Why Organic? Part 2

I want to continue the discussion on why going organic is so important for the planet, our own health and the health of others. Read on...

Organic foods are healthier and safer. Studies have shown that some organic foods are higher in antioxidants and powerful antioxidants and cancer-fighting nutrients such as conjugated linoleic acid. They're safer because they are produced without dangerous chemicals, antibiotics, and risky (not to mention disgusting) and cheap practices like feeding dead cows to living cows, or putting contaminated sewage sludge onto farm fields. Gross, right? Certified organic products are the only foods available that have a government-backed guarantee that no chemicals, antibiotics, sewage sludge, or GMOs were used in the growing or processing of the foods. Thank you to all organic companies for this!!!!!!!!!!!

Eating organic is easier than ever.  Choosing to eat organic food does not condemn you to a diet of nuts, berries, and tofu (although all those foods are quite tasty). Today, you can find organic versions of the most popular foods, including salad dressing, cereal, cheese and ketchup. Just explore your local grocery store or co-op.

Goverment subsidies are the primary reason for the low prices of chemical foods. This may surprise you, but did you know without government subsidies, chemical food would not be less expensive, but rather much more expensive. Organic foods have no hidden costs.

Organic farming increases and protect the planet's natural biodiversity. If you are an animal lover of any kind, organic is for you. A recent report by the International Union Conservation of Nature documents that "life on earth is under serious threat." The report found that one-third of amphibians, at least one in eight birds, and a quarter of mammals are on the verge of extinction. Half of all plant groups are threatened. Those numbers are shocking to me! The toxic effects of chemicals have reduced all species' abilities to survive and reproduce. Take a stand with me!

And if those aren't enough reasons to try going organic, get this - people who eat organic foods reduce their pesticide intake by as much as 90 percent, according to a study form the U of Washington. That is a great number, and I am proud to say that I have gone all organic and my health has never been better! I am not a rich person or a celebrity. I have two children, a husband, and we probably have a middle to lower class income, but we make it work, because if you don't take a stand for your health, who will?


Parts of this article have been excerpted from the book, "Organic Manifesto: How Organic Farming Can Heal Our Planet, Feed the World, and Keep Us Safe."