In the article “Mark Sellers’ Grand Rapids Brewing Co. Aims to Be Michigan’s First Organic Brewery,” Garret Ellison discusses the obstacles the brewery has overcome to be completely organic. The brewery struggled to find organic suppliers and farms. There are simply not enough local farms to support the large quantity of organic foods a restaurant requires.
The restaurant chose to go organic to avoid the use of pesticides and other chemicals. Organic foods do not allow pesticides or modification, which almost all other non-organic foods have. Most non-organic foods are genetically modified (GM) to contain desired traits that allow a larger harvest or production. But, the GM foods are not entirely beneficial to people.
If all Americans chose organic foods, there would be fewer illnesses. Numerous studies have shown that GM foods can cause birth defects, food allergies and fatal illnesses. A Harvard study revealed that GM milk, a key ingredient in many foods, can quadruple the risk of cancer. Even more concerning is the study by the American Academy of Environmental Medicine which proved that GM DNA lives in the digestive system of the human body indefinitely. People need to consider the health risks of unnatural foods and choose organic foods that remain the safest option.
Through multiple health studies, Americans are becoming aware of the dangers associated with GM products. They are beginning to take action when the government will not by catching the “green” wave. The people are going organic and buying locally, which increases the demand for organic foods. Americans are leading the way in the fight to stop GM foods while opening others’ eyes about its health risks.
In Kalamazoo, farmers are contributing to the availability of organic foods by remaining GM free for the safety of the environment and the people. Just outside downtown, the People’s Food Co-op is a grocery store that provides organic and local foods. Thousands of people shop at the store. The People’s Food Co-op is just one example of Americans taking control of their diets and saying no to GM foods. All Americans should follow their model, because if enough people boycott GM foods, organic foods will become the standard. We all need to remove GM foods from our diets to encourage the use of organic foods by everyone.
ALEXANDRA ANGELO/Battle Creek