It seems there’s an organic version of just about everything these days…organic vegetables, organic coffee, organic toothpaste and even organic pet food. Most people know that organic foods are “healthier” for them, but not everyone really understands why.
Buying organic promotes a less toxic environment for all living things. When you eat organically grown foods you reduced your intake of pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals used in farming, all of which can be harmful to your overall health. Organic foods are NOT genetically modified, pumped full of antibiotics or packed with artificial ingredients. Many people argue that organic foods are more nutritious and taste better than their conventional counterparts. Going organic also helps support local farmers, promotes biodiversity, and encourages a healthier planet overall (organic farmers use less energy, less water and produce less toxic waste).
This may all sound great, but a lot of people worry about the cost or buying organic. In general, organic food costs more than conventional food because of the arduous and time-intensive systems used by smaller organic farms; but you may find that the benefits of eating organic foods can off-set the additional cost. Keep in mind there are ways to purchase organic while sticking to your budget. Check out our Going Organic on a Dime post to learn more.
How do I know if something is organic?
The USDA has three categories of labeling organic products. You can look for the following labels at your local supermarket:
100% Organic – products bearing this label must contain 100% organic ingredients.
USDA Organic – these products contain at least 95%-99% organic ingredients.
“Made With Organic Ingredients” – Food packaging that reads “Made With Organic Ingredients” must contain 70–94% organic ingredients. These products will not bear the USDA Organic seal; instead, they may list up to three ingredients on the front of the packaging.
Products with less than 70% organic ingredients may only list organic ingredients on the information panel of the packaging. These products will not bear the USDA Organic seal.
Remember, you don’t have to go ALL organic. Start by purchasing organic versions of the products you use most often or check out a local farmers market this weekend. You will be doing your body and the planet good!
- Lauren
Labels: healthy living, healthy tips, Lauren, Organic
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Good post to differentiate all this stuff! It is expensive at times to buy organic but I try to buy organic veggies/fruit that tend to hold the most pesticides. I wish I could afford to buy more...