So You Think You're Buying Organic...

Right!  When I wrote The Politics of Food I didn't know there was a book (and entire movement) with the same title.  
Find out more here.

After my rant on Monday I decided to continue with a bit of revelation as to what organic consumers are actually consuming.  I'm not judging because I used some of these very products without know what's really going on.

"Educate and inform the whole mass of the people... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty."
-Thomas Jefferson 

Prepare to be stunned! (I know I was)

Sorry I couldn't make this bigger.  For a better look, Check out Cyber Help for Organic Farmers.  Who owns "organic" companies?  Nestle, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Kellogg, General Mills, Danone, M&M Mars, Cadbury, Hershey Foods and Kraft.

According to Green America, many of these companies have been cited for using GMOs in the products, violating child labor laws, animal testing, racial and gender discrimination and Pollution.

When I used to shop at Whole Foods (now the truth is out and even their products contain GMOs) I was always tempted by the sparkling case of "organic" juices and smoothies.  You know, by Odwalla and Naked Juice.  The sad truth is that they are owned by Coca-Cola and Pepsi.

The "organic" industry is booming and the money is flowing in...To the same companies who have been poisoning us.  Big corporations noticed the increased demand and have infiltrated the "organic" industry.  To find out which companies are NOT owned by big corporations, check out Nutrition Wonderland.

Okay, so maybe the big corporations employ thousands/millions of people.  With the current economic crisis/depression, jobs are important but most of these "jobs" are sent overseas where they is even less regulation.  They continue to cut corners, support unsustainable agricultural practices, use ingredients which are POISON in some countries and all for their bottom line.  It all comes down to MONEY!  And who do you think pays for all of this?  The consumer!

How do we, the consumer, get out from under these dastardly corporate greedies?

1. Know what you are eating and who you are supporting.  Buy Local whenever possible.

2. Grow your own or join a CSA.  Growing your own does not have to be a daunting task.  Start small and ask for assistance.  Herb gardens are easy to start and continue to provide for years if properly maintained.  Sprouts are nutrient dense and take up almost no room.

3. Buy Fair Trade.

4.  Make your own.  Rather than buying packaged foods (at a premium), make them at home.  You'll save money, you'll be in charge of what you are eating AND by doing so you will reduce waste from excess packaging.  Check out Mary's Kitchen for "made from scratch" recipes.

"Enlighten the people generally, and tyranny and oppressions of body and mind will vanish like evil spirits at the dawn of day. "
-Thomas Jefferson