conditions each year. Wildfire smoke is compounding the deleterious e ects of air pollution caused by tra c and industry and may cause episodes of the worst air quality that people will ever experience. Fine particulate matter makes its way deep into the lungs, where it can lead to systemic inflammation and oxidative damage that a ects the whole body. Coping with intense and prolonged wildfire smoke is di cult, both physically and mentally. Of course on smoky days we should take it easy and stay indoors, drink plenty of water, and pay attention to wildfire smoke forecasts. And this year, we’ll learn about lung health heroes such as N-acetylcysteine, omega-3 fats, B vitamins, angelica root, mullein, and others. Of course, if you have respiratory challenges or experience chest tightness or shortness of breath, seek medical attention immediately.*

for generations to come. The idea that artificial food, grown in vats and using vast amounts of energy, is better for us and the environment is one that consumers will not accept. Instead of lab-grown meat, this year consumers are saying “yes” to organic and regenerative animal products that have been shown to have so many positive benefits. Check out Natural Grocers’ Sustainability pages for information on the highest standards in the industry.

3 THE BATTLE TO DEFINE “REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE” BEGINS

The term “regenerative” has grown in popularity in recent years. However, since the term is unregulated, anyone can put it on a product label or in their marketing materials, even if the environment from which the product was derived was worse o because of it. This is commonly known as “greenwashing” and has become a growing threat for those actually regenerating soil and land through their management. Furthermore, the battle to define regenerative agriculture often leaves out discussions around social justice, relational values, and the contribution of Indigenous and local knowledge.

In 2024, we’ll see consumers advocate for agricultural systems that are truly regenerative. We’ll educate ourselves and learn how experts at the Rodale Institute and Savory Institute have thoughtfully discussed the term “regenerative.” Experts from the Gund Institute for Environment at the University of Vermont published a paper illustrating how “regenerative” products are sourced from a way of farming that values reciprocity, respect, collective (human and non-human) wellbeing, knowledge co-creation, (re)localization, and it is often practiced through some combination of minimizing soil disturbance, maintaining vegetative soil cover, maximizing diversity, integrating livestock, and minimizing synthetic agrichemicals.

Terms and conditions apply. See page 2 for details. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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