Continuing on the organic theme...isn't it a bit superfluous because...

[handlemecarefully]

...there are so many environmental pollutants that eating organic doesn't make a jot of difference?...doesn't pesticide etc get into the water supply any way...? Are we lemming like and unquestioning re 'organic is the best'

I am not at all well researched on this subject, and this could just be a hackneyed take on the matter but it does represent my - admittedly ill informed - opinion. Go on, convince me otherwise - preferably with hard facts....

[EmmyLou]

but surely, the more organic produce/crops there are, the less pesticides will be used, therefore there will be less pesticide run-off/residue getting into the water system etc, therefore making it even more of a case for buying organic?

sorry - woolly cyclical argument I'm afraid. Perhaps someone more eco-sharp will come along in a while.

[twocatsonthebed]

Yes there are other ways for pesticides to get into your system - but that still means that cutting down will lower your toxic load. There's also increasing evidence that these kinds of things are toxic in combination rather than individually, in which case it definitely makes sense to at least limit your intake.

And Emmy'Lou is right, the more people who choose organic, the less pesticide will leach into the water system etc.

But that's just one of the reasons why I choose organic. Organic farming is also far better for the countryside - in terms of wildlife and the overall eco-system, so I very much want to support farmers who make those choices. It is also a way for me to guarantee the welfare standards of the animals that produce the meat, milk, cheese etc that I eat, which is very important to me.

And in terms of reducing your the amount of pollutants you take in, it isn't inevitable. Just doing things like not using non-stick pans, not using air fresheners, using less drastic cleaning products, these will all make a huge difference to the amout of stuff you take in.

[teabags]

depends why you eat organic. I much prefer organic fruit and veg, it tastes so much nicer

[Mercy]

locally/UK produced organic is the best option overall. No food miles, less-travelled, etc.

If you really want I could get dh to give a lecture but I'm not that cruel - I know you have to get up in the morning! Seriously there are plenty of articles etc discussing this point. You might want to start by looking at the Soil Association but they are certainly not the only campaign group, far from it.

[bottomburp]

am big fan organic fruit and veg but still err towards side of british produced better than organic farmed millions of miles away.
also hate to say this but organic is no indication o f welfare for farm animals at all.

[handlemecarefully]

You see, it's all such a confused picture...

[EmmyLou]

Don't think its confused at all! Organic is better for the environment but offset this against the mileage.

Mind you - what about the mileage of the paper pulp used to make that cardboard wrapping for the pot containing the organic yoghurt (or any yoghurt some to think of it...) doh.

[SoMuchToBats]

Agree with you botomburp that organic is not a guarantee of the welfare of animals. I have heard that a large amount of organic milk produced in this country is from a huge farm in Berkshire, which is more or less factory farming, but the cows are fed organically.