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With all the companies claiming to be natural and organic these days, how is one supposed to know what organic really is? How do you know if a product is really organic and what makes it organic? How is someone supposed to adopt an organic lifestyle if you can’t really be sure what is organic and what is not?
The definition of organic is food that is grown without pesticides or genetic engineering. It isn’t watered with sewage sludge and there are no growth hormones administered to any organic products. There are no artificial fertilizers or radiation used in the growth of organic foods.
Organic meats use no growth hormones and are fed organically grown, sustainable grains. Livestock drinks only fresh water and is only treated with antibiotics when the animal is ill.
Organic skin care and lotions are made exclusively with plants that have been grown organically grown on a sustainable farm. There are never, ever any pesticides or artificial hormones used during the growth of these plants.
When you use organic products, you are helping to ensure that you and your family do not ingest any chemicals that do not occur naturally. Many people believe that organic is a much healthier way to live and that organic food is far more nutritious than other products. Before you rush right out to the grocery store to go all organic, however, there are some things you really should know.
- Organic foods are more expensive. The main reason for this is that organic farmers are not governmentally funded, so the cost of organic food reflects the cost to farmers to convert. Don’t be frightened by this, just start slow, with produce, eggs and milk. You can move on to cheese and cereals in time, but you need to give your budget time to adjust to the organic movement.
- Look for foods that contain the certified organic seal. The USDA has an organic seal which certifies that the product you are about to purchase complies with the guidelines they have set to dictate if a product is organic.
- Know your terminology. 100% organic, organic and made with organic ingredients. If a product is 100% organic, it has been made with only 100% of organic ingredients. If a product is organic, then 95% of the ingredients that make up the product are organic. Made with organic ingredients means that the product has been made with organic ingredients, but does not qualify to be entirely organic.
While it seems like you’re constantly asking, “well, what is organic,” at the beginning of your organic experience, by the end you’ll be a pro. You’ll feel better about what you’re putting in your mouth and the mouths of your family. If you choose to use organic lotions and skin care, you’ll be feeling better about the things you put on your skin. If you’re really a pro, you can start a garden and grow your own organic produce and when other’s ask you, “what is organic,” you’ll be able to tell them.
