To eat, or not to eat? That is the question.
We are constantly surprised at the generosity of people along the Amazon. So far we've been invited to dinner three times. We've also been given a place to sleep each time we have asked. It is truly amazing.
However, during previous expeditions to the rainforest, some people have offered us food and items that are not necessarily good for the rainforest. Some food items, such as meat from endangered animals or fish are highly prized and expensive in small communities. Since we are often guests of honor, people usually offer us the best they have. Sometimes these are things we normally would never think of buying, because they are not good for the rainforest.
So what should we do if we're offered food or other items which contribute to the destruction of the rainforest? People are being extremely generous, so we don't want to offend them or appear rude.
What items should we be on the lookout for? What are items you should be aware of buying or eating which contribute to the destruction of the rainforest?
Thanks for your suggestions about how to celebrate Tony's birhtday. It's going to be exciting. We'll make sure to post photos of the celebration in action!
What is your favorite part of the Trans-Amazon Expedition?
Comments
Mrs. Palmer's class suggusts you say "no thank-you" to items that may hurt the rainforest. We wonder if the rainforest people are aware of the endangered species and other things that contribute to the destruction of the rainforest? Maybe you could help them understand.
Posted by: Mrs. Palmer's class | October 16, 2008 7:23 AM
I think you should not eat the meat because that would make our environment bad.
Posted by: SJC kid Jack | October 16, 2008 10:13 AM
I think you should say in a very nice way "We really apprieciate your kindness and your wonderful offer, but these things are harmful to the rainforest and with us going on this expedition and getting in contact with these amazing creatures, I'm afraid it would be hard to eat or use a product from these animals we are getting to know and love!!!
Posted by: Brooke | October 16, 2008 10:55 AM
We think you should stay away from frogs and dont eat anything that looks weird. Also, if they ask you to come stay for the night or dinner you should. Another thing, you should eat food that look familiar to you from home.
Posted by: Riley, Colin, & Michael | October 16, 2008 11:34 AM
My second graders think you need to nicely educate the people of the Amazon so they understand that some of the items hurt the rainforest. Maybe they just don't know!
Posted by: Mrs. Doxstader's class | October 16, 2008 12:31 PM
When you are in someones home, be on the lookout for trees that have been cut down in the area. If the stump is smooth, someone may have cut it down. Also look for evidence of logging in the home. If you are in a home of what appears to be loggers, you can try to educate them on the dangers of the destruction of the rainforest. You could tell them that it will hurt people in the future.
If you are offered meat of an endangered animal, you can politely say "no thank you." You can tell them that it's an animal that could become extinct, hurting the ecosystem. You could also politely lie and say that you are a vegetarian. :)
Also if you come across animal skins of endangered or threatened animals, you should probably try to go somewhere else or educate them. Also be aware of poison used to kill animals by some people in the rain forest. They use blowpipes with arrows that have poison on the tip of the arrow.
Posted by: Miss Horsch's Class | October 16, 2008 1:16 PM
Say, "No thank you." Explain nicely that some of these things are destroying the habitat, so please don't do it next time. Talking about it with the native people is really important. You could politely decline and tell them to keep it for themselves. Or, partake of their generosity this time, but explain later that these things are not good for their environment.
Posted by: Mrs. Klappauf's Class | October 16, 2008 2:07 PM