The organic vs conventional-local dilemma.
July 26th, 2009
I try to buy organic when I can. Organic produce is readily available at your local grocer. Organic dairy. Organic snacks. Lately though I’ve been questioning how “worth it” it is to buy everything exclusively organic.
To have a local, organic farmer in your area, it’s truly priceless. I however do not have ready access to a fully-stocked organic grower. Thus, I have to rely on supermarkets for organic goods or local farmers who use conventional growing and animal raising practices. This is where the ever-dreaded organic vs conventional local comes in.
If I buy from the local, conventional farmer, I am supporting small business in the community. I am helping to give a family a living. The product does not have to be shipped far, if at all because it is locally grown or raised. Yet with conventional farming I run the risk of pesticides, hormones and grain-fed meats. I will say that the latter two items are found less frequently on small local farms, but it can happen. That’s where research comes in, which oftentimes means you have to make a trip out to the farm and afterward weigh your options.
If I buy organic, I’m paying not just from my wallet. I’m paying morally. I’m supporting huge corporations that drive local farms out of business. I may also support unjust labor practices unknowingly. I’m paying environmentally. Have you looked to see where your organic apples come from? The ones in my supermarket have a tiny sticker on them, proudly displaying that they come from Chile. They don’t teleport to my supermarket; they are shipped. That’s a lot of fuel to ship a bunch of tiny apples across two continents.
Yet, I’m getting a product that is pesticide and hormone free.
These were just some of the things that popped into my mind lately. I fought with myself today at the supermarket as to whether or not I should buy organic milk that was more than likely the product of grain-fed cows who only have access to pasture. I ended up buying Oberweis milk in the glass bottle, which is not USDA Organic. The packaging is reusable (I get a $1.50 back when I return it), which I really like but I’m not so sure I agree with the political standings of the Oberweis family.
It’s like I lose no matter what.
In short, I feel bad for the word “Organic.” It’s become such an empty word, one of misguided promise for a happier, healthier tomorrow.
FYI, there is a farmer in Chesterton who sells fesh milk. His cows are pasture raised and not given any hormones. He sells raw or pasteurized.
I struggle with buying Oberweiss, too, for the same reasons you do, though i’d rather buy that than non-organic milk.
@ Erin – Do you know the name of the farm or farmer or can tell me where he’s located? I would love to pay him a visit!
We have a few farmers in our area that are organic and are currently working towards their certification—so you have to take them on their word—and then on the word of the government.
For me, it is usually a choice between my body or the environment. I usually end up choosing my body and purchase the organic items that are flown in from Mars.
Should we move?
Yeah, I think about that choice too, between my body and the environment. Like with spinach, that I will always buy organic because it sucks up pesticides like crazy. Same with strawberries, but I don’t eat those. An apple though, I can go local and conventional since the skin is thick enough and residues can be scrubbed away.
I guess it just matters what I’m eating and what I can do to make it better for me AND the environment.
Mars is too cold. I couldn’t survive there. :)
I hate dilemmas like this. I often find myself struggling between what I’m eating and who/what I’m helping or hurting. And I agree organic has become an “empty word” as you said. It’s a fad that people have bought right into without really thinking about what it means, or paying attention to things like the sticker on your apple.
Thanks for the post :)