GreenPeaceofMine

The Big List of Things That Suck - No.34 - GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS (GMOs)

This offender is the top on my list of reasons that I chose to eat organic over conventional. Especially after I read a whole chapter on it in the Organic Manifesto.

A genetically modified organism (GMO) or genetically engineered organism (GEO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques, which is how you get things like golden rice fortified with vitamin A, pesticide-producing corn and “terminator” seeds that force farmers to buy new seeds yearly from Monsanto, which produces the majority of genetically modified seeds and crops in the world. Proponents—including the U.S. government—say they’re harmless, but opponents point to studies which linked so-called “Frankenfoods” to cancer, food allergies, learning disabilities, birth defects and sterility.

Where to find them: A full 85% of U.S. corn production is genetically modified; the same can be said for soy (91%), cotton (91%), canola (85%) and sugar beets (95%), not to mention the milk, meat and eggs from animals which are feed genetically modified feed. GMOs are not required to be identified on food labels.

Suck less: USDA Certified Organics contain no GMOs. Not now, not ever.

- EcoStiletto.com

It’s not just in corn and soy and such, it’s in your vegetables, fruit, wheat, etc…

Insane. Stay away from GMOs I tell ya. If you’re looking for more info on them, read the Organic Manifesto. In fact, just read the god damn book. She’s got a lot of good things to say in it. DO IT.

(Source: ecostiletto.com)

To buy local or eat organic? That is the question!

I recently just finished reading Organic Manifesto by Maria Rodale. I will stand by the feact that I think EVERYONE should read this book, even if you don’t care about eating organically, just so that you know what is in your food, how it’s made, and how much control the chemical companies have over our food. 

One thing that Maria discussed in her book was whether or not to buy locally (especially produce). I have read a lot of green books that suggest buying locally because it’s better for the economy, community, you’re support local farmers, and saving the oil from having to import food. Though these things are great and are infact green, Maria has convinced me that it’s still not good enough. What would be even better is to find a local organic farmer but, that’s not always possible. Demanding organic by purchasing organic is not only better for your health, it eliminates the pollution from toxic chemicals being sprayed in the air, and therefore prevents a lot of carbon from being released into the air. Also, the more we buy it, the more it’s in demand, and the lower the price goes down.

She also discussed something else that recently started up a stir within my community. Our governor recently proposed putting on a tax on pop and sugary drinks. Basically anything with high fructose corn syrup. To discourage people from buying it, therefore helping to lower the obesity rate or something like that. Frankly I think it’s a brilliant idea and Maria states that it’s one good way to slowly bring down and eliminate the chemical companies. High fructose corn syrup is filled with GMOs (genetically modified organisms) that are basically pesticides that were sprayed onto the corn, which then soaked INTO the corn and stays with it all the way into your body. 

If the governor passed this law, there would be a lot of angry people at first but, in the long run, it would be better for our help and a good step in the right direction. 

In the words of Maria Rodale: “We must demand organic!”