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Why eat organic?Reader submitted
By Lisa Madarasz - www.ecodeals.co.nz
It costs more and often requires an extra trip to the shops, so why do it?
Well, it all begins on the farm. Organic farms use no chemical pesticides or fertilizers to grow their produce. This means there is no toxic residue on our food but also the soil and farm workers are not exposed to potentially harmful chemicals either.
In the process fewer fossil fuels are converted to fertilizers and it means the soil is healthier and should sustain crops naturally for longer.
With all the problems we have in New Zealand waterways from farm run-off, this is of particular interest for the sustainability of many parts of our ecosystems and not just our own personal health.
For us, on an individual basis, there are also benefits from eating organic and not exposing us or our families to potentially harmful pesticide residue. While there is a lot of conflicting information on the risks of consuming trace quantities of pesticides on foods some people prefer to avoid this risk – especially for our children’s sake.
However there is no escaping that eating organic is more expensive and many families cannot afford to go the whole shebang. This is why the Environmental Working Groups annual list of the ‘Dirty Dozen’ so helpful. The group analyses data on pesticide residue and ranks foods according to how much or how little pesticide residue they have. The Group estimates that you can reduce your exposure by 80% if you switch to organics for these foods.
Another great fun way of eating organic is growing your own; whether in pots or a dedicated vege patch it is also a great way to reduce your household waste by composting – it is a lot easier that you think, read How to Compost for more information.
As Alison White from the Safe Food Campaign said, "Usually, washing, peeling and cooking reduces the amount of pesticide residues, however some persist. If you think organic food is too expensive, remember that non-organic food does not include the cost of biodiversity loss and other environmental degradation. With organic food you pay the real cost for real food, and you give the grower a fairer return. By having organic food you support a system which better protects our children and the environment."
www.ecodeals.co.nz
The Dirty Dozen
(This produce should be purchased organic.)
- (The dirtiest) Celery
- Peaches
- Strawberries
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Nectarines
- Capsicum
- Spinach
- Kale
- Cherries
- Potatoes
- Grapes (imported)
There are also concerns about green beans.
The Clean 15
(Least pesticide residue found; okay to buy non-organic.)
- Onion
- Avocado
- Sweet corn
- Pineapple
- Mangos
- Sweet peas
- Asparagus
- Kiwifruit
- Cabbage
- Eggplant
- Rock Melon
- Watermelon
- Grapefruit
- Sweet potato
- Honeydew melon