Question: What stands out to you in your peer's comments about the issue in their resource, and why? Need Assignment Help?
Consider how what your peer shared might reinforce or change how you view environmental quality, equity, cultural diversity considerations, the specific issue in your peer's resource, and so forth.
One environmental quality issue I care deeply about is the safety of the food we eat, particularly the way additives, pesticides, preservatives, and artificial dyes are used in production. Many of these substances have been linked to health risks. Research suggests that pesticide residues and chemical additives may contribute to problems such as hormone disruption, organ stress, and even increased cancer risk (National Cancer Institute, 2022).
Another concern is the rise of seedless and genetically engineered foods. These products are often created for efficiency, longer shelf life, or cosmetic appearance, but critics argue that they sometimes lack the same nutritional value as naturally grown, seed-bearing produce. While genetic modification can help meet food demand, it also raises questions about biodiversity, soil health, and ecosystem sustainability. Importantly, several other countries including many in the European Union have banned or heavily restricted certain artificial dyes, pesticides, and genetically modified products due to health and safety concerns. This highlights how cultural values and government policies shape food quality differently across the world.
This problem ties directly to environmental quality because the chemicals and practices used in farming affect the soil, water, and air long after the food is consumed. From an equity standpoint, low-income and underserved communities face the greatest challenges. Fresh organic food is often expensive or unavailable in these areas, leaving families with fewer healthy options. As a result, they are more likely to rely on processed or genetically engineered products, which increases their risk for diet-related illnesses such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer.
Responsibility for improving food quality is shared. Agricultural companies and food producers need to reduce harmful practices and be more transparent about additives and genetic modification. Government regulators should strengthen safety standards and provide clear labeling so people can make informed choices. Consumers and communities also play a role by advocating for better policies, supporting local farmers, and making conscious purchasing decisions.
Cultural diversity is especially important here because food connects deeply to tradition and identity. Many communities of color and immigrant families face systemic barriers such as food deserts or targeted marketing of unhealthy products. By including diverse cultural voices in food policy, we can ensure solutions that are not only environmentally responsible but also fair and culturally respectful.