Choosing Organic Food: For Your Health, the Planet, and the Future

I get asked this question a lot: Why choose organic food? Especially when it can be more expensive, and especially when pesticides from nearby farms can still drift over. Some folks tell me they stick to the EWG chart (you know, the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen). Others wonder if it really makes a difference.

I say no to all of that. And here’s why: if the food isn’t grown organically, then it is most often grown with something harmful. It’s that simple. We’re talking about pesticides, herbicides, glyphosate (you know, the one in Roundup, which was classified as a probable human carcinogen by the WHO in 2015), hexane (a neurotoxic solvent used to extract oils), sewage sludge (yes, really), antibiotics, and ractopamine (used in meat production and banned in many countries outside the U.S.).

There are exceptions, of course. Some farms might be local or label their produce as “spray-free,” but it’s always worth asking questions and doing your homework. Even farmers’ markets can feature produce from farms using questionable practices. I recently heard of a market that was selling produce from Asia. The point is this: we have a choice. And with choice comes responsibility.

I should probably confess something. Years ago, back in my twenties in New Zealand, I heard about a group of people. They only ate food grown on their land or within a few kilometers of it. I thought they were… strange. Honestly, I laughed. But not long after, I found myself buying only organic food for my home. I realized they were probably onto something. You can trust food to be clean and safe when you grow it yourself. You can also trust it when you know who grows it and how they grow it.

Of course, most of us can’t farm our own food. That’s where certified organic comes in.

What Does “Organic” Really Mean?

According to the USDA, the European Commission, and the National Organic Program (NOP), organic food is grown using methods that support ecological balance and biodiversity. That means:

• No synthetic pesticides or fertilizers
• No genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
• No artificial preservatives or additives
• Natural farming methods like composting, crop rotation, and biological pest control

The Health Benefits of Organic Food

The most obvious benefit? Lower exposure to toxic chemicals. While trace amounts of pesticides might still be found in organic produce, the levels are far lower than conventional alternatives. And there are no synthetic additives or coloring to worry about.

Why take the risk, when:

• Pesticide exposure can disrupt hormones (endocrine disruption)
• Some are linked to neurodevelopmental delays and diseases like Parkinson’s
• Chemicals accumulate in fat tissue and impact reproductive health
• The WHO and EPA have linked some herbicides to cancers including lymphoma and leukemia

Studies also suggest that organic foods may be higher in antioxidants, contain more vitamins, and help reduce antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Plus: no GMOs.

Organic Food and the Planet

Organic isn’t just better for people. It’s better for everything:

• Supports soil health
• Reduces runoff and water contamination
• Protects biodiversity and pollinators
• Improves long-term sustainability

But… Isn’t It More Expensive?

Yes. Organic food typically costs more. That’s because:

• It’s more labor-intensive (manual weeding, crop rotation, natural pest control)
• Organic farms are often smaller, without the economies of scale
• Certification is rigorous and ongoing

So, is it worth it?

I believe it is. Many of us are willing to pay for wellness, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. For me, that premium is an investment in future health and a healthier planet.

And yes, I’ll keep buying organic. You’ll find me in the organic aisles, reading labels, asking questions, and doing my best to support what I believe in.

Curious how my own story around food, healing, and my journey to eating organic food started? Read this piece about my journey.

If you’re new here, I also invite you to check out my book, His Name is Eric — a deeply personal story of love, loss, and everything that shapes us. Buy it now on Amazon.