How to Beam: Organic Edition
- Cassie Feldman
- Jul 3, 2020
- 5 min read
If you are like me you know organic food is “good” for you but you aren’t really sure why. I have always believed eating organic is more natural and therefore better for my health but never questioned or looked into those extremely broad claims. As a self proclaimed lover of wellness I was ashamed at my lack of real knowledge or understanding of organic food. This realization is why I give you this new edition of How to Beam. You are welcome.
In the most simple terms: Certified Organic food is food produced by methods that comply with the standards of organic farming. Standards vary worldwide. So already, we know organic does not mean the same thing everywhere. Government organizations like the USDA or EC are responsible for certifying organic food. So technically food could be organic without a label or not really organic with the label.
In general, organic farming methods feature practices that cycle resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity Organizations regulating organic products (for the US it is USDA) may restrict the use of certain pesticides and fertilizers in the farming methods used to produce such products. Technically, we have always been organic farming and it wasn't until the 20th century and industrialization we used different farming methods. US organic crops must be grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, bioengineered genes (GMOs), petroleum-based fertilizers, and sewage sludge-based fertilizers. Organic livestock raised for meat, eggs, and dairy products must have access to the outdoors and be given organic feed. They may not be given antibiotics, growth hormones, or any animal by-products. I want to emphasize that organic does not mean no pesticides it just means fewer. It also means more regulations around which pesticides and chemicals can be used.
So why do people eat organic? See below for the top reasons people say they choose organic in order of importance. My goal is to quickly look at some of the reasons people pick organic and see if it holds up.
Food Safety
Health
Environment
Local Origin
Animal Welfare
Nutrients:
Let’s start with the first two reasons people pick organic: Food Safety and Health. While consumers purchase organic foods for a variety of reasons, studies show that the most important reason consumers give for buying organic revolves around their beliefs that organic food has health-giving properties and higher nutritional value. Studies have also shown that consumer’s frequently think organic labels are a healthier option, lower in calories and higher in nutrients. This is known as the “halo effect.” Economists who study social psychology use the term “halo effect” to describe a bias in judgment that causes you to assume that one positive attribute comes with a bunch of others. Studies have shown that if people are told a food is organic they’re also biased to believe it’s more nutritious and better tasting.
I am sorry to say that there is literally no conclusive evidence organic food is better tasting, safer or more nutritious than non-organic food. Before everyone gets mad at me, I am not saying that organic food is not better, I am just saying show me your scientifically backed foolproof evidence it is.
Sustainability:
It is hard to think about organic and to not think about sustainability. An article titled, Organic farming and the sustainability of agricultural systems, sums it up perfectly when it says, “There is no real dispute that sustainable agriculture and organic farming are closely related terms. There is however disagreement on the exact nature of this relationship. For some, the two are synonymous, for others, equating them is misleading.” The common belief is that organic food is better for the environment because fewer to no chemicals are used which increases biodiversity, builds healthy soil and potentially fights off C02 effects. While all of this has shown to be true, a couple of studies have recently come out that question the claim of organic practices and sustainability. The studies look at the amount of land needed for organic farming, which tends to be higher than conventional farming, since organic farming has a lower crop yield than conventional farming. This use of land coupled with contradictions around the growing industry of organic farming and sustainability in general leave doubt on sustainability of organic farming on a large scale. Still, other prominent scientists see potential in organic agriculture in restoring biodiversity and resilience of land.
While Organic farming is a more sustainable option, there is doubt that it can be sustainable on a large scale. The real takeaway here is sustainable agriculture is still a widely debated topic today and there is no one size fits all for large scale agricultural farming that solves all the pillars of sustainability.
Accessibility
Organic food is not known as being very accessible in both cost and convenience. This is mostly because organic agriculture has a higher production cost and lower yields, higher labor costs, and higher consumer prices as compared to conventional farming methods. It is also not as available in grocery stores and supermarkets. The good news is that as demands increase, organic food seems to be getting cheaper overall. Still, it makes sense that many people would not want to drive out of their way or splurge on buying organic food for the potential benefits it could bring.
Summary
How fascinating is the psychology behind organic food and marketing? You're looking at an entire group of people who believe if they eat organic and natural (whatever either of those terms mean) they will somehow be pure and healthier. I fall into this category! I read all this data and I still think I would choose organic food at a grocery store - although I may actively try not to now.
After some self-reflection, I felt like my willingness to ignore the science behind organic food has to do with regulations. To me it seems like I have a bit more control over how my food is produced if it has that organic label. I am not sure I really do have more control but I feel like it. I like knowing my food is not harming me and the organic label gives me those false promises. Organic doesn't mean I automatically know where my food comes from or how it was handled or that it is healthier for me in any way. I realize it's a privilege to be able to buy a feeling of having more control over my health.
In How To Beam I never recommend a one size fits all solution. You should know I think life is too nuanced for that. My hope is to inform so that we can all reflect and feel a bit more authentic in our choices, whatever that may be, in order to beam.
Sources:
I know no one cares where I got my info. But I am still posting my sources below so this never comes back to haunt me.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878029616300597
Olsen, E. L. (2017). The rationalization and persistence of organic food beliefs in the face of contrary evidence. Journal of Cleaner Production, 140, 1007-1013. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.06.005
Schuldt, J. P., & Schwarz, N. (2010). The "organic" path to obesity? Organic claims influence calorie judgments and exercise recommendations. Judgment and Decision Making, 5(3), 114-150.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308521X00000603
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308521X00000603
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/03/cost-of-organic-food/index.htm
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/future-of-food/organic-farming-crops-consumers/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-018-0757-zEnvironmental Impacts of Plant-Based Diets: How Does Organic Food Consumption Contribute to Environmental Sustainability?
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