An organic revolution is taking place in homes and business around the world. Organic products account for over $64 billion dollars spent worldwide annually. In Canada, over $3.7 billion dollars were spent on organics in 2012 alone.

Discover more. Go deeper. Join the conversation. Are you an organic skeptic or believer?

Visit the ALL NEW, official online home of Organic Panic, OrganicPanicTV.com today.
 
 
 
 
But what does organic really mean? How can consumers make informed decisions and separate fact from greenwashing, a practice that cares only about the bottom line?

Organic Panic challenges what has become the conventional wisdom of a global movement that affects every area of our lives. Are organic foods healthier? Are organic cleaners safer for your family? What impact can organic housing and agriculture have on climate change? The answers will surprise even the most ardent supporters of the organics industry.

Directed by award-winning Canadian filmmakers Richie Mehta (I’ll Follow You Down, Siddharth) and Chris Remerowski, with executive producer Moses Znaimer and co-produced by David Bratton and Chris Remerowski of Toronto’s Sixteen Films Ltd., the new documentary series Organic Panic tackles all sides of the raging organics debate. Over the course of 2 seasons of 5 episodes each, Organic Panic pits organic “Believers” against organic “Skeptics” in a battle to win the hearts and minds of concerned global citizens. Each episode follows our subjects – regular people who have concerns about extraordinary claims made by producers of organic goods. They share their concerns with advocates for organic products as well as those who are skeptical about the claims made about those same products.

Challenging what has become the conventional wisdom of the global organic revolution though interviews with experts across the spectrum of the debate, and following crusaders’ personal stories, Organic Panic exposes false and misleading information about the organics industry and empowers people to make informed decisions about caring for themselves, their families and the world.

Organic Panic goes global to explore the organics debate through the personal stories and commentary of special guests, including:

• Vikram Vij (Chef, Entrepreneur, Dragon’s Den)
• Mark Abma (Canadian International Ski Champion)
• Jennifer Van Huss (Mommy Blogger, One Heart, One Family)
• Rick Smith (Environmentalist, Author Slow Death by Rubber Duck)

At the end of each episode, our subjects weigh in on who was most persuasive and, as a result, what choices our subjects will make for themselves, their families and the planet.

READ: Toronto-based Journalist Sheldon Kirshner reviews Organic Panic.

Produced for VisionTV and The Brand New ONE by Sixteen Films Ltd.

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SEASON 2 EPISODES
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Episode 1 | Wine
Watch online below through Dec. 28, 2015

Enjoying food and friends with a glass of wine is one of life’s great pleasures. Doctors say that consuming a small amount every day is good for your health. Environmental activists and organic wine producers caution that conventional wine is filled with harmful pesticides and that the fertilisers, fungicides and other chemicals used to produce it are disastrous for the environment. Aspiring chefs and restaurateurs Marida Mohammed (MasterChef) and her twin sister, Narida, get advice from celebrity chef and sommelier Vikram Vij, about how to select and appreciate wine and why they shouldn’t worry too much about purported health threats. Marida and Narida then tour Niagara vineyards and compare super-organic, biodynamic wine with its conventional counterpart. Ann Sperling of Southbrook Vineyards combines cosmic forces with organic farming to produce wine she calls the purest expression of the grape that is good for the people who drink it and the planet as a whole. French winemaker JL Groux of Stratus Vineyards and George Soleas, the Vice President of the LCBO argue that conventional wine is delicious and safe for both you and the environment. Which one will the sisters choose?

Episode 2 | Vacations
Watch online below through Dec. 28, 2015

Fun in the sun and relaxing on the beach are nourishing for the spirit. But is your vacation ruining the earth? Actress and model Angela Asher travels to tropical Costa Rica to find out if luxury can be sustainable. She visits Lapa Rios, a gorgeous eco-lodge perched in the Costa Rican rainforest, to learn about how they incorporate organic and sustainable principals into an indulgent getaway – a truly organic vacation. At the Los Sueños Marriott resort near Jaco Beach, Costa Rica, she is introduced to the methods modern resorts use to conserve water and energy while providing a five-star experience. While not organic per se, the Marriott insists that their green practices have a much larger positive impact on the planet when compared to those of any (smaller) eco lodge.

