: October 21, 2015
Earlier this year, a herbicide called glyphosate was declared “probable human carcinogen” by the United Nation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer. Glyphosate is the active ingredient in the broad-spectrum systemic herbicide Roundup, the most popular lawn and garden weed killer in the United States.
Glyphosate is also used in corn, soy, and cotton farms throughout the country.
Around 5 million acres of California farms that grow onions, sweet corn, grapes, citrus, almonds, and other consumer crops have also been infused with glyphosate in the quest to rid agriculture of weed.
Effects
A recent study by the same UN agency found glyphosate in the blood and urine of farm workers. The agency suggests an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, chromosomal damage,, and tumor growth after exposure to the chemical.
Though no solid link between glyphosate and cancer has yet been established, many experts believe that prolonged exposure even to low levels -significantly increases a person’s risk of developing cancer.
Other potentially dangerous substances like pesticide and bt-toxins are also known to be present in with many of the crops grown throughout the US.
Organic farming in Ecuador
The same can’t be said of Ecuador, which is blessed with some of the richest volcanic soil in the world.
Its natural fertility makes it ideal for growing everything, including plants that nurture the insects that attack pests.
Combined with plentiful sun, pleasant climate and abundant fresh water, crops are grown naturally throughout Ecuador without harmful chemicals.
Among the many kinds of crops grown naturally and in abundance in Ecuador are peppers, coffee, cacao, corn, lime, papaya, watermelons, and potatoes.
No wonder the popularity of organic farming is currently at an all-time high, with many farms opening their doors (or fences) to volunteers from all over the world eager to learn Ecuador’s lessons.
When we turn our backs to glyphosate, we not only gain wealth in savings, but distance from ill health and cancer as well.
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LIVETHELIFE offers farm fresh delivery for residents. For more info, visit this page.