[Because I got so excited writing this blog and it got too long to be really readable, you can find part one here.]
…Continued…
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
Something is considered “GMO” when the DNA has been altered. So, a better term for this is actually something like “Genetic Engineering” or “Bio-engineering.” But, whatever we call it, what I didn’t know is that there is a rigorous process one has to go through in order to be approved to use GMOs. And, if something is “organic,” it also means that it is non-GMO (even though the food marketers usually put both official labels on the product so that you can feel extra warm fuzzies when buying their product! :)) And, while there is apparently a “scientific consensus” that says GMOs are safe to eat, many other industrialized countries (e.g. Europe) has largely banned them. For me personally, I tend to stick with a key concept when I consider the ethics of eating:
When choosing in whom to put my trust for the ethics of eating, i will trust mother nature over scientists any day!
“Local”
Part of the ethics of eating, in my opinion, includes the following essentials: eating quality products from livestock that have been treated humanely and with honor by producers who care deeply about their products; in addition to voting with one’s fork by re-investing in the local food economy whenever possible. However, this is not so simple. While I would define “local” as within less than 100 miles from where you are located, with additional arguments being made about the nutritional benefits of eating local foods given that they carry natural regional bacteria that help us better develop our immune systems (see Dr. Josh Axe’s book, Eat Dirt, for more on this), not everyone defines “local” in the same way.
The ethics of eating “local” is not by definition good or bad (because, for those of us in Michigan, I’m sorry but we just can’t grow coffee locally). Instead, it’s about your value system and priorities. This, I think, is a great summary of the ethics of eating overall:
The ethics of eating is about our relationship with our bodies, our food, our farmers, and our local economies.
So, vote with your fork!
Closing Thoughts
According to the Organic Trade Association, “organic” products are the fastest growing segment of the food industry in the United States! Such sales multiply by at least double digits every year, which is far greater growth than the general food market. So, let’s keep it going by telling the food industry what we want more of!
Consider how the “food shed” (i.e. flow of food from the source to your plate) affects all of these aspects. Consider being even more sustainable by growing and raising your food yourself (a venture I have started that you can read about in my blog about my Tower Garden). Consider how certain factors (e.g. racial inequity) affect the food system and how you can be active in helping prevent “food deserts,” where there is scarce access to quality foods. And, consider how two the steps you can take to be more sustainable related to the ethics of eating: purchase produce that is in season and don’t waste the food that you buy (a recent Washington Post article documents that we throw away 63 million tons of food annually!).
One final thought: Local farmers are ‘da bomb! I have made some awesome friends with the local producers at my local Kalamazoo farmer’s market because, for me, the ethics of eating is also the respect and honor of knowing my local farmer, where my food comes from, and the love with which is it raised. The reality, though, is that farming is not a lucrative business where the farmer makes millions. It costs some serious money to get “certified organic” or “humane” or whatever stamp of approval one is looking for. And, there are standards even when converting a farm to organic that create complications for local farmers (e.g. have to wait three years between the transition before one can label products “organic”). But, remember that there are a lot of local farmers that are essentially organic even if they don’t have the official label. And, they are raising their crops and livestock with love.
So, don’t forget the small gals and guys just trying to make a living. Even if they aren’t “officially” organic, ask questions. Be invested. One of the best ways to find out if they are up to the snuff of your standards for the ethics of eating is by asking “How do you deal with disease and pests?” With their answer, create a dialogue. Get curious. Invest not only in your body with the food that you eat but with your mind and what you can learn.
Then you can feel empowered to know not only what you are eating, but why.
Reference: Borgman, M. (2019). The Ethics of Eating: Decoding Sustainable Foods Marketing Claims [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from Hristina Petrovska, RDN, the
Food Systems Program Coordinator at the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Food Innovation Center.
