You've probably heard that organic food is good for your health because it contains less potentially harmful chemicals. You may also have heard that organic farming is better for the environment. However, while the reasons for organics' personal benefit are clear, their benefit to the ecosystem isn't quite as obvious. In fact, there is some argument as to whether organic food is as eco-friendly as some claim.
Theories and Claims
In 2007, Sheryl Eisenberg, wrote in her column "The Green Life," featured on the website of the National Resources Defense Council's, or NRDC, that organic farming is absolutely better for the environment. She claims that organic agriculture eliminates "massive quantities of toxic pesticides and synthetic fertilizers," helping to protect our air, water and soil. In addition, she notes that organically raised meat does not add to antibiotic resistance, a problem seen with conventionally raised meat that "makes antibiotics ineffective for treating illness."
Effects of Conventional Farming
In 2009, the NRDC expanded its explanation of organics' environmental benefit, detailing the harmful effects of non-organic farming. "Chemically dependent agriculture harms the environment and puts human health at risk," the NRDC states. Pesticides and fertilizers, it claims, are washed into our waterways, destroying animal habitats and contaminating our drinking water. The NRDC goes on to say that organic farming is not the "only option," but that some farmers who are not certified organic can still practice sustainability and environmentally friendly agriculture.
Expert Insight
In 2004, the science journal "Nature" analyzed organics and the environment in depth. The journal compiled several scientific studies, comparing their results to claims about organic farming. In general, it found that organic farms improve biodiversity, create less pollution from pesticides and fertilizers and use less energy. However, organic farms have higher methane emissions than conventional farms and may produce equally high levels of nitrate runoff, which can cause algal blooms and kill fish in waterways. The journal states that, although in theory organic farms should produce less carbon dioxide, that has not yet been proven.
Considerations
"Nature" goes on to examine organic agriculture's sustainability, which is the idea that farms can produce at the same level year after year without running out of resources. The "huge nitrogen inputs" needed to feed livestock can mean that a farm's soil ends up depleted after a few years; without the ability to add a synthetic fertilizer, this means organic farmers can have trouble producing a steady amount of food. "Nature" concludes that for organic farming to be truly environmentally friendly and replace conventional farming, we will have to reduce the amount of meat we eat.
Potential
Overall, organic farming is better for the environment. It removes synthetic chemicals from the air, soil and water; produces healthier foods that improve our health; may pump less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere; and requires less energy. However, for organic food to be truly sustainable and environmentally friendly, we must also change the way we eat. Consuming less meat, buying from local sources and eating produce when it is in season can help organic agriculture achieve its true eco-friendly potential.
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