Quite recently, a dear friend whom I have had many discussions on topics related to GMO’s (Genetically Modified Organisms), organic gardening practises, and the like, sent me a news link in regards to organic foods containing pesticides and chemical residues.

(link is available here:  http://tidechange.ca/2014/02/05/ubiquitous-toxins-and-uncomfortable-questions-by-ray-grigg )

This is a very sobering report, and brings home the fact that things that happen “over there” do very much affect goings on “over here”.  As someone who quite enjoys growing some veggies and spending some quality time communing with the earth worms and other assorted critters of the natural world (save Bambi who spends much time on the other side of the fence casting an eye on what she deems to be her personal salad bar), I am quite conscious of what goes into my garden soil ultimately ends up in me and my loved ones.

At this point it may be tempting to simply throw up our hands and say “We’re Doomed!”, or as one person so colourfully put it: F.I.N.E.!(Fuck, It Never Ends!) I suggest that this is simply a reminder that we must be even more diligent over matters that pertain to our health, both personally and that of Mother Earth.

If you choose not to (or are unable to) grow your own veggies and fruits, check out a local farmer’s market and talk to the purveyors about their products.  Ask them: How do you grow your products? Do you use pesticides/herbicides? Do you use organic, open pollinated seed?  Ask a million questions; a good farmer will be proud of his/her product and will be happy to answer your questions.  But please, do not ask them “Why is your product so expensive?”  Keep firmly in mind the farmer has a much higher overhead cost than big box stores that ship in 20,000 cardboard-hard, and equally flavourful tomatoes from “Le Mexico” at a time.

If you are growing your own food, cast a critical eye over all of the inputs that you are adding to your soil for fertility.  I personally eschew all manner of manufactured (ie: chemical) fertilizers; as a person who has taken Organic Master Gardener training, I firmly believe that organic inputs such as leaves and compost are much safer and healthier for the soil.

I am aware that some people like to use fish and/or fish offal buried in the garden to boost soil fertility.  With the devastation in Fukishima, radioactive wastewater was washed out to sea and is now in our waters, in which our fishies are swimming in. (Remember: “over there/ over here”?)  Take a moment to think about where the fish came from.

While we may not be able to live in a completely toxin-free existence (and living in a hermetically sealed bubble is troublesome and the epitome of anti-social behaviour), we can endeavour to do the very best that we can; educate ourselves, ask questions, and be prepared for some uncomfortable answers.