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Deconstructing Dinner

Beer to Beat Climate Change

Podcast: 'Deconstructing Dinner' talks to author Christopher O'Brien about changing the world through brew.

Jon Steinman 8 Dec 2008TheTyee.ca

Jon Steinman is producer and host of Kootenay Co-op Radio's program Deconstructing Dinner. A new podcast with notes is posted here every Friday afternoon. All Deconstructing Dinner podcasts can be found here.

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[Editor's note: This is a summary of a podcast you can download or listen to from this page.]

Can drinking beer save the world? There is likely a large portion of the population that would be quite happy to think so. Although this goal is perhaps a little lofty, small breweries around the world are leading a quiet revolution, says author Christopher O'Brien.

Fermenting Revolution is the title of his book. On this episode, Deconstructing Dinner talks to O'Brien about how beer can be used to take a stand against climate change, pollution and corporate control.

We also hear from two intrepid farmers in Nelson, B.C. who launched a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) project last year. It is one alternative to the dominant food system, whereby members help farmers invest at the beginning of the season, and then are entitled to part of the harvest at the end of the season. CSA members all share the risks and rewards of farming. People are connected with their food and farmers have a more secure source of income.

Guests

Christopher O'Brien, author, Fermenting Revolution (Washintgon D.C.) -- When he is not writing books, O'Brien works at the Center for a New American Dream as director of the Responsible Purchasing Network. There he helps institutions of all kinds identify and purchase products that are more socially and environmentally responsible. Chris is also part-owner of the Seven Bridges Co-operative, an exclusive supplier of organic beer-making supplies.

Craig Smith and Laura Sachs, farmers, Soil Matters (Castlegar, B.C.) -- Located between Nelson and Castlegar, British Columbia, Soil Matters is a certified organic farm. Smith and Sacks maintain 8000-square-feet of greenhouse space and a few outdoor plots, which allow for a growing season from early spring to late fall. Last year Soil Matters launched a CSA program that currently has 17 members.

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