Don’t Hate Me, I’m Organic
I’m very passionate about healthy, green, sustainable living, and while our household hasn’t perfected the art of erasing our environmental impact yet, we’re trying very hard to get there.
I recently read an interesting article about the food we eat, namely what may be left on it while it sits in the produce section of your grocery store. Another informative piece on the importance of knowing what you’re eating, because unless you know your food source or buy organics, chances are you’re produce has potentially toxic pesticide and herbicide residues all over it.
Safe Pesticides?
What I found to be more interesting than the article, however, was the debate it sparked. One commenter, so far the lone dissenting opinion, made the argument that commercially grown produce is safe for consumption, and that pesticide residues are below EPA standards. His other point was that if you think you’re safe buying and consuming organics, to think again. It’s his opinion that certain plants are more dangerous and/or toxic than most pesticides – things like caffeine, vanillin, capsaicin, and the allicin contained in garlic.
I’ve lived in California’s Central San Joaquin Valley for nearly thirty years, and know what pesticides can do to the environment, to the people who consume them, live near them, and work with them. I cannot feel comfortable with the idea that pesticides are OK because some of their detectable residues fall below EPA standards. Time and again we discover that government standards fall far short of reality.
I have serious health issues, and so do many of the people I know and love who have spent time in the valley I hail from. California’s Central Valley was once known as the bread basket to the world. Now we’re left to contend with air pollution so bad we have “Spare the Air” days, sky rocketing cases of asthma and allergies, and polluted ground water sources too. It’s not all sunshine in the Golden State anymore.
Why I Choose Organic
Besides my concerns about good health, I choose to buy organic because it’s better for the environment, and better for the folks who work hard to produce the products I like to eat and use. I care about the workers and manufacturers who grow and make the items buy, plus I care about the environment. I feel it’s my responsibility to make informed, conscious choices when I shop – it’s not all about my needs.
What about the needs of others? It may sound grandiose or cliche, but I care about the little guys around the world and here at home who work tremendously hard so I can buy the things that make my life a little sweeter, and a whole lot easier. I also care about the world we’re leaving for our children – and I mean than in the global sense. I want my kids to have clean, healthy food and water, as I’m sure any parent would list that as one of their top priorities. So why not want the same for all parents and children who dwell on this Earth ?
It really boils down to my convictions. Organic isn’t just a fad or catch phrase for me, it’s a way of life. I do my best to put my money where my mouth is – literally.
What about you? Where do your feelings lie when it comes to buying organic? Feel free to leave a comment and let us know! 
Buyer Beware
