Last month a reader sent me a link to a report on how exposure to PBDEs (flame retardants) diminishes a woman’s fertility. Another reader alerted me to a NPR piece on GMO corn and farmers, forced to use GMO seed. If you read this blog January 15th or watched Food Inc., you already know farmers have no choice and risk a lawsuit if they SAVE SEED – what sensible farmers used to do in the past, before huge corporations like Monsanto took over. The Huffington Post brought news of a study published by the International Journal of Biological Sciences. This study found liver, kidney and heart damage in rats that were fed GMO corn. (Read the following excerpt, or skip to next paragraph: "Effects were mostly concentrated in kidney and liver function, the two major diet detoxification organs, but in detail differed with each GM type. In addition, some effects on heart, adrenal, spleen and blood cells were also frequently noted. As there normally exists sex differences in liver and kidney metabolism, the highly statistically significant disturbances in the function of these organs, seen between male and female rats, cannot be dismissed as biologically insignificant as has been proposed by others. We therefore conclude that our data strongly suggests that these GM maize varieties induce a state of hepatorenal toxicity....These substances have never before been an integral part of the human or animal diet and therefore their health consequences for those who consume them, especially over long time periods, are currently unknown.")
We have all become guinea pigs as we use products that contain synthetic chemicals, presumed non-toxic, or eat foods with GMO content, unlisted on labels. From the movie Food Inc., I learned even farmers who manage to grow GMO-free crops risk cross contamination of those crops. Here is yet another issue that needs grass roots support to change the frightening status quo.
Above, a photo of Dyer Pond, frozen and serene. Today it is snowing again here in Wellfleet, tiny flakes of acid-rain snow. How tragic we humans have managed to corrupt our precious environment this way! You can protest Monsanto’s monopoly and their dangerous Round-Up Ready seeds by contacting the FDA, a branch of government that should be protecting us.
No, wait. Here's another means of protest. Into my in-box popped an email from Food & Water Watch. Please take a minute to respond to their request for support against Monsanto's plans for alfalfa and suggest similar action on corn.
14 comments:
This seems so overwhelming sometimes. You can't get away from the chemicals, pesticides and genetically altered food. Everything seems to be packed in plastic; there is no way to guarantee food free of GMOs or pesticides. We have to keep pecking away at this, bit by bit, but I have to admit sometimes it just feels too big to tackle.
Yes, Marthaandme, my sentiment exactly, that is, until my granddaughter was born. That turned me into an activist. Also, this Monsanto business about seeds has happened in the past dozen years, after I moved here from France. I used to believe the US government protected its citizens. I still believe that if enough of us protest, as with the war in Vietnam, we can make a difference. I am heartened by the groups that have sprung up recently to focus efforts in support of the environment. This is why I try to bring these topics to the attention of everyone reading my blog about Wellfleet, a place people go to be close to nature ....
Thank you for continuing to bring issues like these into the public eye. It's so very very important.
This is all so upsetting. I guess one way to get away from it is to grow as much food as we can. Last summer, though, my garden FAILED. I think the beds are not in the light. I have had Food, Inc. on my list of videos to watch for a long time. Maybe this weekend. But I am afraid it will make me so upset. Not a reason not to watch it though.
Food Inc is great, as is Michael Pollan's Omnivore's Dilemma. It's scary what we've done to this earth, primarily in the name of money. Our government has failed at this one, keeping us safe. I've written my letter to the FDA. Small drops, big ripples.
"Today it is snowing again here in Wellfleet, tiny flakes of acid-rain snow."
Oh dear, this line stuck with me. What a beautiful, tragic sentence. I can't help but feel powerless in the wake of us a toxic tide - sure one person makes a difference, but often it feels as if I'm swimming against a tsunami.
In 1989 GMOs were allowed in the US. In 1992 it was passed that it's not necessary to label GMO's on our foods.
It's been 20 years. If it doesn't say organic it is GMO foods. The best thing we can do is eat only locally grown organic foods. This will destroy their system - if enough of us do not consume their non-nutritious so called food.
Grow as much food as you possibly can. It is critical to save seeds you believe in. Be able to care for yourself & loved ones. It will get worse before it gets better.
I believe there is hope in all of this for honeybees are still around.
Knowledge is power. Spread the truth of our time & we will survive as a strong race. Not doing the little things will result in a collapse. Everyone matters more now than ever. Choose wisely for a better future. Can the earth count on you?
I'll agree with the others when I say that it is so tragic - scary - sad all at once. And overwhelming, too. I hardly know where to turn and am grateful to people like you who choose to take action.
Another thumbs-up for Food Inc. -- and for your sound environmental postings, Alexandra.
I guess another reason not to give up on my gardening efforts...
What a great post; you've brought together a lot of different news I'd heard about and make it fit together into a cohesive, if profoundly disturbing whole. Last year for the first time my vegie garden was moderately successful and this year I plan to go all-out. I'm trying to get organized early enough to start from seed, and hope to support heirloom seed companies!
I've also had Food Inc. on my list for a long time and after you posted about this DVD a couple of weeks ago, I moved it to the top of the list. We'll be watching it this weekend. I'm planning a huge garden this year and learning to can so we can get somewhat away from some of this stuff. I am dismayed though, that in our new home, which is more rural, we cannot find locally produced milk, eggs, and meat. In the city, we had a locally owned grocer that bought naturally raised, grass fed, free range and organic products from a local farmer's co-op.
Yes, Food, Inc. flashbacks in this corner too.
Thank a seed saver today.
Food Inc. was a great movie. Thanks for the reminder of how these corporate decisions impact us on a very real level.
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