In an effort to educate the public and urge people to go organic, I am sharing this hilarious video put out by OnlyOrganic.org . On the site you can also find lists for organic farmers and products certified by the USDA.
This video really shows the truth about the word “natural” on products. In fact, it really doesn’t mean anything. “Natural” foods can contain GMOS and harmful chemicals. This really just proves my point that we NEED to know WHERE our food comes from.
Green Power,
Hannah
This week I want to share my very intense journey with food lately.
Do you ever find yourself in the grocery store starring at labels for hours just trying to figure out what exactly “natural” means? There are still a lot of items in the pantry that you’re not 100% sure are completely natural. The further I dive into this investigation behind the brand name, the more I’m starting to realize there is a bigger issue going on here. . .
GMO stands for genetically modified organism. This might sound like something out of a science fiction novel but we are in the day and age that science is able to do the amazing feat of creating food in a test tube. If you want to know the whole break down check out this site. This might sound like the cure to world hunger but don’t get too excited. The whole point of genetically modifying foods is to create super crops that can survive after tons and tons of pesticides and herbicides are poured onto them. This allows a higher yield of crops and more profits. But why would we want to eat food that has been blasted with chemicals? Long term effects of eating these genetically modified foods are beginning to link to disease, allergies and overall immune deficiency. So how on Earth is the government allowing products to leave this off the label? Maybe it’s because some of the largest suppliers of genetically modified seeds, like Monsanto, are the same companies with VP’s and CEO’s working for the Food and Drug Administration.
So what can be done about this? We live in a democracy right? We can decide we want our food labeled and it shall be done! But wait.. it’s not that simple. A few states have already tried to pass propositions to get GMOs labeled, but no such luck. Connecticut and Maine are the only states that currently have any required labeling. MILLIONS of dollars have been raised to oppose any GMO labeling requirements, mainly by the companies using genetically modified crops. Monsanto has raised over 4 million dollars alone, followed by other big name processed food companies like Pepsico, Kraft Foods and Coca-cola.
Don’t worry, there is still hope to live a life free of genetically modified organisms. Always look for products that are certified organic. These items SHOULD be GMO free. Corn, sugar and soy are at a higher risk for being genetically modified. You must also check for products of these crops, as well, like high fructose corn syrup and cornstarch. Try to avoid processed foods as much as possible for they are usually heavy in these ingredients.
The Non-GMO Project is a nonprofit certification program that creates awareness for products that are GMO free. It has great lists of companies and products and links to take action in supporting labeling. This site allows you to write to Monsanto shareholders directly. Being aware of what is on your plate is the first step to making the right choices, not only for the environment but for your own health.
What can you do NOW?
It’s really that simple. We have the right to know what’s in our food. It is so important to ACTUALLY know where our food is coming from because it is one of the few connections we have left with nature.
This video shows the Dervaes family who have created a 4,000 sq. ft urban garden in their backyard! The garden can produce 6,000 POUNDS of food a year and includes a plethora of fruits and vegetables and goats, ducks, and chicken. The garden feeds the entire family of four and produces enough excess that the family makes $20,000 a year in sales to local restaurants. All of the food is grown organically and all the animals are cage-free. The garden includes it’s own compost heap, bee hives, solar panels, and a bio-diseal gasoline station.
Could you imagine if every household in America were like this? We would be able to stop childhood hunger, poverty and unemployment all in one step! Of course, each garden would have to be done right. If every backyard in America turns into a pool of pesticides and chemicals, then we really aren’t solving the problem. In the video, Jules Dervaes talks about creating a community that would be able to support each other. By creating a way people can share resources, it will be easier to convince them it is worth the work. A garden is certainly a lot of work, especially on this scale, but it is also WORTH the effort. By combining forces within your community, the labor is shared, as is the harvest. Think of your five immediate neighbors. Now if you needed milk or eggs, you would go across the street to the little old lady with the goats and chickens. If you needed berries and some apples, you would head over to your next-door neighbor. Each person has their responsibility. Not only would this help with food issues, but it will also reconnect communities.
Really great inspiration for any urban gardener!
Ecowarriors 