Organic vs industrial food free essay sample

Organic foods, although stereotypically known for having a bland taste or having no taste have been shown to improve ones quality of life be decreasing some health risk such as cancer or heart disease. If you haven’t realized it, organic fruits and vegetables taste better, and the flavor is crispier. The health consequences of genetically modified food, when examined closely, will convince you to change your eating habits. The shelf life of food depends on four main factors: formulation, processing, packaging and storage. Change any one of these conditions and you can change the shelf life for better or worse. Shelf life has many attributes: bacterial control, color stability, yeast and mold inhibition, flavor stability, textural stability and aroma stability. The appearance of shelf-life problems can be wide, as well, including oxidative browning, oxidation of flavor compounds, or liquescence. To increase the shelf life of more unstable foods, such as low-sugar jam, low-salt condiments, low-oil salad dressings, prepared fresh produce and deli meats, food companies may take steps to reduce bacterial load from ingredients before they process the final food. We will write a custom essay sample on Organic vs industrial food or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page To grow, thrive and survive, microbes need a friendly environment; this usually includes moisture. Lowering moisture creates a hostile environment for bacteria by decreasing the available medium for them to grow in. There are a number of new ingredients to help regulate water activity in foods with a reduced fat phase. â€Å" Generally, the water activity of a minimally processed food needs to be about 0.07 or lower, water has an a W rating of 1.00, and most products preserved with sugar, measure about 0.07, with the excess water bound so that bacteria are under osmotic pressure too great to survive(Katz, February 4, 2006).† Whenever you buy food, you have decision to make: Healthy or cheap, organic or industrial. If organic food was not so expensive, that decision would be easy, everybody would buy organic food, for a healthier body. Unfortunately not everybody can afford it, making it look like healthy food is becoming a  luxury good. In the rush to produce more and more food for the people on this planet, chemicals came into play. Farmers begin by trying to sell the highest percentage of their crop and therefore often use pesticides, gen-manipulated corn, chemicals etc. The farmers investment in pesticides, hormones, and chemicals tends to pays off, earning more, their fruits look better and costumers are happy with huge pest fee fruits and vegetables. When a farmer says no to chemicals, he runs the risk of losing a harvest because of pests. The only way to compensate the cost is a higher price for organic food. You cant ask everybody to pay higher prices, and a lot of people would starve to death without the use of chemicals which protect harvests against pests. Every time you eat something, you consume pesticides, these substances are added in order to produce and sell more efficient. Fortunately there are strict rules for the use of chemicals. Organic foods are produced following practices described in the USDA National Organic Program (NOP), a marketing program with a certification process throughout the production and manufacturing chain. The NOP describes the practices that are required for labeling a product â€Å"organic,† but it does not address nutritional benefits or food safety issues. Even when you buy organic food, you are consuming these substances, but the bar is set at a different height and you are consuming less harmful substances that could be particularly hazards for high-risk groups such as pregnant women, infants, young children and farm worker households. Since organic food is not prepared using chemical fertilizers and pesticides, it does not contain any traces of these strong chemicals and might not affect the human body. People strongly believe that organic food tastes better than non-organic food. The prominent reason for this belief is that it is produced using organic means of production. Further organic food is often sold locally resulting in availability of fresh produce in the market. So how bad is industrial food? Let’s take a look; there are maximum residue limits on all pesticides and chemicals. The department of health determines how much of each substance is ok. Eating organic food lowers the risk of getting hit by a similar scenario, but its not a 100% guarantee (Are Organic Foods