You may be thinking that the banana peel protects you from pesticides, but there’s more to it. Here are 5 reasons why buying organic bananas matters.
Top 5 Reasons Why Choosing Organic Bananas Matters
1. Your Health
Even though bananas have skin, the pesticides seep into the soil, and are absorbed by the plant. Plus pesticide residue can get on your hands when you handle the banana peel.
2. Health and Safety of Farmworkers
Conventionally grown bananas are one of the most pesticide intensive crops. Some pesticides used for international banana production are not legal in the U.S. Farmworkers working on banana plantations are exposed to these noxious pesticides linked to chronic illness, birth defects, and other health problems.
3. Environmental Impact
Pesticides used on conventional bananas seep into the soil, and run-off into water systems impacting public drinking water and aquatic life. Pesticides also lead to biodiversity loss. Chemical pesticides affect all life in their path, not just targeted pests.
4. Social Impact
Power in numbers — bananas are the most purchased fruit in the U.S., hence buying organic produce sends a clear message of the demand for sustainably produced food. The more people buy organic bananas, the more companies will offer them.
5. The Future
Organic and regenerative agriculture have begun to change the way we view the food we eat, and sustainable growing has the potential to mitigate some effects of climate change by storing carbon in the soil.
Written by Equal Exchange. Learn more about Equal Exchange Bananas here.
Originally posted 2017-04-04 06:00:57.
I always thought I could buy regular bananas. I buy most organic fruits and vegetables. Now I will also buy organic bananas. Thank you!