Monsanto Is Not the Problem

Bill, it was by chance I insisted on finding this Hub. I appreciate your writing about this awful company. They are merciless, and rotten to the core. I don't have to print your list thank goodness. I don't use any of them. I found you courtesy of Bravewarrior.

Shauna commented on one of my site articles,on Food Therapy, and gave us the list in comments. I have linked to your Hub from my reply. This is really good info, and I love your pics too!

Great article! You write so often I actually have to make days just to go through all your recent work and catch up! lol! Certainly enjoyable! It wasn't until a few months ago that I became aware of Monsanto. Since then we have been slowly working on reducing the products we buy that support Monsanto. It's hard to do when there are SO many! Little by little the people will change the direction of corporations so they can make money doing something better for the world!

I'm on board with your view. We make most of our meals from scratch bought from local farmers. I buy very little from the grocery. Guess what? We are living well and much happier. Great post!!

You sure said a mouthful, my friend. As far as the cost of organics: the prices have come down over the years. The more we buy organic, the less expensive it becomes, as O have noticed over the past ten years. It is a moot point. It is also easy to look on the internet to get recipes to make your own weed killers, laundry soap, shampoo, etc. It's a lot cheaper, too. Need we say more?

Great article billybuc - it's always better to look out for the changes we can do in our own lives than to only keep pointing our fingers at the wrong-doings of the corporate actors (though the pointing is important, too)... We simply don't have the time to keep waiting till something changes from a political level - I totally believe in the power of our own actions! It isn't easy, but great that we have the internet nowadays for quick access to all sorts of non-commercial information to find out what and how we need to change... The power of community!

Excellent Hub. Upvoted and shared - everywhere.

The question is: how do we, in mass quantities, get the societal followers to stop buying these products? How do we create the waves?

You're right about it all here. It's just that I fear too many people just scroll on by when they're looking at their FB feeds. I watch some news (more than that, I want to jump off a cliff)...how do you shake people out of their complacency? When that happens, then change will happen. I just hope it's before it's too late.

The truth is we keep these businesses profitable. If we didn't they wouldn't exist. Everyone gets a vote every time they go shopping. If enough people stop buying they will get the message.

I'm not going to look in the mirror, because I keep a list of what not to buy, and check it when I shop.

I am also active on Face Book, posting information to educate folks about this giant corporation's total disregard for the safety of our food and other products, topped of with bribery of our politicians in the form of massive campaign contributions to pass laws in their favor. And I e-mail and telephone my representatives to inform them of my disgust.

It is sickening, maddening and disgusting, and I will point both of my whole hands right at them, like a cop directing traffic! (Because when you point fingers, you have 3 pointing back at yourself!)

Very well done article. Voted up, interesting, useful and shared.

Great article. You are right, we have a vote each time we shop. The vote is cast and Monsanto continues. Shared on facebook, so that others get the hint that they contribute to the problem. Cheers!

You are so right about our society being Capitalist, and that, in itself, is a problem, at least according to my sociology classes. Thanks for sharing, Bill!

We only have ourselves to blame--apathy is a terrible thing--corporations and dictators thrive on it

Thank you Bill for being brave and bold. The truth is that these corporations made their money from us. We allowed ourselves to become comfortable and complacent and find it easier to blame than to change. Thank you again for your much needed words. Jamie

Wow. Bill, this is some interesting article! And to think that I have NEVER heard of this company called Monsanto before reading your hub.

I have to say, I buy from virtually all the label that's listed up there (about 15 from the list). Every snack that the kids eat and take to school. Cereals and what not, they all go to support this company. The only time I buy organic is with fruits and veggies.

Tell me Bill, how in the world do one make a change to organic cereals, waffles, or juice (if there's anything like that) when those things cost almost three times what a General Mills box of cereal cost? Even the store brands probably have the same GMO in them since there's no requirement to indicate it on the labels. The farmers market around us here in Georgia sells mainly fruits, veggies, honey, and nuts. No cereal, no rice, and definitely no waffles!

