At one time the conditions within a banana plantation were unimaginable. Banana farms were owned by wealthy people (usually foreign investors) who exploited the land for their use and did not care what damaging affects they were having on the environment. They also tended to employ immigrant workers who would work for very little money and under very poor conditions. Once a farmer had used up the landed and depleted it of all its nutrients and natural resources, they would simply pack up and move on leaving a waste land that was of no use to anyone anymore. The abandoning of the land not only hurt the environment but also the surrounding communities that depended on the the natural resources and the income that farming brought. The wealthy farmers would just take over an area and then leave it without any concern for the people they left behind.
Although banana plantations are still hard on the environment, the conditions of modern fields are much better than in the days of the past. The use of harmful pesticides is more limited and people are not allowed near the farms when planes are spraying the fields. Workers are also required to wear a lot of protective gear when working with these chemicals. More sustainable practices, such as recycling when possible, are being put into place. Companies like Chiquita are also offering certified products that vow to limit their detrimental affects to the environment.
Banana workers are still under some risk but steps have been taken by growers to protect the health of their employees, their customers, and the environment.
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