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Do I Help Conserve the Environment by Eating Organic Food? |
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Yes, since no chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used in producing organic food, consuming organic food means conserving the environment.
The pesticides used in non-organic farming are wiping out numerous species of beneficial insects, butterflies, and birds. It is estimated that about 672 million birds are affected by large amount of pesticides used on US agricultural farms and 10% of these are killed due to these pesticides.
We also contaminate our water bodies with the excessive use of chemical fertilizers on our farms. Loss of soil fertility has also become a matter of concern due to chemical farming.
Organic farming involves methods that help converse soil fertility, and biodiversity. Organic farming is also less energy intensive and helps in saving precious oil for future generations. Usage of organic fertilizers, compost, mulches, and other organic matter helps conserve the microorganisms in the soil, thus ensuring healthy soil. Worms such as earthworms and red worms aerate the soil. Mulches and organic matter minimize weed growth. Multi-cropping, trap crops, and companion planting helps pest control. Bugs can be controlled by using frogs and toads. Organic farming thus uses ecological and biological means to raise the crops. By eating organic food you favor these environmental and sustainable systems.
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