The GMO plague and how to fight it, Pt. 2
Environmental contamination with pesticides
This is Part 2 of a two-part series of blog posts on the health dangers of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and ways we can fight back against the corporations that produce them. Part 2 of the series discusses recent developments and some GMO trends, mentions promising anti-GMO phenomena, and lists some things you can do right now to oppose Monsanto and GMOs worldwide. Part 1 talks about the emergence and spread of superweeds, the litany of problems associated with GMOs, and some steps you can take to remove genetically modified (GM) foods from your diet. Both posts contain myriad links to resources so readers can learn more about various related topics.
Recent developments
In a baffling move, the U.S. Government has made a deal with the agricultural biotechnology industry to allow for the expansion of GM crops. Why the U.S. is echoing Argentina’s efforts (Argentina’s Government inked an agreement with farmers this year) is beyond me – although it probably has to do with crazy-strong lobbying efforts and a bribe here and there (just guessing). In addition, the U.S. continues to push Monsanto pesticides on Argentina despite the latter’s opposition. Some Argentines support it but it looks like most oppose it. Argentina is one of the world’s main soy producers, by the way.
More shockers:
- 95% of soybeans and 93% of corn grown in Minnesota this year are GM.
- More than 80% of soy grown and nearly two-thirds of the world’s cotton worldwide is GM.
- 94% of soybeans and more than 70% of corn and cotton planted in the U.S. contain the Roundup-resistant gene.
Documentaries on Monsanto and the dangers of GMOs
If you’re interested, here are two documentaries on Monsanto that I fully recommend:
Watch ‘em and let me know what you think! I found them both fascinating and utterly terrifying, but ignorance is definitely not bliss when your food is toxic and you’re the one who will lose when your health falters. Thus, I’d rather know and take preventative steps, even if it’s inconvenient and potentially troublesome, than tell myself that everything I eat is innocuous. What about you?
Sacramento 2003 GMO USDA protest. "Resist" flag.
Exciting anti-GMO developments
Fortunately, it’s not all bad. Hungary is kicking butt by driving Monsanto’s GM crops out and criminalizing the dissemination of GMO seeds. The country has destroyed all of Monsanto’s corn fields in its territory! Fantastic and tremendously inspirational. The U.S. (and all other countries, of course) should follow suit. Let’s do all we can to make this happen!
Take Action
- Join the campaign Millions Against Monsanto and sign its petition
- Promote sustainable agriculture through Greenpeace’s action campaign
- Join this group to learn about organic and self-sustaining gardening practices so you can take direct action to look after your health
- Check out the Organic Consumers Association and support its efforts
- Sign in support of Greenpeace’s call for Australia to stop unsafe GM wheat trials
- Sign a petition against GMOs in Poland
- Join the Facebook page Say No To GMO Foods
- Join the Facebook page Environmental Labels: Your Right to Know
- Do your own research
- Spread the word by linking to this blog post and any others you find informative
Want to add something? Did I miss anything important? All contributions are welcome, including guest posts!
