This articles contains information about the definition of organic products along with shopping tips to help consumers make better choices when purchasing organic products with the USDA organic label. This article also contains factual information to better educate consumers so that they can determine if organic products are healthier for them and their families.
You probably have heard about them, but are they really that much better?
The Organic Trade Association defines organic products as a farming system that not only maintains the soil but nurtures the soil without any added fertilizers or harmful pesticides which have been determined to be harmful to our ecosystem. These foods or products have been processed very little without any artificial ingredients or preservatives, which more and more people are looking for.
Americans are becoming more and more environmentally aware these days and you likely have noticed that organic products are becoming more popular everywhere you seem to go.
The term organic also includes other items other than foods or organic products, such as personal care products like shampoo, soap, toothpaste and more that are also available in organic form. There are also organic products such as cosmetics, organic mattresses and even organic pet products such as organic cat litter.
Although there are a few laws that govern the personal care ingredients within personal care products, most personal care products are exempt from strict guidelines, so you really need to check the labeling to see what the ingredients are before choosing something that may not be all that beneficial.
The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) allows products that contain at least 95 percent organic ingredients to display the the organic label. Certainly, there are organic farms that exist here in Arizona, but one of the more popular organic farms is Shamrock Organic Farms. I don't know about you, but I personally believe that it can be quite confusing when looking for organic products.
Here's the USDA Definition of Organically Produced Organic Products Regulations and tips to help you decide if these products are right for you.
In order for products to be able to display the USDA Certified Organic seal, each product is required to contain 95 to 100 percent organic ingredients.
Products can be labeled 100 percent organic if they contain 100 percent of organic ingredients.
In order for an organic label to be displayed on a product, the item must contain at least 70 percent but less than 94 percent of organic ingredients to make the statement that organic ingredients make up the product. (These products cannot use the USDA Certified-Organic seal, however)
Stiff penalties as much as 10,000 dollars can result for any violators misusing these organic labels.
Farmers need to do their homework if they are to display an organic label. Farmers are required to document and prove that their products and farming operations actually comply with these USDA guidelines. In addition, farmers are required to submit their farming system plans along with their well documented records in order to remain compliant with the guidelines. Inspections are required on the farms and the farmers understand that they can have their goods inspected at any time.
There are many reasons why people believe in organic products and are probably the same or similar reasons that others in any other country or state believe that these products are truly better.
More and more Americans are in agreement that organic food and products made without pesticides and fertilizers are the best thing for the future. Many consumers and environmentalists firmly believe that going organic isn't just about promoting better health. They also believe that organically grown food is good for the soil, the environment and certainly our children and others for many years to come.
Many people believe that eating organic foods is healthier because these products contain very little, if any, pesticides or chemicals that will harm you or your children.
Many people believe that choosing 100 percent organic products benefit consumers because these items do not contain any chemicals such as fertilizers or pesticides or any growth hormones and antibiotics.
Many people will agree that by supporting organically grown products, we are doing our part for a healthier environment for everyone. Organic crops do not require any fertilizers because of the fact that they are rotated, which in turns replenishes the essential nutrients needed for healthier and more nutritious fruits and vegetables.
To know whether you are really purchasing something that is said to be organic, look for the organic certification. If you do not know the difference between organic and sustainable, you are not alone. It can be very confusing trying to decide whether or not food without pesticides are better.
Just keep in mind that, organic farms must be independently certified every year and then approved by the USDA, to be officially identified as an organic farm.
Organic products may not be a priority to some people, but there is one thing that cannot be disagreed upon. Fertilizers are not used with these products which is always a benefit when it comes to pollutants that enter our rivers, lakes and streams.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cecilia Valenzuela is a full time online entrepreneur and supporter of small businesses. Valenzuela supports other online business owners hoping to become successful, too. More information about organic products including resourceful information about the state of Arizona and the desert southwest is available at: http://www.my-arizona-desert-living.com/Organic-Products.html
Showing posts with label Organic Certified. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Organic Certified. Show all posts
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Different Organic Products
Organic has been a popular buzzword lately, and it seems as if any environmentally aware individual makes a conscious effort to purchase organic products.
