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The Positive Effect of Using Organic Food
Food grown without extreme use of artificial chemicals is better for the health of people and the environment. The last couple of years, many farmers around the United States have abandoned artificial pesticides, fertilizers and hormones in favor of organic growing techniques.
What exactly is organic food?
It is food generally produced by using natural practices without the use of artificial chemicals, genetically engineered resources, sewage sludge or exposing to radiation. Food displaying USDA’s organic seal and labeled as “organic” must have all organic approved materials, while limited exceptions may apply for up to 5% of the product ingredients. The allowable amount of food that can be phrased as “Made with Organic Ingredients” is 70%.
Animal products certified as organic must come from livestock that has access to the outdoors. The animal has not been treated with hormones or antibiotics and has been raised on organic feed.
How is supporting chemically treated products harmful to the environment?
Farms that use chemicals harm the environment and place the health of humans at risk. Pesticide and fertilizer from farmlands wash into rivers, lakes, and streams, tainting the waterways and ruining our environment. Several pesticides are also toxic to health.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), say that “The health effects of pesticides depend on the type of pesticide.” There are some that affect the nervous system, irritate the skin or eyes, and hormones in our body. By supporting organic farming, we reward the farmers who have made considerable efforts to do away with the need of using harmful chemicals.
Do we have other options besides using organic products only?
Yes. There are farmers who are not “organic” certified that are doing wonderful things on their land to decrease harmful effects on the environment. However, using “organic” brands give us a tool assuring that the foods we consume are grown with the best intentions and methods for humankind and our environment.
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