Episode 3 | Oceans
Watch online below through Jan. 4, 2016

Fish have become humanity’s last significant wild food source, but growing global demand now threatens wild fish stocks. The fish farming industry is booming, feeding this growing demand for seafood. Aquaculture advocates claim that farmed fish will soon be the only way to provide fish to the world. Critics warn that farmed fish carry disease and parasites, and could devastate ocean ecology. Can a wild catch fishery be sustainable? Can an organic fish farm be healthy and environmentally sound or is organic fish farming just a scam – a cash grab? Are there alternatives to
destructive conventional fish farms? Internationally renowned skier Mark Abma tours the BC coast to find out what’s the healthiest choice for himself and the world.

Episode 4 | Building
Monday, Nov. 23 at 10pm ET/7 PT

Homeowners are increasingly concerned with chemicals that could be off gassing from bedding, flooring, paint and cabinets in their own homes. Whether buying a home or renovating, energy costs are of concern to homeowners. Increasingly, energy use in the home is being tied to climate change. Is your house or condo a health hazard or ecological disaster? Ken and Jen and their new baby are moving into their first home. They meet with eco-architect and bio- energetic therapist Ingrid Cryns to learn about sustainable building with natural and certified organic materials. Can they afford a super clean, energy efficient dream house? David Sparkes, general contractor and TV host (HGTV “”The Unsellables”) argues that common, off-the-shelf renovation materials are safe and budget- friendly. He thinks there’s a reason why you don’t commonly see eco-alternatives to conventional building materials in stores.

Episode 5 | Babies and Toys
Monday, Nov. 30 at 10pm ET/7 PT

Every parent wants their child to be healthy and happy. Toys and baby products are a part of those desires. As a result, the global baby care and toy markets are worth over $150 billion annually. Popular mommy blogger Jenn van Huss (oneheartonefamily.com) is worried about the materials in her children’s toys and clothes. Are plastics safe for kids? Do flame –retardant pyjamas hide a toxic health threat? Jenn takes her kids to a toy fair to talk to multinational toy company Mattell about how they ensure their toys are safe. Researcher Dr. Miriam Diamond breaks down how the government and the toy industry may be failing, even harming kids. Finally, “Toycoon” George Irwin says some of his toys are even safe enough to eat.

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SEASON 1 EPISODES
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Episode 1 | Organic Cosmetics
Watch online below
Does glamour carry a toxic price? Gillian Deacon, author of “There’s Lead in Your Lipstick” goes through 23-year old Gracie’s makeup bag, exposing the health hazards that lie within. Gracie then meets Dr. Joe Schwarcz, McGill University’s Director of the Office for Science and Society, and critic of the way media reports and distorts science. Dr. Joe refutes everything Gillian says… What will Gracie decide?

 

Episode 2 | Organic Personal Care Products
Watch online below

How clean is the body care industry? Adria Vasil, journalist and author of the Ecoholic series, takes Holly, a concerned lawyer, on a tour of the secret world of chemicals lurking inside shampoos, toothpaste and everyday body care products. Holly also meets with Adria’s nemesis, an industry lobbyist and former provincial health minister who attacks Adria’s arguments.

 

Episode 3 | Organic Food
Watch online below

Food is the frontline of the organics revolution. Governments, agribusiness, farmers, and everyday consumers are debating the merits of organic food. Raised on a conventional farm and desperate to return to his roots, trauma nurse Stewart wants to learn about the politics of food. He meets Sarah Elton, best selling author of “Locavore” and “Consumed: Food for a Finite Planet”. Sarah says organic food will save the planet from certain destruction. Sarah’s bitter rival, economist, geographer, and University of Toronto professor Pierre Desrochers defends industrial agriculture as the only way to feed the world.

 

Episode 4 | Organic Fashion
Monday, Nov. 23 at 10:30pm ET/7:30 PT

How toxic is fast-fashion? Furniture designer Lisa North has a passion for fashion, but worries about the global impact of the industry. Lisa speaks with Kelly Drennan a fashion industry activist who claims that big chains are killing workers and poisoning the planet. Lisa tours H&M’s private showroom and learns about the corporation’s efforts to go green and organic.

 

Episode 5 | Organic Home
Monday, Nov. 30 at 10:30pm ET/7:30 PT

Is your home making your family sick? New mother Jaya wants to do her best to keep her baby healthy, but can she afford to? Kym Klopp, owner of eco-friendly lifestyle shop EcoExistence scares Jaya with a description of the toxins lurking in her home. She says only stores like hers offer safe products. Brendan Seale, a representative for Ikea, begs to differ…