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February 24, 2006
If the insects won’t eat it then why should we?
As video i is on hiatus for the next couple of weeks, I thought this would be a good time to write about a sinister and growing movement that is happening under our noses but getting very little press: genetically altered crops, or GMOs. Ever since genetically modified crops were first planted, about 10 years ago, their acreage has been growing each year at double-digit rates in the US, to the point where they might wipe out conventional crops. Now what does this mean? This means that in a few years the composition of the produce you buy will resemble more a basket of legos than real fruits and vegetables. Let’s just look at one crop getting recent press, alfalfa. The US department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection agency didn’t adequately investigate the environmental effects before approving genetically engineered alfalfa. Organic farmers and conventional growers worry that these genetically engineered plants will accidentally mix with their crops and scare away customers who pay a premium for organic goods. This has happened consistently in the past, where GMO pollen has traveled long distances in the wind and contaminated organic crops, from corn to soy. Maybe you’re reading this thinking, “who gives a crap about soy or alfalfa, it’s all about eating beef!” Well, there’s the trickle-down food chain effect. Cows primarily feed on alfalfa, so eventually, beef, cheese, yogurt and milk will all be contaminated by these insidious genetically altered DNA. This new grade of alfalfa is resistant to bugs and the most potent weed killers. So let’s get this straight—resilient weeds cannot withstand pesticides, but this alfalfa will. Insects reject or get sick from these crops, but we are supposed to eat them? European and Japanese consumers have shown a marked resistance to these technologies which, in turn, has resulted in the passage of trade restrictions and of laws that limit the import, growth or use of GMOs throughout much of Europe. In the meantime, U.S. agricultural producers have adopted GMOs at an alarming pace, with barely a protest from U.S. customers. Unlike many consumer products however, such as automobiles, toasters, or even drugs and medications, genetically altered crops cannot be recalled if they are found to be unsafe. They are out there forever, multiplying, mutating, and spreading novel genes, viruses, and toxins, and overturning 4 billion years of natural evolution. Their effects are irreversible.
The grave dangers of GMOs…
Studies are just beginning to discover the affects of GMOs, like one recently carried out by the Russian Academy of Sciences. Scientists found that more than half of the offspring of rats fed on modified soy died in the first three weeks of life, six times as many as those born to mothers with normal diets. Six times as rats many were also severely underweight. The soy used in the experiment was from the bio-tech giant Monsanto, and this type of soy is widely eaten by Americans. Soy is used in many products, from salad dressings to bread and cereal. Another study is telling. The British Medical Association had warned that GMO foods may lead to the emergence of new allergies. Researchers at the UK's York Laboratory tested 4,500 people for allergic reactions and sensitivities to a wide range of foods. Soy allergies jumped from 10% to 15% within four years. By 1999, soy entered the top ten list of allergens for the first time in the seventeen years of testing. Reactions included irritable bowel syndrome, digestion problems, skin complaints, chronic fatigue, headaches and lethargy. So, do me a favor, if you have experienced increasing migraines in only the past few years, try going organic. If you notice an improvement, WRITE TO ME! After doing so much research on this topic I posed this idea to migraine sufferers I know and they noticed almost immediate improvements after switching to organic foods. These people had to shun everything from whole grain breads, grapes, corn, and a host of other foods because they triggered massive headaches. They switched to organic, and voila-- no more migraines. Scientists are just beginning to do tests on how GMOs may trigger cancer. Funny, shouldn’t have these test taken place before GMOs proliferated our foods?
So how can you protect yourself?
The only way to seriously avoid genetically altered produce is to buy organic, and even organic crops may get contaminated over time. All it takes is GMO pollen to travel in the wind into an organic farm, and contamination is inevitable. What’s worse is these biotech giants are suing and winning against the farmers that have had their crops forcibly contaminated with these new bio-seeds! So not only do these farmers have ruined crops, they have to pay companies like Monsanto and Dow for these new frankencrops that have infested their farms. It’s terrible to think that in the U.S. only the affluent can afford to buy everything organic. It should be our right, not a privilege, to buy pure food that hasn’t been genetically altered. I cook a lot, and if I got all of my produce and pantry staples at Whole Foods every week I could easily spend 1000s of dollars a month. So what to do? Support the organic farmers we have left and buy seasonal local produce. One way to do this is to buy from farmers markets, where you can find some certified organic fruits and veggies. When you buy from your local farmers, not only are you getting fresher produce, but you also help the environment. Many supermarket chains get their underripe produce from thousands of miles away, hauled in gas-guzzling transportation. However, you can find better-tasting local produce at these markets because they have been picked at the peak of ripeness that day. At farmer’s markets, you also have a better chance of buying organic at more reasonable prices. Like I said, you cut out the middleman and transport fees when you buy directly from the farmer. Now if you don’t have farmers markets around you, the large supermarkets are doing a better job of offering organic items. Just make sure the produce is in season and you should save some bucks. As far as pantry items, dairy, and meats, Whole foods, Trader Joes, and other health food stores have some great organic options, some more reasonable than others. For a guide to what products have GMOs and what don’t, check out this GMO Food Guide.
Of course, you can grow your own garden too, just make sure the seeds you buy are organic. Whole Foods sells organic seeds, and home improvement giants are starting to sell them as well. There’s nothing like the taste of a sweet organic tomato picked in your own backyard. You’ll never look at tomatoes the same way again.
How to fight the spread of GMOs…
I know this is all mind-boggling. Who knew that companies would tamper with everything from pasta sauces to pancake mixes? Even Pop Tarts are now corrupted! Our government is not protecting our food supply so we must step in and do it ourselves. Let’s say you loooooove Reese’s peanut butter cups (and I have to admit they’re darn good) and are mad as hell that they contain GMOs. Then write to the Hershey company and protest—this is so easy to do now with the web (although a handwritten letter is even better). Virtually every company has a “contact us” link where you can tell them that you will not support their GMO practices, either with boycotts or legislative action. Way back in 1997, 95% of Toblerone for the Swiss market was contaminated. The Swiss were so outraged that the Toblerrone was withdrawn from sale. Guess what, the contaminated Toblerone is selling in the U.S. market as we speak, along with all of the other Nestle chocolates.You can take legal action by clicking here.
Indie Film Resources…
There have been some exceptional films that have investigated this subject, and on February 25th and 26th, Link TV (available via satellite) will be airing the first three docs below. For select times, go check out Link TV.
The Future of Food: www.thefutureoffood.com
Seeds of Deception: www.seedsofdeception.com
My Father’s Garden: Bullfrog Films
The Hidden Dangers in Kids’ Meals: www.chelseagreen.com
Thanks for reading…I’ll be traveling the film festival circuit in the next couple of weeks, and will hopefully be back with some juicy stories to tell!
Until next time...
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