A high quality environment for a high quality of life

This is because most pesticide residues are known as lipophilic, which means they are attracted to fat. They lodge in the fat tissues of the animal, bird or fish becoming more and more concentrated as they move up the food chain.

The Centre for Science in the Public Interest, who are a consumer watchdog group, reported that pesticide residues are more frequently found in meat, poultry, fish, butter and lard than fruit and vegetables.

In his book Diet For A Poisoned Planet David Steinman processed a vast amount of data from the Total Diet Study conducted by the FDA. He concluded that foods could be divided into three categories according to the number of toxins found in them.

He named these categories red (for most toxic), yellow (for moderate), and green for lowest in poisonous substances.  With the exception of raisins and peanuts* all the foods in the red group were meat and dairy products.

* Raisins are derived from drying fruits that are notorious for being subjected to chemical spraying. Peanuts often contain a highly toxic carcinogen called aflotoxin, which is caused by the mould aspergillus flavus, and are not recommended by the author as a safe food unless their freshness can be guaranteed.

WATER
A recent survey of drinking water identified that in 298 cases the water was contaminated with chemical pesticides at a concentration exceeding the Maximal Admissible Concentration (MAC) by one quarter.

Altogether, sixteen different active pesticide ingredients were found plus other industrial pollutants. It was concluded that the increasing amounts of nitrogen-based fertilisers being added to the soil was to blame. Only about half of fertilisers are taken up by the crop, the remainder is washed into our waterways.

YOUR HEALTH
An in-depth study was done by the London Food Commission on the ingredients currently permitted for the use in pesticide manufacture. The results revealed that almost 40% of pesticides currently in use could damaged the body in at least one way.

Of the 426 chemicals listed 68 were found to be carcinogenic, 61 capable of mutating genes, 35 to have various reproductive effects ranging from impotence to birth defects, and 93 to cause skin irritations and other symptoms.

Of all the studies researched by the author the condition most frequently referred to in relation to agricultural chemicals is cancer.

NUTRIENT DEPLETION
The poisoning of our foods is only part of the story, there are also implications regarding their nutrient value. According to Leslie Kenton in her book Endless Energy, there is no way to compensate for the structural information missing when the organic matter in the soil has been destroyed by chemical farming.

Dr Paavo Airola, in his classic book How to Get Well, warned us back in 1974 Organically grown fruits and vegetables contain more vitamins and minerals, as has been shown in many tests. They also contain more enzymes than the produce grown on depleted, chemically fertilised soils.

Such foods have a greater health-building and disease-preventative potential. He went on to say Researchers reported recently that anti-malignancy factors are apparently present in organically grown foods.

In contrast, the Institute of Food Technology reported in 1990 that there is no evidence that organically grown foods are more healthful than those produced conventionally.

Well, dear reader, what reason can you think of that might have lead them to that conclusion? If they were named the Institute for Human Health we might take them more seriously.

THE FAR REACHING IMPLICATIONS -- WHY ENCOURAGE ORGANIC FARMING?
We can only be as healthy as the planet upon which we live. The six primary benefits of organic farming have been listed by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement:

1. Localism. The farm draws upon local resources rather than importing long distance.
2. Soil Improvement. Re-establishes the health and quality of the soil rather than raping it of its nutrients.
3. Pollution abatement. The poisoning of earth, water, foods and wildlife is reduced.
4. Quality of produce. Emphasis is placed on nutritional content rather than appearance of foods.
5. Energy use. The use of fossil fuels such as oil is kept to a minimum.
6. Employment. Results in more employment of a superior rewarding nature both ethically and financially.

MAKING THE BEST CHOICES
Not everything labeled as organic is fit for human consumption.
Organic shampoo is a case in point! The word has, like all words that ride on fashionable consumer bandwagons, become perverted in its meaning. The following guidelines will help you make the healthiest and safest choices:

1. In the USA each state has its own governing body that sets standards for organic produce. The state of California is the strictest. Look for produce that carries their certification entitled the California Organic Foods Act of 1990.
2. Maximise your consumption of plant based foods and avoid all meat and dairy.
3. Buy local produce whenever possible.
4. Focus on buying foods that are in season.
5. Be suspicious of produce displaying perfect flawless shape and un-naturally shiny skin.
6. Rub as well as wash produce. Farmers do not invest large amounts of money into chemicals that will wash off with the first drop of rain!
7. Non-organically grown apples and soft fruits are heavily sprayed. If organic alternatives are not available you are better off peeling them even though vital nutrients in the skin will be lost. If grapes are your preferred choice, search for a dedicated partner who is willing to peel them for you!
8. Support local organic farmers.
9. Best of all, grow your own. It is possible to grow more than most people think even in the smallest of places. Even window boxes can produce a plentiful harvest. Gardening is also a very effective form of stress management too. Have you ever seen a frenetic, time obsessed gardener?
10. Choose bottled water to drink in preference to tap water.

It is an unfortunate but realistic fact that money is more of a driving force in industry than health. If humankind is to survive we need to reverse the destruction of the planet on which we live and reclaim our health. The choices we make today as consumers not only effect our own health but have a profound impact upon our childrens futures.

The best way forward is for us to all develop enquiring minds, an unquestionable pursuit of that which is in accordance with natural law and a mistrust of anything that appears perfect! Remember, your purse has more voting power than your voice. I vote organic -- whats your vote?