From my experience, I believe the problem is that many of us just buy whatever is available to us in our immediate area. So, even if I do have to make a change, I will have to travel some two hours away to the city of Atlanta where I may be able to get some real organic alternatives to what the family is already used to, and that my friend, will really take some getting used to. But, it is doable.

Thank you Bill for this article. Voted up, useful, and interesting.

Little typo there. I spray the weeds, not the weeks!

I stopped using Round Up ages ago. I mix vinegar and water and spray on the weeds. I blame Monsanto for the decline of the Monarch butterflies because their spray kills the Milkweed necessary for the Monarchs. I think they are to blame for the demise of honey bees, too.

Great article, voted UP and shared all around.

Hi Bill,

A virtual pat on the back for saying, yet again, what needs to be said. People always want to point the finger of blame and Monsanto gives people the opportunity to do so.

I don't think people know how much power they hold. A refusal to purchase products by Monsanto, or from companies which use their products, is all it takes. Each of us, every day, are crafting our future with the choices we make.

If people stopped buying their Coca Cola for example, telephoned the company's 'help line' en masse and explained why they have stopped the company would sit up and take notice, as would their shareholders.

It needs to be an ongoing process of better choices. People can't be swayed when they see a commercial or find a $1 off coupon in the paper.

I think we are all allowing ourselves to be guinea pigs in the biggest research project never announced.

Thank you Grand Old Lady for sharing this. I will be doing the same.

Billybuc, I'm sharing your article. More people should know about Monsanto.

It was possible with other industries. People have to care enough to make a change.

I heard of Monsanto but never knew much about it until reading this hub. The history of this company is quite a revelation. All along I thought their first business was in food but now it shows they started in areas that harm the environment and then went onto genetically modifying our food. And so many companies access Monsanto products. This company is scary.

This is an interesting perceptive on Monsanto, Billy. The power of Monsanto is difficult to overcome since, as you mentioned, they are everywhere, but for myself, I am now aware of what foods and pesticides to avoid.

Phew! Thankfully I haven't purchased any products on your list in the past few months. Will avoid!!

I hear you, Bill. Monsanto did what they were allowed to do, supported to do, pushed to do. Talk about creating a monster! Thank you for opening our eyes.

Bill,

I agree with all of your points, but the one thing I can never understand is how those who run these corporations purposefully choose to maintain a business which not only poisons us regular folk, but the families of those who run the businesses as well. I am also thankful for the list because it will help me in making choices of which companies I want to avoid. Eventually, I will need to just move into a hut out in the woods and live completely off the land for the list of companies and the products they produce get longer every day. V+/Such an important topic and presented with the kind of passion that hopefully leads to change.

Kim

Meant to mention that my dad had Agent Orange and I never knew Monsanto created such!

Your hub is very important.

I received your big old hug of friendship all the way across the US. Thank you for being you. Now that I think about it, it was probably Monsanto and its products that gave me the cancer in the first place!

Hugs right back to you too.

Peace and blessings

Oh, how disturbing, Bill, as I have been living under a rock! Wow, that list is an eye-opener and I had no clue at all ... Who knows what we are really eating, unless we grow our own, but then we still do not know about the seeds and such. I read that all of the land in the US has been contaminated from spraying over time! No wonder there is so much cancer and disease. Speaking of cancer, today I found out that I am still cancer free for two years now ... there must be some reason I am still here.

Thank you for bringing awareness.

Blessings for good health and good eating always

You know my stand on this Bill from my previous hubs and rants. I like the approach you've taken here, almost a form of reverse psychology. Listing the products and companies that have GMOs or affiliations with Monsanto is a good initiative. A lot of people say "Oh I don't support Monsanto. I don't use Roundup," but don't consider everything else they consume.

Remember I mentioned the court case brought by organic farmer Steve Marsh against his neighbour who contaminated his crop through the use of GM seed. He lost unfortunately. The court decided that the Organic Certification Authority was too strict on its guidelines and it should change its requirement for organic certification, rather than blame it on the GMO crop being planted too close etc. Anyway, enough ranting....great hub.

