Movie Review: How to Save the World

One Man, One Cow, One Planet.

Well I finally had the opportunity to watch this, oft talked about film, and there are a variety of thoughts I had on the matter. The story takes place in semi rural India, showing a variety of scenes where farmers are switching back to organic farming after years of chemical dependent agriculture. The differnces between soil in a chemically managed field and an organically managed one are laid bare, and they are quite evident. Before I start cheering there are a few things I feel need to be discussed.

First is the issue of method. The primary technique being demonstrated is Biodynamic farming. If this sounds unfamiliar, its probably because by and large its not a popular practice here in America, despite being largely similar to other compost dependent organic methods. The reason for that, as acknowledged by the movies is due to the "preparations" which could arouse comments ranging from "kookie" from the cynic, "a bit esoteric" from the polite, to "wow that makes complete sense " from the believer. I wont lay out all the details but they are a bit esoteric for my taste, and many involve using animal parts which from my ethical perspective is a no no.

There is however a strong point to be made that the shift from industrial agriculture which has devastated the land and people, to organic agriculture (biodynamic or otherwise) has increased the well being of the farmers and their families. I found it particularly encouraging that they were including the concepts of living wage and medical care for the workers in the definition of sustainability.

I think this might be an excellent video to show to someone who looks at modern agriculture as "imperfect but the only option" in the modern market. Not only does it lay out ample evidence of the devastation caused by the "green revolution" (and Monsanto's culpability in the modern economic enslavement of farmers in the developing world) but it demonstrates that a shift, not only in method, but in the culture of farming, produces comparable (often better) results to industrial methods but can continue to produce in perpetuity, instead of exhausting the land. There was a particularly enlightening moment for me when they visited the museum to Mahatma Gandhi. Though I considered myself an admirer and distant student, I knew very little about how deeply he held self sufficiency in regard. There was a moment when the link between Ahimsa, Democratic Empowerment, and Self sufficiency clicked together in my mind in a way I had never realized.

The last point is one of impression. We (and by that I mean mainstream western society) thinks of third world areas like rural India as places of misery begging to be developed. Begging for modern comfort. That the people toiling away lead an unfulfilling existence of desperation. What I saw on the biodynamic farms were people who looked healthy and happy. The work was hard, but there was no sign of malaise. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure there are certainly improvements to be made in preventative medicine, water quality, etc, but I would hardly think them a pitiful lot. In fact they seemed somewhat empowered by the fruits of their labor.

The other impression I got was more shocking. To see people handling raw cow manure with their bare hands gave me pause. It certainly did little to endear me to the biodynamic method. But after reflection, could this collision of cultural perspective and my admitted revulsion be in some way similar to the revulsion others have to my ideal of life? I'm sure there are plenty of things (like adding diluted urine to the compost pile) which might cause others to be turned off to the more avant garde (or rather avant-garden) techniques. There are deep seated cultural preconceptions that must be overcome before any change can happen.

All in all I give it a thumbs up. I don't know if it is best to watch this before or after things like "the future of food," "King corn," or "the world according to monsanto," but it definitely deserves a place in the list.