Going Organic

I’m into organic stuff. Food, products, you name it. There is a slight problem, however. I can’t afford it. Organic stuff is expensive because of how it’s produced, and there is still (unfortunately) only a limited market for it. However, many people that want to eat organic foods form cooperatives with their friends. These cooperatives allow people to buy in bulk and divide the cost, thus allowing them to purchase organic foods.

I would like to start an organic cooperative. If anyone is interested, let me know and we can set up a meeting to discuss terms and stuff. If you’re not convinced, here are some reasons why you should use organic products.

10 Good Reasons To Go Organic
Organic products meet stringent standards Organic certification is the public’s assurance that products have been grown and handled according to strict procedures without persistent toxic chemical inputs. Organic food tastes great! It’s common sense – well-balanced soils produce strong, healthy plants that become nourishing food for people and animals. Organic production reduces health risks Many EPA-approved pesticides were registered long before extensive research linked these chemicals to cancer and other diseases. Organic agriculture is one way to prevent any more of these chemicals from getting into the air, earth and water that sustain us. Organic farms respect our water resources The elimination of polluting chemicals and nitrogen leaching, done in combination with soil building, protects and conserves water resources. Organic farmers build healthy soil Soil is the foundation of the food chain. The primary focus of organic farming is to use practices that build healthy soils. Organic farmers work in harmony with nature Organic agricultural respects the balance demanded of a healthy ecosystem: wildlife is encouraged by including forage crops in rotation and by retaining fence rows, wetlands, and other natural areas. Organic producers are leaders in innovative research Organic farmers have led the way, largely at their own expense, with innovative on-farm research aimed at reducing pesticide use and minimizing agriculture’s impact on the environment. Organic producers strive to preserve diversity The loss of a large variety of species (biodiversity) is one of the most pressing environmental concerns. The good news is that many organic farmers and gardeners have been collecting and preserving seeds, and growing unusual varieties for decades. Organic farming helps keep rural communities healthy USDA reported that in 1997, half of U.S. farm production came from only 2% of farms. Organic agriculture can be a lifeline for small farms because it offers an alternative market where sellers can command fair prices for crops. Organic abundance – Foods and non-foods alike! Now every food category has an organic alternative. And non-food agricultural products are being grown organically – even cotton, which most experts felt could not be grown this way. (from www.ota.com, the website of the Organic Trade Association)

If you want more info, you can also go here:

http://www.organicfood.co.uk/topten.html

http://www.checnet.org/healthehouse/education/articles-detail.asp?Main_ID=421

http://www.organic.org/

http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/campaigns/genetic-engineering/go-organic

A word of caution: many of the “big names” in food production are now trying to tap into the growing organic market by producing a limited number of organic foods under new labels. But, they are still producing their regular products at the same time. Do a little research, and don’t support the big names that are still destroying our world with their regular lines of products. Some good companies to look at:

www.diamondorganics.com

www.goldminenaturalfoods.com

www.drweil.com

There are tons of other reputable companies out there, too. And, many states have websites for farms that use sustainable agriculture practices, with links to places to buy fresh local produce.

Sure, it may cost a little bit more, but isn’t it worth skipping that extra cup of Starbuck’s to know that you’re helping yourself and your family to be healthier? Isn’t it worth skipping McDonald’s for lunch to help local family farmers stay in business? Isn’t it worth not buying that one extra Christmas present to help make our world a cleaner and safer place to live?