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10 Reasons to Go Organic
1. Organic produce tastes delicious!
Many top chefs are cooking with organic fruits and vegetables primarily
because of their fresh, clean taste and excellent quality. The richness
of the natural flavors reflects the pure nutrients of the soil.
2. Organic fruits and vegetables are a healthy choice for you
and your family. A number of studies show that organic produce
contains more vitamins, nutrients, and cancer-fighting antioxidants than
non-organic food. It makes common sense—well-balanced soils produce strong,
healthy plants that become nourishing food.
3. Organic is a healthy choice for the planet. When you
choose organic, you are supporting a farming system that keeps toxic and
persistent pesticides and synthetic fertilizers out of our water, soil,
and air. Many EPA-approved pesticides were registered long before extensive
research linked them to cancer and other diseases. Organic agriculture
is one way to prevent these chemicals from getting into the environment.
4. Organic produce reduces the health risks associated with pesticide
residues on food. Organic fruits and vegetables have a significantly
lower incidence and lower level of pesticide residue than conventionally
grown produce. Why do some organic foods have any pesticide residues at
all? Factors such as pesticide drift from conventional fields and persistent
pesticides in the soil are mostly to blame. Still a recent study shows
that organic produce reduces your exposure to pesticide residues significantly.
Many people buy organic food whenever possible to protect their health
and the health of their children, who are especially at risk.
5. Organic produce is produced without using GMOs (genetically
modified organisms). At present, the organic label is consumers'
only clear choice that their food was not genetically engineered or modified.
Organic regulations also prohibit irradiation of food.
6. Organic farming methods avoid the vicious cycle of the chemical
treadmill. In conventional farming as pests become more resistant
to chemical pesticides and as soil structure deteriorates, more and more
chemicals are needed to farm successfully, making conventional farming's
long-term viability questionable. Organic farming works without causing
pesticide-resistant insects and preserves beneficial insect populations.
7. Organic farming reduces our dependence on non-renewable resources.
Instead of using petrochemical-based fertilizers, organic farmers use
recycled products from other industries that would otherwise go to waste.
8. Organic production encourages biodiversity and is kinder to
wildlife. Organic farming encourages an abundance of species
living in balanced, harmonious ecosystems. There is a much greater diversity
of birds, butterflies and plants on organic farms.
9. Organic farming creates a safer workplace for farm workers.
Eliminating exposure to toxic pesticides creates a healthier environment
for people who work in the fields — and their families, too.
10. Organic farming builds naturally fertile soil, and prevents
soil erosion. Organic farmers continually add organic matter
to the soil, a practice that results in less water usage and soil erosion,
and sustainably fertile soil.
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