Research Paper Outline

Kristen Mayer
Candace Wiley
English 103
27 February 2009

Topic: Why you, too, should eat organic foods.

I. Introduction

A. Attention getter: Now that producers are in a hurry to produce more and more crops to satisfy growing demand, they are also having to use an almost lethal amount of pesticides to control insect attack. Yes, the producers are making a large amount of money but consumer’s health is declining.
B. Thesis: Not only are organic foods safer for the environment, but also much safer for the consumer because they do not contain antibiotics or growth hormones, making it well worth the extra cost.

II. Origin of Organic Foods
A: When they came about
B: How they’ve grown in popularity

III. Conventional vs. Organic farming
A: conventional farming uses chemical fertilizers and sprays insecticides to reduce pests and disease.
B: organic farming applies natural fertilizers and uses beneficial insects and birds, mating disruption or traps to reduce pests and disease.

IV. Environmental impact
A: far less dangerous for many reasons that will be written about
B: no synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides used
C: not genetically modified

V. Organic foods superior in quality
A: Organic farming is better for the environment because it uses less energy.
B: Studies show an organic apple orchard is 7% more energy efficient than a conventional apple orchard.
i: The organic orchard used far less electricity and machinery
C: Organic foods taste better
i: Because of the lack of artificial chemicals in the growing process, organic foods have a fresher, more natural flavor
D: Benefits to your health
i: Short term as well as long term

VI: Where to find organic foods
A: the best groceries stores that contain the best selection of organically grown foods
i: Which organic foods are most popular and why?
B: Where to find the least expensive organically grown foods
C: Why the benefits strongly outweigh the cost

VII: Conclusion
A: Recap the arguments of this paper
B: The continually growing movement of organic foods is only growing larger
because people are realizing the importance to their health
C: Yes, there are many critics that believe there are no benefits to buying organic foods, but it has been proven time and time again that naturally produced foods, although more expensive, are well worth their extra cost because of the innumerable benefits to a healthy lifestyle that needs to be strived for by all
D: Restate thesis and close