Voluntary Simplicity in Food Choices – A seminar to navigate through theory and practices of responsible food consumption
Voluntary simplicity is a movement that promises better lives on a more healthy planet. But how does this work in our every day food practices? WASS proposes an afternoon on the theories and practices of voluntary simplicity and critical food consumption: How can voluntary simplicity be understood in a food context? What would it look like? Could it be expressed in movements of artisan local production, organic farming, alternative food networks, etc.? And how?
This seminar features both leading thinkers (Philip Cafaro, Colorado State University; Jeanine Schreurs, Maastricht University) and local practitioners (De Nieuwe Ronde, Veld & Beek, Project EAT). Next to a figurative taste of theories and practices, it offers participants a literal taste of actual locally produced simple foods in order to induce a lively and inspired discussion.
Date: September 10th, 2013
Time: 13:30 – 18:30
Place: Leeuwenborch building, Wageningen
For more information and how to subscribe, contact Simon d’Amico (simona.damico[at]wur.nl).
Els, I think it’s great that you’re hosting this seminar! I am a big fan of voluntary simplicity … though I must say that I find it much harder to practice in its existential / affective / spiritual dimensions than in its material ones …
FYI – ( since I am wont to make connections with ideas well off topic 😉 ) – voluntary simplicity is a “pillar” in most of the “committed services lifestyles” (and programs and structures that support them) that I respect. I think it’s much harder to experience solidarity and co-humanity when there are such massive inequalities in the way different people live. (How can we really relate as human beings if our possessions and attachments are so great that they obstruct our more essential selves?) Even where simplicity is voluntary, a choice rather than an obligation, I still think it’s valuable for all of us from a “human” perspective.
So, well done on hosting the seminar! I would love to hear about it afterwards.