The invisibility of farmers keeps them vulnerable to the harsh realities of agricultural and commodity markets, contract farming arrangements that are hard to sustain, or are generally bullied by agrifood businesses. Direct sales from farmers bypass so much of what is wrong and broken in the conventional food system. Knowing the farmer creates a social obligation that is not extended to those who remain hidden from view.

Self-sufficient food production operates outside of the formal economy, providing people with the ability to sustain themselves independent of the conventional system. The global peasant movement shifts the focus from selling commodity crops back to growing food for consumption and then sales, which offers a more sustainable future. In wealthier countries, the intentional community movement also encourages food sovereignty. I think everyone should strive to produce something they eat, even if it is small. 

Meat is a status symbol, but I think culturally North America is coming around to a more sophisticated menu--some vegetarian meals are so delicious that people often don't realize. It is important to share great recipes and knowledge for finding adequate protein sources.

Eating healthy is more than money. It will save you money but it will also improve and increase your live expectancy. 

 I could reduce my electricity usage by unplugging my electronics during the day and reduce my water consumption by doing less laundry, I could reuse the cups from the tea places on campus around my dorm when people come over, I could refuse plastic bags at the store and carry my stuff when I have forgotten my reusable bags, I could repair broken objects around my dorm with duck tape so they don't end up in the land fill, and if they are not repairable I will use them for something else, I will also repurpose by using thrift store clothes to make my Halloween costume instead of buying a new one.