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IN THE KNOW ABOUT THE “O”
Recent groundbreaking studies continue to prove the ability of organic agriculture to combat climate change, to feed the world sustainably, to protect the health of our children and ourselves, and much more. The Organic Center, which operates under the administrative auspices of the Organic Trade Association, has put together its list of top ten science-based resolutions to help you make a difference in your world by making it organic.
Organic soils play a big role in helping to mitigate climate change by locking away carbon – one of the main causes of global warming -- in long-term reserves. Results of a landmark study in 2017 prove that organic farms store more carbon in the soil, and keep it out of the atmosphere for substantially longer periods, than conventional farming methods.
The invisible-to-the-eye microorganisms in the soil make a big difference. Studies from across the globe show that organic farming boosts the soil’s microbial diversity, and supports more of the bene cial microbes that ght off the disease-causing ones than do conventional farming practices.
Global conversion to organic agriculture, combined with reducing livestock feed from arable land, and making substantial cuts in food waste could help feed the world more sustainably in the future.
Antibiotic resistance is a pressing public health problem, as
it can cause illnesses once easily treatable with antibiotics to morph into dangerous infections for both kids and adults. The more antibiotics used, the more bacteria become resistant to them. Organic agriculture combats antibiotic resistance through its prohibition of the use of antibiotics in organic livestock production and also through its ban of most herbicides.
Save the bees.
More evidence poured in during 2017 that neonicotinoid insecticides negatively affect insect pollinators, increasing bee mortality and boosting the losses of queen bees. Organic farming doesn’t use neonicotinoid insecticides, and it protects the bee’s native habitat. Research shows that organic practices not only reduce risks to bees, but actively support the growth and health of populations of bees and other pollinators.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY MAKING IT ORGANIC
www.ota.com
Exposure to pesticides is hard on a person. Skin and eye irritation, headaches, dizziness, and nausea can be just the beginning; cancer, asthma, and diabetes could be the ultimate results of prolonged exposure. Choosing organic, which prohibits the use of toxic, synthetic pesticides, lowers the risks to the dedicated farmers and farmworkers who put the food on our plates.
Organic farms and elds with high levels of plant diversity increase both the abundance and the number of species of bene cial insects such as pollinators and pest predators. More butter ies and bees, and more birds and wildlife. All are good.
Critics of organic often cite the bene ts of pesticide use, such as controlling pests and boosting yields, but economic models rarely incorporate hidden and external costs of pesticide use on human health and the environment. Organic doesn’t use toxic, synthetic pesticides and doesn’t have these hidden costs.
Let’s protect the next generation. Studies show that exposure to multiple neurotoxic pesticides near the homes of pregnant women in farming communities is associated with lower IQs in their children. Cleaner organic farming means less exposure to dangerous pesticides, and a healthier environment for moms- to-be and the children of the future.
Bed sheets have tested positive for some of the highest levels of ame-retardants, highlighting the potential risk for exposure via the skin. Rest easy with organic bedding, which isn’t treated with ame-retardants or any other chemicals.
For more information on The Organic Center, the speci c studies these resolutions are based on and the science behind organic, visit www.organic-center.org.
Fight the causes of climate change.
Embrace diversity!
Protect the little guys.
Know the true costs of pesticides.
Feed the world sustainably.
Honor the next generation.
Combat antibiotic resistance.
Get a clean night’s sleep.
Keep our farmers healthy.
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