EnvironBlog
EWG is composed of a team of scientists, engineers, policy experts, lawyers and computer programmers pores over government data, legal documents, scientific studies and our own laboratory tests to expose threats to your health and the environment, and to find solutions. Read More
Organic Products Mi-essence creates certified organic (food grade) skincare, hair care, personal care, health care, and cosmetic products. ONE Group's range of products stand in a class of their own by being independently certified to international food grade standards by some of the world's most respected organic certifying organizations, namely, Australian Certified Organic (ACO), the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), JAS (Japan) and IFOAM (Europe). Read More
What's all the fuss about Organic Fruit and Vegetables? Why are they and other Organic Food meant to be so much better for you than ordinary conventionally grown foods? Firstly, Organic Gardening/Farming is more traditional than conventional farming. They are, to a great extent, the farming methods used prior to the explosion in modern scientific pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers that came in the 20th Century. It is a farming method that does not use synthetic chemicals.
But why is Organic Food better for you, and why eat organic food?
Pesticides and Herbicides in Organic Food
The first important benefit of eating organic food is simply that there are no synthetic chemicals in it. More and more scientists believe that even small amounts of pesticides and herbicides can have a negative effect on the health of people. This is particularly so during pregnancy and childhood when the effects can be particularly long lasting.
There are over 400 chemical pesticides and herbicides used in conventional farming but little is understood about their effects on humans. In some cases there have been no studies done at all. Because residues of these chemicals are often present on and actually in conventional produce, it is considered better for your health if you eat untreated produce, in other words Organic Fruit and Vegetables.
Can Organic Food Include GM Crops or Ingredients?
Another advantage of organic food is no genetic modification of the crops. Under all organic food standards, genetic modification (GM) of crops and ingredients is banned. No long term studies have yet been made on the possible effects of GM foods on human health, so we don't know that they are safe for consumption.
Can I Be Certain it Really is Organic Fruit and Vegetables?
Certified Organic Farms and Gardens are inspected on a regular basis to ensure that they maintain their organic food practices. The inspections are rigorous but are there to protect the consumer. It is important that you, the consumer, get what you pay for. There are, unfortunately, many dishonest producers who would love to get the commercial advantages of being labeled organic food without having to practice organic methods. This has given rise to the rigorous inspections and the organic food certification and labeling system.
Environmental Benefits
With conventional farming methods much of the chemicals used are spread further than the target crop by wind drift and when washed off into drainage systems, creeks and rivers by rain. This is very bad for the local wildlife and the environment in general. Even the British Government has stated that Organic Farming is better for the environment and wildlife. They also point out that organic farming
produces less carbon dioxide (the main green house gas) and therefore is better for global warming. And it produces less dangerous wastes. All in all, the far better environmental choice.
What Do the Gourmets Say About Organic Fruit and Vegetables?
Many people including many gourmets swear that organic food tastes better than conventional food. Some people say that this is because there is more of the life force in organic food than there is in conventional chemical sprayed and treated food. They say this alone makes it the healthy as well as tasteful choice of foods.
