Ethical foods are the new fad

By and large, people assume that organic, ethical food is costlier than conventional options and that the benefits are slim to none compared to factory farm-raised options - but is this assumption true?

Sure, organic produce is free from pesticides and fertilizers, but evidence is mounting that it may also be healthier for our bodies (which results in lower health care costs). According to a study by the Quality Low Input Food Project, quantities of antioxidants (helpful in fighting disease) are higher in organic fruits, veggies (40 percent) and dairy (90 percent) than other options. In a study conducted by the Journal for Alternative and Complementary Medicine, the conclusion was that produce grown organically showed higher than average levels of 21 important nutrients, including vitamin C, magnesium, iron and phosphorus.

And who wants to gobble up food laced with synthetic chemicals like pesticides? They’re not only unappetizing, theyâ??re detrimental to our health! A report by Pesticide Action Network North America explained that we’re exposed to persistent organic pollutants-associated with cancer and hormonal, nervous system, reproductive, and immune system disorders - around 70 times daily. Children are especially at risk since their smaller bodies arenâ??t able to properly cope with the toxic barrage of chemicals.

And while taste is a personal matter, many chefs and home cooks alike prefer organic food because of its superior flavour. But here, too, studies are showing us that our instincts are likely spot-on. A study by the Washington State University sensory quality laboratory showed that organic strawberries were consistently judged sweeter than their non-organic counterparts.

Then there are the environmental matters related to our food:
- A Rodale Institute study has found that organic crops sequester carbon better than non-organic, making it a good choice in terms of climate change.
- Animals, considered by many as part of the “environment,” are often cruelly treated in confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs). Calves, for instance, are forcibly removed from their mothers (who grieve the loss of their young) and pent up in small crates to create veal. Those on organic, free-range farms, on the other hand, are able to forage and frolic as they would naturally if they were “wild.”
- Purchasing food grown or produced locally reduces the greenhouse gas emissions expended to get from farm to table.

But ethical food also means that which is produced without undue cruelty to both animals and humans. Yet, as pointed out by CorpWatch, to keeps costs down, meat packing plants are some of the dangerous and emotionally devastating places to work. Poor ventilation, angry and terrified animals, fast-moving equipment, and unsafe working conditions result in injury rates three times higher than any other private industry. And as long as we support conventional foods, weâ??re making it harder for small farms to survive.

It seems obvious that the benefits of eco-friendly, ethical food are great-for the planet, human and animal health, our taste buds, and more. Some, however, still argue that the price is too high. But is it? When you consider the bigger picture-the environmental, health care, and human costs related to conventional foods-perhaps big farm options arenâ??t as inexpensive as they seemâ?¦

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