If you haven't heard the term ""green"" within the past few years, it's likely you've been living under a rock. The green movement has become a nationwide cause, endorsed by countless celebrities and philanthropists. Even large-scale companies have started making ""green"" products or using renewable energies, all steps toward reducing the effects of global warming in our immediate future. Organics have also become a huge player in the movement. Organic food, clothing and even cleaning products have slowly started to work their way into the American home, despite their higher costs. But is the higher price worth the benefits?
Some would argue that there is nothing wrong with traditional farming. Mass-producing crops should allow for pesticide use to create the most crops for the least amount of money. Simple economics, right?
Organic farming refers to raising crops without the use of toxic pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. They employ crop rotation, changing the kind of crops grown in their fields during each season, and prevent topsoil erosion, which keeps toxic substances from seeping into water systems. Livestock cannot be fed antibiotics or growth hormones and have to be maintained on a healthy diet (grass vs. corn-fed beef, for example). These methods have been shown to create healthier crops and livestock that may even have a higher nutritional content than traditional farming-created foods. Research implies the possibility that pesticide exposure leads to some common cancers and childhood diseases. Because of our advancements in technology, the amount of chemicals and toxins our bodies are exposed to daily is startlingly high. So why aren't more Americans feeding their families organic foods?
Cost may be a main factor. While you can easily buy a bag of potatoes for under $2 at your local grocery store, a bag of organic potatoes may cost twice as much. Many middle and lower class families would struggle to feed their families organically. Does it then rest on the government to lower organic costs? Do they have an obligation to their citizens to provide healthier foods and perhaps in the long-term reduce individuals' health bills?
Because it is difficult to buy only organic foods and still have money to pay your rent, the Environmental Working Group has created a list of 12 foods that should contain the USDA Organic sticker during your next trip to Capitol Centre Foods. These foods, when not purchased organic, have the highest concentration of pesticides: peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, lettuce, grapes, pears, spinach and potatoes. Basically, when you know you will be eating the skin of the food, it should be organic. Pesticides concentrate in the first layer of foods, so foods like bananas and oranges with removable layers are safe to eat non-organic.
Besides some obvious health benefits, organic farming is also easier on the Earth and its resources. Traditional farming methods involve tilling (or turning over the soil) which releases CO2, a proven greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. Organic farming uses a ""no-till"" method, that uses 50% less energy and 60% less fossil fuels per unit of food. Organics provide another option to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow the effects of global warming. Buying organic food may also be the easiest option to help our environment, since we might have a harder time reducing the amount we drive or the types of clothes we buy. Because organics are easier on the Earth, do we have a moral obligation to buy them?
I would say we do. Organic food has become an increasingly viable option at our local grocery stores. It used to be that they could only be found on small family owned farms or local farmers markets, but they are now available in both developed and developing countries worldwide. They are better for our bodies, minds and environments. They keep small companies and farms in business, create jobs and may help with our country's economic situation. Personally, I see no reason why organic food shouldn't make up the majority of our grocery carts. Yes, the costs may be high, but I'm willing to pay the price for a healthier future.
Samantha Egelhoff is a Daily Cardinal contributor for The Green Room. We welcome all feedback. Please send responses to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
