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Where does your food come from paleo network-min

Do You Know Where Your Food Really Comes From?

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I saw a documentary the other day that was both fascinating and disturbing. I've given so much thought to the quality of what I eat, eating locally and seasonally – and avoiding processed foods. But it turns out there’s a significant aspect to what I eat that I hadn't considered.

Where does your food come from paleo network-min

Who is involved in getting your food from the field to your plate?

The documentary focused mainly on fruit and vegetable farms right here, in Australia. I’m always careful to make sure all of my produce is Australian and I’d naively assumed those involved in picking and packing would be protected and treated fairly. Apparently this is not the case.

Whilst the majority of the work force at these farms is lawful and “on the books”, many of them were reported to rely on cheap workers, who are often forced to work incredibly long hours, underpaid, and in some cases struggle to get paid at all. The farms go through 3rd party labour providers, which seems to be a way they can bury their heads in the sand, claiming they had no idea the workers were being mistreated. Many of the third party labour providers were reported to with-hold part of the minimum $21 hourly wage the workers had earnt, which is clearly illegal.

Significant numbers of the farm workers are in Australia on Working Holiday Visa’s –the exact visa I first came into the country on. This visa enables the holder to work for 12 months, but it is possible to extend it to two years on completion of qualifying farm work. It appears the promise of granting the valuable second year visa extensions allows a lot of the farms to manipulate the workers even further.

I was also amazed at the sheer volume and range of well-known companies and brands some of these farms were reported to be supplying. With salad, fruit and vegetables going to all of the major supermarkets (often packed as their own brand) as well as restaurants and fast food outlets, it seems almost impossible to have the confidence to buy produce that you can be certain is not from exploited workers.

Is there any way we can be certain the food we're eating was picked and packed ethically?

Understanding the Hidden Human Cost of Our Food

When we talk about ethical eating, the conversation usually revolves around animals, sustainability, and environmental impact. But the human side of the food production chain often receives far less attention. The reality is that many of the fruits and vegetables lining Australian supermarket shelves have passed through the hands of people who may have been underpaid, exploited, or left vulnerable due to legal loopholes and poor oversight. This raises a huge question for those of us trying to follow a conscious, paleo-inspired lifestyle: can food really be considered “clean” if the people behind it are not treated with basic dignity and fairness?

The Labour Hire Problem

At the heart of the issue lies the widespread use of third-party labour hire companies. These firms are often contracted by farms to supply seasonal workers without the farms directly employing them. While this system is supposed to provide flexibility, in practice it has created layers of separation and a lack of accountability. Labour hire companies are often unregulated and transient, making it easy for them to underpay or exploit workers with little fear of long-term consequences. Farmers can then plausibly deny knowledge of any wrongdoing, despite benefiting from the labour.

Who Are the Workers?

Many farm workers in Australia come from overseas, particularly via the Working Holiday Visa scheme. Others arrive under the Seasonal Worker Programme or the more recent Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. These programs were intended to provide mutual benefit: seasonal workforces for farms, and income and job experience for visitors and Pacific Islanders. However, workers are often placed in isolated areas with limited access to support, unfamiliar with their rights, and reliant on their employers or agents for housing and transport. This power imbalance can quickly become exploitative.

Why It Matters for Paleo Consumers

If you follow a paleo lifestyle, you’re already thinking carefully about what you put into your body. You avoid artificial ingredients, limit processed foods, and source ethically reared meat. It only makes sense to extend that same mindfulness to the people involved in growing your food. A paleo diet that supports health and wellbeing should also align with broader ethical values. Supporting exploitative food systems not only undermines the integrity of your choices, but also perpetuates suffering within our communities and food supply chains.

Steps Towards More Ethical Food Choices

So what can be done? While no solution is perfect, there are several strategies to reduce the risk of unknowingly supporting unethical labour practices:

  • Buy direct from growers: Farmers markets, community supported agriculture (CSA) boxes, and farm gates offer more transparency. Speaking directly with producers can give insight into how workers are treated.
  • Look for ethical certifications: While still limited in fresh produce, some Australian farms are beginning to adopt certifications that include fair labour standards. Watch for initiatives like Fair Farms or SEDEX certification.
  • Support co-operatives: Food co-ops are often more invested in transparency and community-based farming practices.
  • Ask questions: Whether shopping at a grocer or eating at a restaurant, ask where the produce comes from. Customer demand can push businesses to examine and improve their sourcing.
  • Grow your own: Nothing beats the peace of mind that comes from harvesting your own veg. Even a few herbs or leafy greens on a windowsill reduce your reliance on questionable supply chains.

