Organic Food:
Good for all Life

Is organic food really that different from conventionally grown food? Yes!

Many cooks agree that organic produce has better flavor than conventional fruits and veggies. And even in the economic downturn, organic sales are increasing. Our health is worth it.

I experience organics first hand. My husband Alan grows organic produce, including greens, tomatoes, basil, green beans, garlic, onions, squashes and more.

Alan builds the soil using mulch, compost, and natural fertilizers. We use no pesticides, herbicides, or artificial fertilizers. Instead, we rotate crops, use companion planting, and build the soil. Well, he gardens and I help.

Beauty, great taste, and fresh life is the result.

In contrast, conventional farmers use synthetic fertilizers, which don't support soil micro-organisms. Without these soil organisms, plants take up fewer minerals. Studies and mineral assays have shown that conventional produce has less mineral content than organic produce. It's the soil quality.

Many cooks agree that organic produce tastes better. A simple strawberry or slice of watermelon tastes divine.

Is Organic Food Healthier?

In a four year European Union study, fruit, veggies, and dairy cows were raised on two adjacent sites, one organic and one conventional, in places around Europe. Researchers found that organic fruits and veggies contained 40% more antioxidants, had higher levels of iron and zinc, and organic dairy had 90% more antioxidants (source: Times online Oct 28, 2007)

Pesticides

Pesticides are neurotoxins, hormone disruptors and possibly carcinogens. About 800 to 1000 farm workers die annually due to pesticide exposure and farm workers have higher incidences of cancer and birth defects than the general population. This stuff is dangerous.

The pesticides enter our soil, wells, lakes and oceans and disrupt ecosystems. Pesticides run off into the oceans and create "dead zones" where algae are over grown and oxygen levels will not support aquatic life.

Pesticides work by destroying the bug's nervous system. The first pesticides were created by left over nerve gas from World War 2!

Many pesticides are endocrine disruptors that mimic estrogen. Called xenoestrogens, these chemicals create low sperm count and fertility problems. They are associated with breast cancer, endometriosis, PMS and more.

Peeling and washing produce may reduce some of the pesticides but doesn't eliminate them all.

Many folks are seeking out organic food. It's getting easier to find organic food in the grocery store, and even Walmart is carrying them.

But...big business like Walmart are a questionable source of organics. Walmart has been caught mislabeling conventional food as organic food. It's called "greenwashing".

I prefer a farmer's market or smaller health food store. You can meet the farmer and ask him or her how they grew the food. You can choose companies with a long commitment to organics and the earth who share your values.

We do have national organic standards.

To receive the organic label, food must meet these standards:

1. No genetically modified organisms

2. No use of toxic synthetic pesticides and fertilizers

3. No food irradiation

4. No sewage sludge

5. No growth hormones or overuse of antibiotics in animal production

6. Strict requirements for safe use of manure

7. More humane animal confinement provisions

This list tells you mostly what organic food is NOT.

Here is a "Yes" list, showing the benefits of organics.

When your choose organics, you vote YES to:

1. Supporting the health and safety of farm workers

2. Helping to build the soil with minerals

3. Supporting ecosystems

4. Protecting waterways

5. Supporting small farmers and communities

6. Receiving great tasting food

7. Nourishing your body and soul with life

8. Treating animals in a humane and kind way

9. Helping to save the bees.

Pure food is true nourishment, and you are supporting the food pioneers who are creating a cleaner world and great tasting food!

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Find out about locavores, local food and new food ideas

What is the story on genetically modified food?

Permaculture, a fun way to create an ecological garden

Save the bees! learn about colony collape disease and how your garden can help

Learn about sustainable food choices

What are organic eggs? Omega 3 eggs? Find out here.