Better for You. 2010). However, getting seriously sick from cheap food is not that high of a risk as long as you read food labels you can eat cheap and healthy at the same time? If you are eating organic food only, you are  still eating unhealthy foods. Almost everyone is aware that foods grown according to organic principles are free from over exposure to harmful pesticides, but that is only one small aspect. A larger part of organic agriculture is the health of the soil and the ecosystem in which crops are raised. Organic farmers know that healthy, live soils significantly benefit crops. Synthetic chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides, and/or fast acting inorganic fertilizers applied to or around crops interrupt or destroy the micro biotic activity in the soil. Organic farming reduces groundwater pollutants, decreases pesticides that can end up in your drinking glass; in some cities, pesticides in tap water have been measured at unsafe levels. The Farmer’s Market is a growers’ market, meaning everything in the market is homegrown, but Richard Bowie, an experienced organic grower is not convinced that all the food being sold is homegrown. â€Å"The market’s slogan ‘100% Homegrown makes us different’ is used as a gimmick, said Bowie† (Shreve, October 3, 2011). Vendors have been seen carrying produce and selling it to other vendors at the market bringing the term organically grown in to question and without certification, and but by law they cannot say they are a certified organically grown vendor. Most vendors cannot afford the certification process and want consumers to look past the term organic there for focus on the soil used or nutrients used. Almost everyone is aware that foods grown according to organic principles are free from over exposure to harmful pesticides, but that is only one small aspect. A larger part of organic agriculture is the health of the soil and the ecosystem in which crops are raised. Organic farmers know that healthy, live soils significantly benefit crops. Synthetic chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides, and/or fast acting inorganic fertilizers applied to or around crops interrupt or destroy the micro biotic activity in the soil. Organic farming reduces groundwater pollutants, decreases pesticides that can end up in your drinking glass; in some cities, pesticides in tap water have been measured at unsafe levels. We should choose farming methods that truly address our real concerns safety and sustainability, not simply methods that satisfy an arbitrary marketing label. To whatever extent these practices include methods that are permitted under organic rules. But theres never a case when a safe, mo re efficient, and sustainable modern technology that feeds more people worldwide should be disallowed for no logical reason. Eating â€Å"organic† alone doesn’t guarantee 100 percent healthy .The truth is that most Americans eat so badly that we get most of our calories from soft drinks, more than we do from vegetables; the top food group by caloric intake is â€Å"sweets†; and one-third of nation’s adults are now obese. It’s not unimportant, but it’s not the primary issue in the way Americans eat. To eat well, says means avoiding â€Å"edible food-like substances† and sticking to real ingredients, increasingly from the plant kingdom. There’s plenty of evidence that both a person’s health as well as the environment’s will improve with a simple shift in eating habits away from animal products and highly processed foods to plant products and what might be called â€Å"real food.† From these changes, Americans would reduce the amount of land, water and chemicals used to produce the food we eat, as well as the incidence of lifestyle d iseases linked to unhealthy diets and greenhouse gases from industrial meat production. And the food would not necessarily have to be organic, all it takes is paying attention to what you eat and read your labels more closely. Participation on our part to be more aware of what we buy and to raise our voices, if need be. We can let our opinions be known even in the simplest ways. A good example is when we shop, if there is no substitute for the product we need, let the store owners know, they will surely change their products. Organic food is better as it uses natural farming techniques. It is similar to preferring natural remedies when suffering from a disease as compared to eating chemical antibiotics. So, the question of organic foods vs non organic foods; which is better, is clearly answered. Organic food surpasses the conventionally produced foods.

