Why Organic Farming and Gardening?

A study done in 1996 found that over 806 million pounds of pesticides are used each year in agriculture and that number is still rising. The average American is exposed to about 2 to 20 pesticides per day on average depending on the type of food that is eaten and its contamination level. Pesticides are used by millions of farmers to prevent pests and weeds from destroying their crops. Although pesticides have their advantages they can have extremely harmful affects on humans, animals, and the environment.
These harmful chemicals upset natural habitats and wildlife. Many lakes, rivers, and groundwater systems have been upset because farmers have been disposing their pesticides improperly. Lack of water resources can result in the depletion of aquatic ecosystems. In an ecosystem all animals are necessary for a healthy balance, and taking out any group will disturb the entire system. Many other non-target animals are killed by pesticides. Insects that are killed by pesticides are also a major food source for many pest-eating organisms.
Pesticides can have many harmful affects on humans as well. In studies done on cancer patients it was found that certain chemicals that are found in pesticides could have caused their cancer. These chemicals promote the growth of cancer cells but may not actually cause the tumors to grow. Other chemicals can deter specific organs from creating hormones that are used by the body. Neurotoxins are compounds found in pesticides that are toxic to humans. Most levels of neurotoxins that are found are not harmful for adults but can be deadly to children. These chemicals can upset functions in the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the nervous system.
Organic farming is a way to cultivate crops in a way that is safer for natural habitats and healthier for people. These farms use processes like using animal manure, crop waste, crop rotation, green manure, and mulch to keep the soil fertile. To control pests these farmers carefully plan which crops to use, encourage pest eating predators, and use natural pesticides. Organic farms do not kill every pest or weed; they use the benefits of all organisms but keep those that are harmful down to an adequate level. By farming organically farmers can save money by using things that they might already have. For example animal manure and leftover crop residue can be used to fertilize the land, whereas the farmer would have to buy more fertilizers and pesticides without them.
Demand for organic produce has been growing exceptionally in large cities. At least two percent of the nation’s produce is grown organically. The sale of these organic products has increased 20 percent in the past decade. In 2005 a study was conducted that showed that organic food and beverages retailed around 12.8 billion dollars. In comparison, if a person was to buy a half gallon of organic milk, they would pay about $3.72, while a regular half gallon would be around $1.82. A carton of organic eggs costs $3.34 while non-organic eggs would cost $0.94. While organic products have their many advantages to both humans and the environment, the cost may deter many people from buying them.