The Role of Major Retailers

Supermarkets have tremendous power to influence working conditions through their buying practices. Unfortunately, price competition has often meant squeezing suppliers to the lowest possible cost. This pressure gets passed down the chain, creating incentives for unethical shortcuts. While some retailers have started introducing ethical sourcing policies and auditing procedures, they often fall short or lack transparency. Consumers pushing for better traceability and demanding clearer labelling can play a role in accelerating change.

The Challenge of Own Brand Products

Many exploited workers are packing produce under supermarket own-brand labels. This makes it difficult to differentiate between ethical and non-ethical options on the shelf. While it’s easy to assume a higher price or attractive packaging means better sourcing, that isn’t always the case. Until supply chains are made more transparent, even health-conscious and well-meaning shoppers may be supporting practices they would never knowingly endorse.

How Policy Could Help

At a government level, stronger regulation of labour hire companies is desperately needed. Proposals include creating a national licensing scheme, increasing penalties for wage theft, and investing in independent auditing systems. Consumer advocacy groups also argue for improved visa protections and clearer pathways for reporting abuse. While large-scale change takes time, supporting organisations that campaign for worker rights and voting for policy reforms are meaningful steps any consumer can take.

Ethical Eating Is an Ongoing Journey

If this feels overwhelming, it’s important to remember that ethical eating is not about perfection. It’s about intention. No one can trace every ingredient back to its source, but being aware of the broader context is a powerful first step. Choosing transparency where possible, asking questions, and voting with your wallet all help push the system in a better direction. As more consumers align their ethical values with their dietary choices, pressure builds for the food industry to evolve.

Final Thoughts

The shocking reality is that some of the most nutritious, seemingly wholesome foods on your plate may be hiding a dark backstory. If we truly value the principles behind paleo – real food, sustainability, connection to land, and holistic wellbeing – then we must include the people behind our food in that equation. Ethical eating isn’t just about avoiding processed ingredients or choosing organic. It’s about being part of a food culture that values both people and the planet. Let your shopping list reflect not only your nutritional goals, but also your compassion.

Power outage power cut electricity off the grid paleo network 2-min

What a Long Power Cut Taught Me About Food & Life

Last Monday was really rainy and windy, so I wasn't that surprised on Tuesday when I woke up to find we had no power. Other than missing a morning cup of tea and breakfast, I wasn't that bothered and assumed by the time I got home in the evening, normal service would be resumed.

Power outage power cut electricity off the grid paleo network 2-min

Well during Tuesday, the storm continued. On reflection I shouldn't have driven. With traffic lights out, multiple roads closed due to fallen trees and flooding, it was not a fun day to be out on the roads. That evening the power still wasn't back on, but luckily I managed to find some matches and candles by the light of my phone.

As I've written about before, I'm a chronic night owl. Even if I go to bed early, I'm just not tired – I can lie there for hours, willing sleep to come. I've tried everything. For months I've been waking up early to an alarm, the theory being I'll eventually be so tired, I'll have to start getting sleepy at an earlier time. I stopped using my computer in the evenings. I turn off all but some dim side lights in the evenings. So I assumed on Tuesday, the unusual feeling of deep sleepiness at 7:30pm was due to the stressful driving conditions. But on Wednesday night, still with no power, I spent the evening reading by candle light – and was hit by the unusual feeling of tiredness at a similar time. And the next day – and the next. By the end of the week – after just a few days, I was waking up before my alarm. This never happens.

Finally power returned late on Saturday night – and I've still not turned my tv on. I've realised it had become a habit turning the tv on, I wasn't putting it on because there was something special I wanted to watch, but because that's just what I did in the evening. I haven't missed it at all – and I wonder how much part this has played in my new sleep pattern? I'm not sure if it's the light, or the stimulation – or perhaps both, but tv and artificial light have clearly not been helping my sleep pattern.

