Buying from Large Corporations

Farming, especially on a large scale, can have serious repercussions on the environment. Fertilizers and other chemicals used to prevent pests or increase soil nutrition can easily wash out and find their way into rivers and streams, where they may be toxic to fish or other animals that drink or live in the water. Large factories are also notorious for dumping waste into local waters, not only causing pollution, but also spreading bacteria. Bacteria, in turn, can cause algae to reproduce faster, robbing the waters of oxygen and killing fish and other aquatic wildlife.

More than twice as many bird species and beneficial insects can be found on small farms compared to large farms; large farms are more likely to use pesticides and other products that might drive animals away and affect the ecosystem [source: Deinlein].

So what's one solution? Support local, organic farms. Buy from small companies rather than large corporations, or take some time to research the company to ensure it's as green and environmentally conscious as possible. Talk about it!