空中英語教室
2024年10月-快樂土壤，健康食品Happy Soil, Healthy Food
Max: Cindy, why have you been looking at that package of noodles for so long?
Cindy: I’m examining the label. It’s crucial to pay attention to details like origin, ingredients, weight, shelf life and nutritional information. Understanding the details about what we eat helps us make informed choices.
Max: I can understand why it’s good to read the nutrition facts, but why is it helpful to know where our food comes from?
Cindy: Well, different regions have unique specialties based on their environment and farming practices. Opting for local and seasonal ingredients not only ensures freshness but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation, thus diminishing environmental impact.
Max: That’s a good point. It’s important to prioritize the health of the environment! Speaking of farming, we also need to make sure we have fertile soil, clean water sources and sustainable farming practices that support healthy crop growth.
Cindy: Thankfully, Taiwan’s got that covered. Taiwan offers a robust variety of agricultural products thanks to its varied soil compositions across different regions. Where does your favorite food come from?
Max: Oh well, one is rice from Taitung. It’s absolutely delicious, thanks to the pollution-free environment and pristine water sources in that region. Taitung’s rice is not only prized locally but also celebrated all over the world!
With consumers much more likely to examine labels before making their purchases these days, understanding where food comes from has become indispensable for ensuring food safety and healthy eating habits. But beyond the label lies a critical concern: the environment in which our food is grown. And in Taiwan, where a portion of agricultural irrigation relies on groundwater, the integrity of the soil and groundwater is tightly linked to food safety.
Sadly, in the early days of Taiwan’s economic development, environmental preservation was largely overlooked, leading to the contamination of soil and water sources. The consequences have been serious, with contaminated farmland, crops being destroyed and farmers facing heavy economic losses. Furthermore, contaminated crops could be eaten by people who are unaware of the danger, which may affect the health of those who consume them.
As a result of numerous incidents over Taiwan’s history, the authorities have established robust legal frameworks and governmental agencies tasked with managing and reducing environmental risk. Addressing this issue has demanded significant time and financial investment, but it’s been well worth the cost.
By increasing public awareness of the need for environmental protection and promptly reporting dangerous or abnormal environmental conditions, we can all play a part in keeping Taiwan safe. Remember, good food comes from good soil. And good soil is a gift that keeps on giving!