Na(CH3(C6H4COO)O) = food that never goes off

Food processed to be nothing more than simple starches with two dozen flavorings and stabilizers added to make it appear to be food isn't "food". It's "feed" -- what you give to livestock to fatten them up for slaughter. (Someone with the user name Ontheleftcoast)

The EPA has more than 85,000 chemicals listed on its inventory of substances that fall under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). 85,000!!!!!!! Has the human race gone insane? (No need to respond, we all know the answer - yes)

From food preservatives, to toxic additions to our furniture, clothing and vehicles, we live in a world where we are constantly exposed to chemicals that supposedly enhance our lives but in fact undermine our health and reduce biodiversity on earth.

Agriculture is dominated by chemicals - fertilizers, pesticides, artificial hormones.

Medicine is dominated by chemicals: ones which necessitate lengthy disclaimers about possible side-effects; ones which do more harm than the disease they are trying to cure.

Industry is dominated by chemicals.

The food world is dominated by chemicals. Unless you grow and prepare it yourself (or buy from farmers you know), your food is laced with chemicals, most of which are unpronounceable. If you can't spell it, you don't want to consume it.

Chemicals in food have been linked to any number of diseases, especially the autoimmune ones.

It's up to you what you want to do about this chemical overload. I can just tell you what I do.

I buy from the Farmers Market (and grow a bit of my own). I do not use any chemicals in my garden - no artificial fertilizer, no pesticides. I greatly restrict cleaning products. There is very little that cannot be cleaned with baking soda, lemon juice and vinegar. I try to avoid products known to be chemically laden. I also take no medications other than the occasional aspirin.

I'd love to hear other ideas for avoiding chemicals.