How did the quality assurance milestones of 1911-2001 change industry

How did the quality assurance milestones of 1911-2001 change industry How did the quality assurance milestones of 1911-2001 change industry practices in the United States? How did the quality assurance milestones of 1911-2001 change industry practices in the United States? There was a time when only one highly skilled craftsman would plan and execute a specific product. Traditional views of quality management would wait to inspect products after they were made. However, milestones have changed industry practices in the United States. Many changes in quality assurance began with Frederick Taylor, also known as the father of scientific management, (Goetsch & Davis, 2013). Taylor basically eliminated the practice of just one skilled craftsman by separating planning and execution. This led to quality engineering in the 1920s which meant that quality assurance relied on statistics and charts. Reliability engineering was introduced in the 1950s and 1960 and this concept tried to maintain quality throughout the design and production process versus inspecting a product after it was produced. World War II also became a major milestone in the United States that affected quality. The U.S. was more focused on quantity and deadlines than quality. However, Japanese companies became very concerned with producing quality products and had gained a reputation as being leaders in producing quality products (Goetsch & Davis, 2013). Western companies realized at this time, that quality was a very important concept especially in a global market. During this time, around the 1940s, W. Edwards Deming also demonstrated the importance of statistical quality control. Although Demings idea of the Fourteen Points and the Seven Deadly Diseases were not adopted by the United States at first, the United States finally did acknowledge Demings concepts around the 1980s. Joseph M. Juran also contributed to the milestones of quality assurance in the United States by introducing the Three Basic Steps to Progress, Ten Steps to Quality Improvement, The Pareto Principle, and the Juran Trilogy. His philosophy was to find ways to continue to improve quality. He also developed the 80/20 rule which suggests that 80 percent of the issues come from 20 percent of the problems (SUO, 2012). Phillip B. Crosby was an advocate for zero-defects. Crosby had his own quality consulting firm until 2001 when he passed away. He also recognized for his Quality Vaccine and Crosbys Fourteen Steps to Quality Improvement. According to our notes, the milestones set by these visionary leaders of quality management have not only been instruments in the development of quality in the United States, but they have had a remarkable impact on the evolution of quality management internationally (SUO, 2012). Which quality leader do you think had the greatest impact during this timeframe? Explain your answer in real-life examples. Although all the leaders mentioned had an impact on quality assurance, I think that Joseph Juran had the greatest impact during this timeframe. Many companies still resort to Jurans book, the Quality Control Handbook, as a reference for quality and performance improvement (www.juran.com). His theories evolved into the Lean and Six Sigma that is used by manufacturing companies like Xerox. What, according to you, are the accomplishments of quality leader W. Edwards Deming and Joseph M. Juran? What are the differences in the methods and techniques suggested by them? I believe that Demings biggest accomplishments were that he was not only concerned with the quality of products or services; he was also concerned with developing better ways for people to work together. His philosophy of continuous improvement included that of the individual as well as organizations. Deming felt that focus should be given to one person but to the group as a whole. Jurans accomplishment was the 80/20 principle which managers still rely on today. The theory is that 80 percent of outcomes are based on 20 percent of events. The difference between Deming and Juran is that Deming believed that no one person was at fault for product defects. Whereas Juran, believed that organizations should eliminate the few sources that cause the majority of the problems (Goetsch & Davis, 2013). References: Goetsch, D.L. Bookshelf.} Retrieved from http:// myeclassonline. South University Online (2012). BUS4101: Quality Management: Week 1: Total Quality. Retrieved from http://myeclassonline.

Marketing Ethics of Mecca Cola Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Marketing Ethics of Mecca Cola - Case Study Example Marketing plans and strategies would be incomplete without paying much consideration to the customers. Customers will and should always be a part of the agenda in any marketing plan of any company. Because of the implications for profitability and growth, customer retention is potentially one of the most powerful weapons that companies can employ in their fight to gain a strategic advantage and survive in today's ever increasing competitive environment (Lindenmann, 1999). Marketing involves the buying, selling, and trading of goods and services and the subsidiary activities that make these exchanges possible. It is a social process, as well as an economic activity and a collection of physical tasks. Marketing takes place only in societies. Even a rather large, primitive family unit may engage in extensive production and consumption on a self-sustaining basis without becoming involved in activities that can be described as marketing. In organized societies, marketing activities are themselves important features of the social milieu, and changes in marketing practices may carry implications extending throughout the social structure. For example, the location of trading centers affects the modes and routes of transportation (Kotler and Armstrong, 200); advertising affects popular conceptions of tastes and life styles; and changes in distribution channels create and eliminate employment opportunities and ways of life. Appraisals of the performance of marketing activities within our society are commonplace. Marketing is said to be inefficient because there are "too many" gasoline service stations. It is said to be unfair because some firms are "making it impossible" for others to continue to exist in the market place. It is said to be unproductive because "too much" money is spent on advertising (Lun and Gupta, 2001). Generally comes off very well indeed. Businessmen do not hesitate to spend large sums in marketing their wares, and consumers show no great reluctance to pay the resultant charges embodied in what they buy The fundamental economic criterion for appraising marketing activities is the efficiency with which they are performed. Efficiency, or productivity, involves a relationship between effort and effect, sacrifice and reward, input and output. Efficiency is a relative concept (Neumann and Sumser, 2002). When we describe an activity as "inefficient," we mean that too much effort is being expended with too little effect; in other words, that the ratio of effort to effect is higher than necessary. And when we describe an activity as "efficient," we mean that the ratio of effort to effect is about as low as can be achieved. In general, economic activities that are more efficient are preferred to those that are less efficient and for a very simple reason. If there are two methods of accomplishing the same task and one of them requires a smaller expenditure of time, effort, and resources than the other, then by using that method one can accomplish the task and have time and materials left over. One may then either use these surplus resources to accomplish the task another time, or in a superior fashion, or may transfer these resources into some entirely different activity (Ohmae, 1990). So long as one's time and resources are of some value in some use including their use in leisure or in saving for the future

