By Holly Eaton
Sustainability Studies Student
Although a lot of people disagree with the use of genetically modified organisms, there are some possible benefits to the use of them. According to the article “The Future of Food: An Introduction to the Ethical Issues in Genetically Modified Foods” written by Margaret McLean, there are several benefits to the use of GMO’s. One of the benefits includes the development of crops being more resistant to pests, disease, and severe weather. This allows the crops to have a decreased risk in crop failure which is a positive thing for farmers everywhere and for the consumers. This would also provide agricultural productivity through the development of crops which is beneficial to the farmers as well.
A second benefit relating to the environment of the use of genetically modified organisms would be a potential longer shelf life of fruits and vegetables in stores could decrease the gross wastage associated with transportation and storage. Fewer foods would be lost or thrown out and economically it would help our society and the farmers as well.
Thirdly, a benefit that could potentially help human health and wellbeing is the removal of allergies. With the use of genetically modified organisms it can potentially remove genes associated with allergies and stop allergies in some humans. This can benefit many people both physically and economically because they won’t have to buy allergy medications.
There are several more benefits that McLean mentions in her article, but those are a few that I found very interesting and informative. To relate back to my blog post from yesterday, I discussed what system conditions were and why we are talking about them in my sustainability class. Even though there are benefits to the use of genetically modified organisms we must consider what is removed from the Earth’s crust which is what system condition one is all about. What do we take from the earth’s crust to produce these genetically modified organisms and is it harmful to our earth? Although there are several benefits to the use of these GMO’s we must take into count the risks that may come with the use of these. We must also think of ways that the use of genetically modified organisms can be produced and used in a more sustainable way for the consumers and for our environment.
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