Except for those living in Vermont, one right we do not have in America, is to know whether our food is GMO or not. At least, not yet. Until all the other states follow suit however, we must not lose the power of the people. Over 90% of us want them labeled. By not buying GMO products, we can still be heard. Nothing gets “their” attention like losing money, and this is BIG money. Did you know the average person consumes 193 pounds of GMO products in one year. Yes, YOU!
Genetically Modified crops are designed to withstand pesticides, therefore more pesticides are used. An increase of 404 MILLION pounds of pesticides from 1996 to 2011. This then makes the weeds stronger and more resistant, requiring harsher herbicides…..one even containing an ingredient used for Agent Orange! Terrible for the environment, and most certainly not good for us at all. Due to the lack of long-term study however, it is unknown what all the affects are. What is known, is that since GMO products have hit the market there has been a huge increase in cancers, infertility, Autism, and the list goes on. Coincidence? I think not.
Monsanto, and other chemical companies create GMO seeds and then patent them, forcing farmers to buy new seeds every year. First off, patenting a seed, the beginning of life, is absurd control. Second, do we really want chemical companies controlling our food? The only correlation there is money, not health. Current GMOs are corn, soy, canola, sugar beets, cotton, rice, potatoes, peas, dairy products, Hawaiian papaya, some zucchini and yellow crookneck squash, and alfalfa (cattle feed). So buy USDA organic, especially for any of these known GMOs. Organic seeds are always Non-GMO. Look for the Non-GMO Verified Project seal. Buy brands that are sourced to be GMO free, such as Trader Joe’s. Processed and packaged foods should be organic whenever possible, or avoided all together. Whole foods are less likely to contain GMOs. Choose extra virgin olive oil or organic canola oil instead of canola, corn, soy, or cottonseed oil. Choose cane sugar over sugar and high fructose corn syrup. These are all simple changes that can be done to keep you GMO free and start hitting “their” bank account. Together, we will make a difference.
