In an age where humans have taken over control of vast pieces of land—about half of the earth’s habitable land is used for agriculture[1]—we can formulate a new concept: The planet is what we plant. The other half of the habitable land is composed of forest, shrub, as well as urban and built-up land. The latter only accounts for 1%, although it is the part we spend the most time in.

Farmland comes in many forms and shapes. A staggering three-quarters of the agricultural area is used for livestock, including both grazing and animal feed production. It is hard not to marvel at the sheer scale of agricultural sites when flying over them in a plane. But it is important to keep in mind that this massive expansion in agricultural land use has happened quite recently. While 2000 years ago the total farming area was below 0.5 billion hectares, it is now approaching 5 billion hectares. As you may imagine, many of these farms are not operated in an ecological and sustainable way, which has been part of the success story of feeding the global population with increasing efficiency (i.e., decrease in land required per person has dropped from 1.2 to 0.6 over the past 50 years[2]). However, this comes at the cost of biodiversity due to the use of pesticides and monoculture, and a negative impact on the climate. Especially the increased cattle farming has led to a sharp increase in the atmosphere’s methane levels, a greenhouse gas 78 times more potent than CO2 on a 20-year scale, which has contributed to a third of the global warming observed to date[3].

Every single one of our daily choices affects how land use will change in the years to come. Walking to the supermarket or shopping for groceries online is like going to the ballot and casting a vote for how our future planet is going to be cultivated.

At the same time, our food choices affect our personal well-being, health, cognitive performance, and so much more. Why do we hear so little about this on the news? Quite simply, making a change can be painful in the beginning, but you will end up with something much more valuable in the end. We at Alter believe that these two things—health of the body and planet—align very well and can be pursued with every choice we make. Let us alter our choices together so we can alter the planet!

We are ready. Are you?

[1] Available at: World Economic Forum

[2] Available at: Our World in Data

[3] Available at: IEA

<p>The post Alter your body – Alter the planet first appeared on Alter 🍏.</p>

Attention, coconut enthusiasts! Let’s crack open the debate: organic coconuts versus their non-organic cousins. Get ready, because we’re diving into the science of this tropical favorite. Coconut water is a natural, fat-free drink. Low in sugars and calories, it is rich in essential electrolytes and vitamins. Dubbed the “fluid of life,” coconut is safe for everyone to drink fresh from the nut. As the Hawaiians say, coconut water is “dew from the heavens”[1].

First up, a surprising fact—most coconut farmers don’t bother with pesticides or fertilizers. Why? Because coconuts are the Chuck Norris of the plant world—they thrive without extra help. So, if you’re paying extra for that “organic” label, you might want to rethink it. Coconuts naturally grow strong and healthy without chemical assistance, making the “organic” label less critical than you might think.

But don’t go ditching organic just yet. While pesticides may not be a concern, pollution can be. Studies, like one from India, have shown that pollutants can seep into coconuts, particularly in areas with industrial contamination. Not great news for your tropical drink.

Now, let’s talk taste. Organic coconut products often pack a richer flavor, much like the difference between a mediocre piña colada and one that transports you to a beach paradise. Plus, organic farming is kinder to the environment, promoting biodiversity and reducing carbon footprints—something Mother Earth certainly appreciates. But here’s the catch—organic coconuts come at a premium. Is the price hike worth it? That depends on how much you value that extra flavor and the feel-good factor of supporting sustainable farming. Organic methods avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, benefiting both the environment and the workers in the fields.

No matter which side you choose, both organic and non-organic coconuts are nutritional powerhouses. The choice is yours, but rest assured, either way, you’re indulging in a taste of paradise. So, next time you’re picking out coconuts, consider whether you want to splurge for organic or go with the natural resilience of conventional ones. Whatever you choose, you’re in for a coco-nutty treat! Remember, your choices matter—not just for your health, but for the planet. So enjoy your coconut, and know that with each one, you’re contributing to a more sustainable future. One coconut at a time!

[1] The chemistry of Coconut Water (2017) Coconut Handbook. Available at: Coconut Handbook. (Accessed: 30 August 2024).

<p>The post The Juicy Truth About Organic Coconuts first appeared on Alter 🍏.</p>