Update, 5/24

It conjures visions of tree-huggers and fruit sample trays at Whole Foods, of alternative cleaning products and recycled totes. What is this word? Organic. 


In the years of late, there has been a huge stir in the commercial world-- how can we, the public, control the manufacture and production of commodities that don't contribute to the progressively toxic state of our environment? Organic products--that is, matter grown, or fed 'without the use of (synthetic) pesticides, fungicides, or inorganic fertilizers, and prepared without the use of preservatives'-- are becoming increasingly widespread as the population learns more about the malignant effects of chemicals in our water, land, and air.

Pesticide-free cucumber, $1.49. All-natural lotion, $40. Sustainable cotton tee, $18. Alternately: One gallon of regular unleaded gasoline, $4. A bushel of corn, $6. 

It adds up, especially in an uncertain economy. So we forgo the 'unnecessary luxuries'; the earth can wait a while, perhaps until the sluggish dollar regains some vivacity. Certainly, we don't need to eat an organic strawberry when a conventionally grown one results in less pocketbook pain. 

Or do we? We need to evaluate: why do we want to help the environment? Earth isn't going anywhere; whatever damage, however heinous, we wreak on the landscape is not enough to wipe away the existence of a massive planet. But it is enough to efface humans from the face of the earth, to instigate the cellular and organ dysfunction that stems directly from pouring chemicals into the body. 

In essence, by trying to help the biosphere, we are actually attempting to assure the continued quality of our own lives. It is a closed system; we cannot survive without helping the earth, and the earth will decay if we don't start to take care of it.

Invest

4 Comments:

  1. Priya said...
    Tina, I totally agree that people should buy organic products.
    In fact, I buy organic fruits/vegetables/milk.
    S T said...
    Tina I read your post twice and I still don't understand what you're trying to say. I'm stupid.
    MKL said...
    Me: "You're wearing a tshirt"
    Tina: "It's organic"
    lol
    Noel said...
    Another option is shopping vintage :]. Unfortunately for me, I never wear t-shirts or many of the "basics" that come in organic cotton, so I do my part by shopping in consignment stores instead.

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