10 REASONS TO SHOP ORGANIC
2. Worldwide, Pesticides Used On Cotton Are Among the Most Hazardous: In U.S.cotton production, for example, the leading insecticides include aldicarb,one of the most acutely toxic pesticides registered in the U.S., andacephate, a possible human carcinogen.
3. Protect Future Generations: Because of differences in eating habits andphysiology, children are at greater risk for pesticide-related healthproblems than adults. Millions of children in the United States receive upto 35% of their estimated lifetime dose of some carcinogenic pesticides byage five through food, contaminated drinking water, household use and, forchildren who live near agricultural areas, pesticide drift.
4. Protect Farm Workers: Farm workers suffer from an abundance of toxicexposures and related health problems. In California, cotton accounts forthe third highest number of pesticide poisonings, behind grapes andoranges.
5. Protect Water Quality: Pesticides contaminate groundwater in at least 32states, and half of the U.S. population relies on groundwater for itsprimary source of drinking water. Moreover, pesticides have been detectedin the atmosphere throughout the U.S., in air, rain, fog and snow.
6. Promote Biodiversity: Growing the same crops repeatedly reduces thevariety of plants, insects and animals on the land and encourages pests.Crop rotation encourages diversity and a healthier environment.
7. Be Healthy: At least 107 pesticide active ingredients are carcinogenic.Many others cause a range of problems including birth defects, behavioralchanges, sterility, hormonal imbalances, and a variety of short termpoisonings.
8. Prevent Soil Erosion and Improve Soil Quality: Despite recent improvementsin soil conservation, erosion is still a serious problem around the world.Organic practices, including the addition of compost to soils and the useof cover crop rotations, can both reduce erosion and improve soil.
9. Support a True Economy: Conventional cotton prices do not reflect hiddencosts carried by taxpayers such as billions of dollars in annual subsidies,pesticide regulation and testing, hazardous waste disposal and cleanup, andenvironmental damage.
10. It Feels Good: Organic cotton feels great against your skin. It feels goodto make a choice that supports so many simple nurturing effects on the landand the people we love.
Written by: The GLOBAL PESTICIDE CAMPAIGNER, a quarterly publication of the Pesticide Action Network North America Regional Center (PANNA RC). PANNA is an international coalition of citizens' groups and individuals who oppose the misuse of pesticides and support reliance on safe, sustainable pest control methods.
Pesticide Action Network North America116 New Montgomery St., Suite 810San Francisco, CA 94105(415) 541-9140 E-Mail: panna@panna.org
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