On average, Americans spend $10.7 trillion a year  on shopping, as reported by Mental Floss. These commercial products include food, beauty products, cleaning supplies, or anything in the daily commute. Often, people don’t give a second look at what they’re buying – what matters is the price and how well the product works. However, taking another perspective, and focusing of the product’s ingredients may be vital to one’s health.

But why?

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are inside these products and can cause harm to humans, animals and the environment.

What exactly are GMOs?

Genetically modified organisms are organisms that the genome has been reformed by genetic engineering (varying from plants to animals to bacteria). This is done so its DNA has more genes that are not naturally there. GMOs can be found in almost anything that humans use or consume.

But what do GMOs do the world around us?

Animals who undergo being filled with additives are called “genetically engineered animals.” Large corporations, such as pig farms, hog farms, big ranches etc., will put things into animals to give them “desirable” traits. Companies that partake in this action do it so animals will be grow bigger faster, thus producing larger, fatter animals, and, essentially, making the company more money.

Those protesting GMOs claim that companies overhaul animals that they obtain to slaughter for meat and keep hundreds of chickens in one room with space to stretch their wings or even walk. The toxicity of GMOs to animals is often a source of much debate, citing potential digestion failure and cancer.

For years, there has been a debate over GMO environmental effects. Advocates of GMOs argue that they are better for land, soil, plants, etc.  According to Health Line, some seeds are genetically engineered by scientists to strengthen the plants, making them less likely to suffer from insects, herbicides, extreme temperatures or even drought.  It is also argued that genetically engineered food products have positive effects that extend beyond performance and profit.  GMOs are being touted as a potential cure for world hunger with their sustainability and longer shelf life.

One Green Planet counters this argument with the potential toxicity to animals. They contend that the genetically modified plants are toxic, exposing living creatures, such as bees or butterflies, to said toxins, resulting in harmed or even death. A claim has been made linking GMOs to the endangerment of bees, which are necessary for natural pollination.  Anti-GMO groups advocated for the consumption of more organic products.

But what does eating organically actually accomplish?

Many organizations, such as Greening Princeton, advocate the environmental benefits of organic products, claiming benefits that range from cleaner water, less soil contamination, lower oil import,and antibiotic-free milk. To reiterate, GMOs will kill the planet.

According to CalorieBee, in the US:

• 93% of soybeans are genetically modified and 77% worldwide.
• Corn is 85% genetically modified and only 26% worldwide.
• Genetically engineered sugar beet crops are at 95%, 9% worldwide.
• 93% of cotton is modified, 49% worldwide which effects cottonseed oil.
• Genetically altered Hawaiian papaya is at 80%.
• 90% of food at typical grocers are genetically modified.

But what now?

GMOs versus organic products is a debate that will likely continue to rage in the U.S.  Individuals will need to look at both sides of the issue and examine factors like benefits, cost, etc., in order to make their own informed decisions.  Either way, knowing more about products, seems to be a factor for both sides.