"Saruman believes that it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I've found. I've found it is the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk, that keeps the darkness at bay..." -- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit
Despite the fact that over 90 percent of people want genetically modified organisms (GMOs) labeled, we still don't have that right in the U.S. -- yet. But we are not powerless. Awareness about GMOs is growing steadily. And I believe it is the "small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk" that can make a big difference. If our elected officials will not do our bidding, then we can take our power back right now by not buying or eating any genetically modified foods. Need some motivation to cut them out of your diet? Here are some sobering facts.
1. We eat on average 193 pounds of genetically modified foods in a year, at minimum. Yes you read that right -- 193 pounds!
2. There are no long-term safety studies in humans. Thus, the long-term health effects are unknown.
3. Genetically modified crops use more pesticides. Their use has increased by 404 million pounds from 1996 to 2011. And stronger herbicides are needed to counter weed resistance, including 2,4-D, which is one of the chemicals found in Agent Orange! This is bad for the environment and can't be good for us.4. Chemical companies that create GMO seeds -- such as Monsanto -- patent them so farmers have to buy new seeds each year. I just don't think it's right to patent seeds, GMO or otherwise. And think about it, do you really want chemical companies to control our food supply?
It is for these reasons that I avoid genetically modified foods. I hope you consider removing them from your diet as well. Let's use the power we do have -- our dollars -- and avoid GMOs now.
The current crops that are genetically modified are soy, corn, canola, sugar beets, cotton,Hawaiian papaya some zucchini and yellow crookneck squash and alfalfa (which is fed to cattle and not us). Here are some tips to cut GMOs out of your diet.- Buy USDA Organic, especially when purchasing the current GMO crops. Organic foods are grown from seeds that are not genetically modified.
- Look for the Non-GMO Project Verified seal. For more information about the Non-GMO Project, see here.
- Buy brands that are sourced to be free of GMOs such as Trader Joe's labeled foods or Whole Foods Market's 365 Daily Value labeled foods. If you eat a lot of processed foods, such as canned and packaged products, choose these brands or an organic brand. Better yet, eat more whole foods, which are less likely to contain GMOs.
- Since most corn and soy are GMO, choose organic or a brand that sources their items to be free of GMOs when you eat these foods. This includes sweet corn, corn tortillas, corn oil, corn chips, tofu, edamame, soy milk, and baby formula.
- Instead of canola, corn, soy, or cottonseed, choose extra virgin olive oil, organic canola oil (cold pressed), or safflower oil.
- Sugar and high fructose corn syrup are another source of GMOs. Cane sugar is not genetically engineered, so when you do have sugar, choose cane. However, processed sugar is not good for us anyway; therefore, it would be best to cut it out as much as you can.
- Most Hawaiian papaya and some yellow crookneck squash, zucchini, and are all genetically modified. Buy these foods organic. You can also try your local farmer's market. All Trader Joe's produce is sourced to be free of GMOs, so you can also buy these veggies there if you have a store nearby. You will notice that Trader Joe's sells Caribbean papaya and not Hawaiian, which is one of the ways they avoid selling GMOs. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/carole-bartolotto/how-to-avoid-genetically-_b_3463653.html)
Thanksgiving
Give Thanks: Have a GMO-Free Thanksgiving
November 15, 2011by Jill EttingerEco Chic Table
Turkey is the centerpiece for most thanksgiving tables, but unless you’re buying an organically-raised bird, you’re getting one that’s most likely fed a diet high in genetically modified soy and corn. And as we all know, you are what you eat eats. Same goes for vegan mock meats. Non-organic soy is most likely GMO, so opt for an organic option like the Tofurky.I personally am getting a locally born and bred, non GM, organic Turkey and am proud of it!
If you make your own stuffing or if you buy a mix, make sure you check your bread ingredients as they can contain a number of genetically modified organisms like soy lecithin, dextrose, corn starch and even high fructose corn syrup. So can the store-bought seasoning blends. Instead, use your own mix of fresh herbs and spices and skip the packets or boxes.
Another possible spot for hidden GMOs is in store bought gravies. They can contain a number of gross ingredients that originate in genetically modified forms including canola oil and corn starch. Making your own is always going to taste better, anyway.
When it comes to Thanksgiving, dessert is a must; and pumpkin or apple pies top the list. Sometimes it’s helpful to take shortcuts, like pre-made crusts or fillings. Look out for high fructose corn syrup, soy or canola oil and corn starch in those. Make it from scratch or make an easier variation on the theme, like baked apples or pumpkin mousse.Other places GMOs are likely hiding on your menu: cranberry relishes that contain corn syrup, salad dressings with canola, corn or soy oil and a number of added preservatives or flavor enhancers, canned soups, margarine and soft drinks.
Genetically modified ingredients can be an unwelcome and hidden guest at your Thanksgiving celebration. This year, GMO Inside, a new coalition that advocates for increased consumer awareness of genetically modified organisms in foods, offers tips and suggestions for consumers on how to remove unwanted GMOs from their holiday feasts. From identifying GMO-laden products and offering non-GMO alternatives to giving tips on how to help spread the word on genetically engineered foods, GMO Inside hopes to give consumers the information they need to celebrate a non-GMO Thanksgiving.
“Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with family and friends. Consumers should be able to do this without worrying about feeding hidden GMOs to their loved ones,” says Alisa Gravitz, president of Green America, a green-economy organization and member of the GMO Inside steering committee...
Some common Thanksgiving-dinner ingredients that GMO Inside has identified as having the potential to contain GMOs include Campbell’s tomato soup, Wesson canola oil, Bruce’s yams, Hershey’s milk chocolate, Pepperidge Farm crackers, Kraft classic ranch dressing, Rice-a-Roni chicken-flavored rice, Ocean Spray cranberry sauce and Kraft Stove Top stuffing. The organization recommends choosing certified organic food products and produce outlined on their website as alternatives to products containing GMO ingredients. It also recommends these tips for spreading the word about GMO ingredients to family and friends:
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| http://www.hobbyfarms.com/food-and-kitchen/serve-up-hf-thanksgiving-infographic.aspx |
Post a photo of your non-GMO feast on Pinterest or Facebook.
If donating food to shelters this holiday, donate organic and non-GMO foods.
If you already purchased holiday food containing GMOs, print GMO Inside’s GMO labels, place them on food, photograph and upload the photos to social media to warn family and friends.
Check to see if food containing GMOs has money-back guarantees. If it does, you can return the food to the manufacturer.
As always I thank you for stopping by and hope you enjoyed your time here Between Health & Wealth Avenues. Now get out there and support local business and go non GMO shopping today! Y'all come back now you hare? Wishing you a happy & healthy day my friends!!! Peace, Audrey
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