English Pastoral: An Inheritance

Why we chose this title

Where does the food we consume come from?

Instead of looking at the origin of the item we buy, we prioritise its price tag.

Each purchase is a choice.

A choice that has wide ranging consequences.

Buying a cheaper item not always but often means that corners were cut in order to save costs. We might save money in the short term, but the long term consequences for our economy and the health of our planet are undeniable.

Fertilisers and pesticides are used to maximise productivity, but will eventually strip the soil of all its nutrients and cause erosion. Not to mention the impact on wild life. We need healthy soil and wildlife to feed the planet. 

Low wages for workers result in people requiring welfare benefits in order to make ends meet. Farmers are under constant pressure to lower prices and can no longer function without subsidies. Both welfare benefits and subsidies represent endless amounts of tax payer money. 

Imported food often lacks nutritional value as it is harvested before being ripe. It is scientifically proven that locally grown, seasonal food supports our health.

Many exotic items such as avocados from Mexico or apples from New Zealand have a huge carbon footprint. Additionally intensive monoculture in these regions have massive impact on the environment. 

These are just various examples of abstract costs that will eventually catch up with us.

Next time we choose to buy an item we might want to think twice.

What are the long term consequences of the choice you make?

Book Summary

English Pastoral is the story of an inheritance: one that affects us all. It tells of how rural landscapes around the world were brought close to collapse, and the age-old rhythms of work, weather, community and wild things were lost.

Where to buy it

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