Organic foods are popping up everywhere, not just farmers markets and road side stands. Whole Foods Market and Trader Joes are great sources for shopping organic, and most grocery stores have aisles and cases designated for organic herbs, veggies and juices. The philosophy behind growing organic, sustainability, recycling, etc., is not only responsible, but is one that is hard to dispute. Ultimately, we want to live better and contribute more. But to what degree are we willing to give up the creature comforts we have learned to live with? How far out of our way will we travel to “save the world”? How much time will we take out of our already exhausting days to cook better for ourselves and our kids?
I’m all about growing organic and supporting local farmers. But I get crazed about the contradiction and hypocrisy of the fashion of eating and buying organic. I’ve never been a hippy, or a “down with the establishment” kind of girl, but the big business and profitability behind production, not to mention the marketing of organic foods, is hard to ignore. How does eating better translate to living better?
I recently worked for a restaurant that promoted themselves as the sustainability gurus. I spent every morning, picking thru fresh organic herbs and squeezing a case of very expensive, locally grown, organic lemons. We then stored the juice in Styrofoam containers. I easily discarded 40 containers a week. Huh?!
Along with growing better foods, I think it is equally important to treat the earth with respect. As I pay, **$3.00 for a roll of pre-made "organic" polenta, (wrapped in plastic) from the health food store, and leave the farmers market with my melons in a crinkly white ”THANK YOU” bag, I have to ask... as a consumer, how do I keep true to the mission?
I recently read this article published in Business Week about the Organic Myth
www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_42/b4005001.htm
I’m all about growing organic and supporting local farmers. But I get crazed about the contradiction and hypocrisy of the fashion of eating and buying organic. I’ve never been a hippy, or a “down with the establishment” kind of girl, but the big business and profitability behind production, not to mention the marketing of organic foods, is hard to ignore. How does eating better translate to living better?
I recently worked for a restaurant that promoted themselves as the sustainability gurus. I spent every morning, picking thru fresh organic herbs and squeezing a case of very expensive, locally grown, organic lemons. We then stored the juice in Styrofoam containers. I easily discarded 40 containers a week. Huh?!
Along with growing better foods, I think it is equally important to treat the earth with respect. As I pay, **$3.00 for a roll of pre-made "organic" polenta, (wrapped in plastic) from the health food store, and leave the farmers market with my melons in a crinkly white ”THANK YOU” bag, I have to ask... as a consumer, how do I keep true to the mission?
I recently read this article published in Business Week about the Organic Myth
www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_42/b4005001.htm
Here's some links for local farmers and markets: www.northunionfarmersmarket.org www.OEFFA.org www.earthwatchohio.org www.morganfarmsstudio.com
(** actual cost/ .35cents of corn meal and 15 minutes to make fresh at home)
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