Organic Farming
By Meghan Hickok
In the late 1990's, scientists developed a chemical to spike the growth rate of animals and crops planted by farmers. These chemicals have been proven harmful to not only our environment, but to us too.
Who is Responsible for This Problem?
No one is certain who takes the blame for this, but we can only trace back to one thing and one thing only; money. (Environmental Benefits of Organic Farming, 2011)
What Makes a Product Organic?
If a product is organic, it means the produce and other ingredients are grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms, or ionizing radiation. Animals that produce meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products do not take antibiotics or growth hormones. (Environmental Benefits of Organic Farming, 2011)
Why Should We Eat Organic?
Organic foods do not have chemical pesticide residues on them, and organic meat and dairy products won't contain extra growth hormones or antibiotics. Because organic beef is not given feed containing animal products, it is also less likely to cause mad cow disease. Besides the health benefits, organic food is better for the environment. It is grown using sustainable practices and doesn't cause as much pollution as conventional farming does. It improves the soil quality and maintains the biodiversity of the area. (Environmental Benefits of Organic Farming, 2011)
Why Are We Using These Chemicals?
The chemicals used on crops are designed to make them grow bigger and at a faster rate. People will automatically buy the bigger and better crop in any supermarket compared to a more expensive smaller one even though it may be healthier for us and our environment. To add on even more to that, the chemical also provides a great number of each product, so the farmer doesn't have to worry whether or not they sell too fast. The more crops sold, the more money the farmer gets. Sadly money is controlling what these farmers do to the environment.
How Do These Chemicals Hurt Our Environment?
Chemicals sprayed on crops coat the soil too. Overtime, farmers who repeatedly use these pesticides get bad soil and the crops don't grow as well. Why is this? Once the dust of pesticides hit the dirt, it stays there. After each season, farmers overturn their soil, pushing the toxic dirt down into the earth. New scientific studies show this may cause much erosion in fields in the future. (Environmental Benefits of Organic Farming, 2011)
Do These Chemicals Hurt Other Animals Too?
Yes. Many animals feed of of crops, and if the crop is coated with these chemicals, the animal will also have bad effects from them too. (What's Organic?, 2002)
Some Shocking Statistics!
84% of people do not rely on organic diets. (What's Organic?, 2002)
More than 85% of the corn and soy grown in the United States comes from seeds whose DNA has been rejiggered. (Organic Diets, 2010)
33% of farmers admit to using harsh chemicals on their crops. (Environmental Benefits of Organic Farming, 2011)
What Can We Do To Help?
You can help by simply eating organic foods. The more people that spend money on and consume organic food, the chance more farmers will switch over to going organic will increase drastically. If you insist on helping out even more, you can visit the website of an amazing organization that helps support organic farmers. Visit www.wwoof.org to donate money and learn tips on how to go organic.
Organic Farming. Good for nature, Good for us. Let's make a difference; NOW.
Works Cited
"About Us." Om Organics. 28 Jan. 2013. Web. 17 Jan. 2013. <http://www.omorganics.org/page.php?pageid=138>.
Chait, Jennifer. "Environmental Benefits of Organic Farming." About.com Organic Business. 2011. Web. 17 Jan. 2013. <http://organic.about.com/od/organicindustrybasics/tp/Environmental-Benefits-Of-Going-Organic.htm>.
Levete, Sarah. Toxins in the Food Chain. New York: Crabtree Pub., 2010. Print.