Rain Forest in Your Kitchen: The Hidden Connection Between Extinction and Your Supermarket

Teitel here assesses the loss of ``biodiversity'' in our food sources and the potential cost to ourselves. By biodiversity, he means the various available species of seeds or livestock. He cites statistics that show how the growth of large corporate farms has narrowed our choices to those species that ship well or reproduce quickly. The subsequent loss of diversity, he points out, is risky, as it reduces the available gene pool. It is possible that future generations may not have enough genetic resources to call on for survival. Consumers, however, have more clout than they realize, Teitel asserts, and they can make small but significant changes. Instead of buying greenhouse vegetables year-round, he advises, opt for jicamas, cabbages and dried tomatoes. Teitel also urges us to look for food sources besides the usual supermarkets; roadside stands and health-food stores are options. Others include organizations dedicated to preserving historical or organic seed sources and livestock. This book is a good resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how we've damaged the food chain--and what we can do about it. (May)