By: Susan Thanavaro Posted on: Jul 03, 2013
Every year the Environmental Working Group outlines its list of the “dirty dozen.” No, this isn’t a throwback to the 1960’s classic—you know what we’re talking about. This dirty dozen is an annual list of the 12 fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues. The idea is, if you’re not buying organic produce already, you should at least look for the USDA Organic seal on the top 12 offenders. The list varies from year to year but usually thin-skinned produce like peaches, apples and celery make an appearance. Bananas have never been included (that we know of) thanks in part to their thick, peelable skins which, in theory, minimize pesticide exposure. But is this really true? We did our own research and discovered three compelling reasons why organic bananas are worth it.
Social impact nightmare. Conventional bananas are sprayed with synthetic fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides. Yes, this is just as bad as it sounds—but not just for you. The workers on many conventional plantations are often exposed to these toxins. This leads to a host of health conditions including skin diseases and kidney failure. A lawsuit was filed just last year against Dole Food Co., and Dow Chemical Co. by more than 1,000 Latin American banana plantation workers for injuries linked to pesticide exposure.
Not so thick skin. But are those chemicals really a big deal if you’re just going to peel the skin anyway? Yes! The toxins used to grow conventional bananas are not just on the outside. They leach into the soil where the fruit is grown. So even when it’s peeled, you’re still ingesting some of them. No thanks. Organic farmers use natural fertilizers like manure and seaweed, and rely on insect predators rather than pesticides to keep pests and weeds at bay.
Better for you, better for the environment. Organic foods are just better for you. Ongoing studies have shown a connection between pesticides in foods and their nutrient content. You guessed it–organic foods rate higher. But organic is not only better for your health, it’s also better for the planet. Fertilizers and pesticides make their way into the soil and water and eventually the ocean. These contaminants in our waterways are leading to ocean dead zones and blue-green algae blooms that are so dense they can be fatal to marine animals and humans.
At Made In Nature, we’re proud to work only with organic farmers to grow the best tasting, organic fruit on the planet. Our Dried Unsulfured Bananas are tree ripened in the sun. Sweet rounds are guilt-free snacking at its best. In fact, our dried bananas are so good they just won Delicious Livings 2013 Best Bite Award for best raw food! So, you know that when you get bananas from us, they’re the best.
I'm an enthusiast deeply immersed in the realm of sustainable agriculture, organic farming practices, and the impact of pesticides on both human health and the environment. My expertise extends to the specific concerns raised in the article by Susan Thanavaro, dated July 03, 2013, regarding the "dirty dozen" list compiled by the Environmental Working Group.
The article emphasizes the significance of choosing organic produce, particularly bananas, due to the harmful effects of pesticides found in conventional farming. I'll break down the key concepts touched upon in the article to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding:
-
Dirty Dozen: The Environmental Working Group annually identifies the "dirty dozen," which consists of 12 fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues. Consumers are encouraged to prioritize organic options for these items.
-
Pesticide Residues: The article underscores the adverse health effects of synthetic fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides used in conventional farming. Exposure to these toxins is linked to various health conditions among plantation workers.
-
Banana Farming Practices: The thickness of banana peels has been traditionally believed to protect the fruit from pesticide exposure. However, the article challenges this notion, asserting that the chemicals used in conventional banana farming leach into the soil, affecting the fruit even when peeled.
-
Social Impact: The article mentions a lawsuit against Dole Food Co. and Dow Chemical Co. by Latin American banana plantation workers, highlighting the social consequences of pesticide exposure, including skin diseases and kidney failure.
-
Organic Farming Benefits: Organic farming is presented as a solution, employing natural fertilizers such as manure and seaweed, and relying on insect predators instead of pesticides. The emphasis is on how organic practices contribute to healthier produce and a more sustainable environment.
-
Nutrient Content: The article briefly touches on ongoing studies indicating a connection between pesticides in foods and their nutrient content. It suggests that organic foods tend to rate higher in nutritional value.
-
Environmental Impact: The harmful effects of fertilizers and pesticides on the environment are discussed, emphasizing their contribution to soil and water contamination, ocean dead zones, and harmful algae blooms.
In conclusion, the article makes a compelling case for choosing organic bananas, shedding light on the social, environmental, and health implications of conventional farming practices. As someone deeply engaged in this field, I advocate for sustainable and organic agriculture practices to promote both human well-being and environmental conservation.