Principles of social crime prevention have little to offer in the Essay

Principles of social crime prevention have little to offer in the development of effective crime prevention practices. Critically discuss - Essay Example A detailed discussion of the situational approach to crime prevention, presented further on, shifts accents from social context of crime prevention to a more subjective nature of crime. Prior social context was considered by the crime prevention theorists as a determinant one; starting from 80s more subjective and situational aspects were considered (Lawrence, 2000). Moreover, there is made an attempt to find similarities and differences between these two approaches, to evaluate their efficiency in modern practices of crime prevention. Chicago School is a famous developer of social approach to crime prevention. The main suggestion of Chicago School is that crime is always caused by social force (Melville, Morgan, Norris and Walkington, 2006, p. 70). The primary goal of this theory was to develop welfare in the society through the expansion of welfare states, where no triggers of crime existed (Garland and Sparks, 2000, p. 195). Chicago School has made a significant contribution to crime prevention practices. Social theoretical approach applied by this school, made this study an outstanding laboratory for sociological research in the context of social relationships and influence caused by urbanism. Chicago School made an emphasis on the contextual considerations of crime. In terms of socio-cultural context crime can appear and can be prevented as well. Park and Burgess are sociologists who worked out basic claims of social crime prevention. Their main idea is a concurrent existence of five concentric zones in the process of cities’ development (The Chicago School I). The most risky zone is the â€Å"zone in transition† (Garland and Sparks, 2000, p. 189). Another claim of these sociologists can’t be discussed without arguing. Chicago School sociologists underline that well-being of the society is determined by their living conditions. In other

Look Before You Leap Essay Example for Free

Look Before You Leap Essay Aristotle is praised for naming fortitude, First of the cardinal virtues as that without which no other virtue can steadily be practiced; but he might, with equal propriety have placed prudence and justice before it. Since without prudence fortitude is mad; without justice it is dangerous. Only a fool or a suicide will jump into a river without making sure about the depths, eddies and whirlpools. And even there no one tests the depth of a river with both feet. Rashness has been unhappy parent of misfortune. Once in a blue moon it might bring us luck but more often than not it is fraught with dangerous consequences. The Persian monarch Xerxes, rashly enough, ordered an expedition to conquer Greece. With a wave of the hand he dismissed all pitfalls and dangers. When the trial of strength came the armies of Xerxes were dashed to smithereens and the crestfallen monarch escaped in a solitary boat, forlorn and humiliated. Those who act first think afterwards are bound to repent forever. History is replete with such instances. Napoleon, otherwise calculating and sagacious warrior in a rash and proud moment gave signal for an invasion of Russia. He had counted without the terrible winter of that country. His armies were bogged down in the snows. The flower his army, the Iron Guards, perished and the loss became the prelude Napoleons utter downfall. History repeated itself. In the Second World War, Hitler drunk power and pride turned his guns towards Russia, in spite of the Non- aggression Pact which he had solemnly signed. He also met disaster paid the price for his rash decision. True statesmanship lies in thinking hundred times before deciding on any course of action. A situation is assessed in all its potentialities and possibilities. Though you would like to beat the dog, you have to consider the masters face as well. Look before you leap, sums up the wisdom born out of experience. In ordinary situations the proverb holds. But there are moment’s crises or emergency when boldness or even rashness may be preferable cool calculation. In earthquakes, famines, floods and national calamities a person should act at once without caring for the consequences. In trying to avoid rashness one might go to other extreme of indecision and sloth. A bachelor, said a humorist, is one who looks before he leaps then never leaps. Rashness is any time better than sloth. But the right course is quickness guided by prudence. Haste and rashness are storms and tempests breaking and wrecking business; but nimbleness is a fair wind, blowing it with speed to the haven.

