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Organic Quote by Michael Pollan

“To grow the plants and animals that made up my meal, no pesticides found their way into any farmworker’s bloodstream, no nitrogen runoff or growth hormones seeped into the watershed, no soils were poisoned, no antibiotics were squandered, no subsidy checks were written. If the high price of my…” quote by Michael Pollan
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““To grow the plants and animals that made up my meal, no pesticides found their way into any farmworker’s bloodstream, no nitrogen runoff or growth hormones seeped into the watershed, no soils were poisoned, no antibiotics were squandered, no subsidy checks were written. If the high price of my all-organic meal is weighed against the comparatively low price it exacted from the larger world, as it should be, it begins to look, at least in karmic terms, like a real bargain.””

Michael Pollan

About This Quote

Source Book: The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan, 2006

The quote contrasts the high personal cost of organic food with its lower environmental and societal costs, suggesting a moral bargain.

In simple terms: Organic food costs more but saves the planet and workers.

Key Takeaway

Consider the hidden benefits of ethical choices.

Themes

environment ethics food economics

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • grocery shopping
  • restaurant dining
  • policy making
  • personal budgeting

Key Concepts

externalities karma tradeoffs

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you weigh personal expense against global impact?
  • Can ethical food be made affordable?
A Different Perspective

Higher prices may still be prohibitive for some consumers.

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