Yesterday we had the privilege of seeing the one and only Michael Pollan speak at Goucher College. For those of you who don’t know, Pollan is the author of numerous articles and books including The Omivore’s Dilemma, In Defense of Food, and most recently, Food Rules. He also appears in the epic documentary Food Inc. Basically, he’s kind of a rockstar in the sustainable eating community, and we were like giddy school girls.
Excited Little Health Nuts
Our wonderful friend Kel, who goes to Goucher, got us the tickets and that lucky little girl actually got to have dinner with him before the talk. You should’ve seen her. We thought she was going to pass out.
The auditiorium was PACKED. We got sassed for trying to sneak into the reserved seating, but actually ended up getting amazing seats in the fourth row at the last minute.
Totally Sold Out
The talk, which was streamed wordwide from Goucher’s website, was held in conversation format with a pretty substantial Q&A at the end.
The crux of Pollan’s emphasis is on eating whole, nutritious foods in a manner that is most sustainable and environmentally responsible. Some of his more resounding quotes:
“We affect the natural world, more than anything else, when we eat.”
“It’s amazing how angry we get when nature doesn’t fulfill our expectations.”
“Something happens to you after you’ve visited a feedlot. When I go to McDonalds, there is nothing attractive about it. I’m really only there for research.”
“Food is uniquely empowering. You make choices three times a day.”
“Cheap food is a curse. It isn’t as cheap as it seems.”
“You are what you eat, but you are what you eat eats too.”
Swoon…Dear Mr. Pollan, I think you’re my soulmate. Marry me please?
My future husband has inspired a lot of readers to become vegetarians, but interestingly, he is not one himself. Here he addresses the controversial issue of eating meat, and the debocale one my face when choosing quality over proximity, both of which he considers important:
Afterwards as people we buzzing around the lobby, I caught up with two Goucher cuties who seemed to be just as smitten with Pollan as I was:
Seeing him speak was not only the most exciting part of an otherwise mundane Tuesday, but also a very inspiring experience. Being surrounded by people who consider this issue of utmost importance really has me feeling hopeful and excited for the future of the food industry.
What do you guys think? Have you ever read or seen any of Pollan’s work?
Gabby,
Your incredible journalism inspires me. Michael Pollan is the type of person who recognizes that we can change the food industry with our everyday choices and we have more power as consumers than we do when we actually go to the polls to vote. Vote with your dollars! What have you supported with those dolla’s today? Huh?
-Kel
Today I bought Perdue chicken, gas from Exxon, furniture ala rainforrest wood from Walmart, and a large shake from Mickey D’s…don’t tell Pollan!!!
(I jest, I actually bought nothing today, but my last dollas spent were obvi at TJs)
That’s awesome that you got to see him. I am sooo jealous. Kali and I saw Food, Inc. and it changed the way I perceive what food is. So glad to see you are a healthy chick:)