October is Non-GMO Month

NonGMOProject.Org

You may be asking yourself, "What does GMO stand for? And why is October now Non-GMO Month?" 

GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organisms.  Sounds pretty scientific, huh?  What if I told you that you've been eating GMOs daily, and have been for years, without even knowing what a GMO is.  For the majority of us, that's the truth.  These days I'm seeing more about saying No to GMOs in the media.  It could be that I read up on health and food related topics for my own personal research, but I can spot the Non-GMO labels on more and more products these days.

NonGMOProject.Org is a wonderful research tool that will help educate and empower consumers to make intelligent decisions.  Instead of trying to re-write the fantastic information on their site, I've included some FAQ's below.  Get the full listing at http://www.nongmoproject.org/consumers/about-gmos/.

What are GMOs?
GMOs (or “genetically modified organisms”) are organisms that have been created through the gene-splicing techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering, or GE). This relatively new science allows DNA from one species to be injected into another species in a laboratory, creating combinations of plant, animal, bacteria, and viral genes that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods.

Are GMOs safe?
In 30 other countries around the world, including Australia, Japan, and all of the countries in the European Union, there are significant restrictions or outright bans on the production of GMOs, because they are not considered proven safe. In the U.S. on the other hand, the FDA approved commercial production of GMOs based on studies conducted by the companies who created them and profit from their sale. Many health-conscious shoppers find the lack of rigorous, independent, scientific examination on the impact of consuming GM foods to be cause for concern.

How common are GMOs?
According to the USDA, in 2009, 93% of soy, 93% of cotton, and 86% of corn grown in the U.S. were GMO. It is estimated that over 90% of canola grown is GMO, and there are also commercially produced GM varieties of sugar beets, squash and Hawaiian Papaya. As a result, it is estimated that GMOs are now present in more than 80% of packaged products in the average U.S. or Canadian grocery store.

It's your right to choose Non-GMO.  This brings a new meaning to "you are what you eat" if you're not really sure what you're eating.  Right?  Read the labels, ask questions, and look for the Non-GMO seal on products.

After the Retreat, Lauren went to the grocery store determined to find a canned tuna without the ingredient of soy.  She had the stock boys helping her read labels and they were unsuccessful in the search for tuna without soy.  As shown above 93% of all soy is GMO; unless the label says otherwise assume GMO.

I'm not saying to throw away every food product in your household, but start small and make better choices when you are replacing your staples.  I don't know about you, but I enjoy eating food the way nature intended it to be eaten, in a whole unaltered state as much as possible.  Look for Organic and Non-GMO labels on products; produce stickers that start with #9 are organically grown.

Resources

Non-GMO Shopping Guide: http://www.nongmoproject.org/consumers/search-participating-products/print-shopping-guide/

Non-GMO iPhone App: http://www.nongmoproject.org/consumers/search-participating-products/iphone-app-shopping-guide/

Pledge to choose Non-GMO Project Verified the producers, manufacturers and retailers: http://www.nongmoproject.org/consumers/consumer-pledge/

By voting with my dollars, I will do my part to help preserve a non-GMO food supply for generations to come!

Read your labels!
 

Take Action Against Monsanto's GE Alfalfa

Please help me keep genetically modified organisms out of our food supply for everyone's safety. Already GMO "food" is in the American food supply and the products are not required to be labeled. The only way to ensure that you are purchasing a Non-GMO food is if it's labeled as organic. Please help stop Monsanto from pushing their genetically altered "food" on us!

I adore my Premium Blended Alfalfa! It would break my heart if Monsanto won this case.

Article from Organic Consumers Association:

Obama USDA Poised to Approve Monsanto's Genetically Engineered Alfalfa

Don't believe Monsanto's green-washing. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs), aren't meant to feed the world or survive the evermore frequent droughts and floods brought on by global warming. GMOs are designed to sell Monsanto's herbicide Roundup and the patented "Roundup Ready" genes now spliced into millions of acres of corn, cotton, soy, canola, sugar beets and alfalfa. A 2009 study showed that, in 13 years, Roundup Ready crops increased herbicide use by 383 million pounds.

