TOP TEN REASONS TO GO ORGANIC!
Whether
in the spiritual or physical plane ‘we are what we eat’. All our energy
is ultimately sourced from food. The nutritional value of the food we
eat, its ecological and social costs (the chemicals and processes used
in growing it, the distance it travels before reaching our plates), and
our relationship to the producers—all affect us.
Modern chemical-based farming depletes soil fertility, impoverishes farmers and has made them dependent on corporations for all farm inputs from hybrid seeds to fertilizers and pesticides. Pesticide residues left on our produce cause innumerable health hazards, besides the ill effects of these toxins contaminating our water resources due to run-off and seepage into the ground. Ultimately these toxic chemicals enter the eco-system and cause harm to the entire food chain, from insects and birds to the larger predator species.
Organic food is healthier for our bodies, better for farmers’ livelihoods and does not destroy ecological balance as does chemical-based farming. Organic farmers use low-external input, sustainable techniques and thus incur less debt since they control most farming inputs. Thus encouraging small, local organic farming is essential to restoring our food, livelihood and health security. Organic food tastes better too!
1. Keep chemicals out of our bodies. Many foods have residues of poisonous chemicals used as pesticides in their production. Many systemic pesticides cannot be removed by washing. Numerous studies show that pesticides can adversely affect the nervous system, increase the risk of cancer, and decrease fertility
2. Protect future generations. Before a mother first breastfeeds her newborn, the toxic risk from pesticides has already begun. Studies show that infants are exposed to hundreds of harmful chemicals in-utero. Organically grown food is safe food, free from the dangers of poisons and chemicals, which is especially important for children, who have a lower body weight than adults and developing systems and brains.
Modern chemical-based farming depletes soil fertility, impoverishes farmers and has made them dependent on corporations for all farm inputs from hybrid seeds to fertilizers and pesticides. Pesticide residues left on our produce cause innumerable health hazards, besides the ill effects of these toxins contaminating our water resources due to run-off and seepage into the ground. Ultimately these toxic chemicals enter the eco-system and cause harm to the entire food chain, from insects and birds to the larger predator species.
Organic food is healthier for our bodies, better for farmers’ livelihoods and does not destroy ecological balance as does chemical-based farming. Organic farmers use low-external input, sustainable techniques and thus incur less debt since they control most farming inputs. Thus encouraging small, local organic farming is essential to restoring our food, livelihood and health security. Organic food tastes better too!
1. Keep chemicals out of our bodies. Many foods have residues of poisonous chemicals used as pesticides in their production. Many systemic pesticides cannot be removed by washing. Numerous studies show that pesticides can adversely affect the nervous system, increase the risk of cancer, and decrease fertility
2. Protect future generations. Before a mother first breastfeeds her newborn, the toxic risk from pesticides has already begun. Studies show that infants are exposed to hundreds of harmful chemicals in-utero. Organically grown food is safe food, free from the dangers of poisons and chemicals, which is especially important for children, who have a lower body weight than adults and developing systems and brains.
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3. Better Nutrition, Better Taste. Fresh organic produce contains more vitamins, minerals, enzymes and antioxidants than chemically produced food. Organic foods are also consistently judged tastier. 4. Reduce Environmental Pollution. Chemical agriculture wreaks havoc on the environment. Pesticides seep into groundwater, and can cause loss of aquatic life, birds and wildlife. Chemical fertilizer dependency has taken a toll on the natural health of the soil. 5. Support Farmer’s Livelihoods. Organic farming reduces dependency on external inputs like seeds, fertilizers and pesticides. Instead they are produced from cow dung, bio-mass, beneficial herbs and leaves. Dependence on expensive inputs purchased from outside leads to financial distress of farmers. |
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6. Protect the health of farmers. Close and continuous contact with agricultural poisons makes farmers more susceptible to cancer, respiratory problems and other major diseases. India’s farmers are exposed to numerous pesticides including Endosulfan that are banned in developed countries. Many farmers turn to organic methods after experiencing the ill-effects of pesticides.
7. Promote native seed diversity. Traditional seeds developed by Indian farmers are naturally pest-resistant, nutritious and suited to local conditions. Chemical farming promotes the use of Hybrid non-native seeds.
8. Avoid eating genetically modified (GM) food. Organic standards do not allow any genetically modified seeds and inputs. GM foods, if approved for the market in India, cannot be distinguished from other foods. Going organic is the sure way to know your foods are free of GMOs
9. Promote Biodiversity. Visit an organic farm and you’ll notice something: a buzz of animal, bird and insect activity. Native plants, birds and hawks return usually after the first season of organic practices.
10. Avoid hormones, antibiotics and drugs in animal products. Dairy cows and meat animals are routinely injected with growth hormones and anitbiotics. These get passed into the milk /meat we consume and harm the health, especially of children who consume them.
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