Unable to attend a showing of “Food, Inc.” at the Kansas Union two weeks ago, my boyfriend Austin and his roommate Blake watched the DVD instead.

I knew the movie probably wouldn’t turn them into complete organic eaters or vegetarians, but I hoped that watching it and having a more visual representation of what our current food system is like would be more effective.

What was most interesting about their reactions to the movie was how the plight of the modern farmer seemed to resonate the most with Austin and Blake. Having grown up in Western Kansas and seen firsthand the effects of industrial farms on small family farms, they felt most connected to the stories of farmers caught under the control of large food corporations.

Can one movie change a person? It appears that in this instance, Austin and Blake remain unaffected. Though a bit disappointed, I realize that it is difficult to change a person’s established mindset with a 90-minute documentary. Change is not sudden. It’s not immediate, easy or a one-time thing. It takes time, encouragement and gradual implementation.

Living more sustainable is not an easy thing to do. Sometimes it is easier to go out for fast food, pop in a TV dinner or reach for a bag of chips.

But I like to think it’s kind of like exercising. Sometimes you are motivated and you hop on that treadmill every day of the week. Other times you feel discouraged or lazy and sit on the couch and play “Call of Duty 2” every day (ahem, Austin).

But when those down weeks or days or moments happen, you can’t just quit. You get off that couch and get on your treadmill. You put down the fast food and head to the farmer’s market to show your support for eating and living sustainably.

— Janie Chen is a junior from Olathe. Her sustainability blog can be read at www.greenmyguy.wordpress.com.