(Gattuso, 2001) Clearly, the above figure is undoubtedly overwhelming. However, other methods of farming exist that are just as productive as farming with pesticides. Fortunately, the uses of pesticides are currently being reevaluated, and clearly, alternative solutions to the problem must be utilized. Many researchers insist that there is strong evidence that organic methods of farming can produce just as much food as farming with pesticides. Afterall, the estimated proportion of the United State's food supply lost to pests is thirty-seven percent today, only six percent higher than it was in 1940. (Hatherill, 2000) This statistic is significant because far fewer pesticides were utilized in the 1940's. In fact, studies have taken place that scientifically confirm that organic farming has the ability to be equally profitable to farming with pesticides. An important necessity of all living things relies heavily on the restriction of pesticides. It is considered the "universal lubricant", and is otherwise known as water.
Drinking water can be contaminated by careless or improper use of pesticides. With pesticides eliminated altogether, drinking water safety will be improved greatly. Water can become polluted due to a number of contributing factors. However, applying chemicals such as pesticides is a leading cause of water pollution today. Consequently, the Environmental Protection Agency believes that over forty percent of American lakes, rivers, and streams are not clean enough for swimming and fishing because of pollutants like pesticides. (Hess, 2000) Generally, the large majority of water supplies are contaminated due to agricultural pesticide usage. According to the United States Environmental Agency, there is a presence of seventy-four different pesticides in the groundwater of thirty-eight different states. Because of such disturbing figures, it is estimated that nearly 54 million people could be negatively affected by agricultural contamination of groundwater.