Organic Dilemma

I change my position. I once believed organic produce/ food was the way to go, but after further deliberation (reading, researching, conversing with other thinkers). Uh, no.

As typical with Americans, we've overdone it. We've lost our way. Now, organic food just comes down to business. The industry has strayed away from the very nature of what organic originally stood for - sustainable practices.  And has moved towards a typical food industry model: Mass production. Mass pollution. Mass distribution. 

If broccoli travels 2,000 miles by truck, is it still organic? I now see that it makes more sense to buy local produce. The food doesn't have to travel as far - environmentally friendly. Besides, most local farmers implement sustainable, organic practices, but just choose not to buy into the organic label. The organic label is regulated by the government and it cost money.  Also, supporting local farmers means stimulating the local economy. A win, win.

The way I see it:  Eat local produce that is conscientiously raised over corporately regulated organic. More importantly, eat fresh, whole food and prepare your meals at home. Include plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. Don't forget your water. Oh, and it would help to add some exercise to your regimen.

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I'm reading a terrific informative book that has recipes too: Food Matters by Mark Bittman. Check it out.

Guilty indulgence

I couldn't help myself. Before I knew it I had put them in my cart. I was enticed by the low price of 99 cents. I kind of see why the .99 fast-food value menu works for some. As I put them in my cart I felt a little guilty. Without me checking the label I already knew the blueberries were not grown locally -- there's no way they could be. There's no where within a 200 mile radius that is warm enough to produce blueberries this time a year. That would mean the blueberries came from far, far away. Sure, enough the label read "Product of Chile." I rationalized: If I didn't buy them other customers would. Besides, they were already shipped over 5,000 miles -- why shouldn't I indulge in them? Hmm...That's a fully loaded question. One I'm afraid to even try to answer. Let's just say I enjoyed the blueberries with a little bit of Greek Yogurt and they were delicious. Shame on me for indulging in non-local blueberries.

A while ago I mentioned I wanted to write a series of blogs "Stewards of the Earth" that would explore:

• Sustainability
• Feedlots
• Food deserts
• Organic food 
• Local food
• Milk - The Truth
• Plant based diets 

Well, I think my guilty indulgence is the perfect way to get that series started.  Coming up soon a blog post about local produce.