GMO: You Need To Know

I eagerly followed the trail of California's Proposition 37 in the recent election.  In short, the passage of it would require all food containing genetically-modified organisms (GMO) to be labeled as such.

It seems like a "gimme" that it would pass, right?  Doesn't everyone want to know what they're eating?

It didn't pass.  That makes me cry a little.

I will assume that, by now, you know who Monsanto is and what they are doing to the farmers and consumers in America.  Google it if you don't.  It's important.  Watch "Food, Inc."

The United States is one of the few developed countries in the world that does not already require the labeling of GMO foods.  That's just crazy.  Even China requires those foods to be labeled.  Come on, America.  Let's get our act together.

Why is it so important to label GMO foods?  You need to know:

• the DNA of these crops have been genetically-engineered, primarily to resist the harsh pesticides with which they're sprayed.  Corn, soy, and cotton are the most modified crops, engineered to be "RoundUp-Ready" (that stuff you buy to kill the weeds in your yard - imagine that sprayed all over your salad and corn on the cob).
• the DNA of your food affects your DNA.  You know what happens to mutated DNA?  Cancer.
• genetically-modified crops are unstable and their nutrition levels cannot be guaranteed.
• it's a slippery-slope: genetically-modified corn and soy is fed to cows, chickens, farmed fish, and pigs, which alters the animals' DNA, which alters your DNA when you consume them.
• furthering the slippery-slope: the pesticides get into our soil, into our water supply, and therefore into our bodies.
• infants and children are greatly affected by GM foods; their rapid development is stunted, hindered, and influenced by it.  Multiple studies show that consumption of dairy products containing rBST leads to digestive disorders, bowel obstructions, allergies, hormonal shifts (think breasts on infants and boys, early onset of puberty), the list goes on and on.

Several people have told me that they cannot afford to buy organic food.  Sure, it can be more expensive than conventional food.  Here is something to keep in mind: we are a single-income family and believe me, that income is not very large.  How do I manage to purchase almost all organic food for us, without breaking the bank?  Healthy food is a priority in our budget.  We save money in several other areas of our household:

• we don't have a full satellite TV package - I pay about $40 a month, and that provides plenty of channels for us.
• we own our vehicles outright - they are not brand-new or fancy, but they run well (knock wood) and serve our purposes just fine.
• we are conservative with our utilities.
• we live in a small house, which translates to a small mortgage, lower homeowner's insurance, property taxes, utilities, etc.
• our out-of-pocket medical expenses are minimal most of the time - because we put better food into our bodies, our bodies are healthier.
• we eat at home most of the time; I cook fresh foods, rarely using processed or packaged items.

In a nutshell, we live simply.  We are not concerned with the latest trends, we do not worry about keeping up with The Joneses.  What we have is enough.

If you are not yet familiar with The Dirty Dozen and The Clean Fifteen, check out those lists to help you determine what is most important to buy organic and what you can skip.  Keep in mind that the lists do change periodically, so check it regularly.

Photo Credit: http://www.definebody.com