...or rather, how I learned that most persons and businesses have no problem compromising values and outright lying to make more money.
Recently, it was brought to my attention, with no uncertainty, that "Certified Organic," and in particular, "Organic" Milk, means nothing. I was skeptical, so I did a bit of research. Lo and behold, it is true. "Certified Organic" really does mean nothing, at least when it comes to the milk brands I've been buying.
Seems like I wasn't the only one who was
curious.
However, this raises a much bigger concern for me; one that I am a bit embarrassed to consider because of how much of a cynic and skeptic I think myself to be. Even with my limited income, I've been trying more and more to be a responsible consumer: buying organic or natural produce and meats; drinking organic milk; reusing plastic bags until they start to fall apart from wear-and-tear, then using them to pick up my dogs poo; pretty much moving toward a more natural diet and purchasing routine to the extent that my wallet will allow. I put faith in what companies were labeling as all-natural or organic, and charging more for, was actually natural or organic. But it seems that I have been duped. Which inevitably led to a temporary feeling of frustration and helplessness - even when I was trying to do right by the world and go the extra mile, I fell short. Not because of my inability to break habits, but because it is in the interest of business to lie and deceive to continue to grow, or at least maintain, profit-margins. It is rather despicable. And knowing that its been going on in the beer market for the last couple of years with the release of Michelob's line of "craft beer" and its brethren of "knock-off craft beers," I perhaps felt even like more of a fool think it couldn't happen in other categories. But this is the ugly reality of capitalism. Rather than innovate, we deceive and play on consumers' ignorance, apathy and laziness. And, admittedly, I am a part of this world.
Lacking a solution, or rather, a bit lost in my own disappointment, I asked a co-worker what he does to try to be a better consumer. "Do a lot of research. Buy things at farmer's markets." Makes sense. With a note of sarcasm, I asked, "So basically, no product that claims to be organic that's sold outside of a local market is actually organic, huh? You have to compromise quality and ethics to grow to that level of success?" Him being perhaps a bigger skeptic than myself, replied, "Yeah. Pretty much."
What I have failed to understand in this regard is that people have already shown they are willing to pay more for responsibly-grown and/or produced food. Why is it so hard for a company to have a conscience? Money is great, but when we're living on a scorched earth unable to produce even the most basic of necessities, what good is that money going to do you? To steal a line from a video game I've been playing as of late "What's the point of having all that treasure? Ain't nothing here but dirt, mud and guns." We should all keep this in mind, as advertisers and as companies producing and selling goods to other people: being wealthy and rich is great and all, but if we keep compromising the most basic morals and tenets of being a good human being and a good citizen, there won't be a society or a government to give that paper money any value and there won't be a planet worth living on to reap the benefits of all those riches. Preachy. Yikes!
So, to the farmer's market I will be going this Saturday. At least there is still a place to go when you do care.
