The Flash Car, The Designer Jeans Or Your Health
I've written a few articles about eating organically, some can be found from the links below, but I was motivated to write this after speaking to someone recently who told me they have a healthy workplace policy and they receive regular deliveries of conventional (non-organic) fruit each week. We discussed difference between organic and conventional farming, after which they promptly changed their deliveries to Miss Organic. Sure, eating conventional fresh fruit and vegetables is healthier than eating processed, junk food, even with the organic label on it, but really..... what value do you put on your health and your body? How about your family and friends, others around you? Other beings? The Environment? Your food choices are the most direct way you can make an impact on our planet.
It is quite often not until people get sick and develop degenerative diseases, such as cancer, heart disease or diabetes that they decide its time to take care of their health. It is common that the people who tell me that organic food is too expensive are the ones who are dining out regularly, spending around $200 on a Saturday night bender, buying the latest fashion items, drive expensive cars, go on regular holidays, have an iPad, iPod, Macbook and so on! So what price do you put on your health? Our health is our greatest asset, without it, we have nothing! What good is your expensive gym membership if you're not giving back to your body in healthy food?
ASK YOUR FARMERS what they put on their crops and why they need to wear full body suits and post up warning signs when they spray... Also ask them if they would actually eat the crops they grow and sell! I know of people who sell conventional produce yet buy organic for themselves. Would you buy food in the store if it had these same warning signs that are posted on their farms. I have visited and spent time with a lot of organic farmers over the past year. They are extremely passionate about what they do and put in incredibly long hours to ensure that we have a delicious, healthy food supply. These people are the true health creators, I am so grateful for these wonderful people.
When you buy conventional food, youre not only paying for it at the check out you're paying for it a lot more later... You're paying for it somewhere else not at the check out . "Pay the Farmer now or pay the Pharma (ceuticals) later". I know which one is a lot more fun and a lot kinder to other people and the earth. Production and labour costs mean organic farming tends to be more expensive than conventional and this is reflected in how much you pay at the check out. However, when you take into account the true "cost" of food production from conventional farming, including replacement of eroded soils, cleaning up polluted water, health care for farmers who get sick, and environmental costs of pesticide production and disposal, medical costs associated with illness and degenerative disease from chemicals in food, organic farming actually works out to be cheaper.
Conventional farming methods are having serious impacts on human health. From farm workers, to people in neighbouring areas all the way to end consumers of these foods are being poisoned. Hormonal (e.g. thyroid), developmental issues in children as well as cancers are showing up more frequently as a result. Its our health we're playing with by consuming substances that weren't in existence 100 years ago and then we disconnect from the reasons why body functions and organs aren't functioning properly. Furthermore, when you support and campaign for animal rights its also a no brainer that you'll be supporting organic farming, because the use of chemicals used in conventional farming have an enormous impact on their wellbeing too. People often ask if organic food is actually more nutritious than conventional produce? There is conflicting research supporting each side, I first question who is publishing the material and use my own logic. From my research and experience organic fresh food is definitely more nutritious, start at the soil which is where the plant receives its nutrition from, healthier soil without the toxic chemicals present equals a healthier environment for healthier plants to grow.
The other benefit of eating organic fruit and veggies over conventional is that it tastes so much better! I started eating organic around 8 years ago, and exclusively shopping organic 5 years ago, which also happened to be the time that I started enjoying vegetables. If you're not convinced about the taste difference, grab a conventional apple and an organic apple and you try it for yourself :) The feedback I receive from all customers who try an organic delivery for the first time is that the taste of organic fruit and veggies is far superior to conventional food. Melbourne's top restaurants use organically grown food for this reason.
Every food purchase supports the system that delivers it, and if conventional farming methods are damaging to our environment, then purchasing these foods supports this damage . Vote with your dollar and support organic, sustainable fresh food farming, not only contributing to and protecting your own health, but other beings and future generations. It's the easiest way that we can do our bit.
Educate yourself and talk to your farmer! Just because something is 'local' doesn't mean that it is organic, there is a big difference! Local farmers also use toxic materials to put the food on your plate. Just ask them when you go to your local farmers markets. Don't take my word for it, do your own research! Develop the knowledge to make informed food choices for your family, your environment, your community and be empowered to positively influence others to do so too. We are fortunate that we live in an area that organic, fresh food is abundant and delicious. Even if you don't feel you can afford organic food, I ask you to reconsider some of yourspending habits on more luxury items and consider your health as your greatest asset. You can spend as little as $45 a week on organic produce just so that you have some fuel in your body that is chemical free. You'll definitely taste and feel a difference!
*When I mention organic farming in this article and in general I am also referring to Biodynamic farming of course!*
To find out why I eat organic, click on the links below |
Ask yourself... are herbicides, fungicides, pesticides and insecticides a health product and beneficial for my body? The sprays don't just wash off, they're absorbed by the plant and in the soil. It's just like applying skin products, they're absorbed into your body (and this is why I always say we shouldn't be putting anything on our skin that we can't eat!)
