GMOs
Buy GMO free...
...or at least campaign to be given the choice.
Many people are concerned about possible health effects of food derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The debate over this rages: at time of writing there is little clear information but much to be anxious about.
The potential effects of GM crops on the environment as a whole are enormous. In the past, we've slowly learned about the dangers of pollutants such as DDT and heavy metals, which persist in the environment. GMOs don't just persist, they replicate - interbreeding with existing crops and with wild plants. There is no way to predict the consequences, and there may be no way to stop them once they are set in motion.
- If you can, refuse to support the GM industry by avoiding buying GM foods.
- Get involved in the debate. Five Year Freeze provides many useful GM links, and their GM leaflet provides a good overview of the green perspective. The leaflet is supported by a range of organisations. The UK government held a major public consultation on GM in 2003 and their GM Nation? website provides information on the issues and the findings of the debate. It also has links to many organisations.
- The law does not yet demand labelling to identify GM foods. One of the most common GM crops is soya, used in many foods - 'lecithin' in chocolate and 'vegetable oil' are often made from GM soya, for example. Greenpeace's Shopper's Guide to GM gives detailed information on major brands.