Live with nature

In the year 2007, my journey took me to the beautiful country of the Netherlands with the purpose of participating in a brief educational program focusing on the intricacies of agriculture. During a pleasant visit to the residence of an acquaintance, a fascinating sight caught my attention as I observed a cluster of apples gracefully scattered beneath the bountiful tree. Without hesitation, I proceeded to carefully retrieve these fruits from the ground, diligently cleansing them of any impurities they may have accumulated, and delicately arranging them on a nearby table, showcasing their natural allure. In an attempt to share my newfound discovery with those present, I proudly proclaimed that these apples were cultivated through organic practices, free from the influence of harmful chemicals or pesticides, emphasizing their purity to all in attendance.

However, to my surprise, a companion by the name of Maik interjected with a cautionary statement, expressing his reservations regarding the consumption of these seemingly pristine apples. He warned that despite their outward appearance, these fruits may harbor a myriad of dangers such as harmful bacteria, pesky insects, insidious fungi, and even contaminants in the form of avian droppings, potentially carrying a host of diseases that could pose a threat to one's health. According to Maik, the consumption of safe and suitable apples necessitates their cultivation in a meticulously controlled environment, typically found on a professionally managed farm adhering to stringent guidelines and employing documented farming techniques.

Such apples undergo a rigorous process that includes a period of isolation to allow for the dissipation of any lingering residues from fertilizers and pesticides, followed by a thorough cleansing with a solution consisting of water infused with preservatives like saltwater or ozone tablets. Additionally, these fruits are subjected to a sterilization method involving exposure to radiation to effectively eradicate any harmful microorganisms, subsequently undergoing a meticulous sorting process facilitated by specialized machines to eliminate any defective specimens. It is suggested that individuals with the financial means opt for organic fruits, which necessitate each individual fruit to be meticulously shielded with protective wrapping from an early stage of development or cultivated within tightly sealed greenhouses to prevent external contamination.

Upon reaching maturity, these organic fruits are to be handled with utmost care, undergoing a comprehensive washing procedure and meticulous inspection in accordance with strict and elaborate protocols, which undoubtedly incur substantial costs. Conversely, fruits such as oranges and pears, commonly found adorning the picturesque gardens, are primarily intended for ornamental purposes rather than consumption, serving as a visual delight rather than a culinary delight.

During my extensive journeys across the United States, Japan, Israel, Italy, and a myriad of other nations, a conspicuous sight of fruit-laden orange and pomegranate trees lining the streets caught my attention, conspicuously left undisturbed. Upon my query into this puzzling phenomenon, the local inhabitants were quick to inform me that these trees had been tainted by the noxious emissions of gasoline and lead, rendering their produce unfit for human consumption. Interestingly, a significant number of my acquaintances are proprietors of vast agricultural estates where they rear ornamental fowl. When it comes to partaking of eggs or poultry, they opt to procure these items from retail outlets, ensuring that the products are not only pasteurized but also meticulously arranged in trays, rather than resorting to the slaughter of chickens to cater to their guests. In numerous regions, there exists a stringent requirement for meat to undergo a prescribed duration of freezing before it can be vended, with the sale of fresh meat being strictly prohibited. It is a known fact that animals in the wild are carriers of a diverse array of ailments, consequently leading to considerably abbreviated lifespans for our ancestors; indeed, our forebears who subsisted as hunters and gatherers seldom reached the age of sixty. In the present era, the average life expectancy across the globe hovers around the seven-decade mark, unequivocally highlighting the profound advantages of scientific progress. The fruits that thrive in backyard gardens are frequently subject to consumption by various creatures such as bats, rodents, and avians, potentially harboring harmful pathogens. Eggs that retain feathers and excrement, if stored within refrigeration units, could serve as breeding grounds for a host of maladies. Given the emergence of novel microbial strains that have yet to be conclusively identified by the scientific community, it is strongly recommended to exclusively partake of properly processed food items. Water sourced from treated tap systems containing chlorine is markedly safer in comparison to water derived from rivers, underground reservoirs, wells, ponds, or lakes. The realm of scientific innovation is steadfastly geared towards augmenting the quality of our existence. In a particular sojourn to Vietnam, I extended offerings of vegetables, fruits, and meat to my guests. Upon inquiring whether these provisions were sourced from natural habitats or agricultural enterprises, the unanimous preference leaned towards the latter, a choice that resonated with my sensibilities.

In the not-so-distant past, specifically during the early years of the second millennium, my sojourn led me to the vibrant city of Hong Kong. It was a time when Hong Kong bore a semblance to the present-day landscape of Vietnam. Following a phase of rapid urbanization and progress, a distinct cohort of individuals emerged, whose days were occupied with fervent discussions on ethical matters encompassing environmental preservation, eschewing plastic and synthetic compounds, embracing a holistic lifestyle deeply rooted in nature, and favoring meditation as a means of convalescence over conventional medicinal approaches. These individuals even went to the extent of commuting to their workplaces on foot, eschewing the use of gasoline-powered vehicles. Intrigued by their ethos, I began participating in the weekend activities organized by this group. However, my mentor disparagingly referred to these individuals as proponents of a form of extremism owing to their unconventional beliefs. Upon being apprised of this characterization, I made the deliberate decision to disassociate myself from the group. On a certain day, while engrossed in the preparation of mooncakes for the forthcoming Mid-Autumn Festival, the plan was conceived to donate these delicacies to destitute residents of nursing homes (wherein there existed facilities catering to affluent patrons who could afford the services, reminiscent of opulent five-star accommodations, as well as establishments sponsored by governmental bodies and philanthropic entities for the less privileged segments of society).

