Earth Day And Beyond...

Today marks the 39th anniversary of Earth Day. As I listened to environmentalists advocating for green living (actively participating in the day's events by recycling the uneaten contents of my lunch), I couldn't help but think- if the Toyota Prius can't help save us, and pollution causes the planet to meet its demise- is there a chance for life beyond Earth? Even if NASA has been holding out on us, I can't say that I'd be first in line to sign up for life on the moon.

On my last trip to Cape Canaveral, home of the Kennedy Space Center, I had the opportunity to taste some of the food astronauts eat on their voyages into outer space. I strongly support Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson's efforts to clean up our planet because a life of freeze-dried ice cream saucers and space food sticks (even if they do come in chocolate and peanut butter flavors) isn't very enticing. With each bite the saucer crumbles into small chalk-like pieces that are rehydrated with the natural moisture (i.e., spit) of one's mouth. Clearly a different experience than being able to lick cold, smooth ice cream sandwiched between two crispy chocolate cookies. The space food stick, described on the package as an "out of this world energy stick", resembles a giant sized tootsie roll, but the similarities end there. Take my word for it, astronauts' space food sticks are much less appetizing than even the hardest of tootsie rolls. So as Earth Day 2009 draws to a close, I look forward to many more to come and hope that space cuisine will be reserved for the Neil Armstrongs of the world.

Freeze-Dried Ice Cream Saucer, Cookies and Cream



Space Food Stick, Chocolate