Many of us buy organic food to reduce our exposure to pesticides, show our support for a sustainable food system, or simply because we’ve heard organic is healthier.
But there’s another reason to buy organic: to protect farm workers.
Everyday, farm workers across the world are exposed to dangerously high levels of pesticides and other toxic chemicals. They often don’t have proper protective gear, or access to clean water on the job. They sometimes live right on the land that’s being sprayed, so their children, homes, and possessions are also contaminated by these toxins. And because farm workers are almost always underpaid, they have very few tools to cope when health consequences do arise.
Another way to look at it: If eating an apple that’s been sprayed with chemicals can be harmful to your health, then imagine the damage that can be done to a farm worker who is exposed to thousands of pounds of pesticides every year.
Buying organic food – if you can afford it – is one significant way to stand up for farm workers’ rights.
7 Comments
christa gadola
November 29, 2012 at 3:25 pmwhat a good point! sometimes i care more about others’ health than my own. and i agree, migrant workers are already disadvantaged and don’t need health problems on top of their already challenging lives! if not for my health, than for theirs…
Amelia
November 30, 2012 at 7:45 amEach of us is motivated by something different, so I’m glad this resonated with you 🙂
Jamie Grumet
November 30, 2012 at 3:02 pmWell this post is preaching to the choir with me, but I say AMEN!
My husband and I decided we are going to try to eat organic with our family of 4 for $50 a week. Day 1? huge bust! $270 I spent at whole foods for the week. I guess the lesson learned is I can’t buy everything at Whole Foods and expect to do it on a budget!
Do you have any tips? I’ll be coming over here a lot to get them!
Amelia
November 30, 2012 at 3:18 pmHi Jamie,
You’re right – simply starting to buy everything organic can be pricey! A few tips:
1 – buy in-season produce – it’s cheaper and often on sale
2 – plan meals around what’s on sale
3 – make mostly meatless meals
4 – buy frozen fruits and veggies
5 – choose 1-2 proteins, 1-2 prepared grain products (like bread, tortillas, etc), and 1-2 dairy products per week and 1 prepared food for a busy night “emergency” – then supplement these with tons of veggies & fruits, dry beans, dry grains and a few nuts/oils from the pantry. if you buy tons of each category of food every week, grocery bills go up fast!
6 – buy store-brand products when possible- Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, Wild Harvest, and even Vons/Ralph’s have their own generic brands of many organic foods. Take advantage of these.
7 – stock up when organic foods you love are on sale
Hope these help!
Jamie Grumet
November 30, 2012 at 4:54 pmOhh thank you! We have been eating only organic for about 8 years now (except when we go out to eat). Our grocery bill, however, is insane. Oh, and when I was on my juicing kick we almost went broke! 😉
Budgeting is our new idea.
I’m printing out your tips! Thank you again!
The Healthy Apple
December 4, 2012 at 6:41 amLove this post, Amelia! You are amazing and your tips are perfect for everyone to learn how to eat organic. Thanks love! Miss you. xoox
Amelia
December 4, 2012 at 2:13 pmThank you, Amie 🙂