Author: You Can Cook

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Column Environment Food Health

Sustainable Farming Methods

Modern agriculture is increasingly exploring sustainable farming methods that reduce dependence on chemical pesticides and fertilisers while protecting soil health, ecosystems, and human well-being. These approaches aim to work with natural processes rather than relying heavily on synthetic inputs.

1. Organic Farming avoids synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilisers. Instead, farmers use natural compost, manure, green manure, and biological pest control methods. Techniques such as crop rotation and the use of organic matter improve soil fertility and encourage beneficial microorganisms. As a result, the soil becomes healthier and more productive over time.

2. Crop Rotation involves growing different types of crops in the same field across different seasons or years. For example, farmers may alternate cereals with legumes. Legumes naturally add nitrogen to the soil, reducing the need for artificial fertilisers. Rotation also interrupts pest and disease cycles, which decreases the need for chemical pesticides.

3. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) combines biological, cultural, and mechanical methods to control pests. Farmers monitor pest populations and only intervene when necessary. Natural predators such as ladybirds, birds, and beneficial insects are encouraged to control pests. Traps, resistant crop varieties, and careful field management also help reduce pesticide use.

4. Agroforestry integrates trees with crops or livestock on the same land. Trees improve soil structure, reduce erosion, and provide shade and organic matter through fallen leaves. They also support biodiversity, which helps control pests naturally.

5. Composting and Natural Fertilisers: Instead of chemical fertilisers, farmers can use compost, animal manure, and plant residues. These materials enrich the soil with organic matter and nutrients, improving water retention and soil structure.

6. Cover Cropping: Cover crops such as clover or rye are planted between growing seasons. They protect the soil from erosion, suppress weeds, and add nutrients when they decompose.

In conclusion, sustainable farming methods such as organic farming, crop rotation, and integrated pest management help maintain soil fertility and biodiversity while reducing reliance on harmful chemicals. These practices promote long-term agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability

Published in the Peebleshire News on 27th March 2026

Categories
Column Environment Food Health

Negative Impact of Pesticides & Fertilisers

Pesticides and chemical fertilisers are widely used in modern agriculture to increase crop yields and protect plants from pests and diseases. While these chemicals help farmers produce more food, their excessive and improper use has serious negative impacts on soil quality and human health. One major problem caused by pesticides and fertilisers is soil degradation. Healthy soil contains microorganisms, insects, and nutrients that support plant growth. However, many chemical pesticides kill not only harmful pests but also beneficial organisms such as earthworms and bacteria. These organisms play an important role in maintaining soil fertility and structure. When they are destroyed, the soil gradually loses its natural productivity and becomes less fertile over time.

Chemical fertilisers also affect soil health. Continuous use of synthetic fertilisers can disturb the natural balance of nutrients in the soil. Instead of improving soil quality in the long term, they often lead to nutrient imbalances and increased soil acidity. Over time, this reduces the soil’s ability to retain water and nutrients, making crops more dependent on artificial inputs. In addition to harming the soil, pesticides and fertilisers can also pose serious risks to human health. Residues of pesticides often remain on fruits and vegetables and may enter the human body through food consumption. Long-term exposure to certain pesticides has been linked to health problems such as hormonal disruption, neurological disorders, and even cancer.

Furthermore, these chemicals can contaminate groundwater and nearby rivers through runoff during rainfall. When people consume polluted water, it can lead to health issues such as digestive problems and other chronic illnesses. In conclusion, although pesticides and fertilisers help increase agricultural productivity, their excessive use damages soil health and threatens human well-being. Therefore, farmers and governments should encourage safer agricultural practices such as organic farming, crop rotation, and the use of natural pest control methods to protect both the environment and public health. In my next column we will cover sustainable farming methods that reduce the need for these chemicals.

Published in the Peebleshire News on 20th March 2026

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Column Food Health

Should Calories Be Printed on Food Labels? The Pros and Cons

In recent years, many countries have begun requiring restaurants and packaged foods to display calorie information. The idea is simple: give consumers more knowledge, and they’ll make healthier choices. But the impact of calorie labelling isn’t as clear-cut as it seems.

The Case for Calorie Labels: For many, calorie labels act as a quick guide in navigating food choices. Seeing numbers beside menu items or on packaging can help people compare options and understand the energy density of what they eat. It’s especially useful for those tracking intake for health, fitness, or medical reasons. Labels can encourage broader awareness of nutrition and portion sizes. Over time, they may shift social norms around what counts as a “normal” meal size, potentially helping to reduce overeating. When calories are public, food manufacturers and restaurants have more incentive to reformulate recipes—reducing portion sizes, sugar, or fat content—to appeal to health-conscious consumers.

