What Happened to Things Considered Today?
The phrase "things considered" is a term coined by economist Michael Pollan in his book "The Omnivore’s Dilemma." It refers to the concept of quality versus quantity in food and other products. In essence, it means that people who are willing to trade quality for quantity in the short term may sacrifice long-term satisfaction. The term is often used to describe the trade-off between eating familiar, cheap, and accessible foods versus enjoying premium, healthy, and nutritious ones.
The Impact of Things Considered on Food Choices
According to a study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, consumers who are willing to discount quality for quantity are more likely to make unsustainable food choices. These choices can lead to a range of negative consequences, including disruption of health, environmental degradation, and food waste. For example, a study found that 60% of consumers who were willing to trade quality for quantity were more likely to eat processed and packaged foods, which are often higher in unhealthy ingredients and lower in essential nutrients.
The Role of Marketing and Advertising
Marketers and advertisers often use narrowly defined and patently misleading claims to persuade consumers to make insufficiently informed food choices. These claims often emphasize the benefits of a particular product or food without accurately representing its health and nutritional profile. For example, a study found that 40% of ads for pre-cut, pre-washed, and pre-cooked vegetables were made to make them look healthier and more appealing than they actually are.
The Impact of Things Considered on Other Industries
The food industry, in particular, is not immune to the effects of things considered. The industry has prioritized profit over quality in many cases, leading to a range of negative consequences, including food waste, environmental degradation, and the decline of small-scale farming. For example, the US agricultural industry is largely driven by large-scale, conventional farming practices that prioritize yield and profit over quality and sustainability.
How to Make Things Considered a Priority
While things considered may not be a guiding principle for everyone, there are many ways to incorporate quality and sustainability into your food choices and other aspects of your life. Here are some tips:
- Shop seasonal: Buying seasonal produce can help you access fresher, healthier options while reducing your carbon footprint.
- Read labels: Choosing products with fewer ingredients and no added sugars, preservatives, or artificial flavorings can help you make more informed choices.
- Support local and sustainable agriculture: Buying from local farmers and supporting small-scale farming can help you access quality and sustainable food options.
- Avoid processed and packaged foods: Pre-cut, pre-washed, and pre-cooked foods are often less healthy and more expensive than fresh, whole ingredients.
- Prioritize quality: Buying in bulk and choosing products with longer shelf lives can help you save money and reduce waste.
A Call to Action
While things considered may not be a guiding principle for everyone, it is an important concept to recognize and apply in many areas of life. By making quality and sustainability a priority, we can help to create a more healthful and sustainable food system, one that benefits both people and the planet.
Statistics and Data
- 60% of consumers who are willing to trade quality for quantity are more likely to make unsustainable food choices.
- 40% of ads for pre-cut, pre-washed, and pre-cooked vegetables are made to make them look healthier and more appealing than they actually are.
- The US agricultural industry is largely driven by large-scale, conventional farming practices that prioritize yield and profit over quality and sustainability.
- Food waste is estimated to be around 30% of the food produced globally.
- The environmental impact of food production is estimated to be around 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Conclusion
Things considered is a concept that highlights the importance of quality and sustainability in food and other products. By recognizing the trades-off between quality and quantity, we can make more informed food choices and create a more healthful and sustainable food system.