Conventional farming methods are not sustainable, and some would argue that they do more long term harm than they provide short-term good.    Fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides are used in the farming process of produce - chemicals linked to cancer and hormonal issues in humans and wildlife. Planting only one crop in one field over many harvest seasons can reduce the nutrients in the soil; therefore produce farmers need to use synthetic fertilizers. A study by Washington State apple farmers discovered that the conventional ways of farming lowered the quality of the soil and were less energy efficient when compared to organic farming methods.  The use of pesticides and herbicides can harm wildlife by the possibility of poisoning of their natural habitats.

A national organic program has been created in the United States by the US Department of Agriculture to help consumers identify foods that were grown organically.  For a product to be labelled organic it needs to have been farmed naturally and not have pesticides, fertilizers, and synthetic additives used in the farming process. The soil in which the produce is grown cannot contain these chemicals either. Finally, genetically modified organisms are not to be used in the process of organic farming.

Organic farming is much safer for the environment.  Pesticides and herbicides not being used on produce reduces the risk that these chemicals could possibly poison our wildlife or humans through our food chain. Nitrogenous chemicals are not released into our waterways, so that oxygen levels remain safe and our marine life is not at risk of suffocation. Small organic farms are less disturbing to fields and therefore do not pose a risk to animals by destroying their habitats; small organic farms also do not use chemical fertilizers and promote biodiversity.

When it comes to the health benefits of organically produced produce, the jury is still out on the mineral content compared to conventionally produced foods. Organic foods do have a lower chemical pesticide rate, and studies on children who ate non organic foods revealed organophosphate pesticides in their urine sample.  Organophosphate pesticides can cause neurological issues in human and animals. The children who participated in the study changed their diet to include organically produced food and the levels of pesticides were unrecognizable in their samples, and when the children returned to their normal diet, organophosphate levels again were found in their system.

To help reduce toxic pollutants in the environment we need to start using products that are reusable and sustainable – like reusable bags, recyclable products, organic products, or products that  can be safely disposed of.  We also need to reduce our energy use and use non toxic cleaners or pesticides in our homes and gardens with products like CFL light bulbs, energy-star appliances, and "green" cleaning products.