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Man vs Nature Assignment
Environmental Science (BIO-220)
Grand Canyon University
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Man vs. Nature
This week we are discussing Genetically Modified Foods and just like any product available there are pros and cons. This will be a hands-on assignment that will require you visit a grocery store to compare and contrast Genetically Modified and Organic produce. Be sure to select the same type of fruit or vegetable to compare and contrast. You are not required to buy the product!
Note: You may ask a store employee for help to identify which produce is organic and which is a GM (conventional).
Student name: Kialey Moon
What fruit or vegetable are you comparing? Avocado
Genetically Modified Organic Price $0 $1. Availability (quantity) 1 1 Characteristics: Color Size Smell Weight
Light in color Round No smell .39 lb
Dark green/purple-ish tint Oval/Pear shape No smell .35 lb
Where was it grown/imported from (country, state, etc.)?
Mexico Mexico
Where were observations made (farmers market, Walmart, etc.)?
Walmart Walmart
Short Answer Questions (Minimum of 250 words each)
- What are the some of the arguments for labeling GM foods? What are some of the arguments against it? What side do you feel is more valid, why? Provide at least one source per argument (one for and one against) to support your claims. a. Many consumers have opinions about whether or not companies should be labeling foods that have GMOs in them. There are many different reasons as to why people don’t want to eat Genetically Modified Foods. Most of the time, this reasoning is because it makes their food inorganic and adds unnecessary substances to the food. Many also don’t like eating foods with GMOs for reasons like religious principles,
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seed patents, corporate contracts restricting the use of seeds, and other unknown risks that come along with eating modified foods. Many take pride in being able to choose what they put into their body (Krimsky, 2016). Then there are those that stand on the opposing side, remaining steadfast in their thoughts that foods do not need to be labeled. These individuals argue that when states have labeled certain foods in the past, the cost of those foods has been driven up. They also believe that by labeling the food with a GMO stamp doesn’t provide any more information about the food that they didn’t already have (Krimsky, 2016). b. I believe that the arguments for labeling foods with GMO stamps is the most reasonable. Although labeling these foods can drive up costs, I think the consumer has every right to know what they are putting into their bodies. Isn’t the slight price difference worth the knowledge that you can attain from it? With that being said, I also find it extremely important that consumers stay educated on the food brands that they decide to invest in, and only choose the brands that are healthy and sustainable.
- What are some ethical concerns or benefits of using GMOs based on the Christian Worldview? (Refer to “Here’s What Religious Experts Have to Say About Faith and GMOs” for help answering this question.) a. There is a lot of conflict surrounding this issue in the Christian worldview. On one side of the coin, they make the point that there should not be any sort of crossbreeding between foods. On the other side it is said that they know that GMOs could be very useful in feeding larger groups of people who may not have the abundant food resources. In the Roman Catholic faith, many believers are waiting on the pope to take a stand, since they have huge impacts in environmental issues such as these. However, there are many people who still want to see this theory have more supportive evidence behind it before they make a determined decision. This issue is hard to make into a religious issue to put it frankly. Although God has given us all the resources we need, if there is a way for us to feed and provide for others in countries that are far less fortunate than our own, it may be necessary for us to take action. However there need to be boundaries drawn and there needs to be solid and substantial proof that GMOs are safe to be consumed by humans and will have no long-term or adverse effects.
Reference
Krimsky, S. (2016). Point/Counterpoint on GMO Labeling. GeneWatch, 29 (1), 4-5. Retrieved from search-ebscohost-com.lopes.idm.oclc/login.aspx? direct=true&db=a9h&AN=117787393&site=chost-live&scope=site
© 2016. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
Man vs Nature Assignment
Course: Environmental Science (BIO-220)
University: Grand Canyon University