The Case Against Calorie Labels: Calories alone don’t tell the full story. A 300-calorie salad and a 300-calorie soda are vastly different in nutritional value. Relying too much on numbers can distract from other important factors like fibre, protein, or vitamin content. For people with or recovering from eating disorders, calorie counts can be triggering and lead to obsessive behaviours. Even for the general population, constant exposure to numbers may turn eating into a source of guilt rather than nourishment. Research shows that while calorie labelling increases awareness, it doesn’t always lead to healthier choices. Convenience, taste, price, and habits often outweigh calorie information when deciding what to eat.

Finding the Middle Ground: Transparency is valuable, but so is context. Calorie labelling works best when combined with education about balanced eating and clearer messaging on nutrients. For some, it’s an empowering tool; for others, a source of stress. Ultimately, the success of calorie labelling depends on how it’s framed not as a moral scoreboard, but as one piece of information among many that support mindful, flexible eating.

Published in the Peebleshire News on 13th February 2026

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Column Food Health

Understanding Food Date Labels – Part 2: Expiry Dates, Storage, and Reducing Food Waste Safely

The term expiry date is often used casually, but in many countries, it is not a legally defined food label. Instead, food regulations typically rely on use by and best before dates. Other terms, such as “display until” or “baked on,” may appear on packaging but are mainly intended for retailers rather than consumers. Understanding these distinctions helps prevent confusion and misuse. Storage plays a crucial role in how long food remains safe and edible. Date labels assume that products are stored according to the instructions on the packaging. For example, refrigerated foods kept above the recommended temperature may spoil much faster than expected. Similarly, once a product is opened, exposure to air and bacteria can shorten its lifespan. Many foods include guidance such as “consume within three days of opening,” which should always be followed even if the printed date is still valid.

Freezing is another way to extend the life of food, but timing matters. Foods should be frozen before their use by date, not after. Freezing slows bacterial growth and preserves safety, although it may affect texture and quality once thawed. Proper packaging is also important to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness. Misunderstanding food dates is one of the leading causes of household food waste. Many people discard items as soon as a best before date passes, even though the food is still perfectly edible. Using common sense and your senses—checking for mold, unusual smells, or changes in texture—can help determine whether food is still suitable to eat.

In summary, use by dates must be respected for safety, while best before dates allow more flexibility. When combined with correct storage and thoughtful planning, this knowledge can reduce food waste while keeping meals safe. Understanding food labels empowers consumers to make choices that are healthier, more economical, and more sustainable.

Published in the Peebleshire News on 23rd January 2026

Categories
Column Food Health

Understanding Food Date Labels – “Use By” and “Best Before”

Food date labels are designed to help consumers make safe and informed decisions, yet they are often misunderstood. Many people assume all dates mean the same thing, which can lead either to unnecessary food waste or to eating food that may no longer be safe. Understanding the difference between use by and best before dates is key to handling food responsibly. Food manufacturers set date labels based on testing that considers safety, quality, and shelf life. These dates assume the food has been stored correctly and that the packaging remains unopened. If food is exposed to heat, air, or moisture, its shelf life can be significantly reduced regardless of the printed date.

A use by date is primarily about safety. It appears on highly perishable foods such as fresh meat, fish, milk, soft cheeses, and ready-to-eat meals. After this date, the food may contain harmful levels of bacteria that are not always detectable by smell or appearance. Consuming food past its use by date can increase the risk of food poisoning, especially for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, older adults, young children, and people with weakened immune systems. Foods with a use by date should not be eaten after that date and should not be frozen once the date has passed.

A best before date, on the other hand, relates to quality rather than safety. It indicates when the product is expected to be at its best in terms of taste, texture, and appearance. This label is commonly found on dry, frozen, or canned foods such as rice, pasta, cereals, biscuits, and sauces. After the best before date, the food may lose freshness or flavour, but it is often still safe to eat if it has been stored properly and shows no signs of spoilage.
By understanding these labels, consumers can make better decisions, protect their health, and avoid throwing away food unnecessarily. Next week we focus on expiry dates, storage, and reducing food waste safely.

Published in the Peebleshire News on 16th January 2026