Sunday, January 29, 2023

Let's Talk Goals AND Project Updates

Kickstarting any project is good with a strong set of achievable goals. For us, these goals are attendance and accountability as well as reaching 150 people with our surveys and in-person discussions. These goals are a good way for us to follow up with each other and to hold each other accountable! 

In addition to setting objectives, we have officially begun. The required materials for our project, such as oats, plastic bins, lights, cleaning fluids, brooms, etc. have been ordered and once they arrive it is go time! As soon as the products arrive we will be updating our Instagram (@THE.BUGFARMERS) and blog appropriately. 

Stay Buggy!

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Stigma? Why? What even is that?

˙Welcome back to another semester of fun and bugs!!!!! Here soon we will begin the adventures of raising the mealworms and learning about that process first-hand. And don't worry, any and all updates will be added here for leisure reading or insightful tips and tricks (do's and definitely some don'ts). 

So we've introduced entomophagy and where its common. But lets talk about stigma. 
A stigma is defined as "a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person" 
                    Thanks google :)
So in this instance, the stigma, or disgrace associated with eating insects. Where did that come from?
According to TheConversation.com, there is an "ick-factor" that plays a significant role. Bugs are seen in the ground and squashed and scaly and yucky, why would we want to put that into our bodies????? Well this idea that bugs are dirty or gross is a main contributor to their lack of consumption. Makes sense. I mean I don't go around eating food that's fallen onto the ground and covered in dirt, much less a living creatures that LIVES its entire life in the dirt! Crazy concept. BUT. There are so many benefits within the genetic structure of insects that could not only be healthy for humans but could aid in the suppression of climate change and over-harvesting and bad eating habits. 

What mainly keeps you from eating bugs? Could your mind be changed?

This year, my team and I will be asking fellow humans this question and see if minds can be changed. Or at least, if knowledge can be shared!!

Thanks and we'll catch up soon!

Stay Buggy!

The project wind down

 Hey buggy friends!!!! We have some last few fun little updates before we close out the semester and consequently, our project. First off, a...