I was recently lucky enough to be introduced to a Swedish initiated but worldwide foundation called “EAT” which is dedicated to creating a global sustainable food economy.

A huge ambition.

Personal Perspective-1

This foundation, which is backed by world leaders, academics and top companies, is about to have their first Asian Conference in Jakarta as I write and it will be over by the time you read this. I hope it raises awareness of the three things it taught me, which are simple but earth shaking in their importance.

One, that food is the largest economic sector in the world with a massive 30% of the global economy.

Two, that food is the primary cause of bad health – and conversely – good health!
Three, that the food industry (which includes agriculture after all) is the biggest cause of environmental damage worldwide.

I am sure you are saying “I knew that” but we simply don’t grasp the staggering importance of these facts. In fact there is nothing of more importance in the world but we take it so causally both personally and professionally and allow them to become a source of problems not a source of inspiration and achievement.

Let’s change that by focusing on how to make the whole food cycle from production to consumption to disposal as sustainable and environmentally friendly we can.

We owe it to the world.

Alistair G. Speirs

Alistair G. Speirs

Alistair G Speirs, OBE, is the Publisher of NOW! Magazines. He has been in the publishing, advertising and PR business for the last 25 years. He started both NOW! Bali and NOW! Jakarta as each region's preferred community magazine.