Weed-Killers on the Plate?: Go Organic
By Laurine Brown, PhD, MPH
As consumers, we scan food labels for good and bad news. We like it when the figures show lots of vitamins, minerals, fiber, & maybe protein. But we may pass up foods with high fat or cholesterol stats, knowing too much of these may harm our health. If the ingredient list also included "weed and bug killers" would we say yes or no? Obviously, we'd say NO. But if the food is not organically grown, we're likely buying a dose of weed & bug killers along with food's goodness.
Consumer Reports tested 1,000 pounds of produce from all over the US concluding that "organic really is different." Organic food had consistently minimal or nonexistent pesticide residues. Even "grenn labeled" (not certified organic) products claiming "no sprays, no pesticides, or responsible choice" had less pesticide residue than conventionally gown produce. When Consumer's Union also analyzed USDA data on 27,000 samples of conventional produce, they found unacceptably high levels of pesticides garnishing our plates. Seven foods, which are common children's foods, had a toxicity score up to hundgreds of times higher than the rest. These are: apples, grapes, green beans, peaches, pears, spinach, and winter squash.
This is concerning because we know these synthetic chemicals can be cancer-causing, hormone-disrupting, and toxic to our nervous systems. We don't know what a "safe dose" is, if indeed there is. The research is simply not there. Make a special effort to buy organic sources of the highly contaminated foods, especially for children whose developing neurological systems are fragile. Washing produce can help remove some outer chemical residues, but not all. Spray with very dilute dishwashing liquid and rinse with a strong flow of water.
Demand for organics is growing by nearly 30% yearly as more consumers use their pocketbook power to buy safer food and support a safer enviornment. Check out these local sources…
Local Organic Food Sources Abraham Enterprises, Inc. Year round crates of organic fruit &/or vegetables
delivered every other weeek to your home Common Ground Natural Foods Variety of organic & natural dry, bulk, &
canned products. Some fresh produce, refrigerated &
frozen items. Henry's Farm (CSA) Local organic farmer providing weekly crates of fresh
seasonal vegetables May-November which you pick up from a
central location or the farm. McLean Prairie Food Corps Locally raised & certified organic beef, pork,
lamb & eggs. Pick up at farm. Supermarkets Growing variety of organic produce, dry & canned
products either in separate organic section or integrated
with conventional products. Jewel, Schnucks, &
Walmart carry organic dairy. Ask store managers to carry
items you want.
See www.
communityzone.com/community/livingupstream for a more complete
listing.
Contact Clark, 309.454.7720
516 N Main Street, Bloomington, IL 61701
309.829.2621 (Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30-5:30)
See www.henrysfarm.com
Contact Marlene 309.965.2304
RR#1, Carlock, IL 61725
Contact Denis or Emily, 309.376.7291
Cub, Eagles, Jewel, Schnucks, WalMart
April 2001
If you have questions or comments, please call Wellness at 556.3334, e-mail us at wellness@iwu.edu, or stop by our office in the Shirk Center.
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