Are Organic Choices Better?
The question of whether organic choices are better than conventional choices has plagued a great number of consumers. There are some who claim that organic food is safer and healthier, free of pesticides and unwanted chemicals. However there are others who claim that are no differences to be found between the two. In order to make the decision of which choice is better, knowing the differences between these two methods may help to shed some light on this continuous debate.
Organic Certification
In order for something to be considered organic it has to be certified by a government approved inspector. Organic produce has to be grown without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Animals raised organically cannot be given growth hormones and must be raised on organic feed. The government standards for labeling something as organic are strict, however farmers that pass as organic farmers will be able to portray it through a USDA label that can often be found on the packaging of the product.
Are Organic Foods Healthier?
Nutritionally, many studies on organic food have shown that the amount of nutritional content in something organic is not as different as something that hasn’t been grown organically. However, organic foods will not have the pesticide, fungicide, and insecticide residues that you’ll find on conventional produce. The chemicals used in conventional farming methods are highly toxic and many of them will get into the food that we eat. These chemicals build up in our bodies, holding high potential of disrupting good health. While studies may still be on the fence about the nutritional values between the two, it can still be safely said that organic foods will not introduce harmful chemicals into your body, making them the healthier choice.
The Effects of Pesticides
The use of pesticides is to intentionally kill anything that may be considered a ‘pest’ in the area such as insects, weeds, and other unwanted organisms in that vicinity. Oftentimes, pesticides will not only kill the unwanted pests, but it will also kill the beneficial living organisms as well such as insects that may help to pollinate certain plants. Furthermore, the use of pesticides often results in the pollution of our water systems since harmful run off can end up in our rivers and oceans. This can further affect the ecosystem, causing large amounts of significant damage on the environment. Pesticides and chemical fertilizers also deplete the soil, which ends up requiring more money to correct. As a result, aside from the millions of dollars spent on the pesticides themselves, more money is often spent correcting the damage done by the pesticides afterwards. In conclusion, not only are pesticides detrimental to our environment, they have a heavy negative effect on our economy as well.
Why is it Important?
Organic farmers strive to be conserve water and soil, remaining environmentally conscious so that they can make the best decisions for our environment. Making organic choices helps to support local farmers and also has less of a damaging effect on our ecosystem, our water systems, and our economy. Organic produce takes more time and effort to grow, which is why often times conventional food is cheaper. In the end, the long term costs that come as a result of making conventional choices are much higher than the ones that come with making organic decisions.