On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong, the atmosphere was filled with a vibrant and celebratory spirit, particularly evident in the bustling Victoria Park. As I was in the midst of my nightly routine, preparing to retire to bed after a refreshing shower, the tranquility of the moment was interrupted by the shrill ringing of my phone. It was the group leader summoning me for an impromptu and urgent meeting, a common occurrence in a city like Hong Kong where individuals are known to be active even during the late hours of the night, facilitating meetings at any given moment. Unfortunately, I had to decline the invitation as I was no longer affiliated with the group, rendering my presence unnecessary.

The following morning, while indulging in a cup of coffee within the confines of my office and perusing the pages of the newspaper, my attention was arrested by a shocking headline that featured the image of the charitable group on the front page. The donation of mooncakes by the group had resulted in a disastrous outcome, with reports of mass poisoning emerging in the aftermath. Numerous elderly individuals had to be swiftly transported to the hospital, some of whom were in critical condition, and tragically, a few had succumbed to the effects of the toxic mooncakes. Subsequent investigations revealed that the absence of preservatives in the mooncakes had created a breeding ground for various harmful elements such as bacteria, mold, and yeast.

It was elucidated that peanuts, when cooked and left unattended for an extended period before consumption, are highly susceptible to the proliferation of deleterious molds. The utilization of preservatives such as Sorbic or Benzoate plays a pivotal role in impeding this process. Consequently, the entire charitable team found themselves embroiled in a comprehensive probe conducted by law enforcement authorities. Later that evening, my mentor succinctly articulated a profound truth - individuals who harbor genuine intentions to do good but inadvertently cause harm are fundamentally misguided. The efficacy of good intentions hinges on their adept and meticulous application; otherwise, they run the risk of transmuting into sources of detriment.

The development of food preservatives is predicated on ensuring the safe consumption of edibles, with strict adherence to prescribed limits dictating their usage. These additives are engineered to decompose in alignment with the designated expiration date specified on the packaging. Upon reaching the expiration threshold, the efficacy of preservatives diminishes to zero, thereby fostering an environment conducive to the proliferation of gas, mold, and bacteria. It is imperative to eschew imprudent behavior when bestowing gifts, opting instead for labeled and securely packaged items sourced from reputable manufacturers.

In instances where individuals espouse a preference for handmade products, it is advisable to reserve them for personal consumption and abstain from distributing or vending them to others. Any product introduced to the market must conform to stringent regulations mandating the inclusion of requisite preservatives for the preservation of food safety, coupled with rigorous sterilization procedures, meticulous labeling practices, and formal registration processes. Subsequent to this incident, I have diligently refrained from partaking in any homemade or artisanal goods, recognizing the inherent risks associated with such items.

In cases where goods are produced in obscure or unregulated settings, the onus of responsibility is effectively absolved. While articulating these views may potentially evoke ire and discontent within the community of homemade goods enthusiasts, it is imperative to confront the stark reality underpinning the importance of adherence to established safety protocols and regulations. Individuals engaged in the commercial sale of products must operate within the parameters of legality and transparency, maintaining a sanctioned workspace that adheres to stipulated standards and guidelines.

Farming in regions characterized by humid tropical climates often faces the challenge of dealing with a multitude of pests, making the implementation of manual organic pest control methods a daunting and time-consuming task. A striking example of this difficulty can be observed in Mr. Kimura's apple orchard, where the trees, if left to grow naturally, were found devoid of a single leaf within a single night. The adoption of simplistic and organic agricultural practices by societies such as Japan and Northern Europe can be traced back to their advanced levels of societal development and considerable wealth. However, attempting to emulate their minimalist or organic lifestyle in regions with a lower level of economic development may result in meager and impoverished outcomes. An insightful case study can be found in Sri Lanka's experience with organic farming, where despite a relatively low GDP, the country's foray into organic agriculture serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating how shortages and societal unrest can emerge from such endeavors.

The practice of raising animals for eventual slaughter during ceremonial events or holidays warrants a thorough reconsideration of established norms. Indiscriminate slaughtering of animals has the potential to facilitate the transmission of dangerous diseases through the contamination of the surrounding environment with blood, which can seep into the ground or water sources. To mitigate such risks, strict regulations should be put in place to ensure that meat production processes are exclusively carried out in specialized slaughterhouses that adhere to stringent protocols for blood and waste management, followed by comprehensive disinfection procedures involving the use of chlorine and appropriate refrigerated storage facilities. For instance, the consumption of honey should be limited to products sourced from dedicated bee farms, as the harvesting of natural forest honey can disrupt the natural habitat of bees. Similar principles should also be applied to seafood consumption, favoring aquaculture practices over wild capture methods. Given the remarkable surge in the global population from 1 billion to 8 billion individuals, it is imperative to adopt a new mindset to navigate the evolving circumstances. It is evident that a paradigm shift is necessary, particularly as the available land for grazing diminishes while the population of elephants continues to exceed sustainable levels.

If one opts to reside in a state of symbiosis with the natural world, it is imperative to ensure that the delicate equilibrium of nature remains undisturbed, allowing for the flourishing of rivers, oceans, untamed fauna, and indigenous flora. The act of extracting crops and livestock from the environment for personal sustenance while purporting it to be a natural practice is fundamentally detrimental. It is incumbent upon humanity to cultivate the food they desire to consume on expansive, secluded agricultural estates that are meticulously recorded, preferably employing organic methodologies and retailing their products at premium rates to affluent consumers. In the event that fertilizers are utilized, they should be strictly contained until they receive official approval for distribution in the market. Subsequently, the harvested yield must undergo a thorough processing regime within a designated facility, involving procedures such as irradiation to eliminate pests, ozone purification or exposure to violet light for disinfection prior to packaging, and the attachment of verifiable labels to ensure compliance with legal obligations. This stringent protocol is the standard operating procedure for industrialized agriculture within a developed nation.