#4 Genetically Modified Organisms
Are you aware that most processed foods in America contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs)? Or that the majority of GMOs are banned in Europe, but the US Food and Drug Administration doesn’t require companies to label the use of GMOs in their food? Let’s take a look at the opportunities available to aid our planet – by eliminating GMOs.
Why say No to GMO?
With an active debate of whether GMOs are good for people or the environment, it is important to learn exactly what GMOs are. The World Health Organization defines Genetically Modified Organisms as organisms whose DNA has been altered in a non-natural way. GMOs are made by extracting genes from one species’ DNA – and then inserting them into another plant or animal that doesn’t naturally possess that genetic material. Since the 1990’s, the use of GMOs in America has created new strains of weeds and insects, often called ‘superweeds’ and ‘superbugs’. Research on GMOs is fairly recent, but studies are beginning to show the effects GMOs have on people, animals, and the planet.
Facts on GMOs:
90% of all US canola crops are genetically modified.
90% of all US cotton crops are genetically modified.
88% of all US corn crops are genetically modified.
94% of all US soy crops are genetically modified.
95% of all US sugar beet crops are genetically modified.
GMOs have been linked to allergic reactions in lab animals.
GMOs have been linked to major organ damage in lab animals.
64 countries worldwide, including all of the EU, require GMO labeling.
Since the introduction of GMOs, toxic herbicides have been used fifteen times more often than they were before GMOs were commonly used.
GMOs negatively impact soil quality and can be damaging to ecosystems because they reduce biodiversity.
How can I make an impact?
Action 1: Global Goodness
Buy Certified Organic. Organic regulations require ingredients to be non GMO.
Do your research. Read labels and research companies. Many large corporations put profits before people, by filling their food with GMOs. Go to GMO Research to find the latest research on GMO’s.
Avoid Processed Foods. Most GMOs are found in canned and boxed goods; stemming from corn, soybean and wheat. Eating whole foods will reduce the amount of GMOs you consume.
Action 2: Planet Protector
All of Action 1.
Get Vocal. Share the detriments of GMOs with others in your family and community.
Grow your own food. The easiest way to heal your body and the environment is by growing a portion of the food you eat. You can get certified organic seeds that will reproduce year after year.
Action 3: Earth Angel
AAll of Actions 1 & 2.
Support causes that are anti-GMO. There are numerous non-profits and grassroots organizations that lobby congress to change the way we grow food. Get involved.
Lobby the government in your community to ban GMOs. With the lack of long term research on the detriment of GMOs, it is important that these practices are banned until numerous areas have been researched over many years.
Choose to be an Ambassador for Change, and always Spread Love and Spread Light.
