What does Organic actually mean?
If something is labeled as "organic" it means that there are at least 95% organic ingredients. The remaining amount must be ingredients from a National Organic Program (N P O) approved list. When the requirements are met the product can carry an U S D A Organic Seal.
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| This label can be green (above) or black. For more detailed information check H E R E !! |
There's nothing necessarily "wrong" with products that say things such as:
- free range
- natural
- hormone free
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There are a few other things that you should keep in mind while deciding on "organic" products to buy. Organic labels don't have to apply solely to food. Cosmetic products, for example, can also be organic and have these labels too. Some labels you may see include:
- Made with organic ingredients
- 100% organic
- U S D A organic
- N S F
- National Products Association (N P A)
Labels & Meanings:
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| A minimum of 70% of the product must contain organic ingredients. This does N O T qualify the item to carry the U S D A Organic seal. |
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| U S D A 100% organic S E A L: 100% of the ingredients are organic. No synthetic ingredients were used in the production, contains no toxic or persistent pesticides. Water and salt are not included. |
U S D A organic
The product contains 95% organic ingredients. It also must be free from toxins, persistent pesticides, heavy metals, irradiation, and G M O's
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| Must contain at least 70% organic materials |
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| N P A is a U S D A created program. |
- Product must be made primarily of ingredients from a renewable source found in nature
- Must be "generally recognized as safe" by the F D A
- Can't contain any petroleum compounds
- Include biodegradable ingredients and be packaged in environment friendly way
- Small amounts of synthetic ingredients are allowed, B U T they can't pose any human health risks and must not have a natural alternative available
- No animal testing is allowed
On the N P A site (link above) you can find info on specific products. You can even do a location check to see where to shop near you!
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| G M O labeling isn't mandatory. Honestly a lot of produce that's found in stores genetically modified (G M O). There are a number of organizations that support the labeling of G M O foods, and/or the removal of them. You can find out about one non profit organization and more on genetically modified organisms H E R E !! |
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| If interested in finding out more on the guidelines, ingredients, etc. of cosmetics check H E R E !! |
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" The Dirty Dozen "
- Apples
- Celery
- Strawberries
- Peaches
- Imported Nectarines
- Imported Grapes
- Sweet Bell Peppers
- Potatoes
- Domestic Blueberries
- Lettuce
- Kale
- Collard Greens
" The Clean 15 "
- Onions
- Sweet Corn
- Pineapple
- Avocado
- Asparagus
- Sweet Peas
- Mango
- Eggplant
- Domestic Cantaloupe
- Kiwi Fruit
- Cabbage
- Watermelon
- Sweet Potatoes
- Grapefruit
- Mushrooms
How many of these do you eat regularly? Are you big on fruits and vegetables in the first place?
You can find more information on these lists, and a helpful shopper's guide H E R E !!
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At the end of the day you'll have to weigh your options and decide what's best for you. Availability of organics in your area may decide for you. Budgets for food may be another decision maker, or mobility may be another.
Tips on buying organic:
- Look for specials such as "two-fors" at grocery stores
- Clip coupons from newspapers/magazines
- Visit manufacturer websites for email lists and coupons
- Support local farmers and vendors
- Check out Local Harvest to find places near you
- Visit Farmers Markets. Many operate most of the year
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Does any of this information affect how you'll shop in the future? Were you an organic shopper to begin with? Share, I'd like to know!!
Don't forget to subscribe via email in the box at the very top!! Thanks ^_~"
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