Tag: Genetically modified food

Environment, well-being, What is Organic

Five ways to Generate Hope in The Age of Climate Chaos

Melody Meyer
hope is on the horizon
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

The Climate report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) wasn’t a huge surprise. Stable weather patterns we’ve enjoyed for generations have now grown turbulent. Drought and heat, floods and fire are bound to become more frequent.

The report sites: “Since the pre-industrial period, the land surface air temperature has risen nearly twice as much as the global average temperature.” Our changing climate will increase in the frequency and intensity of these extreme events.

Is there any hope to be had?

 Yes! Rather than moping around glum or feeling doomed, I’ve decided there are things I can do to lower my footprint.   

Here are 5 simple things I’ve embraced to generate hope and cut my environmental impact. 

Continue reading “Five ways to Generate Hope in The Age of Climate Chaos” →
Environment, What is Organic

Will FDA Alter the GMO Argument For Organic?

Melody Meyer

Why do consumers buy certified organic food? They cite the avoidance of persistent insecticides, herbicides and hormones, and to protect the health of their families and the environment. Another significant guarantee the organic label provides consumers is the lack of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs in organic production. A new initiative by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and USDA aims to change public perception on GMO’s. How could the organic label be affected? Continue reading “Will FDA Alter the GMO Argument For Organic?” →

What is Organic

30 Questions for You on the GMO Labeling Standard

Melody Meyer

 I remember with no measure of fondness the industry skirmishes that transpired after the GMO disclosure standard was enacted last July. It was a deal that no one on either side wanted. The USDA recently posted 30 questions on their website that will be used to draft their proposed rule. No matter how much you dislike this rule, it’s time to lay down your sword and provide real input to make it as robust as possible. Continue reading “30 Questions for You on the GMO Labeling Standard” →

Social Implications in Agriculture

Genetically Engineered Plants and Animals: The Ecology of Unknown Consequences

Melody Meyer

Imagine the primordial forest, a canopy dense with foliage, the floor strewn in dappled light. From the cool boreal woodlands to the tropical forests, trees have sustained complex ecosystems evolving over the millennia of time. Some trees live for decades and even centuries, laying down shade and forest duff, sustaining mosses, insects, birds and mammals. Their seed and pollen spread with the wind sometimes traveling hundreds of miles. What then could possibly go wrong with a forest of genetically engineered trees, a pasture of GE grass or genetically engineered animals? The answer is we don’t really know… but probably plenty. Continue reading “Genetically Engineered Plants and Animals: The Ecology of Unknown Consequences” →

Environment, What is Organic

Assault on Midwest Women & Children on the Rise

Melody Meyer

Growing up in the Midwest isn’t as idyllic as it used to be. The family farm has been eclipsed by sprawling thousand-fold acre parcels of corn and soybeans. Typically managed by one solitary man, he spends his spring and early summer days planting genetically engineered seeds and spraying herbicides. Monitors in the tractor map soil temperature and crop conditions, surveying the contours of green expanse and helping the farmer make timely decisions about which herbicides to spray and when. Continue reading “Assault on Midwest Women & Children on the Rise” →