Food and Energy-Making the Connection

This week's broadcast of the Hawaii Public Radio show Energy Futures is about the energy embedded in the food we eat in Hawaii. Since 90% of our food is imported, the thousands of food-miles embedded in what we buy and eat is one of the biggest uses of energy in the state. Promoting local and sustainable food production (as opposed to export-oriented commodity crops) is one of the biggest ways we can reduce our energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

HIPL has a documentary about how Cuba transformed its food production system after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the dramatic reduction in food as well as fossil fuel imports. It's called The Power of Community. This film documents how Cuba became a model for locally grown, organic food, the proliferation of neighborhood farmer's markets, strengthened community relations, and improved personal health. If you're interested in a viewing and discussion of this 60-minute film, email us.