Well this is all new to me billy, but what the hell? I remember over here a while back, a few families were getting really ill, ending up in wheelchairs and not being able to move, purely because the fields next door where being crop sprayed! and those companies yelled and screamed that no, its not me, its not my fault, go blame the person with the illness! I can't remember the outcome, not sure they won or not, but it was a nightmare!

GMO foods are awful indeed. I need to change my eating habits asap in order to live a healthier lifestyle.

I did not realize how bad all of this was. I do know about GMO foods...At least we don't by any packaged foods---or extremely few. Mostly fresh and I try mostly organic. Besides the GMO qualities packaged food is full of preservatives plus fattening and no food value. SO I find that buying 99percent of our food that is not made from anything does help some. Great hub and truly shares just the tip of the iceberg what is wrong with eating habits. Just look at the obesity..Rampant.

I do my best, but, gosh darn it, Pringles are awesome for a day long kayak trip! Seriously, though, reading that list was depressing. Even for someone like me, who raises much of my own food and buys local as much as I can, I end up buying and eating crap because it's convenient. It's a daunting list, and probably impossible for some to give up everything on it, but if everyone gave up at least one brand on that list that they currently buy and swap it out for real food, even that would make a difference.

This was a great article. I loved this line: "By 1940, Monsanto was a major producer of plastics, and of course from there they moved to genetically modified crops and pesticides." Of course.

I am proud of you Bill. You are stepping on some toes, so watch your back my friend.

I have to say you beat me to it. I had plans of a hub somewhat on these lines, but I am glad you did it.

I have to add that you just barely touched the surface on companies who have Monsanto's touch on them. Almost every food company has some Monsanto effect within.

This whole subject goes so deep and wide, it is at a level that I do not think society can overcome. What needs to happen is for humans to grow and raise their own, and even then Monsanto may have a hand in it.

I have to say at the last that our trust needs to be in our Maker. God will provide the wisdom to overcome if we allow Him to.

Bill hit the nail on the head, it isn't Monsanto who is evil; we are because we allowed it to carry this far.

Well ' dat burn ' Here is another list of food i can't eat. It's bad enough that i must eat gluten free, now this. I wish we had a farmer's market here in my little town. I do buy organic food when it's available and i grow some fruit and vegies. What i really, really want is some good gluten free bread. sigh. I will copy this list. BTW I bought one organic cucumber the other day and paid & 181 cents for it and how do i know if it was really organic? Great hub Bill..Go getum.

Our society is so dependent on processed foods, most wouldn't even know where to begin. So many years of advertisements and commercials saying they'll save you time and money . . . and the lie becomes the truth. Thanks for teaching me a few things today, Billy! And by the way, look at your product list: looks like you've gone e-crazy again. LOL

A great read, voted up. I see a lot of products listed are ready meals. I am happy that I do not purchase any of the products listed. Making meals from scratch and drinking only water has provided the added benefit that I do not need to rely on highly processed meals that are ready. Not purchasing all those products would be a great step in the right direction, but are busy consumers willing to give up the commodity associated with purchasing ready meals? This is a big problem.

Back again to read the interactive comments and share on line. Billybuc, I'm sure you already know that Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas was an attorney with the Monsanto Company in St. Louis, Missouri in 1976. I find that interesting.

We should all be gardeners and vinegar kills weeds. Interesting article you have here.

Bottled water sometimes (Nestle, Pepsi, CocaCola) and cocoa or chocolate (Nestle, Cadbury, Hershey's) maybe once/month. That's all (backpat). I agree with you, Billy. If the consumers keep buying, they'll keep making. BTW corporations take it very seriously when they get letters from consumers. So when people decide to boycott their products, it would help all of us to write a letter to Monsanto telling them why. Otherwise, how will they know, unless tons of people do it at once?

Wow, I didn't realize how many name-brand products were a part of Monsanto. That is one of many reasons why I cook from scratch and try to grow my own food. I will be sure to take this list with me next time I shop at the store. The other question is...how many generic brands have Monsanto products in them? I will be sure to keep an eye out. Thanks for sharing this important information!

