Imagine a backward society in which millions of pounds of
poisons were willingly broadcast into the environment endangering
countless species of plants and animals
Imagine a backward society in which millions of pounds of poisons were willingly broadcast into the environment endangering countless species of plants and animals. These poisons were sprayed onto the land, injected into the soil and applied to food. Sound scary? It is scary and it’s an accurate description of our modern American society.
Despite all of the attention paid about the dangers of pesticides over the past decades, the agricultural application of pesticides is still rampant. Those producing our food supply routinely use a wide variety of poisons to maximize their crop yields and minimize their labor costs. It’s tough to blame the farmers.
Farming is risky, hard work that has become riskier and more competitive over the years. Buyers, brokers and processors all want unblemished produce with minimal spoilage and minimum cost. Foreign imports present an ever-increasing risk to domestic suppliers.
As is often the case, however, it is we consumers who have the ultimate power to influence how our food is produced. By showing a preference for organic fruits and vegetables that are domestically, if not locally, produced, we can influence what supermarkets put on their shelves and ultimately how farmers grow our produce. Here are three simple actions you can take:
• Buy organic – By putting our money where our interests are, we can effectuate change. Our local stores have more organic products on their shelves than ever before. In addition to fresh produce, look for canned fruits and vegetables, juices, dairy products, frozen foods, and snacks.
• Buy domestic – Show a buying preference for fruits and vegetables that are grown in the United States. If you don’t know where something is grown, ask the Produce Manager. In general, pesticide use is more strictly regulated in the US than in other countries.
• Buy local – Shop at the Morgan Hill Farmers Market on Saturdays in order to support local growers. Look especially for the organic food booths at the market. It is local growers who most directly impact the Morgan Hill environs.
Some people choose to eat organic produce because they are worried about the health effects associated with consuming the pesticide residues in our food. There is undoubtedly much research still to be done in this area. My point today is not to focus on this debate but to instead ask yourselves, “Does my vision of “how the world should be” include spraying millions of tons of poisons into our environment in search of the cosmetically-pure, cheaper-than-dirt piece of fruit?”
If you’re reading this article, I hope that your answer is “no” and that you’ll consider my thoughts the next time you find yourself pushing a grocery cart.
Eco-Fact of the Week: In 2002, there were over 172 million pounds of pesticides applied in California.
Eco-Web Pages of the Week: For information about reported pesticide use in California, check out www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/pur/purmain.htm
Anthony Eulo is a program administrator for the City of Morgan Hill who buys and grows organic produce extensively. He welcomes your questions, comments, and thoughts and can be reached at en*****@************ca.gov or 779-7247.
