Choose Organic
While it may not be possible to always fill your shopping cart with only organic foods, choose organic as much as possible to reduce many of the problems associated with our industrial, conventional food systems: greenhouse gas emissions, soil degradation, water pollution, decreased plant and animal biodiversity, the inhumane treatment of animals, human health risks, and diet-related diseases.

	The Organic Food Produce Checklist
	YES Natural fertilizers, such as compost and manure, improve soil quality Ecological methods, such as crop rotation, help control weeds Natural methods, such as beneficial insects, to control pests	NO Chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, sewage sludge Irradiation Genetically modified seeds

	Organic foods offer a host of economic, environmental, and social benefits
		Economic Notes Generally organic foods offer higher profits for farmers
		Enviro Notes Organic production reduces the impact on climate change: Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 20-60% depending on the commodity No nitrous oxide emissions from synthetic fertilizers, one of the highest global warming potentials of all greenhouse gases Reduces impact on the environment and demand on finite resources: Up to 63% less energy usage than from conventional production depending on commodity Less dependence on fossil fuels Less dependence on water from irrigation systems Reduces soil degradation Reduces water pollution from chemical fertilizers and pesticides More drought resilient soil Improves plant & animal diversity
		Health Notes Reduces cancer risks and disruptions of various human body systems associated with the use of chemical pesticides. May reduce antibiotic resistance in humans associated with antibiotics used in animal production. Often higher nutrient values.