Why Organic? The Top 4 Benefits of Choosing Organic Produce
Cece’s Veggie Co. supplier Wholesum Farms, a certified organic and Fair Trade Certified farm in Hermosillo, Mexico.
Cece’s Veggie Co. is committed to providing only certified organic veggie products, no exceptions. We believe that keeping chemicals out of our bodies and our planet is the right thing to do! But, there’s much more to it than that – in this post, we’ll go deeper into the why behind choosing organic food and supporting organic agriculture.
The term organic refers to the way agricultural products are grown & processed. This means that farms must not use synthetic pesticides, bioengineered genes (GMOs), petroleum-based fertilizers, and sewage sludge-based fertilizers. Cece’s Veggie Co. spiralized and riced veggies will always meet these qualifications!
In comparison, conventional produce is grown with synthetic or chemical fertilizers, in addition to synthetic pesticides and chemical herbicides for pest and weed control.That means that traces of these chemicals can be left on the produce when brought to our local grocery stores.
There are many benefits to choosing organic- here our are top 4 reasons:
1) Organic produce contains no synthetic pesticides
Chemicals such as fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides are widely used in conventional agriculture and residues remain on (and in) the food we eat. With conventional produce, you’re risking exposure to two dangerous poisons: pesticides and herbicides. We often hear that washing & peeling produce can get rid of the pesticides, but it won’t completely eliminate the pesticide residues that are present. Studies have demonstrated that in as little as 15 days, children that adopted a primarily organic diet experienced a dramatic decrease in urinary concentrations of organophosphorus pesticides.
Cece’s Veggie Co. founder Mason Arnold and COO Chris Romano in the fields at Wholesum Farms
2) Organic food is often fresher
Organic produce is often fresher because it doesn’t have the preservatives used in conventional agriculture. Since organic farmers don’t use preservatives to extend shelf life, the veggies are sourced and transported more quickly from the soil to the shelf. This isn’t always the case, so it’s important to do your own research when purchasing produce. A few tips for optimal freshness: buy in season, shop around and search for local farmers markets, always check your labels. Crops that are treated with any preservatives and chemicals will end up in our bodies and in the soil, where it will continue to impact chemical levels in food for decades to come.
3) Organic farming is better for the environment in reducing pollution, soil erosion & fighting against global warming
Organic farming is better for the environment because it reduces pollution and soil erosion, increases soil fertility, and uses less energy. Farming without pesticides is also better for nearby animals and people that reside close to these farms. Organic farmers rely on crop rotation, companion planting and animal manure in place of synthetic fertilizers, weed killers, and pesticides to control pests and maintain the quality and integrity of the soil. According to MindBodyGreen, in 2000 the National Water Quality Inventory concluded that pollution from agriculture in the US is the largest factor affecting the water quality of rivers and lakes. Research by The Rodale Institute shows that:
“If only 10,000 medium sized farms in the U.S. converted to organic production, they would store so much carbon in the soil that it would be equivalent to taking 1,174,400 cars off the road, or reducing car miles driven by 14.62 billion miles.”
4) Organic food is GMO-free
Organic food is GMO-free (free of genetically modified organisms or genetically engineered foods), meaning that the plant’s DNA hasn’t been altered in ways that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding. GMOs have been an ongoing controversy in the U.S., as they have been linked to increasing food allergies and gastro-intestinal problems in humans.
Produce stickers with PLU codes beginning in 9 are always organic
When choosing whether to eat organic, its best to consider the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen. The Dirty Dozen is your list of produce that retain pesticides in the highest concentration once they reach the shelves. The Clean Fifteen have the least concentration of pesticides.
Cece’s mission is to make it easier and more fun for busy families to eat more fresh, organic veggies, so you can always trust that our products will be certified organic! Another great way to spot certified organic produce in your local grocer is to keep an eye out for the organic seal, which ensures organic compliance. And when buying whole fruits and veggies, scope out the PLU (Produce Look-Up) code on the sticker – anything that starts with a 9 is organic!
More resources to check out:
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/organic-foods.htm
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-14763/a-doctors-top-4-reasons-to-eat-organic.html
https://www.thebalancesmb.com/environmental-benefits-of-organic-farming-2538317
