When "Organic" is a MUST

Afternoon readers! Let's start today's post with a quiz. Name which item was shown to contain 40 different pesticides, 30% of which are neurotoxins (they poison the nervous systems of humans and other animals), 30% of which are associated with birth defects, 33% of which are known or suspected to cause cancer, 33% of which are known or suspected endocrine disruptors (they mess with your hormones), 40% of which have been associated with reproductive problems, 65% of which can cause kidney or liver damage, and 95% of which are toxic to birds, bees, and/or aquatic life. Is it:

A. Gasoline
B. Cotton t-shirt
C. Hot glue
D. Non-organic strawberry

The answer is, shockingly, D: non-organic strawberry. Because of this, you will never find them in my house. "100% Organic," "free-range," and "humanely-raised" are perhaps the most prevalent labels in my pantry and fridge. Vegetables, fruits, meats, eggs, dairy, breads, pastas, sauces, sweets, condiments even. You name it, it's organic, from mine or my neighbor's garden, or it's from small local farms that don't use chemical pesticides, fertilizers, hormones, or antibiotics. In the minds of some, my organic food standard makes me a "snob." So be it then - I am a snob and proud to be. But truthfully, I don't buy organic because it's trendy or because it conveys status; I buy it because it's healthier for my family, for the animals raised, and for the environment. On occasion I'll make an exception. If the co-op is out of organic mustard, for instance, and I just have to have a homemade ham sandwich, I may stop in to Safeway and get French's. But there are certain things I will never substitute because the amount of chemicals in them is way too high, or the living conditions of animals are way too poor. Which ones, you ask? Read on to learn more and find out which non-organic foods I avoid at all costs! As well as the low down on why I "Go O!"

First, the Non-Organic Foods I Avoid: As I've said, almost everything I buy is organic or from small, local farms that don't use chemicals in their growing. And even though at times I will make an exception (more so when eating out), there are particular items on which I will not compromise. Like berries. And apples. And all matter of salad and other greens. Never. Corn? Soy? Absolutely not. If it's not organic, you can bet it's genetically modified. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has a list known as the Dirty Dozen. Learn it! It's a list of fruits and vegetables that have the highest amounts of pesticide residue. Those include apples, celery, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, grapes, hot peppers, nectarines, peaches, potatoes, spinach, strawberries, sweet bell peppers, kale, collard greens (and other greens), and summer squash. If you remember from the quiz above, showing the types of adverse effects those chemicals can have, you understand why it's so important to eat food that is free of them! EWG also has a list of fruits and veggies that don't contain as many chemicals and may not be quite as harmful if you buy them non-organic. Foods like asparagus, avocado, and cantaloupe. Check out the list to show you what you can substitute, if necessary. This helps in particular when eating out. Also, as a general rule, consider the items that you and your family eat on a regular basis, at least 3-4 times a week. Every one of those items should be organic because you consume them in quantities that will have an impact one way or another.

A typical "pork" factory farm

In addition to produce, I rarely compromise on meat and eggs. And I go a step further. Not only do I look for organic, but I buy "humanely-raised," "nitrate/nitrite-free," and "hormone and antibiotic-free." And I try to get local products when possible, so I know that the animals don't come from huge factory farms. It matters to me how the animals are raised and treated, if they are to end up on my plate. I feel it's my responsibility, and the quality of the meat is largely impacted by the quality of the animal's life. On large conventional "factory farms," typically chickens and pigs are raised in small pens and cages, where movement is restricted, and they are never able to get outside. Steer are kept in cramped pens, often knee-deep in mud and feces, fed grains (unnatural for cows) and are often without access to grass or shade. Due to the poor conditions and improper foods, diseases are rampant, thus the need for antibiotics. Also, synthetic hormones ensure more eggs,  more milk, and more meat, even at the expense of the animals producing them. On large dairy farms, cows spend their lives in pens and "milking stalls," barely able to turn, kept either pregnant or nursing, utters too full, pumped full of hormones to increase the supply, and then antibiotics to fight mastitis and other infections resulting from over-milking. Essentially they are nothing more than milk factories for their short and sad lives. Sorry, I am usually not this grim. But it's really serious! You love cheese and ice cream? So do millions of people, and that means a gigantic milk industry and lots of factory farms operating this way. If we don't change our habits, the industry won't change its habits either. Demand better quality by only buying organic, free-range meat and dairy, and from small, local farms when possible. It makes a difference.  If you haven't watched Food, Inc. or The Future of Food, I recommend both. Watch the official trailer for Food, Inc. below. I love this guy...

