In this episode, we're going to dig into a chemical called Carbendazim. It's a popular fumigant that is used to kill fungus in the soil. Huge conventional strawberry farmers used to use methyl bromide, but it was finally banned in the U.S. in 2017, so now they use massive amounts of carbendazim in the soil, every season before the season begins. This fumigant is also killing EVERYTHING in the soil they are grown in too! (Not to mention the other environmental externalities at play here...)
But what is carbendazim you ask...?
Well, it’s a broad spectrum fungicide that also damages the male reproductive organs. Basically, if you’re consuming strawberries that test positive for this fungicide, you’re doing a great disservice to the family jewels.
It has been shown to decrease the sperm count in men and unfortunately, it affects 1 in 100 men. And that’s data coming from the University of Michigan.
So, this and many chemicals used in the growing of strawberries is responsible for low sperm count, neurological, hormonal and environmental impacts - which begs the question...is it worth it?
I'm personally not sure it is, especially when we can grow our own or support a local farmer that can grow better, cleaner delicious strawberries less than 20 miles away from where we live.
I dunno. That's just me.
Anyway, thanks for listening, and I hope you listen all the way to the end because I share a little history, thanks to the Northern Cherokee Nation about the first strawberry...and it's so relatable!
Not to mention, it drives home the point that we shouldn't do anything in haste, we should consider all things thoroughly and forgive one another. That's a message worth hearing any day of the week.
I appreciate your support and I'll see you on the other side of the plate. p.s. Check out last week's video PSA on the methane producing challenges with growing paddy rice. Subscribe while you're over there...because why not? |
