Sorting Out the Choices

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In our fast paced society, Americans struggle to find healthier alternatives in terms of food. Consumers are beginning to be more environmentally conscious by choosing to buy organic fruits and vegetables. Scott Meyer is the editor of Organic Gardening Magazine and is featured in the video, “Organic Vegetables” on the National Geographic website states, “. . . organic food is great produce. It tastes better than any food you can buy . . . and working in concert with nature produces a great result . . . All the chefs know that organic food is the best kind of food.” Meyer supports environmental balance in nature and how it beneficially promotes organic production. Organic food products are grown without the use of conventional pesticides, artificial fertilizers, irradiation, growth hormones, or sewage sludge. “The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that twenty pounds of pesticides are used per person per year in the United States. At least fifty of these pesticides are classified as carcinogenic” (Burke 13). This statistic from the administration responsible for advancing the public health is believed to know that inorganic food can cause serious health risks in humans. Organic food can make a positive impact through our health, the environment, and animal welfare.

It is proven that organic food contains more natural nutrients that are beneficial to our health. According to an article on the National Geographic website affirms, “The Organic Trade Association and Organic Consumers Association point to studies that confirm the improved nutritional value, such as evidence published in the September 2010 issue of the journal PLoS One that measured a higher level of antioxidants, vitamin C and phenolic compounds and organ...

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...d water conservation as well as reducing pollution. Some people are concerned about whether animals are abused or forced into compact spaces, but organic farming have a better treatment when it comes to organic meat by letting their livestock roam freely and eat natural greens. Preventive measures are used to improve animal welfare and to help minimize disease. In contrast, conventional farming methods use drugs on their animals to promote faster growth and put on weight more efficiently. Organically raised animals are never given genetically engineered hormones or antibiotics. Consumers can help change food policy as well as urge the government and industry to stop unnecessary antibiotic use in agriculture. Therefore, natural grown foods always have a positive impact on human health, the ecosystem, and well treated animals that participate in organic agriculture.

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