Well the world is in definitely in a 'Green stage.' Obviously this green and environmentally friendly movement can be co-opted by consumerism and greed like many other good and fruitful endeavors. However, the main thrust of the movement is live in harmony with the world and that is an endeavor I think we all can join.
Recently I checked out an organic market. Every since Trisha and I attempted the 100 mile diet last fall we have been looking for ways to live in a connected way with our food. The farmer's market in St. Norbert was a great way to connect with the producers of the food we eat. My thought was that the organic marker could be our permanent home for food during non-farmer's market season. Unfortunately this is not a financial reality due to the prices of all the produce. I know that money is part of the reason for the great divide between producers and consumers of food, but the prices were astronomical (ie $3.50 for a head of lettuce).
I got to thinking what does a producer needs to do to receive the 'certified organic' label and why were the prices so high. I can go to the Canadian Superstore and buy organic bananas that are only two cent/per pound more than non-organic. Recently I was at a local meat shop that only sells Manitoba grown meat, which to me seems like a good think to keep the money local and support local meat producers. When I inquired about if the meat was organic the owner explained that to get the 'organic label' the grandparents needed to be fully organic. This does make sense to a degree, but how much more are we as consumer's willing to pay for 'certified organic' product compared to those merely produced locally and the producer does not see the point of getting the 'certified organic' label.
Personally I think buying locally is a start and for those who can afford the 'certified organic' products be my guest. My last thought is where does this leave the millions of people living in poverty. Where the 'conscious citizens' are buying food at a premium to have the organic label and others can't afford any kind of food. I guess it all comes back to community and the effect our actions have on other. Well just a though
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I know it is difficult to have meat be organic. With meat the animal has to eat food with NO chemicals, have no vaccinations, and their parents have to have had the same. One chemical in the system screws it up. People who live near the Riding Mtn. National park with in a certain radius HAVE to test for TB as well as are required to have all animals vaccinated. So in a way the Govn't is allowing organic to flow there. Then it comes back to neighbours who spray crops. If any of that spray gets into the digestive system the organic is out the window. I know there is a certain radius as to the closest farmer who uses any chemicals can be to an organic farm of any kind, i'm just not sure the exact number.
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