We Are On Our Own.

"Unless there are mass movements from below, nothing changes from above."

Trends in social movements are like a double-edged sword: on one count, the exposure and marketing that results from large-scale hype allows for the opportunity of action through increased attention. But we have to be careful. Things can become trendy to the point that, much like our obsession with designer clothing, all we care about is that label, not the story of what that label represents.

This is what is happening with food and nutrition trends in the United States. Buying “organic” n and “natural” foods seems to be becoming increasingly glamorous amongst the wealthy, often with a great amount of delusion and misinformation on a massive scale. Products claiming to be natural and "eco friendly" are not subject to any type of oversight or official monitoring of their labels.There is a serious lack of reliable information and labeling when it comes to the food that we buy, and even those products that are “certified organic” by the USDA are being found to be deceptive in the disclosure of their contents. Up to 5% of non-organic ingredients are permissible in processed products that are labeled organic by the USDA, and there are nearly 250 of these materials currently allowable. Also, shockingly, the yearly testing for pesticides on “organic” farms is considered OPTIONAL under USDA regulations.

So why is it so expensive to obtain this certification of false glorification? Many small organic farmers have been suffering in recent years because they cannot compete with the large agro-businesses that are now operating in the wholesome food industry. And believe me, it is LARGE. Check out this flow chart which outlines who owns what in organics:

http://www.cornucopia.org/who-owns-organic/

Kraft? Coca-Cola? These are the same people who make corn-syrup drinks and 3 minute Mac N’ Cheese. And they are processing your “organic” and “natural foods.” Think about this situation for a minute.

Buying Organic has become a trend. And the most powerful corporations are cashing in on it, big time, at the expense of organic family farmers across the country. But the solution is simple! BUY LOCAL! GROW YOUR OWN! GROW FOOD, NOT LAWNS!

We are truly on our own, with the self-interested corporate world disregarding our health in the face of endless profits. It is time we reclaim power over our bodies and minds, and showed the corporate world that we don’t need their mass-produced crap (as Michael Pollan calls it: edible, food-like substances). So beware the labels, support your local farmers by going to a farmer’s market or joining a CSA (community-supported agriculture), and grow your own food… it’s as simple as seeds, water and sun.