Support Organic & Sustainable Farming

The Problem
Pesticide use — which has increased 50 percent over the last 30 years — has been linked to cancer, birth defects, and reproductive problems. NRDC’s own studies show that pesticides are among the five worst environmental threats to children’s health. In addition, pesticides contaminate water and often poison wildlife. Non-sustainable farming has also been shown to lead to topsoil erosion, toxic runoff from farmland into rivers, lakes, and streams, and decreased biodiversity.

What you can do

1. Ask for organic produce – Often, organic produce costs more and is more difficult to get, but many supermarkets and greengrocers are willing to stock organic food if they know customers will buy it regularly. Talk to your friends and neighbors about their willingness to buy organic and then let your produce manager know that many customers are interested.

2. Deal directly with organic food growers and suppliers – If you can’t find a local grocer who will stock organic food, contact organic growers and suppliers directly.

3. Become a Community Supported Agriculture supporter – Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) cooperatives bring together local farmers and consumers. As a member of the cooperative, you pledge to cover farm operation costs for the season. In return, you share in the harvest. CSA farms are not all organic, but they all strive to operate sustainably.

4. Farmers: cut down on pesticide use – Innovative and successful farmers around the country are switching from conventional pest management practices, which are heavily reliant on pesticides, to profitable alternative agricultural practices that substantially reduce pesticide use. Read profiles of these farmers and their methods in Fields of Change.