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Celebrate
Earth Day "Veggie Style" and Choose Organic
Since the first Earth Day in 1970 people around the world
have sought to celebrate the planet through a variety of
individual and community activities. But Earth Day is about
more than observing the beauty and vitality of nature;
it is also about renewing your commitment to saving our
living planet, and your commitment to living a healthier
lifestyle. What a better way to celebrate Earth Day than
to avoid all processed foods -- any food that comes in a
can or box... or fast food restaurant -- for at least one
day and go organic!
Organic
Farming is good for the earth. It promotes biodiversity
of the soil and surrounding environment. It ensures that
hazardous chemicals will not infiltrate our groundwater,
and it is energy efficient.
The
first scientifically controlled trials of soil mineralization
suggest that -- unless vital elements are returned to the
soil -- the nutrient quality of our food supply will significantly
deteriorate.
Food
is only as good as the soil it's grown in. The signs are
that we are nearing the end of our present fertile period,
and one of the things that triggers this is mineral depletion
in the soil. One way to enhance soil fertility is organic
agriculture. Organic farmers tend to view soil as a living
thing that needs nurturing.
Rather
than "killing the soil" with synthetic chemicals,
organic producers recognize the need for algae, bacteria,
fungi, protozoa, and other life forms, like earthworms,
for crops to use soil nutrients effectively. In addition,
organic farming, which relies heavily on crop cover and
mulching, tends to preserve valuable topsoil.
The
use of chemicals and pesticides since the mid-twentieth
century has dramatically reduced mineral, vitamin, and antioxidant
contents of commercially grown foods. It's no wonder that
consumers who want superior nutrient content increasingly
choose organic.
Here's
a list of conventionally grown produce items with the highest
and lowest pesticide residues.
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