Environmental Impact of Organic Foods

One of the main reasons that many people choose to eat organic foods is for its benefits for the human body.  However, an important benefit that comes from the production of organic food is its less-destructive effect on the environment than that of traditional agriculture.

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Since organic food production requires the use of organic fertilizers, there are less toxins and harmful chemicals being put into the soil to help the crops grow.  In fact, organic fertilizers can sometimes benefit the soil.  Soil is also benefited through crop rotation.

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Organic fertilizers also emit less pollution into the environment in general, including the water and air supplies.  This is because less toxic fuels are needed to produce organic food, and therefore release less harmful chemicals into the environment.

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Overall the production of organic food is beneficial for the environment in the long-term.  Its production may take longer but its focus is on the long-term benefits for the environment and the consumer, rather than the cheap, profit-turning, mass-produced food generated by traditional agriculture.

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Organic Coffee

Organic coffee can have a multitude of benefits for both the consumer and the environment.  Thanks to buzz words like "fair trade," the demand for organic coffee in the US has increased drastically in the recent years.  Although it comes at a high price, there is a large market for organic coffee thanks to its environmentally-concious consumers and "chic" quality.

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To be certified organic, coffee must follow guidelines for both the growth of the crop and the production of processing the coffee.  The coffee beans must be grown in an organic field and not be treated by any non-organic fertilizers or pesticides.  In production, to be considered organic the beans cannot receive any unnatural additives or chemicals.

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Organic coffee farming has a better effect on the environment than traditional farming, because of the way that the soil must be treated.  Since no inorganic fertilizers can be used on the farmland, organic coffee farming promotes the continuation of healthy soil and a healthy environment.  Because of the strict regulations set by the USDA, organic coffee is usually grown on a small-scale, which in turn generally produces a better crop, but usually at a significantly higher price for consumers.

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