You probably know that it’s better for both you and the environment if you buy an organic tomato instead of one that’s been doused in pesticides, but there are lots of other things to consider before venturing down the aisle of your local supermarket (or farmer’s market).

　　The explosion in　__1__　produce and other foods during the last few years has been an extremely　__2__　development in the food industry. However,　__3__　still exists about exactly what the organic　__4__　means. Do you know the difference between a cereal that’s “organic,” “100% organic,” and “made with organic　__5__　?” The USDA has clearly defined standards that　__6__　which of those labels can legally go on your raisin bran. You can learn more about them atwww.usda.gov.

　　Organic foods are great, but the jury is still very much out　__7　__another new development in the food world: genetically　__8__　organisms (GMOs). No one knows for certain the short and　__9__　effects of these products of gene engineering,　__l0__　there’s a chance they could lead to the　__11__　creation of “superweeds” or　__12__　with natural plant stocks, for more information on GMOs, we recommend visitingwww.saynotogmos.org.

　　__13__　you’re shopping, don’t forget to consider the companies behind the　__14__　names. One cereal company might be an environmental champion,　__15__　the other manufactures its corn flakes via　__l6__　environmental practices. An easy way to compare two companies is to use　__17__　such as www. Responsible shopper.com. They present both the good and bad sides of every company they　__18__　, and they grade hundreds of companies on social, ethical and environmental issues.

　　Remember:　__19__　conscious shopping is a powerful tool for effecting change. You can make a difference every time you fill your 　__20__　cart.