Cowichan challenged to live life without genetically modified food
Who knew 70 per cent of the food in our supermarkets and most birdseed and livestock feeds contain at least traces of genetically modified organisms?
How can you tell if you’re buying a genetically modified product?
And if you make a conscious effort to avoid GMOs, doesn’t that mean you’ll be paying more for organic or local products?
Cowichan Green Community believes it has the answers to these questions and others residents may have.
And the organization is offering a challenge to everyone to go without consuming or using genetically modified products for a month.
The valley’s first GMO-free challenge aims at providing residents with information to help individuals and families steer clear of GMOs, says CGC’s executive director Judy Stafford.
“Each week participants will be provided with tips and ideas for improving their knowledge on where GMOs are found and ways that they can go about avoiding them,`` adds the group’s Debra Cebula.
For example, try not to buy processed foods and avoid eating things with more than 20 items listed on the label, she suggests.
As well, CGC knows that individuals and families on a budget may find this selective purchasing a challenge.
“People might choose to advocate for better product labelling. They can do this through supporting the passage of bill C-257 which has gone through first reading in the House of Commons,” Cebula says.
The challenge runs from Jan. 18 to Feb. 16 and culminates with a one-day conference at Cowichan Station.
You can register for the challenge through www.cowichangreencommunity.org or call 250-748-8506.
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