Jeepers; how can we escape them! Looks like Mr President would be looking into this for his "green" instead of putting coal miners out of work and refusing to open a pipe line that would make this country boom with progress like nothing we have ever seen. I think that is much safer than carrying it by ship to pay a fortune for and spills would not go in the oceans to kill all that life. If we can even get it after all the fighting is said and done. Sorry; I got off on another tragedy! lol

Bravo to you, bill! I hadn't heard of Monsanto but I do know several of the companies you mention and you can get Roundup here though I never use chemical weedkillers either. Cadbury's chocolate I might buy occasionally but hardly ever and of course Proctor & Gamble covers quite a lot of things.

You're right about the priorities in life and I'm with you 100%.

Very important to bring this to everyone's attention.

Ann

Bill, there are so many 'studies' out there on both sides that lack real evidence or proper citation or disinterested third parties that it's difficult to say what GMOs do or do not do. Don't get me wrong. I choose to side with nature on this one but the main issue for me is allowing ANY corporate interest to control food, water, or air. Leaving all arguments aside, this is the main issue for me. We all have a right to life on this earth and no company anywhere should be allowed to challenge or impede it.

Excellent, excellent, excellent article!

Repeat..

But..i'm sure you meant a 'ROUND-UP of applause?'

sigh

OKAY, I confess, I live under a rock! I have never HEARD of any of this! Where have I BEEN??? I am astounded at the products you listed, as my husband and I love the Marie Colander Chicken Pies, rice roni and chef boy ar dee.

Thank you so much for spreading awareness to people like me who have no clue! We will have to drive to Olympia and eat from your garden, right now I feel it is the only safe food to eat!

My question is: why are these products on the market? I don't get it!

Voted up, useful and interesting. Thank you, again, for using the power of this valuable information and spreading the word. I hope you put this on Face Book too. God bless, Sparklea :)

Dear friend Bill, I agree with what you are saying but not exactly your reasons and methods. The only reason we may be the problem is because there is nothing else to buy, and most of us don’t want to starve. Practically everything I buy to eat is made by someone, or their unknown subsidiary, on that list, and that would include store generic brands. We are being warned time and time again that buying organic from the health food grocery doesn’t guarantee organic or non-GMO foods.

I can carefully plant and raise an organic garden, but unless I buy my seeds from a European country that keeps Monsanto out, I may still be raising GMOs. We do try to buy heirloom seeds when available. I go to my local farmers’ market and find Mountain Pine tomatoes that taste like cucumbers. Strawberries are a big farm crop in Arkansas, but I was totally unfamiliar with the name of this year’s berries. I didn’t buy any.

People in the past who have tried to raise non-Monsanto corn have been sued by them and have lost. I saw a special on one channel where one African-American farmer planted a paltry 40 acres in non-Monsanto corn. Because his corn was infiltrated by pollen from their corn field next to his, Monsanto sued him for unauthorized growing of Monsanto corn – and WON. He should have been able to collect from them for contaminating his corn, but the court put him out of business.

And you didn’t insult your Liberal friend Miz B, but you may have insulted her conservative son, Little G. It is not the liberals who are against capitalism run rampant with no regulations, it is the ultra conservatives. I’m not usually radical, but I can be a radical liberal over this.

Sorry to disagree with you so strongly, but I believe any corporation with only self-interest (I can’t say “at heart” because I don’t think it has a heart) is Evil (capital E intended). I think the only way WE the people can fight them is to campaign Washington so heavily that our government outlaws Monsanto products like some European countries and India have done. If we do that and it fails, then we may be held responsible for electing the wrong people. Thank you, however, for bringing this to our attention. I still love you and I’ll vote you up++

OMG wow

thank you

What a fantastic article. I will share it on my Facebook, twitter and several other networks. You are totally right by saying the We the public are the problem if we keep supporting products that are NOT organically grown. Always like your articles. Voted up, awesome.