I can't tell you how many times I have seen toddlers eating non-organic apple slices or strawberries, or cubes of cheese, and every time I feel compelled to do something. But it's hard because I am aware that on average organic foods cost 1/3 more than conventionally grown or highly processed foods. And I know this can be a hardship for some or a perceived hardship, anyway. Many can afford it but haven't made it a priority above and beyond other expenses because they don't see the value. I can tell you that without question our biggest single expense on a monthly basis is food. And that is with minimal eating out, most meals are at home. But I tell ya, every time I hand over a $300 check for a few bags of groceries, I know I am doing my family good. So it's worth it. Even if it means one less movie night and meal out that month.

My family's farmers market booth back in 2009
(we weren't certified "organic" but everything was chemical-free
and done by hand, with no machinery!)

Why is Organic Better? You all may know this, but let's review so we are on the same page here. "100% Organic" whole foods, certified by the USDA, are not covered with chemicals, and come from seeds that are not genetically modified. Organic food has been shown to have more vitamins and minerals because the soil in which it is grown is richer. And organic farming is more environmentally sustainable because it's typically smaller scale so it doesn't take the same toll on the land, and it isn't responsible for the mass dumping and runoff of chemicals, which end up in oceans and water supplies from conventional farming operations. Organic farmers don't feed artificial hormones, excessive antibiotics, and non-organic foods to their animals, which in turn means better living conditions (although you will want to look for "free-range" meat, eggs and dairy as well, which means the animals spend time roaming outdoors instead of in cages or large, cramped chicken houses). For them, this all means happier lives. For you, this means healthier products.

Our small family garden with "beyond organic" food: no chemicals, no machinery,
everything planted, fertilized (with compost and manure!), grown and harvested by hand, with love.
That's my mom there getting down and dirty in the rich soil.

The High Cost of Cheap Food: It's unfortunate that people associate "organic," and the stores that sell mostly organic, with snobbery. Sure, the sticker prices may be higher, but with higher manufacturing costs, less subsidizing, and naturally smaller yields, it makes sense. Organic farms don't treat essentially dead soil with with chemical fertilizers to grow large quantities of food, and they don't use cheap chemical pesticides, herbicides, coloring agents, waxes, or ripening gasses. They don't pump their animals full of growth hormones, so as a result they produce naturally smaller animals and less meat than conventional farms. Not using growth hormones also means less milk and fewer eggs. As a result, organic farms are more labor-intensive, cost-heavy, and lower yield. The only way for them to make it, is to charge a higher price.

But if you think that buying better quality food at a premium isn't worth it, think again. If you buy cheap, conventionally-grown produce, meat and dairy, you are assuming unforeseen costs. Recent findings from the Washington State University's Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources show "a full 94% reduction in health risks if you eat organic rather than conventional foods." This conclusion came after the Center reopened, reevaluated and corrected a flawed Stanford study, using the same data they gathered while analyzing the health risks of conventionally-grown food compared to organic food. Traces of the pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, antibiotics, and hormones used in the food you eat end up in your body and the bodies of your kiddos. Think about that! And don't get me started on the additives in processed foods. In Food, Inc. you will see the story of one family who regularly eats fast food because it's cheaper than fresh, organic food. At the same time, the father talks openly about how he spends $500 every month on diabetes medicine. I have said it before: food is either our medicine or our poison. It is one or the other and can't be both. Please watch the eye-opening documentary, Food Matters, to learn more about how our food system and our population are getting sicker, and what can be done about it. Here is the official trailer.

So now, I ask you, What price would you pay to dramatically increase the likelihood of long-term health for you and your family? What about improved quality of life as you age? Less sickness and disease throughout your life? Less trips to the doctor? Less in medical bills? It might be worth it for you to pay a buck-fifty more for milk when you shop. And when you do that math to determine how much more you would be willing to spend for better long-term health, be sure to add a little bit if it matters to you how animals are raised and treated or whether toxic chemicals are dumped into our soil and water. To me, buying and eating organic, fresh foods is a no-brainer. For those of you who are still concerned about the costs, how about this: growing your own chemical-free food from organic seed is the absolute cheapest way to go! Cheaper than buying any food! If you don't have a big garden, no problem: get a few pots and enjoy tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, salad greens, and herbs. Bring some of the items indoors when it gets too hot or cold, and you could enjoy a longer growing season. Chemical-free food is literally at your fingertips!

Going "O" is always easier with a gardener like him :)
Thanks, Aaron, for making my garden grow!

That's all for today, and as usual, it's probably plenty. Remember, you are what you eat!

To your health and the health of our world,

Ms. Crunchy Chic