What You Need to Know about GMOs

Is there something fishy in your food?

Might be because your tomatoes are full of flounder genes, for example. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are dominating our food supply — and turning us into human science experiments.

What You Need to Know about GMOs

Why this matters

• We don’t know the long-term health effects of GMOs, but with an increase in childhood food allergies, autism and asthma since they were introduced in 1997, they’re worth investigating.
• Because some GMO seeds are “Roundup ready” (aka designed by chem company Monsanto to survive pesticide blasts), there’s been a boom in pesticides causing us to lose 81% of our monarch butterflies.
• Help keep your organic farmers in the business of selling GMO-free, chem-free food.

On a Personal Note

What really made me diligent about avoiding GMOs was learning that when GM soy was fed to female rats, most of their babies died within three weeks – compared to a 10% death rate among the control group fed natural soy. UPDATE 8/26/14: Plus, folks – “they” are hiding something. Check out Robyn’s most recent post on the threats she’s getting.

Ready to try?

• Watch the episode for the 411 on GMOs and how to get the food companies to “move with us” – as the fantastic Robyn O’Brien puts it in our exclusive interview.
• Download the Buycott App and barcode-scanner (free from the iTunes store) which hooks you up with campaigns that align with your values, then lets you flag products that don’t.
• Replace the contents of your cupboard with some of our favorite non-GMO snacks – some of them are even available at regular supermarkets. Lots of them are gluten-free too, if that’s your jam.
  • Annie’s Mac & Cheese is perfect for the kidlets.
  • Vans Multigrain Crackers are delectable with soft cheeses, hummus, or on their own.
  • Bob’s Red Mill is the GMO-free baker’s dream with literally dozens of different flours on the market.
  • Bakery on Main has our favorite small-batch granola.
  • Barbara’s Cereal is yummy, plus they are huge advocates for endangered animals.
  • Almond Breeze almond milk is what we put on our cereal and use in baking as a dairy substitute.
  • Amy’s Organic Chili gets it done when you want a hearty, GMO free lunch in a hurry.
  • And don’t forget to check your animal feed status. Jen loves that she can make sure her chickens go GMO-free too.

A Deeper Dig

Our guest expert, Robyn O’Brien, has a dramatic background story and lots to say on how to keep our food supply safe. Check out her full TED talk here (and check out Jen’s full interview with Robyn below).

Our Fresh Pick

Not only are these zippy Baobab Superfood Chews GMO-free, but we’re totally digging Bonga Foods’ story. Founded by a couple of Californian moms, the company employs women in sub-Saharan Africa to sustainably farm nutrient packed baobab fruits and even has a foundation set up to help support these employees further. ($35.88 / 12 pack)

Did You Know?

Coconut water can substitute for blood plasma and was used to save WWII soldiers in the Pacific?