Essay Sample on Organic vs. Conventional Foods

Standing in the produce aisle, many people face a very important question; Should I buy the organic or commercial apple? The only obvious difference between the two is the price. Despite the apples looking identical, they are grown with two very different methods and ideologies where price, husbandry, and environmental impacts are factors. However, even if someone is a shopper that prioritizes ‘ethical eating’, it is not something that everyone can afford. Commercial food offers a cheaper alternative yet falls short on the ethics. Organic food is a bit better in terms of ethics, but is much more expensive. Depending on the kind of shopper someone is, and what they prioritize; ethics or money (that they might not have), the choice of which apple to buy might not be so obvious.

A shopper’s first concern is usually money, whether they have it or not. Some people always want to buy the more expensive apple, others can only afford the cheaper apple. For those who want the cheaper apple, the commercial grown option is best. The commercial industry provides food at reduced cost and wide accessibility. This proves to be popular among shoppers with lower incomes. One way the industry reduces costs is by limiting variety in their farms and consequently, grocery stores. This allows them to make more profit by eliminating choice. They only present options that have already proved to be popular with shoppers and rarely present something new. Another way that the industry makes money is to focus on only growing one thing, which in turn, robs the soil of its nutrients. This bad soil health is “fixed” by adding man-made nutrients on top. The soil is further harmed by the heavy use of pesticides and other harmful additives, which causes the following harvest to be less generous. The quest for lower production costs and higher revenue often leads to the inhumane treatment of animals. The average shopper is probably not even aware that industrially farmed animals are treated more as disposable commodities rather than living organisms. The animals are often confined to inadequate, dirty spaces without room to roam. In addition, they are force-fed vitamins, minerals, and other substances that make them grow bigger and faster. This enormous population of animals produces an overwhelming amount of greenhouse gasses and waste that is often dumped into nearby bodies of water. The pollution can threaten human health if it comes into contact with drinking water. Shoppers have a valid concern about the environmental and health consequences of commercially grown food, but not every shopper has the budget for organic food.

Despite its reputation of being more responsible, in some ways, organic farming is not much better than commercial farming. Due to strict regulations, organic products are considerably more expensive to produce than commercial products. This is due, in part because farmers must purchase and maintain additional land and infrastructure to meet the requirements for what can be called organic. And while organic farms don’t use the same kind of pesticides as commercial farms, they still use them, and that can harm costs as well as the environment. However, soil health is a lot better on organic farms because of a small increase in biodiversity which in turn, helps the soil be more tolerant to the effects of droughts. Organic farms also allow for the ecosystem to be a little more resilient, so it won’t be completely depleted after each harvest. Animals on organic farms have a slightly better way of life. They are fed organic feed and supplements and have a bit more space and time outside, but for the most part, they are still left in cages. Since organic animals have a better quality of life, it means higher capital costs for fewer animals. That eventually leads to a higher cost for shoppers. Organically produced foods reduce public health risks because there is less exposure to toxic and persistent chemicals. Shoppers that buy organic care about their health, animal welfare, and their individual impact on the environment, but they may not have as much impact as they think.

Should the shopper buy the organic apple or the commercial one? The differences between the two aren’t necessarily that significant. Buying organic means prioritizing environmental impact, soil health, and animal welfare in a less than perfect system. Buying commercial means choosing to conserve financial resources. The price is the main difference between the two systems and ultimately what impacts a shopper’s decision the most. Not everyone can choose between the two. Some people have no choice but to buy the cheaper apple. The shoppers that do have the ability to choose need to consider what the money they are spending supports. Consider who and what would benefit, before picking that apple.