Celebrating eating the same exact chemical foods minus a few GMOs

One of the reasons I don't like the "non-GMO" or "GMO-free" movement is that it confuses everyone into thinking it means organic when it doesn't. It ONLY means they are not genetically spliced. And that means they MAY OR MAY not have used chemical pesticide sprays or synthetic substances on them and most still do.

To put it simply there are 5 different types of foods that I've researched in the last 5 years:
• GMO = genetically modified + chemical pesticides, chemical fertilizers, synthetic substances
• Conventional or Traditional = genetically modified or not genetically modified + chemical pesticides, chemical fertilizers, synthetic substances
• GMO-free or Non-GMO = not genetically modified + may or may not have chemical pesticides, chemical fertilizers, synthetic substances
• Certified Organic = not genetically modified and no use of chemical pesticides, chemical fertilizers, synthetic substances
• Organic GMO = genetically modified but no chemical pesticides, chemical fertilizers, synthetic substances

See the confusion about the first three listed? Too close for me and I can see where the confusion comes in. Not to mention animal feed to most meats is usually still with GMO grains because it's very hard for farmers to find grain in any other form, especially in the winter months. Even some certified organic products have been caught using a small amount of GMO feed. The only way to avoid most the toxins is by eating certified organic, grow your own using no chemicals or get it from a trusted source where you know they don't use anything on it.

What now?
You can thank and encourage restaurants and places that make the switch to Non-GMO or GMO-free foods but tell them to continue on and become organic.

When shopping for fruits and vegetables:
• If there are only four numbers in the PLU, this means that the produce was grown conventionally or “traditionally” with the use of pesticides. The last four letters of the PLU code are simply what kind of vegetable or fruit. An example is that all bananas are labeled with the code of 4011.
• If there are five numbers in the PLU code, and the number starts with “8”, this tells you that the item is a genetically modified fruit or vegetable. A genetically engineered (GE or GMO) banana would be: 84011
• If there are five numbers in the PLU code, and the number starts with “9”, this tells you that the produce was grown organically and is not genetically modified. An organic banana would be: 94011


What does the organic certification mean?
• Processed foods with 95%-100% certified organic ingredients can be certified to use the USDA Organic Seal. The other 5% like salt and water cannot contain GMOs.
• Prohibits use of chemical fertilizers, synthetic substances, irradiation, sewage sludge, or GMOs in organic production.
• Prohibits antibiotic and synthetic hormone use in organic meat and poultry.
• Requires 100% organic feed for organic livestock.
• Verification is maintained through 3rd party inspectors’ annual site inspections, organic system plan review, and residue testing.

I realize it is very expensive for companies to get certified as organic but they should have a different label stating that they don't use chemicals because for me the chemicals is what still bothers me so it's hardly a difference. Let's fight the full fight, not half-ass. It's a great step in the right direction but that's all it is, a step.

10 Reasons why essential oils are not as great as everyone thinks they are.

10 Reasons why essential oils are not as great as everyone thinks they are:

1. If they are not certified organic oils you are basically just rubbing condensed chemicals around on yourself and in the air.
2. If they are not processed with distilled water than it is most likely being done with a chemical process. You must shop around for ones that do the chemical-free process. A great place for these is Mountain Rose Herbs​. Always ask!
3. Many people combine too many different scents together in a recipe and store them all together making one big toxic mix to pollute your air. Keep them separate from each other. I recommend separate containers for each one as they tend to ferment from their bottles. Using too many together all at once loses their ideal purpose anyhow.
4. Many people use too much in a recipe and it's overwhelming... all you need is one or two drops. 
5. It can mock things that are chemically made. If someone is allergic to a chemical or synthetic product that has a similar scent or ingredient, it can still bother them whether it's a pure form of it or not because it alerts the body to think that it's the same thing and still around.
6. It's best to stay as unscented as possible on your body and inside your home. This way you are aware of what is really going on around you. If you cover up a real problem all you're doing is huffing in both the problem plus a scent. Fix the real problem.
7. Just like anything else the body needs a break. Don't use too much of anything because you can make your body to sensitive to one particular thing if used too much or for too long.
8. Don't assume that just because it's considered better than chemical or synthetic products that everyone loves what you use. Essential oils can still bother others with sensitivities and allergies.
9. As pure as it is, it's still an oil. Oils coat and coating doesn't allow things to breath.

10. Just remember, if you can't get it directly from nature in that form and a machine or boiling has to be done in order to condense it down, it's worth questioning whether it should be on or around us at all, so I say always be cautious and use sparingly.


Read up on how essential oils are made or how to make them yourself. Here is a great link to start: http://www.essential-oil-mama.com/make-your-own-essential-oil.html