Keeping that Connection

Decades ago I was asked what I was most worried about when it came to the environment. I named the growing divide between urban and rural dwellers, as I had just moved from a very remote rural location to an old established city.  Others in the seminar did not see the problem at all, but now I see my worry coming into sharp focus.Not only is the US facing food contamination issues, and a lack of farm labor to actually harvest or tend to the farms. 

Farmers are facing increasing pressure to “move elsewhere,” as suburbia grows further out, and those who want the “country life,” want the space, but not the smells, sounds and sights that go with it. Our soap is one way we are trying to rebuild that lost bridge, as people see the direct connection between their lives and choices and the farm that produces it.

Tonight I am going to a town meeting in another town to stand with a farmer who is being pressured to get rid of his dogs.  Dogs that protect his farm, and his neighbor’s homes, as their bark sounds alarm to everyone.  Neighbors are complaining about the “24 hour” barking. 

Since I live with a livestock guardian dog, and a herding dog, I am profoundly aware of the noise they can cause.  I am also thankful that because of them, my farm has not suffered any livestock losses due to predation, while all around me others without such helpers are losing their goats, sheep and poultry to bears, coyotes, foxes and such. This particular farmer is being told that his breed of dog is not an official livestock

guardian breed, to which I say “Told you so,” to all those who thought recent laws to protect dogs have made life more difficult.  In my state a dog cannot be tethered for more than half an hour, must come inside at night, and is supposed to be limited to outdoor exposure during winter.  I’ve been assured that doesn’t affect my dogs, because they are actively acting as agricultural animals, but it also ignores those who are part of a hunting pack, or sled dogs, or other dog activities. 

One of my breeds of choice was developed to be that “all purpose dog,” which makes them great on small farms, but that very trait is being discouraged over personality and ability to compete in dog sports.  It is not the breed of dog that matters. It is their purpose, and their skills.

Because this farmer has herding dogs rather than guarding dogs, people are saying that “right to farm” doesn’t pertain to them.  Let me assure you, a herding dog is a guardian. They are not just bossy to the livestock they herd, but they are protectors against predators as well.

Yesterday I read a social media comment about how “cruel” farming is, and how detrimental it is to the environment. My first reaction was “then don’t eat,” but while satisfying, it’s not very helpful.  I did explain that there are lots of different types of farmers, and that true “farmers,” those who actually tend the land, instead of use it up, are critical to maintaining a healthy planet, and society.  The author of the post was complaining that some of the oils used in soapmaking are too expensive, and they thought using animal fats was a more practical solution. The reaction of the commenters was “animal fats come from killing animals.  You’ll lose customers, better go vegan.”   They were also complaining about the processes involved in harvesting essential oils, so they suggested using fragrance oils.

As someone who values sustainability and understands that I am just one of the planet’s inhabitants, I want to point out a few things.  Right now rainforests and jungles are being destroyed to harvest palm oil because it is now used so widely.  While there is over harvesting of some ingredients, those are renewable and regenerative over time.  The key is  use the resource wisely, not wastefully.  Using fragrance oils, while they are stronger in scent, they are accompanied by parabens, phthalates and other chemicals that are harmful to people and the rest of the environment.

  Everyone has to make their own decisions, of course.  We just strive to be as “close to nature,” as we can be. So close that it surrounds us 24/7.  Watching the forests burn and rivers dry up, while other rivers overflow, I am reminded of how important it is that people use forethought in their decisions, not just immediacy.

Without people knowing where their food, clothing and personal care goods, come from, corporations are encouraged to be more profit driven than quality concerned.  One of the things I really love about being a small soap maker is that I can be careful in my choices, and communicate with our customers about why we make the choices that we do, and try to be a resource for their further curiosity.  If you value that too, then check out our soaps and gifts at www.surfinggoatsoap.net, or find a soapmaker closer to you and support them.

It’s just another way you can be in touch with the sources of your consumables, and see the direct effect you can have on the planet around you. Severing connections to these sources makes people more dependent upon corporations and in my opinion, more dangerous to themselves and the planet. Farms do more than grow food. They also teach lessons, such as patience and empathy, that our society is sorely losing.