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I can see how the benefit of not having pesticide-ridden, chemically-processed food is a good thing! One would be a fool not to see the obvious health benefits. However, there are many current factors in the food industry which make spending the extra few dollars a week on 'certified organic' food not worth the cost.

One of the biggest problems with the food supply in the United States, organic or otherwise, is the packaging that it comes in. Though not necessarily limited to organic foods, the hazards of the thin film of plastic surrounding most products can offset the benefits of purchasing organically grown produce. According to a 'mindfully.org' report the packaging on most foods contains chemicals which have been known cause cancer and other diseases in the human body.

Disturbingly the plastic can leech into food products. One of the first documented cases of this happening occurred almost 2 decades ago. In 1990 a load of roast beef was discarded due to a foul odor. A further investigation found that the chemical benzene leeched into the food product. Thought e contamination was limited, only 17.8pbb at its peak, benzene, even in, small quantities can result in vomiting, irritation of the stomach, dizziness, sleepiness, and in large enough quantities death.

Even though plastic affects all food in the United States don't forget you are paying for supposedly 'clean' produce. Why should you pay extra for a product when, in reality, it's almost exactly the same?

A second problem with 'organic' foods is the large amount of 'conventional' ingredients the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA; the certifying body) allows to be in 'certified organic' food. In early 2007 the USDA announced that it would allow almost 40 new, non-organic, ingredients to be certified as organic food. Though some of the ingredients may not be available in organic commercial form (such as certain food colorings) they are still not organic and in the end, you are not getting what you pay for.

If you still wish to purchase organic foods there are ways to limit your intake of harmful chemicals.

For instance: you can purchase locally grown products. Many cities have farmers markets where you purchase produce directly from the farms. This has three distinct advantages. First, you are helping local growers. These growers have a large stake in your economy, and, in the end your food supply. Second, you know where the food is coming from! You can simply ask the farmer if he uses pesticides. If he values you as a consumer he will give an honest answer. Third, you can bring your own bags. Using paper or clothe bags you completely eliminate any contact your food has with harmful chemicals.

You may also want to consider planting your own garden. Like above, you know where your food is coming from; you! You can also save a lot of money too. Most produce can be grown for pennies per pound; which means you can have more truly organic food and have more money in your wallet too!

Learn more about this author, Greg Vernon.
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