Everywhere you go you hear this term “organic” being thrown around… what are they talking about?  What is organic, and why does it matter?

The recent craze for organic food is more than just a social phase like dream diets that promise a healthy heart and a leaner body.  Studies have shown that eating organic foods certainly will help prevent heart disease, cancer, and other health issues commonly found in Americans, but this is not the only benefit of organic farming and consumption. While eating organic food does promote a healthy diet, which is of utmost importance, there are benefits outside of personal health that are of equal or greater importance.   

When you see a food product that is labeled “organic” it means that the food was grown without chemical herbicides and pesticides.  For you, the consumer, this means that there are no chemicals that are being put into your body with that food.  For the farmers, it means a safer work environment (if you don’t believe me, research the Bhopal gas tragedy).  For the environment, this means that the farming that went into producing the food you’ve purchased did not contribute to any chemical contamination of soil, water, or other plant life. One environmental problem with chemical pesticides and herbicides is that often times the chemicals do not hit solely the targeted plant and therefore affect far more than just the intended produce. The chemicals then can have a detrimental effect on the soil, water, and surrounding plant life.  The chain reaction isn’t too hard to figure out when you consider that other plants will be feeding off of the soil and water that becomes contaminated, as well as local wildlife sustaining itself on these contaminated sources.  The chemicals spread in this manner through the environment, not to mention that the odds of all of the chemicals being washed off of the produce you’ve purchased is quite slim, thus spreading the chemicals into your body as well.  Recent studies have also shown an increase in cases of ADHD in children that have diets involving high quantities of pesticides.  

There are alternatives to chemical pesticides and herbicides.  These natural alternatives are sustainable ways to produce the food that we, the human population, are consuming.  Of course, the best alternative to chemically enhanced food products is local organic farming.  Knowing where your food comes from as a consumer is very important because it gives you more control over your own health, diet, and effect on the environment.  Lucky for those of us in Bowling Green, Kentucky there are local options.  I suggest everyone look into going to the local farmers market, finding, and purchasing your organic produce there.  If you think you can’t effect positive change, you’re wrong.  Here is one way for you to make a small life change that will have great, lasting rewards.    

For your own benefit, consider doing your own research.  There are many sources for facts about the benefits of eating organic food and purchasing organic products.  Also, if you want to get involved and/or learn more you can contact me!  While Western does provide some organic options for students, the choices are limited at best; it is up to us students to raise awareness and make change!

Adrianna Silver

adrianna.silver@gmail.com