HSE
How is organic good for the environment too?
I know it's good for you because there are no pesticides, but just how good is it for the environment? It's not like they use DDT to keep bugs out, do they?
Public Comments
- Natural fertilizers are better for the land too. They work with nature to produce crops. They don't deplete the soil, so you don't need more and more as time goes by, as you do with chemical fertilizers. Natural pesticides also don't kill other species that aren't pests. Chemical fertilizers are 'wide spectrum', they kill the bugs you want to kill but also more beneficial bugs.
- Organic foods are grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. These noxious chemicals can leach into groundwater and have grave consequences for aquatic wildlife. If the fertilizer leaches into a body of water, the algae in it can grow like crazy and choke out the rest of the wildlife living in it. Pesticides can cause all kinds of nasty problems that get magnified as it travels up the food chain, too. Organic farming methods use neither of these substances.
- There is little or no scientific evidence that organic food is better for you. If all food production was to go organic millions of people would die of starvation, is that a solution. It is alright for us rich people who can afford organic but think of the millions that cannot.
- There are fertilizers that are chemical in nature that do not harm the aquifers or the soil if used properly. One problem with chemicals in food production is that most chemicals are derived from things such as petroleum which is a non renewable resource. Farmers sometime tend to overuse these chemicals to make the product more appealing at the marketplace. Both chemical and organic fertilizers can have an adverse effect on the environment if used incorrectly. Pesticides both chemical and plant derived should be used sparingly. Just because the label says safe or plant derived, we still have to make sure that directions are followed, using only on approved plants for approved insects. The problem with pesticides is that you eradicate the good guys along with the bad and the cycle starts over making us dependent on insect control. A good place to check would be a university sponsored IPM site. We have to learn to live with a few imperfections and insects.
- it is rich with nitrogen content which is good for plant's root.
