It’s the way of the new age, these days. Everyone is talking about eating organic. But why should you do it? A definition of “organic” is a product which is raised, grown, stored, and/or processed without the use of synthetically-produced chemicals or fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, or any other pesticides, growth hormones or growth regulators. Only farmers who produce food according to a set of standards, undergo evaluation by other certified growers, and pass a yearly inspection by a trained independent inspector can label their products certified organic.
How does this make the food better, you may ask? There is a good reason why many people use organic food in their recipes: IT TASTES BETTER! Organic farming starts with the nourishment of the soil, which leads to the nourishment of the plant and, ultimately, a better taste for our palates.
Did you know that the average child is exposed to four times as many cancer-causing pesticides in their daily lives compared to an adult? Organic food contains no carcinogenic pesticides. You do the math. When you think about it, it would sure be nice to keep those chemicals off your plate!
The FDA approved many pesticides before research linked them to chemicals that cause cancer and other diseases. Now, 60% of all herbicides, 90% of all fungicides, and 30% of all insecticides are considered to be carcinogenic. The bottom line is that pesticides are poisons made to kill living creatures, and can also be harmful to humans. A National Cancer Institute study showed that farmers exposed to chemical herbicides had a six times greater risk of contracting cancer than farmers who are not. What happens when you end up eating those chemicals, then? Yikes!
Ah, but organic food costs so much! It’s true that superficially, organic foods might seem more expensive than conventional foods. However, conventional food prices do not reflect hidden costs borne by the taxpayer in the form of subsidies. Other hidden costs include pesticide regulation and testing, hazardous waste disposal, and environmental damage. In the end, you’re paying for quality when you pay for organic.
As a bonus, organic farming encourages food production that nurtures our soil through the absence of pesticides and the presence of rich compost. The commitment of organic farming to crop rotation, living soil, companion planting, rural enterprise, pure water and sustainable agriculture is a critical step toward protecting our environment and our individual health. By buying organic, you provide a marketplace for growers who have made the future of our planet a top priority. In addition, you’re looking out for your own health, and that of your children.
Why organic? Why NOT.
Today’s Workout:
Buy-In –3 Rounds
5 Box Jumps
5 Knees to Elbows
10 Jumping Pullups
WOD – “Max Hang Power Clean”
3-3-2-2-2-1-1
Hang Power Clean
Work your way up in weight each rep set, towards your 1 rep max.
Cash-Out – Partner up and do 1 round each of Ab-One Hundreds
I agree, organic food tastes WAY BETTER! Also, I’ve noticed that the stores always have sales so it usually ends up being the same price or less expensive than the non organic.
My arms should be recovered just in time for this WOD 🙂
Nice post Bonez! Agreed on the organic stuff, why put the bad stuff in??? And hey, if you do actually end up spending a few extra dollars, what better to spend it on than your own health?
On another note, nice efforts in the WODs on Thursday – great work team!!!
On another another note, I’m attending the level 1 Cert at CF Vancouver this weekend. Should be really interesting and I have lots of questions for them. I’m going to do my best to represent CF Zone in the WODs too!
Turts
Have a great time Cam! Can’t wait to hear all about it.
Hey All,
I agree, organic is way better. I hate how each and every vegetable looks perfect, and the same, at the grocery store. Where does everyone else buy their stuff? Any tips?
Great timing on this post. I just donated yesterday to keep Madrona Farms here in Victoria protected by The Land Conservancy forever.
http://madronafarm.com/site.php
Sorry, that last post was from me, Brian. Shannon was still logged in here at CF headquarters.
Brian, I was gonna say! I just got an email that I posted that, and was scratching my head….
I am a big fan of shopping at Ambrosio Market. They have 2 locations, one in Oak Bay Village and one down by Peppers in Cadboro Bay. They used to be out on West Saanich Rd. by my house, but had to move. They mostly sell all organic produce, and keep it as local as they can. They deal only in small, non-commercial farm suppliers, and their produce can’t be beat!
For anyone up near the gordon head/ saanich area “the root cellar” is pretty good for produce….I think that a lot of the stuff is locally (to an extent) grown, however I’m unsure of how much is certifiably organic! Also the prices are pretty good when compared to the grocery store…for anyone on the zone, you know how much this means with the amount of fruits and veg we buy! hahah
Just wanted to remind everyone about the workout at Beacon Hill park tomorrow @ 10am. Who is going???
I have been shopping at the Red Barn lately and I love it 🙂
Represent well TURTS!!!!
Theresa and I go to the Root Cellar as well. Best produce in town for the price. Not everything is local and organic, but a lot is.
I find the same thing with the Red Barn Market. A lot of it isn’t local, or organic. But the prices can be quite competitive, and there is a lot of variety.
There is a new market that just opened up on Pandora just above Quadra called the Village Family Market Place. Local owners who are committed to the community, sourcing local food only(mainly organic) – if it’s not grown or produced on the Island or one of the Gulf Islands they will not carry it.