During the Bush administration, the movement to stop GMOs was making progress. Reflecting public concern over GMOs, in 2007, a Federal court ruled that the Bush USDA's approval of Roundup Ready alfalfa violated the law because it failed to analyze risks such as the contamination of conventional and organic alfalfa and the development of "super-weeds." The court banned the planting of GM alfalfa until USDA completed a rigorous analysis of these impacts. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals twice affirmed the national ban on Roundup Ready alfalfa planting, but Monsanto is appealing. They're taking organic alfalfa farmers all the way to the Supreme Court!

Now the Obama Administration's USDA is trying to get the court-ordered ban on Roundup Ready alfalfa lifted. They've issued a new draft environmental impact statement (EIS) that denies and downplays the obvious environmental and human health hazards of GM alfalfa.

Widespread GMO-contamination of organic alfalfa is inevitable if the Obama Administration successfully distorts science and ignores public opinion and allows Monsanto's GM Roundup Ready alfalfa to be planted across the U.S.

We must stop the Obama administration from taking away our right to grow and consume organic and GMO-free food. The "change we believe in" is a healthy and sustainable future based upon organic food and farming and a green economy.

So far, 16,099 Organic Consumers Association activists have sent letters, if you haven't...

Take Action Now

Thank you!

Fast Food Resistance, Say NO to GMOs

{ photo credit: silentske }

Fast Food Industry pockets millions of dollars each year. It's thriving! Many chains have started to incorporate what they consider "healthier" options, but how healthy are they? Salads at McDonald's and Wendy's still bring in around 1,000 calories with dressing included.

There's a market for cheap food because it's fast and easy. How real is it? Probably all GMO, full of fake ingredients, fillers and chemical calories. However, seems to satisfy the hunger, thirst and need for convenience at the time.

Until after the food digests... the last two times I've eaten at fast food restaurant I felt sick. I tend to order the same thing -- chicken sandwich, sometimes fries and maybe a side salad; to drink I stick to water, iced tea or lemonade.

In a recent email I received from Denise Austin mentions eating healthy at fast food restaurants.

Good ideas, but...

This year I resolve to skip the fast food restaurants.
I don't want to contribute to them anymore.
The only one I would try is Evos since it's actually somewhat healthy.

Most people probably aren't even aware of what GMOs are (Genetically Modified Organism Foods). Part of that reason could be because of labeling laws. Wouldn't you be surprised if you found out your food was infused with medicine or chemicals?

Definition from Wikipedia:

A genetically modified organism (GMO) or genetically engineered organism (GEO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. These techniques, generally known as recombinant DNA technology, use DNA molecules from different sources, which are combined into one molecule to create a new set of genes. This DNA is then transferred into an organism, giving it modified or novel genes.

This basically means the food is scientifically created and genetically altered by man. Sometimes this is done to make the crop resistant to insects, yield a larger crop in a smaller area, or to add some type of benefit to the end consumer (omega 3 in tomatoes, yuck). And in my opinion, it's very very bad!!!

Do Your Own Research!

There are SO many resources available to educate you about eating organic healthy wholesome food and what's really happening in the food industry that they don't want you to know about. I encourage you to explore these resources and make a decision for yourself.

Movies:


Food, Inc. DVD
Movie site: http://www.foodincmovie.com



Foodmatters DVD
Movie site: http://foodmatters.tv



Super Size Me DVD



King Corn DVD
Movie site: http://www.kingcorn.net


Reading:


Fast Food Nation



Food Inc.
A Participant Guide: How Industrial Food is Making Us Sicker, Fatter, and Poorer-And What You Can Do About It



Genetically Modified Food: A Short Guide for the Confused

Remember to eat organic foods whenever you can to avoid GMOs, pesticides and chemicals. Look for produce stickers that start with 9.

Take action and always Say NO to GMOs!

Au revoir!