3 Ideas for DIY Organic Food Sources

The Center for Food Safety estimates that 75 percent of processed foods on U.S. store shelves contains some genetically-modified (GMO) ingredients. The public interest group also says 85 percent of corn and 91 percent of soybeans grown in the U.S. are genetically-modified.

Powerful GMO-producing corporations like Monsanto continue to flex their muscles to mute the discussion on the dangers of genetically-modified foods.

Despite their efforts studies conform some serious health issues:

• A 2013 study by the Institute of Health and Environmental Research in Australia found several medical issues in female pigs that were raised on GMO feed, including carcinoma, uterus inflammation, and bowel hemorrhaging.
• The Institute for Responsible Technology concluded that humans who consume GMO vegetables and meats could still develop drug-resistant diseases several years after eliminating bio-tech foods from their diets.

It’s an extremely difficult task to go shopping today and not end up with a cart full of GMO groceries. The best way to cut down or eliminate GMO foods from your life is by doing it the old-fashioned way: producing your own sustenance.

These three ideas can get the ball rolling:

1. Farming

Depending on where you live and the amount of space you have in your home, there are several options for farming animals.

One of the easiest and highest-yielding animals to raise are rabbits. Regardless of breed, most rabbits will give you six litters per year. Feeding them is relatively cheap and they are also very low-maintenance.

Chickens and turkeys are also easy to raise for meat. Of course you cannot do this in an urban area, as both birds make a significant amount of noise. But for those with a few acres in the country, there are many farming resources online to help you get started and determine if it’s right for you.

2. Hunting

I grew up on a farm that we produced and ate most of our own food that included wild game such as deer, rabbits, squirrels, and wild turkeys. This was part of the natural course of Nature. Hunting was a way of life and survival to us.

One decent-sized whitetail buck can yield upwards of 85 pounds of boneless, tender meat. Buffalo tags and the fees to hunt the animal on private ranches can reach $3,000. But the 600-plus pound meat yield breaks down to about $5 per pound (if you butcher it yourself), and a full freezer for an entire winter.

Hunting is sometimes considered a niche activity. But all humans at some point in history hunted for food. The best part about hunting in the 21st century is that people who are adamantly against firearms have a plethora of weapons to choose from.

Compound bows are great for taking down both big and small game. Recurve (traditional) bows are also effective, but more difficult to learn how to shoot. More hunters are particularly interested in crossbows because of the ability to attach a scope and increase the chances of an accurate shot.

3. Aquaponic Fish Farms

Many people have aquariums in their homes already. If you’re willing to increase the size of it and add a few extra parts, you can treat yourself to fresh trout or catfish year-round. A vertical aquaponics system can also produce vegetables, like tomatoes and spinach, using the waste produced by the fish.

Aquaponics is not something that can be learned from a few paragraphs in an article. Udemy offers several aquaponics courses online. The University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point and the Universiy of Hawaii also offer courses in aquaponics.

A life free of GMO foods will require effort and patience. But your body and mind will thank you for it.

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About the author

Marla

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Hi! Thanks for visiting my blog! I believe in living green, organically, and natural in every aspect of our lives. My mission is to help educate you on how to live green, help save our environment and to help you and your family live a happier, healthier life!