Many of my family and friends don't understand why I pay more for organic foods. I just don't want all those extra chemicals in my body. The entire family was organic for awhile, but my husband and the children didn't want to be JUST organic, so they have re-joined the mainstream. I have not. I avoid food that isn't chemical free, and when I find myself in a situation where I must eat what's not organic, I select those items which involve the fewest pesticides, additives and other chemicals.

People who have been to the store with me are often amazed that I'll spend so much for a dozen eggs in order to get free-range, cage free, no antibiotic-laden eggs. They also don't understand why I pay so much per pound for the small amount of meat that I do still consume. I only buy from farmers dedicated to animal well-being and those who don't use preventative antibiotics and chemical laden food supplies for their herds, flocks, etc. I prefer grass-fed and free-range. I'm not a zealot. I love meat. But I believe that quality of life should be a priority and the end of life -- all life -- should be as humane as possible. Period.

I just found a video on the meat industry that helps me to explain my views -- not only from a health standpoint, but also from a humane standpoint. If you want to view the video, be forewarned that it's graphic and unsettling. With that said...