Feminism, Womanhood, and The Yellow Wallpaper -- Feminism Feminist Wom

Feminism, Womanhood, and The Yellow Wallpaper      Ã‚  Ã‚   The Victorian period in American history spawned a certain view of women that in many ways has become a central part of gender myths still alive today, although in a diluted way. In this essay, some characteristics of this view of women, often called "The Cult of True Womanhood", will be explored with reference to Thomas R. Dew "Dissertation on the Characteristic Differences Between the Sexes (1835). Some of the feminist developments arising in conflict with this ideal will also be traced. Then, in accordance with my view that literature and culture is often interrelated, I will proceed by with an analysis of Charlotte Perkins Gilman's short story "The Yellow Wallpaper" as a critique of the gender roles of the time, commenting on its symbolism as well as its plot development. The 19th century was a time of male dominance more extreme than has been seen ever since. Dew portrays the woman as a weak and dependent creature that needs to be protected by "the shield of woman", Man. Therefore, she is to be confined to a sphere of her own: Home. This reflects two of the cardinal characteristics of True Womanhood (as defined by men, of course), the ideal woman of this period. Those are submissiveness and domesticity. It was widely believed that women were created inferior to men, and should therefore be commanded "within the domestic circle". Support to this view was to be found in the Bible (which, not incidentally, is written by men), and although Dew is not so concerned with them, there were two other main characteristics of the perfect Victorian woman; piety and purity, characteristics that "delight and fascinate". Apart from subtle allusions such as "...at her shri... ...ted normal womanhood to her, she felt that she was the anomaly. In this psychological conflict she saw herself trapped behind bars of male rule, and her yearning for freedom became destructive. Not so in real life, thankfully. the feminists succeeded in overthrowing the male regime. Or did they? The Cult of True Womanhood is, in some ways, still with us. Works Cited and Consulted Dew, Thomas R. "Dissertation on the Characteristic Differences Between the Sexes (1835)". Breidlid, Brà ¸gger et.al.: American Culture. An Anthology of Civilization Texts (1996), pp. 102-103. Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. "The Yellow Wallpaper". Baym et.al.: The Norton Anthology of American Literature vol.2, 4.ed., pp. 645-657. Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. "Why I Wrote 'The Yellow Wallpaper'?". Baym et.al.: The Norton Anthology of American Literature vol.2, 4.ed.pp.657-658.   

