2018: Make a difference by making it organic

Washington, D.C., Dec. 29, 2017 -- Groundbreaking studies in 2017 continued to prove the ability of organic agriculture to combat climate change, to feed the world sustainably, to protect the health of our children and ourselves, and much more. As is its annual tradition, The Organic Center has put together its list of top ten science-based New Year’s resolutions to help you make a difference in your world by making it organic.  

One: Fight the causes of climate change.

Organic soils play a big role in helping to mitigate climate change by locking away carbon – one of the main causes of global warming -- in long-term reserves. Results of a landmark study in 2017 prove that organic farms store more carbon in the soil, and keep it out of the atmosphere for substantially longer periods, than conventional farming methods. More.

Two: Protect the little guys.

It’s the little teeny things in our soils – the invisible-to-the-eye microorganisms -- that make a big difference. Studies from across the globe show that organic farming boosts a soil’s microbial diversity, and supports more of the beneficial microbes that fight off the disease-causing ones than do conventional farming practices. More.

Three: Feed the world sustainably.

Why are we throwing away food? Global conversion to organic agriculture, combined with reducing livestock feed from arable land, and making substantial cuts in food waste could help feed the world more sustainably in the future. More.

Four: Combat antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotic resistance is a pressing public health problem, as it can cause illnesses once easily treatable with antibiotics to morph into dangerous infections for both kids and adults. The more antibiotics used, the more bacteria become resistant to them. Organic agriculture combats antibiotic resistance through its prohibition of the use of antibiotics in organic livestock production and also through its ban of most herbicides.  More.

Five: Save the bees.

More evidence poured in this past year that neonicotinoid insecticides negatively affect insect pollinators, increasing bee mortality and boosting the losses of queen bees. Organic farming doesn’t use neonicotinoid insecticides, and it protects the bee’s native habitat. Research shows that organic practices not only reduce risks to bees, but actively support the growth and health of populations of bees and other pollinators more than does conventional agriculture. More.

Six: Keep our farmers healthy.

Exposure to pesticides is hard on a person. Skin and eye irritation, headaches, dizziness, and nausea can be just the beginning; cancer, asthma, and diabetes could be the ultimate results of prolonged exposure. Choosing organic, which prohibits the use of toxic, synthetic pesticides, lowers the risks to the dedicated farmers and farm workers who put the food on our plates. More.

Seven: Embrace diversity!

Diversity is good, and in nature, where it’s called biodiversity, it’s downright awesome. Organic farms and fields with high levels of plant diversity increase both the abundance and the number of species of beneficial insects such as pollinators and pest predators. More butterflies and bees, and more birds and wildlife. All good. More.

Eight: Know the true costs of pesticides.

Dig deeper for the facts. Critics of organic often cite the benefits of pesticide use, such as controlling pests and boosting yields, but economic models rarely incorporate hidden and external costs of pesticide use on human health and the environment. Organic doesn’t use toxic, synthetic pesticides and doesn’t have these hidden costs.  More.

Nine. Honor the next generation

Let’s protect the next generation. Studies show that exposure to multiple neurotoxic pesticides near the homes of pregnant women in farming communities is associated with lower IQs in their children. Cleaner organic farming means less exposure to dangerous pesticides, and a healthier environment for our moms-to-be and the kids of the future.  More.

Ten: Get a clean night’s sleep!

Do you know what you’re sleeping on? Bed sheets tested positive for some of the highest levels of flame retardants, highlighting the potential risk for exposure via the skin. Rest easy with organic bedding, which isn’t treated with flame retardants or any other chemicals.  More.

The Organic Center is a small organization achieving big results. For more information on The Organic Center, the specific studies these resolutions are based on and the science behind organic, visit www.organic-center.org.

The Organic Center’s mission is to convene credible, evidence-based science on the health and environmental benefits of organic food and farming, and to communicate the findings to the public. The Center is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) research and education organization operating under the administrative auspices of the Organic Trade Association. 

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4ca73127-56b7-4f80-94c5-876fdf05aa4e

Maggie McNeil
The Organic Center
(202) 403-8514
[email protected]