October Marks Non-GMO Month

American’s are no longer comfortable just trusting a company about what they put in their mouths. We are becoming more informed consumers. No longer do we get in our cars, close our garage doors, and drive to the store to blindly buy whatever they are selling. As we learn more about preservatives, agricultural practices, and how those things negatively impact both our bodies and our planet, many are being more conscious of what they put in their mouths. October marks Non-GMO Month, bringing the subject of genetically modified foods back into the foray.

Potential Dangers of Genetically Modified Food

Non-GMO Month is a month during which those who are against genetically modified put on a number of different talks, conventions, and other activities that aim to inform people about the potential dangers of genetically modified food. There are many questions as to what consuming genetically modified foods may do to those who consume them, but this is just a part of the problem. Genetically modified organisms, once released into nature, cannot be reeled back in. This leads to problems with potential cross-contamination between regular and genetically modified crops. There are already instances where this has happened.

Those who have been following the progress of genetically modified food have a number of good causes for concern. There is concern about the negative impact that genetically modified foods might have in terms of environmental biodiversity. A really worth while documentary that really explains this issue in detail is called The Future of Food. The documentary includes information about the Genetically Modified food industry, and farmers who try to resist GMO and get sued by corporations. While the long-term health effects of consuming genetically modified foods is not well known, there are real health issues, such as allergies, that must be considered. Long story short, there are many unknowns with regard to GMO’s and the more we learn, the more people seem to be getting uncomfortable with them.

Polls Show Public Opinion is Changing on GMO’s

Polls have shown a sway in public opinion about genetically modified foods. When they first hit the marketplace, there was enough corporate literature in place, and not enough research, that many didn’t think anything of GMO’s. However, the more we have learned, the more an increasing number of people are becoming uncomfortable with the idea of GMO’s. At the very least, American’s are starting to feel that we have a right to make a choice in the matter. A poll conducted by CBS News found that 87% of American’s polled want GMO’s to be labeled. Another question in this poll was whether or not consumers would purchase labeled GMO foods, 53% said they would not.

As the CBS News poll shows us, as American’s have learned more about GMO’s, they have made the decision that not only do they want to know whether what they are buying is GMO or not, a slim majority would refuse to buy foods known to be GMO. It is easy to see why agribusiness companies are fighting labeling laws. As more people make their opinions known, however, these businesses might have a choice, in turn giving us a choice, allowing us to follow the Non-GMO movement year round.

Chris Keenan is a green and general blog writer. He writes for many sites including Precision Garage Door. Chris also maintains a personal house and garden blog.