Organics help the environment

The organics movement is, by nature, an earth-friendly movement.

In the late 1940's after farmers incorporated chemical fertilizers and pesticides into their farming methods, U.S. agriculture became increasingly dependent on chemicals. As a result, new strains of resistant insects developed. There are now herbicides, fungicides, avicides -- the list goes on. The ultimate killers, or biocides (like methyl bromide) are injected into the soil. Not only have these chemicals endangered wildlife and poisoned the sol and the water, but they endanger the farm workers and their families. Water tables in agricultural communities have higher concentrations of nitrates and other harmful chemicals. These can impair reproduction and immune function in humans.

Take the tomato, for example. Many begin in greenhouses with synthetic fertilizer. They are then transplanted to fields that have been sprayed with methyl bromide - a gas which was found to deplete the ozone layer. Many crops are regularly sprayed with fungicides like thlorothalonil or mancozeb (which are toxic to fish). They may be mixed with endosulfan or methomyl (which are toxic to birds). In fact, Cornell University researchers estimate that at least 67 million birds die each year from pesticides. The estimate for fish is 6-14 million yearly. And although DDT is banned in the U.S., it continues to be used other countries like Latin America.

In light of these facts, the benefits of organic farming are clear. The same tomato grown on an organic farm receives very different treatment. Soil is prepared with cover crops of rye or vetch. Plants are raised using organic fertilizers. Ladybugs are used to eliminate aphids. A naturally derived biopesticide (like Bt) might be used. Weeds are controlled by mulching. Not only are harmful chemicals not present to contaminate us, but soil is healthier and water is cleaner. It is well known that pesticide residues in food are harmful to humans -- especially children, who tend to absorb a higher proportion of these residues, pound-for-pound, than adults do. For more information on pesticides and their deadly effects, visit the Organic agriculture link on the home page and go to pesticide facts.