Food waste heaven
A glimpse into the future of recycling
"Honey, you have to separate the leftover vegetables from the meat, remember."
"Why?"
"Well, the vegetables can be made into useful things like paper cups, and the leftover meat can be made into nice new sausages and burgers."
"Where do vegetables come from, Mommy?"
"Why... they come from the vegetable factory, of course, sweetie."
"What are they made from?"
"All of the grass and leaves and paper and all the other things that are recycled."
"I thought vegetables were grown on farms."
"Well, some vegetables are grown on farms but we can't afford those kind of vegetables."
"Oh! Are we poor, Mommy?"
"No, we are not poor.... but we are not rich enough to afford farm vegetables. And who wants to eat food from a farm anyway? Grown in all that mud and dirt... yeuch!"
"Oh!... and where does chicken come from?"
"Where do you think chicken comes from sweetie?"
"The chicken factory?"
"Yes, that's right, the chicken factory."
"What is chicken made from?"
"Oh, er, um..."
"Well? What is chicken made from Mommy?"
"Mmmm, er.... you know when Grandpa fell asleep and went to heaven.... "
O ~ 0 ~ o ~
Ha ha! I hope you didn't find that ending too shocking. Not sure if the story works or not so please comment to let me know either way. Critical appraisal always welcome. If you don't recognise the concept, it was used in the 1973 film Soylent Green, starring Charlton Heston, Leigh Taylor-Young, and the immeasurable Edward G. Robinson.
This take on the theme of a dystopian future of a dying world with widespread extinctions and food shortages came to me, unsurprisingly, while clearing the dishes yesterday evening. Where did inspiration for your last story come from?
Thanks for reading!
About the Creator
Raymond G. Taylor
Author living in Kent, England. Writer of short stories and poems in a wide range of genres, forms and styles. A non-fiction writer for 40+ years. Subjects include art, history, science, business, law, and the human condition.
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By Raymond G. Taylorabout a year ago in Fiction
All Very Straightforward!
Thanks for watering our garden while we’re away. The last person overwatered and several plants died. Here’s the house key, the front lock is a bit tricky. Be sure to check it has actually locked. There’s not much to know… it’s all pretty straightforward. No need to take notes, we’ll show you around. I’m sure you’ll be fine.
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Comments (12)
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😮😄 Well, while were recycling, might as well take advantage of the dead, lol. Love the premise of this story, very unique concept.
That ending gave me whiplash! So good :) (the story, not the factories!)
Did on hopes
Did not see that ending coming, but loved it. Made me say oh Sh!t"
Someone on meta had bought what was supposed to be vegan sandwich rolls, the wrap part - the ingredients were mostly all paper products. So you are not far from the truth with this story, hopefully not all of it is true though! Interesting and well written.
In all hopes I really hope this idea never comes true. I remember that movie to me it was kind of weird and scary in a way kind of like your ending. Great work.
It totally works in a dystopian world even though it irked me when I visualized grandpa chopped up and minced for meat. Great piece, Raymond. My last story was completely real, I just wrote up what I observed and lived through.
Grandpa had a wee psychedelic “vision” right before he umm… went to a natural casing . Great job! I love fresh food myself -
I remember that movie very well...freaked me out then and now. Awareness
It’s very sad when food are naturally grown but factory made. Science can be scary sometimes. Great story telling
Mmmm Grandpa meat, yummy! Hehehehehe. Loved your story so much! It made my day hehehehehe