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Entry #19:  Why should I buy organic bananas?

10/18/2011

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An experience:   While I was selecting my breakfast from a buffet table at Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, New York last summer, a young lady was overseeing the apples and bananas. A woman approached and remarked, “Why would they bother with organic bananas?” The young lady responded that she wasn’t quite sure, so I spoke up.

Background:  Some magazines and blog sites suggest that, if one is going to buy organics, the money may be better spent on fruits that carry more pesticides such as apples, cherries, grapes, raspberries, and strawberries.      http://www.fitsugar.com/Bananas-Organic-vs-Conventional-1568020.  An article published on-line by Bloomberg Businessweek asserts that, “[A]t the Atlanta Whole Foods, organic bananas cost 78 cents a pound, 30 cents more than regular bananas. But there's almost no health benefit to buying organic in this case, according to Charles Benbrook, technical director of the nonprofit Organic Center for Education & Promotion, founded with the support of the industry's Organic Trade Assn. Any pesticide residue is probably discarded along with the peel.” http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/04_36/b3898129_mz070.htm

What’s wrong with that approach?  The idea that we can throw away the peel from a non-organic banana and have the same benefits as compared to an organic one ignores an important group of people: the workers on the banana plantations who are exposed to highly toxic chemicals. In addition, it ignores the fact that pesticides contaminate the eco-systems of banana-growing regions. NaturalNews.com in June of 2011 asserted  that “Twenty-five percent of the world's pesticides are used in third world countries and this is where over 99% of pesticide related deaths occur.” http://www.naturalnews.com/032683_Nicaragua_Nemagon.html

So, at breakfast at Omega, I explained why Omega would choose to serve organic bananas.  Serving organic foods has to do with keeping up with sustainable practices, and on its website Omega lists “sustainability” among its values. “We consider the impact of our actions. We advocate for fairness in the treatment of all species, make decisions for the common good, and encourage activism as a means to social justice.”  http://eomega.org/omega/about/mission . 

Yes, I buy organic bananas whenever I can find them.  I can almost always find them where I shop. I purchase as many organic fruits and vegetables as possible, and that has become easier month by month and year by year. As more people have become aware of the reasons to buy organics, more of us have decided to spend the extra cents to protect ourselves, producers, and the natural environment from harmful chemicals. In addition, as the market for organics grows, prices come down. Sometimes, I buy organic produce that costs no more than non-organic. This is especially true at our local farm markets.

Copyright© 2011 by Paulette L. Stenzel for text and photo.  


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2 Comments
El Paso Girls link
7/9/2012 01:35:40 pm

Found your site through Weebly and wanted to say hi

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Paulette Stenzel
7/10/2012 11:16:40 am

Thank you for saying "Hello." I hope you share my passion for making making life more fair and sustainable for all!

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    Paulette L. Stenzel

     I am Professor Emerita of International Business Law and Sustainability at Michigan State University (MSU). I continue  to teach part time at MSU and  coordinate the Broad College Ethical Leadership program Additionally, I advise Spartan Global Development Fund, a student-driven microfinance organization, and serve on its non-profit 501(c)(3) Board of Directors.  . 

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    I am also  a mom,  learner, writer,  violinist, environmentalist -in -process, traveler, and avid reader.  
      
    ​Through research, service, and public speaking, I share information and perspectives  on teaching, ethical leadership, and the pursuit of more sustainable ways of living and doing business. 


    Photo above:  Francisco Vinega, Jade Artist,  Guatemala, with Paulette Stenzel.  
    Contact me at [email protected].

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