Organic vs. Non-Organic
Jessie, Gurp, Jeana, Ashley, Jackie D. & Jackie J.
Outline• Issues• Facts• Driving Forces• Restraining Forces• Lewin’s Change
Theory– Unfreezing– Moving to Change– Refreezing
• Conclusion
What is the Issue?
• Debate: – Is organic better for your
health?– Is organic better for the
environment? – Is it worth the extra
cost?• These are the current
issues about organic vs. non-organic.
Organic farming relies on the following Organic farming relies on the following principles:principles:
3. Use soil that can be used for many generations without non-organic fertilizers
4. Use soil organisms rather than pesticides
5. Use recycled livestock manure, organic materials, crop residue
6. Crop rotations to control weed growth
7. No tampering with animal genetics
Non-organic ways of farming use the following methods:
3. Pesticides & Herbicides 4. Contaminated sewage sludge5. Hormones, Antibiotics, & remains of
other animals6. Irridiation
Facts
MORE FACTS…
HealthOrganicOrganic fruit and vegetables
contained as much as 40% more antioxidants, which scientists believe can cut the risk of cancer and heart disease.
Levels of antioxidants in milk from organic herds were up to 90% higher than in milk from conventional herds.
Non-OrganicIs likely to be contaminated with
residues that often occur in potentially dangerous combinations
Contain more water than
organic produce, which contains more dry matter (on average, 20% more) for a given total weight
Health cont…OrganicBan the use of artificial food additives
such as hydrogenated fats, phosphoric acid, aspartame and monosodium glutamate, which have been linked to health problems as diverse as heart disease, osteoporosis, migraines and hyperactivity
Organic crops contained significantly more nutrients -vitamin C, iron, magnesium and phosphorus - and significantly less nitrates (a toxic compound) than conventional crops
Non-OrganicThe negative effects of pesticides
on health include neurotoxicity, disruption of the endocrine system, carcinogenicity and immune system suppression.
• Organic farming practices are designed to benefit the environment by reducing pollution and conserving water and soil.
• Limiting the pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals that get into the water and soil is certainly a good thing for protecting the delicate balance of nature.
• If you can combine eating organics and eating locally produced foods, you're also limiting your carbon footprint, because your food didn't have to travel thousands of miles to get to you. Reducing carbon emissions helps protect the ozone layer and slow climate change
• Farmers who inhale the chemicals used on food tend to have more asthma and breathing problems. They can also be putting themselves at higher risk for developing cancer.
Environment
Driving Forces vs.Restraining Forces
Driving Forces• These forces cause the person to move in the
direction of change.• In this case, from eating more organic/local produce
and less of ready-made/processed foods.
OrganicOrganicAdvantages:• Promotes reduction of
pollution & conservation of water & soil
Non-organicNon-organicDisadvantages:• Fruits & vegetables
found to have some pesticide residue
Driving Forces
Restraining Forces• These forces cause the person to go against
driving forces and oppose change.• In this case, to continue with old eating habits.
Restraining ForcesOrganicOrganicDisadvantages:• Higher price• Organic fruits &
vegetables spoils faster
Non-organicNon-organicAdvantages:• Affordable prices• Lasts longer than
organic products
Lewin’s Change Theory
• Unfreezing
• Moving to Change
• Refreezing
Unfreezing
• Letting go of old habits.• Disconfirmation
• Induction of Guilt of Survival Anxiety• Creation of Psychological Safety or
Overcoming of Learned Anxiety
Frozen Behavior- Shopping at local
chain stores- Buying quick and
convenient
Organic food items are approximately 40% more expensive than conventional food
“”
How nurses can promote change…
• Self-awareness• Practice what you preach• Create public awareness
– Campaigns, Websites, Media ads
• Lobbying– Regulations on pesticides, ban
steroid & Abx use• Education on Nutrition
Moving to Change
• Attempting to try new habits.
– Decrease non-organic foods in grocery stores and increase organic foods:
– Importing and exporting regulations among different countries
– Guarantee that food is safe and free from toxic chemicals and sludge
– Buy organic food, and substitute for the food that is not organic
– Consumer participation
– Increase the number of organic farmers
What needs to Change?
• 100% Organic: Carries USDA• Organic: At least 95% organic
excluding water & salt• Made with Organic: At least 70%
organic• All Natural & Naturally Grown:
Healthy choice but not certified organic
• Free Range: Animals that are allowed to roam free appose to being “caged”
How to buy Organic…
(Organic Trade Association, 2007)
Changing Behavior• Get into a routine of
shopping at local dairy/farm markets and butchers for fresh foods
• Buy in bulk and freeze / jar
• In off-seasons, buy organic preserved foods (shop around for the best deals)
• Shops for sales and buy house brandshttp://www.kqed.org/weblog/food/TemescalMarketBig.jpg
Consumers
Changing BehaviorSuppliers
• Manual Weeding
• Rotational Growing Schemes
• Manage Surrounding Land & Crop Space
• Utilize Natural Resources
Changing Behavior
Set realistic goals and buy organic when
possible
Refreezing
• Making the change a new habit.• Focus on why the change was made in the
first place.• Therefore, prevent individual’s from going
back to old habits.
Conclusion
• Beneficial to health • Change takes time• Driving forces need to outweigh restraining
forces People need/want to change• Buy organic or shop locally • Nurses are change agents
The End
ResourcesResources• Alexander, A. (2007). Healthy eating: Organic vs. incorganic. Trusty Guides.
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• Schein, E.H. (1995). Kurt Lewin’s change theory in the field and in the classroom: notes toward a model of managed learning. Retrieved November 1,2007, from http://dspace.mit.edu/bitstream/1721.1/2576/1/swp-3821-32871445.pdf
• The World’s Healthiest Foods. (2007). Everything I need to know about organic foods.Retrieved November 16, 2007, from http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php? tname=faq&dbid=17#Planet1
• Time Online (2007). Official: Organic really is better. Retrieved November 16, 2006, from http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/health/article2753446.ece
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Resources cont…Resources cont…