Yeah, yeah, so we took off Memorial Day. We know we're a bunch of bums! Even so, we weren't going to leave you waiting 'til Thursday for your RFB fix; here goes:

We love us some cute animals, but we like 'em on the BBQ too. Lately, it seems like a lot of our friends are saying no to our meatfest invitations and opting for the portabello burger. Now, these aren't your average tree-hugging, peace protesters (not that there's anything wrong with activism), so why the trend? We had to ask: What gives?

People had all sorts of reasons, but the majority were focusing on an individual's ability to vote with his or her dollars. Leaving aside sweeping legislation, this is America and money talks. So, after studying up and deciding that something is rotten in the meat/food industry, these folks are using buying power to create change. We say cool (because bums like to have high impact/low effort solutions), but we wanted to know what they read. Here's a sampling:

The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan - This book was instrumental in creating awareness of how our food gets produced and put on the table. Sometimes shocking, totally enthralling. This is the place to start your food industry education. Once you've read it, continue with "In Defense of Food" for more expose of our food habits. If you've got an hour, hear him speak:

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver - Kingsolver moved her family to an area where they could grow and raise their own food. This work captures that experience from the perspective of multiple members of the family. Insights, recipes, and a good story about how far we've distanced ourselves from our food. To hear more about it directly from the author watch:

Slow Food Nation by Carlo Petrini - Petrini outlines his plan for creating more delicious, nutritous, and sustainable food. Pulling in ideas gleaned from cultures around the world, this is a good read for any one wondering how to make decisions and changes in consumption. Listen for a minute to the author discuss his ideas (translated from Italian):

Food Politics: How the Food Industry Influences Nutrition, and Health by Marion Nestle - Anyone wondering how we ended up with such terrible eating habits, should start reading here. Nestle sheds light on the intense politics shaping our eating habits. From marketing campaigns to food pyramids, this book will give you a good handle on US food industry history. Thank you Google for giving us an hour with Nestle:

The World Grows up: Feeding Ourselves and The World in the 21st Century by Dickson Despommier - Although it won't be out until October, keep this book on your radar. The title gives you a clue, but discover for yourself how vertical farming can change the world. Until then, watch this talk for a big idea in under 5 minutes:

Cooking Up a Story is a good place to more information about how we feed ourselves. With an online television show and blog, check them out for stories, interviews, and resources for understanding our eating habits.

Bon Appetit!