Sustainability: Organic Foods

When you go to a grocery store, are the foods labeled organic really organic?

Organic foods have become a popular trend lately. There are many products these days labeled “Organic,” “All natural,” “Nature’s Best,”etc. These names are a great part of advertising; making people buy them because they are supposedly more natural. Unfortunately, these foods are likely to cost 3 times as much as conventional store-bought foods. Though consumers must pay attention to whether there is a certification behind that claim. That is why the USDA created an Organic Certification program called USDA Organic Certified. What is USDA Organic? Farmers who are USDA Organic Certified must fit the following criteria as posted on USDA’s webpage:

· Preserve natural resources and biodiversity

· Support animal health and welfare

· Provide access to the outdoors so that animals can exercise their natural behaviors

· Only use approved materials

· Do not use genetically modified ingredients

· Receive annual onsite inspections

· Separate organic food from non-organic food

In addition to these criteria, USDA Certified Organic foods must avoid most synthetic pesticides which means they use pesticides but ideally they should be natural. The problem with some natural pesticides is that they can have higher toxicity levels than some synthetic ones and are not as efficient so they are sprayed many more times than some synthetic ones. Unlike what many people believe, USDA Organic certified foods sold in stores still use pesticides. Most of the foods bought in grocery stores are mass produced; they are still factory farms.

The best organic foods are not those sold in stores but those sold in farmers’ markets and small family farms. Both are guaranteed to produce foods locally and give profit to the small farmers instead. Many of these farmers are disappearing due to monopolization of the farming industry so it is important that we support those who are still pursuing their dream of working on the land. In addition to locally sourced food, honey is a great example of a food that if locally sourced, could help prevent seasonal allergies.

Going to pick-your-own farms can be very fulfilling since you work your way to that food. It also is a great way to bring people closer together, expose children to the outdoors, and relax from ordinary life. And just like farmers’ markets you become exposed to different people and can spring up interesting conversations, eventually making more friends. Food is a part of society and must be cherished not monopolized.

Food is also a great part of the environment and must be understood. Many children don’t quite understand how food is produced. They think you simply have to go to a grocery store and buy it. Most don’t have a true relationship with food. This relationship must be learnt in order to promote healthy lifestyles. Children like plants are better grown outside and the more interaction they get with how their food is grown the more their mind is stimulated by curiosity and likewise with adults. So go out and find a pick-your-own farm, go to a farmers’ market, and spring up a conversation! You’ll be amazed by the things you learn, the people you meet, and best of all, the food you taste!

Here are a few places to visit and enjoy: