Apples are being treated with pesticides 28 times from start of the season until the harvest. This is shown in a recent study of the report books of apple farmers in a certain region of South Tyrol. (Details can be found under https://www.br.de/nachrichten/deutschland-welt/gespritzte-aepfel-exklusive-datenanalyse-zum-pestizideinsatz,TTqvZWU).
Heinz Ketchup ends up last in “Ökotest” a.o. because of high amounts of mold poison and sugars. And yet, Heinz holds 50% of the Ketchup consumption in Germany. (More under Tomatenketchup: Darum ist Heinz-Ketchup der große Testverlierer – ÖKO-TEST (oekotest.de).
Of 21 rose bouquets in the test, including six with a declared Fairtrade label, the majority failed, a.o. because of pesticides and non-transparent supply chains. (Rosen im Test: Die meisten strotzen nur so vor Pestiziden – ÖKO-TEST (oekotest.de).
For sure you have heard or read about some of these studies. And could add other examples. And we could talk about it all evening about how
We would accuse the producers – rightfully so. They need to change. More responsibility for the environment, health and social sustainability.
We would accuse the law makers – rightfully so. Rules and controls are too weak. Costs and obstacle for a biological production too high.
But are we not forgetting something? Should we not criticize ourselves – the consumers?
As long as we expect lowest prices and availability of anything at anytime of the year in perfect forms and shaoes, what would we expect the producers to do?
Herbicides, insecticides and fungicides are nothing else than means to make work easier, safe costs and maximize production. To get rid of herbs, insects and fungi. A certain amount of pesticides in food is generally permitted. EU Pesticides Database – Products (europa.eu) gives details per product. Often criticized is that the so-called cocktail effect (i.e. different pesticides in combination), which have not yet been adequately researched. It is also the case that products out of Non-EU countries are being importet, which allow a much higher amount of pesticides.
There are various studies which show the imoact of pesticides for workers on farms as well as for consumers. From skin reactions to cancer risk, deformities, chronic intestinal problems and allergies – the list is long.
But how much attention do we pay to this when we do our shopping?
A while ago I talked to a young woman who runs a small organic farm. Working without pesticides means a,o. preparing the land with a small tractor and a hoe, removing herbs by hand, working with universities to test which natural substances protect the plants as well as people and bees. Her chickpeas are available in the amount nature allows her to harvest each year – sometimes more, sometimes less. There is no artificial prolonging of the best-before date, which bears the additional risk of selling out the stock in time. The costs of the natural production does not allow a price fight.
Nevertheless, she would never compromise the responsibility to provide honest, natural and healthy products.
But we, the consumers, are compromising. We are not necessarily ready to buy a higher price for biological chickpeas, and instead take the conventional ones. Maybe due to not knowing better, maybe based on economical reasons. And admittedly, sometimes it is simply convenient, to quickly buy some roses in the supermarket instead of on the market where can ask where they come from, and how they and the workers are being treated. It is convenient to quickly choose a well known brand, although we often do now know wether they produce in a sustainable way.
It is for sure impossible to be always super informed and conscious. However it is important to realize, that it is about our own health. And that we decide what to buy.
Whenever I read recent studies on biological products or impact of pesticides on our health, it is a wakeup call for me. A moment to stop and rethink my purchase habits. Therefor I would like to share some links and topics. Maybe they trigger you to take care of yourselves and make informed consumer choices and thereby influencing what is being offered.
Under www.oekotest.de you regularly find new interesting research results from cosmetics to apples.
Research on fruit europewide: Shocking rise in toxic pesticides on European fruit, says study | Euronews
Two years ago, results of a long term study where published, that showe the correlation of pesticides and parkinson: Parkinson’s Environment & Genes – Ritz Environmental Epidemiology.
Useful tips on veggies and pesticides Ökotipps: Natur und Umwelt schützen im Alltag – BUND e.V.
Italian consumers can inform themselves eg on the platfrom greenMe:Pesticidi: la lista della frutta e della verdura più contaminate in Italia – greenMe
Pestizide | Greenpeace has a lot of details on this topic.
My personal piece of practical advise when consuming fruit and veggies:
Anything that I do not take out of my vegetable garden, I buy organic. In order to choose truly healthy products for me and my family. And in order to support organic farming. If not available organically, I do wash fruit and veggies thoroughly with lukewarm water; at times also in a soda bath which is said to remove 80% of the pesticides. After washing, it is important to dry well (eg with a microfibre cloth). Or I choose to peel it. After peeling, wash your hands in order not to contaminate the raw fruit.
Do you have tips or thoughts regarding this topic? Please do share them. Any information helps us to live more consciously and healthy.