Culture in Aruba

The people of Aruba come primarily from European, African, and Latin American countries and the culture of the island reflects these varied backgrounds. The language, food, religion, and celebrations on Aruba are composed of a healthy mix of these countries. Aruba is closely tied to Holland because of its long occupation and present partnership in the Netherlands kingdom. The official language is Dutch, which is seen on the street signs, official documents, and many local newspapers. However, many aspects of Aruba’s culture reveal strong influences of contributing cultures, such as the common language Papiamento. Papiamento dates back to the sixteenth century, as a means for African slaves to communicate with their owners. Papiamento reflects the mentality and culture of the many peoples who have inhabited the region, including the Arawak and Carib Indians, African slaves, South American traders, Spanish conquers, Dutch merchants, Portuguese missionaries, and French and English settlers. While grammar is basic, many non-Arubans find its syntax and intonation challenging. Much of Papiamento has been handed down verbally from generation to generation. Its proverbs contain a simply stated wealth of philosophy and insight. Through humor and metaphor, utilizing food, animals, and objects from everyday life, Papiamento lends universal guidance and wisdom. Some popular phrases are â€Å"Bon Dia† for good morning and â€Å"Masha Danki† for thank you. Aruban food is simple in preparation and taste. Mostly grilled without a lot of grease or spice, chicken, fish and vegetables are often accompanied by local vegetables such as corn, broccoli, potatoes or rice. Johnnycakes are fried biscuits prepared with slat fish from Canada and Norway, which are popular in Aruba. Also popular are stews of beef, chicken, and goat, with ingredients of a cucumber called concomber and rice with black beans. Stuffed cheese, called keeshi yena, is a traditional Aruban dish dating back to the days of the Dutch West India Company. It was originally made by hollowing out the round Dutch cheeses and stuffing them with a mixture of chicken, vegetables, and spices. More modern recipes include raisins, grated cheese, breadcrumbs, olives, capers, and gherkins, and beef, fish or shrimp is sometimes used in lieu of chicken. Often eaten in place of bread is a ornmeal pudding similar to polenta. Slaves brought this recipe to the Caribbean from West Africa. Dishes of Asian origin, such as the Nasi Goreng and rijstaffel of Indonesia and the Chinese vegetables bok choy and snow peas, are included on Aruban menus. Desserts in Aruba are rich and sweet. Black cake, or bolo preto, is the Antillean rum and cognac-soaked delicacy of choice at Family events, such as weddings and birthda ys. It takes several weeks to prepare before garnished with white icing and sprinkled with silver candy balls. Other favorite Aruban desserts are sweet and colorful cakes and gelatins. The people of Aruba are predominantly Christian. Roman Catholics make up the majority with 82 percent of the population, while Protestants are second with eight percent. Other religions present on the island include Judaism, Muslim, Hindu and Confucian. There are several churches on the island that have become tourist attractions for their antiquity and beauty. The Santa Anna Church in Noord was built between 1914 and 1919. The neo-gothic wood-carved altar was sculpted by Hendrik van der Geld of the Netherlands and the stained glass windows were created in 1932 by Wilhelm Derix of Germany. Built in 1877, the rectory of this church is the oldest in Aruba. Our Lady of Alto Vista is located on a high plain near the north coast. It is a quaint, simply constructed chapel, which had a clear view of approaching pirate ships from the north. The original structure was built of stone and wood in 1750 and the antique Spanish cross is the oldest work of art in the Netherlands Antilles, except for Indian Artifacts. Carnaval, Aruba’s most exciting celebration, is preceded by weeks of celebration, parades, elections, contests, and parties. Many schools, business’s and organizations dress up in elaborate costumes to compete for coveted titles. At the beginning of the celebration, Aruba’s Prime minister symbolically transfers command of the country to the prince of Carnaval. Tivoli, Aruba’s oldest social club, has produced a dazzling nighttime lighting parade for this event. The Grand Carnaval Parade in San Nicolas begins in the middle of the night and lasts until dawn, and the Oranges tad parade takes place that next day, making for an exhausting weekend for celebratory Arubans. The burning of King Momo, a life-size effigy, marks the nd of Carnaval at midnight on Shrove Tuesday, before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Central figures in Carnaval lore are the beautiful queen and the prince, who is the authoritative figure guiding the parade and later restoring order with his sidekick, pancho. Music is an integral element at Carnaval and most popular are the Caribbean beats of Tumba and Calyps o. The origins of Carnaval are found thousands of years ago. The work is derived from the Latin carne vale, meaning farewell to flesh, signifying the time when many Christians gave up meat and other sacrifices.