David Waltner-Toews Books

Exploring the potential of entomophagy, this book delves into how consuming insects could address global challenges such as food security, environmental sustainability, and health. It discusses the nutritional benefits of insects, their lower ecological footprint compared to traditional livestock, and cultural attitudes towards eating bugs. Through compelling arguments and research, the author presents a vision of a future where insects play a crucial role in transforming our food systems for the better.

On the islands of Java and Bali in the early 1980s, Western governments are pouring millions of dollars into development schemes even as Indonesian strongman President Suharto violently stifles dissent.For Canadian veterinarian Abner Dueck, the spice islands are an exotic locale for the seemingly mundane work of examining dead cows and working with old friends. Duecks life changes abruptly when some of the cows die under mysterious circumstances, and he meets a mysterious young Chinese woman; soon after, two of his friendsone Canadian and one Indonesianare murdered.Mennonite Dueck, marshalls the energy to battle Indonesian politics and the attempts of local businessmen, military rulers, and international advisors to manipulate development projects to their own ends.And to unravel the mysterious deaths of both cattle and people, Dueck must first understand the long shadow that the 1966 massacres cast on Indonesian life, as well as the complexities of their music, and the demands and intrigues of love and conspiracy, death and mystery, and of course, cultural heritage and personal identity.

Exploring the multifaceted journey of waste, this book delves into its origins from primordial ooze to its role in ecosystems, including the fascinating lives of dung beetles. It examines the significance of excrement in various contexts, such as sanitation, global trade, and pandemics, revealing its impact on energy and the environment. This unfiltered narrative highlights the complex relationship humans have with waste throughout history, presenting a unique perspective on a subject often overlooked.

The narrative centers around Tante Tina, a vibrant stage and poetic persona, who brings to life the stories of the author's mother and her sister. Set against the backdrop of their experiences in Canada after fleeing Ukraine in 1926, the book explores themes of resilience, cultural identity, and the immigrant experience. Through Tante Tina's lens, readers are invited to connect with personal histories and the rich tapestry of life shaped by displacement and adaptation.

Set against the backdrop of Saskatoon, Canada, the story follows veterinarian Abner Dueck, who returns home after his expulsion from Indonesia. As he navigates the complexities of his profession, he becomes embroiled in a series of mysterious events, including a reckless shooting at a clinic and the discovery of a butcher's frozen body near a cattle farm hiding dark secrets. The narrative explores themes of responsibility and the often-blurred lines between personal and professional dilemmas in the veterinary world.

The book addresses the challenge of achieving sustainability while enhancing the health of both people and ecosystems, highlighting the interconnectedness of human activity and ecological integrity. It explores the limits of ecosystems in adapting to human impacts and proposes a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating epidemiology, participatory action research, philosophy, and environmental sciences. The aim is to develop innovative solutions to complex ecological problems and foster a new science dedicated to sustainability.

Addressing complex ecological challenges, this volume aims to forge a new science of sustainability by exploring the interconnections between human health, animal welfare, and ecosystem integrity. It highlights the pressing need for solutions as ecosystems struggle to adapt to human influences. By integrating diverse fields such as epidemiology, philosophy, and environmental science, the book delves into the critical question of whether it is possible to enhance both human and ecological health simultaneously.