Go Organic or go home

For the last five months or so, I have been trying to eat better. For me, "better" doesn't totally pertain to "dieting," but more along the lines of healthier and more local. I've decided to stop eating meat, unless it is organically or locally grown, or something that I've caught myself (or by my family). It hasn't been easy, but I definitely feel better about myself and the choice I've made.

     The driving force behind my choice is how much less detrimental organic farms are to the environment. Generally, organic farms are much smaller than industrialized farms and don't damage the land nearly as much. The soil stays rich and full of nutrients because it isn't overgrazed or over-cropped. These farms also use less energy and less water and never use pesticides, all of which contribute positively to our planet.

     Large, industrialized farms utilize many types of pesticides and fertilizer that can not only harm those of us who ingest the leftover particles, but also the environment surrounding the farm. Also, the animals there are often treated with little or no dignity, forced into crowded and cramped conditions where they overgraze the land and make it useless in a matter of years. The land that once sustained human life becomes little more than a patch of dirt that can sustain little more than grass.

     So consider this the next time you buy your food at Wal-Mart or Festival. Think about the possibility of buying locally raised meat and produce. The People's Food Co-op offers us a variety of locally grown and organic food and is close and convenient. It can be hard to adjust your diet in such a way, believe me. I've run into my fair share of challenges and hard spots. Sometimes a pepperoni pizza is just too appetizing to pass up. But the best thing you can do is make the effort. You'll feel better about yourself, you'll feel healthier, and you'll be helping your planet in a simple and easy way.