So what's the alternative, go to the "normal" supermarket, which also sells some "natural" or "all natural" or occasional "organic" foods? How many of us can buy only from local farmers or grow all of our own foods, or afford to buy only at health food stores (some [or many] of which do the same as wholefoods)?
I think the best is to push for labeling. I like the California ballot initiative.
It's really wonderful to support real local growers selling at co-ops and farmers markets and I would encourage anyone to do so as much as possible. Just remember that those vendors, unlike a corporation (like WFM), can allow you to assume that their products are natural or organic and are not held legally accountable for that misrepresentation. Just because it's grown up the road and you can shake the farmer's hand doesn't mean they don't use chemicals. Additionally, there is absolutely ZERO truth to your statement that Whole Foods sells hydrogenated oils or artificial sweeteners. The phrase "all natural" isn't a lie it's simply misunderstood. In order for a manufacturer, producer, or retailer to slap that label on something it simply can not contain any synthetic or artificial ingredients. That doesn't mean an all natural cereal can't contain grains grown conventionally(with GMO's or pesticide). And finally Whole Foods Market's certified organic products are held to some of the highest standards in the country at the risk of being fined tens of thousands of dollars by the USDA who audits all of their stores regularly and at random.
So what's the alternative, go to the "normal" supermarket, which also sells some "natural" or "all natural" or occasional "organic" foods? How many of us can buy only from local farmers or grow all of our own foods, or afford to buy only at health food stores (some [or many] of which do the same as wholefoods)?
I think the best is to push for labeling. I like the California ballot initiative.
It's really wonderful to support real local growers selling at co-ops and farmers markets and I would encourage anyone to do so as much as possible. Just remember that those vendors, unlike a corporation (like WFM), can allow you to assume that their products are natural or organic and are not held legally accountable for that misrepresentation. Just because it's grown up the road and you can shake the farmer's hand doesn't mean they don't use chemicals. Additionally, there is absolutely ZERO truth to your statement that Whole Foods sells hydrogenated oils or artificial sweeteners. The phrase "all natural" isn't a lie it's simply misunderstood. In order for a manufacturer, producer, or retailer to slap that label on something it simply can not contain any synthetic or artificial ingredients. That doesn't mean an all natural cereal can't contain grains grown conventionally(with GMO's or pesticide). And finally Whole Foods Market's certified organic products are held to some of the highest standards in the country at the risk of being fined tens of thousands of dollars by the USDA who audits all of their stores regularly and at random.
Won't be shopping there anymore. It sickens me that a major "organic" grocery chain has sold out.
Last year (2011)
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