BUYING ORGANIC AND BUYING LOCALLY PRODUCED FOODS

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has defined Organic food as:

“Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations.  Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation.”

When purchasing ‘organic’ you are assured the farmers are using methods to protect our soil and to eliminate soil erosion through crop rotation, cover cropping (green manure), and using composted manure.  The plant food we consume is rich in nutrients and do not contain:

Conventional Pesticides – Pesticides were designed to kill living things; pesticides are toxins, toxins cause disease.  The average person consumes 10 different pesticides each day and many of these have been associated with serious health issues – EWG (Environmental Working Group).   Autism, cancer, and infertility (to name a few) have been linked to the pesticides and other chemicals found in/on our food.  Children, because of their low body weight and higher metabolism are more affected by these toxins.  Women too are more susceptible to these toxins.  Additionally, a U.S. Geological Survey found every stream and 90% of the wells sampled contained pesticides – it is estimated 98% of sprayed insecticides and 95% of sprayed herbicides enter our water system.  Eliminating pesticides where you can will have a huge impact on improving your health.

Synthetic Fertilizers – Per The Carbon Connection documentary, “Every pound of excess nitrogen applied to the soil by artificial fertilizer destroys 100 pounds of humus.”  (Humus is partially-decomposed organic matter; its own ecosystem, the ‘life force’ of soil.)  Synthetic Fertilizers gets into our waterways causing nutrient loading and oxygen depletion – harmful salts destroys beneficial earthworms and good microorganisms.  

SEWAGE SLUDGE  - A nasty mix of bacteria and virus-laden organic mater, toxic metals, synthetic organic chemicals and settled solids removed from domestic and industrial waste water (over 60,000 toxic substances and chemical compounds) usually spread over farm fields (renamed “biosolids”) as a means of disposal.

Genetically Modified - A method of ‘splicing chemical pesticides into food crops so they don’t need to be sprayed.’ They become a part of the food, and not able to be washed clean.  Six products known to be genetically modified (best to buy ‘organic’) are: corn and corn products, soy and soy products, rice, wheat, canola oil, and cottonseed oil.

Irradiation - The International Atomic Energy Agency developed a process to sterilize, pasteurize, and extend shelf life of food in the 1970’s; since it is not an additive but a process it is not regulated.  Irradiation causes formation of free radicals; it destroys vitamins, and is toxic.

By purchasing “organic” we are ensuring the life of the planet, the life of our children, and our own good health.

Recent studies have also shown that by eating ‘organic’ you consume up to 30% MORE vitamins and minerals then that of its conventional counterpart. 

Yes you pay a little more to buy organic but you are getting:

-     MORE Nutrients

-     Less Toxins

-     Reduced Health Risk

-     Better Health

-     Less Sick Time

-     Less Doctor Visits and Health Care Costs

-     Dollars saved on vitamins, supplements, and prescription drugs.

I also prefer to buy ‘locally’ whenever possible – less diesel fuel is needed to ‘ship’ food.  Its environmental impact is minimized.  The produce is fresher, tastier, and healthier. Buying locally helps to keep alive a thriving local agriculture; and it is a vote for a secure, local food supply.  Many local farmers practice excellent farming procedures but do not carry the ‘organic’ label due to the high cost and lengthy procedure to get certified.  Get to know your local farmer; they’re an excellent resource for good quality produce at lower costs. 

Before you bite into that apple, or red pepper, know what you’re bringing into your body.  It could kill you.

Bon A Petite’

Beth