There are clear pros and cons but I think it does more harm than good when lead by Monsanto. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to notice how corrupt of an organization they are. Just look at how many countries don't want anything to do with them. I know Neil DeGrass Tyson openly supports gmos but I haven't heard much of his argument.
I think it is impossible for the mass majority of Americans to switch completely to organic and it's silly for anyone even suggest it. (For example, I care about people's health, but I wouldn't tell anyone what to eat. Ever. I think public schools should provide healthier lunches, but I also believe there shouldn't be a ban on how much soda a person can buy -- which our Mayor is trying to do. This could be a good idea for minors though. No 2L sodas to those under 18.)
Poor people, especially those living in places where organic items are less available, don't even have access to it, even if they had an interest. I also recognize, for me, and for other low income families, every single penny matters. It's all about stretching that penny till it can't be stretched anymore. When we were REALLY struggling, my diet consists of probably 60-70% chicken, rice and beans. Because that the most bang for my buck. (At least here it is.) I could do 5lb bag of rice $3, a few packs of chicken $5-7 and a bag of dried beans $1. Maybe some plantains $1. 1-2 bags of oranges $2-3. Oats $1. Eggs $2-3 Bread $1 Half gal Milk $2 And that would be our grocery list for the week. And, it worked! We have totally lived off $20 a week and didn't kill myself with processed foods.
In some cases there is little difference between the gmo product and the organic product. According to the FDA, it is some 35-40% less gmos required to gain that organic label. Also, it's important to note that the 'organic', 'free-range' and 'GMO-free' label is becoming quite a marketing ploy. Especially now that there is so much news and controversy about the topic. The FDA is handing out certifications left and right, and everyone wants to get on board. Unless the FDA tightens the qualifications for these labels, this can do some serious farm. Not only are Americans being misguided by food corps, their "nature" of being awfully uninterested in research, complacent, and overall indifferent, will hurt them.
Like you mentioned briefly, buying directly from farms, supporting Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), buying farm shares, is overall the BEST way to go. Not only are you probably getting a 'true' organic product, but you're also supporting local/small farms which are seriously hurting now. This is, more or less, the last bit of connection we have to what we eat. This is the last of bit of us knowing WHERE EXACTLY our food comes from.
I think anyone can make huge strides by just being more conscious about what they're eating and where it comes from. I eat some organic items, but only if it economically makes sense and I can fit it in my budget. It's all about balance.
A lot of people say it's too expensive, and though it is more expensive, assuming you even have the access, I usually suggest others to swap out a few items. For example, if you buy canned regular beans, I suggest buying canned organic beans because it's often not much of a difference in price. Even better, buy a bag of dried organic beans and soak them yourself. Cheaper vegetables such as carrots are not much more expensive organic. Watch for sales, do it when you can, don't beat yourself up about it.
If you put in the effort, it's possible, but it is time consuming and a commitment.
no subject
I think it is impossible for the mass majority of Americans to switch completely to organic and it's silly for anyone even suggest it. (For example, I care about people's health, but I wouldn't tell anyone what to eat. Ever. I think public schools should provide healthier lunches, but I also believe there shouldn't be a ban on how much soda a person can buy -- which our Mayor is trying to do. This could be a good idea for minors though. No 2L sodas to those under 18.)
Poor people, especially those living in places where organic items are less available, don't even have access to it, even if they had an interest. I also recognize, for me, and for other low income families, every single penny matters. It's all about stretching that penny till it can't be stretched anymore. When we were REALLY struggling, my diet consists of probably 60-70% chicken, rice and beans. Because that the most bang for my buck. (At least here it is.) I could do 5lb bag of rice $3, a few packs of chicken $5-7 and a bag of dried beans $1. Maybe some plantains $1. 1-2 bags of oranges $2-3. Oats $1. Eggs $2-3 Bread $1 Half gal Milk $2 And that would be our grocery list for the week. And, it worked! We have totally lived off $20 a week and didn't kill myself with processed foods.
In some cases there is little difference between the gmo product and the organic product. According to the FDA, it is some 35-40% less gmos required to gain that organic label. Also, it's important to note that the 'organic', 'free-range' and 'GMO-free' label is becoming quite a marketing ploy. Especially now that there is so much news and controversy about the topic. The FDA is handing out certifications left and right, and everyone wants to get on board. Unless the FDA tightens the qualifications for these labels, this can do some serious farm. Not only are Americans being misguided by food corps, their "nature" of being awfully uninterested in research, complacent, and overall indifferent, will hurt them.
Like you mentioned briefly, buying directly from farms, supporting Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), buying farm shares, is overall the BEST way to go. Not only are you probably getting a 'true' organic product, but you're also supporting local/small farms which are seriously hurting now. This is, more or less, the last bit of connection we have to what we eat. This is the last of bit of us knowing WHERE EXACTLY our food comes from.
I think anyone can make huge strides by just being more conscious about what they're eating and where it comes from. I eat some organic items, but only if it economically makes sense and I can fit it in my budget. It's all about balance.
A lot of people say it's too expensive, and though it is more expensive, assuming you even have the access, I usually suggest others to swap out a few items. For example, if you buy canned regular beans, I suggest buying canned organic beans because it's often not much of a difference in price. Even better, buy a bag of dried organic beans and soak them yourself. Cheaper vegetables such as carrots are not much more expensive organic. Watch for sales, do it when you can, don't beat yourself up about it.
If you put in the effort, it's possible, but it is time consuming and a commitment.