I've realised how much I really, really appreciate my washing machine, hot water, oven and fridge/ freezer – but the other things – perhaps I need to do without.

Reconnecting with a Simpler Evening Routine

Spending several evenings without electricity might not sound like a recipe for personal insight, but in a strange way, it was a reset button. Without background TV noise, the hum of appliances, or endless screen scrolling, I was left with just the basics — a few candles, a book, and my own thoughts. What I discovered was how deeply we rely on overstimulation without even realising it. The default evening habits we’ve built around bright lights and entertainment might be robbing us of restorative rest and meaningful downtime.

The rhythm of the week felt very different. Evenings were naturally slower. The pressure to multitask disappeared. And most importantly, I noticed a dramatic difference in my sleep patterns. Instead of lying awake for hours, I was falling asleep with ease. It felt like my body finally had the chance to listen to natural cues rather than being overridden by artificial ones.

The Impact of Artificial Light on Circadian Rhythm

As I reflected on the changes, it became clear that artificial lighting and screens were major culprits in my sleep disruption. The circadian rhythm — our internal body clock — is heavily influenced by light exposure. In nature, as the sun sets and darkness falls, melatonin (the sleep hormone) begins to rise. But modern life disrupts that process. LED lights, computer screens, phones and televisions emit blue light that tricks our brain into thinking it’s still daytime, delaying the release of melatonin and making it harder to fall asleep.

During my power-free week, I was exposed to minimal artificial light. Candlelight doesn’t suppress melatonin the way LED lighting does. Combine this with a lack of digital stimulation and it makes perfect sense that sleep came so easily — and that I woke up refreshed.

Rediscovering Old-School Comforts

There’s a certain peace in evenings lit by candlelight. It forces a slower pace, one where you can’t do a dozen things at once. I found myself focusing more deeply on reading, actually finishing chapters without interruption. I listened to the sound of the rain, I noticed the flicker of candle shadows on the wall — things that are usually drowned out by screens and noise. These simple comforts felt grounding, almost ritualistic in their calming effect.

Perhaps we’ve moved too far from the natural rhythms of the day. We try to hack sleep with supplements, special mattresses, and white noise apps — yet the simplest change of all is the one we overlook: turning off the lights and embracing real darkness.

Could Living More Like This Be Sustainable?

Now that the power is back, I’m trying to keep some of these habits in place. I haven’t turned the television on once. I light a candle in the evening instead of flicking on all the lights. I sit with a book instead of opening up another tab or binge-watching something I don’t even care about. It’s not about rejecting modern conveniences, but about reclaiming control over them. Just because something is easy or available doesn’t mean it serves us well.

Many people in the ancestral health and paleo communities speak about aligning with the sun — waking naturally and winding down as the sky darkens. But in a modern home, those cycles are barely relevant unless we make conscious choices to follow them. The power outage inadvertently put me on a natural rhythm, and the benefits were immediate.

Practical Tips for Embracing Lower Tech Evenings

If you're curious about recreating this experience without needing an actual blackout, here are a few ways to reset your evenings naturally:

  • Switch off screens at least an hour before bed: Replace scrolling with journaling, reading or listening to soft music.
  • Use candles or amber-toned lamps: These create a softer, more relaxing environment and reduce blue light exposure.
  • Avoid passive screen time: Turn off the television unless you’re watching something with intention. Background noise quickly becomes an unhealthy default.
  • Embrace analogue hobbies: Reading, knitting, puzzles, or even simply stretching can be far more restorative than you might expect.
  • Keep a consistent sleep schedule: Aim to wind down at the same time each night, even on weekends. The routine helps train your body to anticipate rest.

Appreciating What Matters Most

Of course, the return of electricity was a relief. I deeply appreciate hot showers, cooked meals, and laundry that doesn’t pile up endlessly. But it also reminded me that many of the conveniences we think we “need” are actually just habits. We can do without more than we think — and in many cases, our bodies and minds are better for it. A simpler evening routine doesn’t mean missing out. It means regaining peace, quality rest, and presence in the moment.

If you’ve been struggling with your own sleep, energy levels or screen fatigue, perhaps it’s worth experimenting with your evening setup. Try dimming the lights, skipping the nightly streaming, and slowing the pace. You don’t need a power outage to find a better rhythm — just a little intention and curiosity.