It’s more than your health 

Every year, millions of gallons of herbicides, insecticides and pesticides are put into our soil.  Many don’t realize that when it rains, or crops get watered, those toxins are leaching down into our water supply.  This tainted water finds its way into our rivers, streams, and lakes, and eventually the ocean — causing damage on all living organisms. These toxins also pollute our soils, which need to have a healthy flora to prosper and sustain life.  

Even for the crusaders of organic living and farming, the threat of pollution persists from those choosing non-organic lifestyles.  No man is an island, and in all reality, actual islands are sometimes affected the most by outsourced pollution.  Thinking that organic or non-organic choices are reserved for each individual is not only selfish, it’s downright apathetic.  

When you take a bigger look at the toxins we are putting into our planet, think of it as the same toxins we are putting into our bodies.  There is an obvious correlation between the financial cost of our healthcare, and the environmental cost to our land.  The more our natural resources are diminished, the less our chances at a healthy and long life remain.    

I would like you to consider the reasons you consume organic or non-organic.  Realizing that there are higher costs than your health just might be the tipping point toward making the most sustainable and educated food decisions possible.  It was for me.  

So, after all these years, and for all those individuals who have asked me, why do I believe in organic?  In all honesty, the real answer to this question eluded me until I was in my late 30’s.  Many people think converting to organic is about their own personal health, and I think this is rather selfish.  The saying “what you put in is what you get out,” certainly applies to the philosophy to eat organic on a personal level, but it also relates to a much bigger construct.  Supporting organic goes beyond any one person.  It’s about supporting a healthy planet.  

Hopefully this helps you understand my take on agriculture, food, and our planet.   I will be publishing a weekly perspective for The Modern Eater website, and I welcome interaction with you about the topics I write about and your questions. GO Organic! 

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