Organics are everywhere now. In addition to organic produce, there are organic meats, eggs, cookies, shampoos, towels, and more. Many people are understandably confused about what organic means. How can a cow or a T-shirt be organic?!
Chemists, (like my father-in-law!) are quick to point out that every living thing, and many nonliving things (such as petroleum), are chemically organic. Today, organic labeling signifies something entirely different. Let me give you an “in a nutshell” explanation.
An organic fruit, vegetable, or grain has been grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, or toxic fertilizers like sewage-sludge (very common!).
An organic cow feeds on grass and grain that was grown organically, is not fed hormones or antibiotics, and is raised and slaughtered humanely.
Organic food products do not contain high fructose corn syrup, trans fats, artificial colors, or other synthetic chemicals. (They can be high in sodium or sugar, though, so read the labels!)They will not have been grown from Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s), nor will they have been irradiated. Both of these issues are of serious concern to many, because the long term consequences of consuming them is unknown.
Organic personal care items use natural plant and mineral ingredients such as essential oils.
Organic cloth is made from natural fibers grown without synthetic pesticides, not treated with toxic chemicals or dyes.
The “natural” label you see on many commercial products is nearly meaningless. Petroleum is natural, but I don’t want it in my food! Read labels carefully to know what you are getting—the more they tell you, the better.
There are several “organic” designations. “100% organic” means that every ingredient or process used in the product is organic. “Organic” means that 95% of the ingredients are organic, while “Made with organic ingredients” tells you that at least 70% of the content is organic. Organic certification is done by a USDA accredited agency, and obtaining it is costly in both money and time. This is one of several reasons why organic products are more expensive.
Many smaller farming operations simply cannot afford the certification process and will tell you that their products are unofficially organic. Several of our area farmers and CSA’s (Community Supported Agriculture) use the terms “naturally grown” or “sustainably produced”. Most are happy to have you visit and see how their crops and animals are raised. Certainly there will be the occasional fraud, but fellow growers are quick to rat them out, because farmers who are working hard to grow organically and sustainably are proud of their products and the integrity of the organic concept is important to them.
You should know that while organics are the healthiest options, few organic foods are totally free of synthetic pesticides. Many chemicals used in conventional farming persist in the soil for decades, and wind and water carry residual chemicals far from their original site of application. Lead, mercury, and even jet fuel chemicals are often found in soil and water. Organic farming practices minimize these contaminants giving us all a healthier environment.
Here are just a few facts for you to think about:
Pesticides are linked to many cancers, including breast, prostate, lung, and colon. Children who play on chemically treated lawns are 6.5 times more likely to develop leukemia, and cancer is one of the top three causes of death in American children between the ages of 1-14.
The average person consumes 14 pounds of chemical food additives each year in the form of artificial colors, preservatives, pesticide residues, and more.
Schools that switch to organic foods report significantly higher academic achievement and attendance, while behavior and attention problems nearly disappear.
One fourth of all the pesticides sold worldwide are used on cotton crops, and 5 of the top 9 used are considered by the EPA to be the most toxic of all pesticides. They don’t all wash out.
Over 100 studies confirm that organic produce averages 10-20% higher nutrient content than conventional produce. Some are up to 47% more nutritious.
Our government subsidizes sugar to the tune of over 1 billion dollars a year, while organic farms receive little or no assistance at all. (One reason junk food is so cheap!)
Organic farms have crop yields equal to, and usually better than, those of conventional farms, while using 30% less energy, less water, and no harmful chemicals. Established organic farms may have 3 times better yields than conventional farms during times of drought! Their soil and practices are simply better suited to weathering less than perfect growing conditions.
I hope some of the questions you may have had about organics have been answered. Please support area business that offer organics. Prices fall as demand increases. In any case, I reiterate my “Pay Now, or Pay Later” philosophy. Pay now for better quality food and products, or pay later in poor health and medical expenses.
My family’s health is my top priority, what about yours?
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