Recently, I picked up some potatoes that had come through for charity because they had patches of green on their skins. Most people would take one look and toss them straight in the bin, after all, we’ve all heard that green potatoes are “poisonous.” But instead of wasting good food, I grabbed my knife and carefully cut away the green bits, determined to save what I could.

As I worked, I reflected on what that green really means. Yes, it’s a sign of solanine, a natural toxin produced by potatoes when exposed to light. It won’t kill you in small amounts, but it’s not something you’d want to eat. We’re taught to be wary of these little dangers, to cut them away or avoid them altogether.

Minds and hearts

But here’s the thing that struck me: every day, we’re exposed to other “poisons” not just in our food, but in our minds and hearts. And often, these poisons are much less obvious than a green patch on a potato. Take ultra-processed foods, for example. They fill the supermarket shelves, wrapped in bright packaging and promising convenience, flavour, and even happiness. Yet, we know that many of these foods are packed with hidden sugars, unhealthy fats, and chemical additives ingredients that, over time, can harm our physical and mental health.

It’s ironic, isn’t it? We’re quick to avoid the green potato, but we rarely think twice about reaching for a packet of crisps, a ready meal, or a energy drink. The “poison” is hidden beneath clever marketing and social norms. Everyone else is eating it, so it must be fine right? But just because something is common or easy doesn’t mean it’s good for us.

And it’s not just about food. The same goes for what we feed our minds and hearts. Whether it’s the endless scroll of negative news, unrealistic images on social media, or the pressure to keep up with others, these influences can be just as toxic only harder to spot.

Looking beneath the surface

Why do we accept these daily poisons so readily? Is it because they’re easier to swallow, or because we’re told they’re normal? Unlike the green on a potato, the harm isn’t always obvious right away. But over time, it can wear us down, sap our confidence, and leave us feeling isolated or inadequate.

At The Pioneers Project, we believe in looking beneath the surface whether that’s in the food we eat, the stories we tell ourselves, or the way we build our community. Sometimes, it means taking the time to cut away what’s harmful, even if it seems small or insignificant. Sometimes, it means questioning what we’re told is “normal” and choosing a different path.

So next time you spot something a little off whether it’s a green patch on a potato, a packet of ultra-processed food, or a message that doesn’t sit right pause for a moment. Ask yourself: is this nourishing me, or is it something I’d be better off cutting away?

We all have the power to choose what we let in, and what we leave behind. Sometimes, all it takes is a sharp knife and a little courage.