Wiggling

I needed something to help me evaluate my resources in an organized way, so I created a somewhat crude spreadsheet to keep track of my findings. On the spreadsheet is a spot to write the name of the website or article, whether it is mostly for/against/neutral on organics, whether or not it seems credible (points backed up with data and/or references), and what the main or unique points are. To find more websites, I further broadened my search terms: from “organic food” to simply “organic.”

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[Tried to post spreadsheet here... looked bad. Tried to save spreadsheet as JPG and insert picture... couldn't get that to work.]

I have been keeping track (on the spreadsheet) of what I’ve read. Also, I created a little for/against section here.

For: no poisonous chemicals; 50% more vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other micro-nutrients; not genetically modified (organicfoodee); no anti-biotics, growth promoting drugs, anti-parasite drugs; “Organic food is not really more expensive than intensively farmed foods, as we pay for conventional foods through our taxes.” “Intensive farming can seriously damage farm workers’ health.” “Organic farms support and nurture our beautiful and diverse wildlife” [from organicfoodee – not supported]; “it seems that other factors (if any) rather than safety aspects speak in favor of organic food” (Magkos for/against)

Against: microbial hazards more significant for food safety than chemicals (pesticide residues, food additives); since agrochemicals introduced after WWII, no increase in US/European cancer (besides lung and AIDS-related); “asserted health benefits are impossible to quantify and do not seem, as yet, to compensate for the increased price”; no evidence to support or refute claims that organic food is safer or healthier; (Magkos)

At this point, I am pretty convinced that organic food is not necessarily healthier. However, I am beginning to put more thought into the other aspects of organic foods: particularly the process, not the product. Is organic food more beneficial in terms of the environment and/or sustainability? I broaden my search terms to “ ‘organic food’ process” and “ ‘organic food’ environment”

I’m learning a lot! A lot of people have strong opinions one way or the other, and I’m trying to focus on articles that back up their claims with evidence.

But another big question that has been in my mind throughout my research is, “Who funds these studies?” The article Scientists Gang Up on Organics by Jones gets me thinking.

I’m starting to get a headache, so I think I’ve done enough wiggling for now.