Earth Friendly

Genetically modified organisms or GMOs, is a new form of technology that allows genetic information across the protective species barrier in an unnatural way. Genetic engineering or modifying these crops includes a process where bacteria, pesticides, and viruses are placed into plant cells. The reason why GMOs are being created is because it allows the ability for a longer shelf life for a crop. In addition GMOs able crops to be more resistant to droughts, disease, and other harsh conditions. Some countries have banned GMOs, but in the United States it is legal to sell GMOs crops to consumers in most areas. Although the goal of GMO crops is to make the crops less susceptible to pests, more resistant to drought and stronger overall, the actual reality is  that the stronger pesticides will be needed for the  increasingly stronger weeds and diseases, just like it has been seen in the overuse of antibiotics that has created a stronger strain of disease in humans.

Due to pressure put on the FDA Organic foods have to be non-GMO foods as well. Eat certified organic foods because genetically engineering is not allowed in the production of organic foods.  Although certified organic packaged foods are able to include up to 5% non-organic ingredients; which could be GMO. This didn’t used to be the case. But now consumers of organic foods can be sure than what they are eating is GMO free. Also it is advised to avoid all conventional soy, canola, corn, and cottonseed oils because genetically engineered versions of these products have been available since 1996. In other words pick organic oils when possible.  A big one is to avoid products that have nutrasweet or aspartame in them. Aspartame is a genetically modified chemical that has shown its presence the news as being a calorie-free controversy for causing diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer’s.  Although the FDA has cleared aspartame to be safe, in large doses of it is not safe.

Consumers should strive to eat natural, local, organic foods as this makes it more likely to consume more non-GMO foods and put less pesticides inside your body.