There are many different types of organic products available on the market today. Most food, both human and pet food, is available in an organic variety. There are organic fruit and vegetable choices, organic breads, organic cereals, even organically grown meat. Beef or pork that is grown without using any antibiotics or growth hormones are labeled organic. Toiletries such as soaps and shampoos have product lines that advertise themselves as being organic. These toiletries are made of natural ingredients, mainly plant products. Even bedding and clothes can be made of organic materials. Usually this means that the natural material that was grown to make the fabric was grown organically, and also that the manufacturing process was chemical free. Should the responsible consumer start choosing their favorite brand of shampoo by whether or not the word ‘organic’ is boldly proclaimed on the label? Is it really necessary to fill your house with organic products? Will it really make a difference? It is necessary to make an informed decision before answering this question. There are experts who argue that growing plants organically yields less and is impractical. If everything were grown organically, we would need almost twice as much farmland to sustain the global population. Organic foods are foods that are made or grown without the use of chemicals and hormones. They use natural fertilizers such as compost, and Natural pesticides. For example, if there is an insect infest in a crop, such as aphids, the farmer will introduce ladybugs into his crop to eat the aphids. This gets rid of the problem without contaminating the food or the eco-system. There are even organically made clothes. One of the most popular materials is organically grown cotton. This cotton is grown naturally, much like organic fruits and vegetables, and does not use any toxic dyes to color the clothes. Instead, they grow colored cotton. Not only does this ensure that the cotton remains uncontaminated, but because the fabric isn’t dyed, it will not fade in the wash. In fact, washing this fabric tends to deepen the color instead of fade it. Organic soaps and cosmetics are also enjoying success as more people search for gentler solutions to put on their skin. Organic soaps are usually advertised as containing no animal products or harmful chemicals. These products are usually more hypoallergenic and are great for people with a skin condition such as eczema. Organic cosmetics are available in everything from skin foundations to lipsticks and mascaras, and though they may be gentler on the skin, they may not as effective for the wearer. The foundation or lipstick may wear off sooner than the non-organic brands would. However, many women are willing to trade longwearing make-up for the security that comes with knowing you aren’t putting harmful chemicals unwittingly on your skin. Organic products encompass everything from toiletries to fashion, but it takes a responsible and educated consumer to separate fact from fad. Organic is not necessarily better, and its not always necessary. Sometimes the only difference is the price tag.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nelson Taylor owns and operates http://www.organicproductoutlet.com
There are many different types of organic products available on the market today. Most food, both human and pet food, is available in an organic variety. There are organic fruit and vegetable choices, organic breads, organic cereals, even organically grown meat. Beef or pork that is grown without using any antibiotics or growth hormones are labeled organic. Toiletries such as soaps and shampoos have product lines that advertise themselves as being organic. These toiletries are made of natural ingredients, mainly plant products. Even bedding and clothes can be made of organic materials. Usually this means that the natural material that was grown to make the fabric was grown organically, and also that the manufacturing process was chemical free. Should the responsible consumer start choosing their favorite brand of shampoo by whether or not the word ‘organic’ is boldly proclaimed on the label? Is it really necessary to fill your house with organic products? Will it really make a difference? It is necessary to make an informed decision before answering this question. There are experts who argue that growing plants organically yields less and is impractical. If everything were grown organically, we would need almost twice as much farmland to sustain the global population. Organic foods are foods that are made or grown without the use of chemicals and hormones. They use natural fertilizers such as compost, and Natural pesticides. For example, if there is an insect infest in a crop, such as aphids, the farmer will introduce ladybugs into his crop to eat the aphids. This gets rid of the problem without contaminating the food or the eco-system. There are even organically made clothes. One of the most popular materials is organically grown cotton. This cotton is grown naturally, much like organic fruits and vegetables, and does not use any toxic dyes to color the clothes. Instead, they grow colored cotton. Not only does this ensure that the cotton remains uncontaminated, but because the fabric isn’t dyed, it will not fade in the wash. In fact, washing this fabric tends to deepen the color instead of fade it. Organic soaps and cosmetics are also enjoying success as more people search for gentler solutions to put on their skin. Organic soaps are usually advertised as containing no animal products or harmful chemicals. These products are usually more hypoallergenic and are great for people with a skin condition such as eczema. Organic cosmetics are available in everything from skin foundations to lipsticks and mascaras, and though they may be gentler on the skin, they may not as effective for the wearer. The foundation or lipstick may wear off sooner than the non-organic brands would. However, many women are willing to trade longwearing make-up for the security that comes with knowing you aren’t putting harmful chemicals unwittingly on your skin. Organic products encompass everything from toiletries to fashion, but it takes a responsible and educated consumer to separate fact from fad. Organic is not necessarily better, and its not always necessary. Sometimes the only difference is the price tag.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nelson Taylor owns and operates http://www.organicproductoutlet.com
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Organic Certified Healthy for Us and the Planet
Author: Joan Barton
Organic certified products have labels proving their worthiness, if a business wishes to be organic certified, it has to first meet the standards of their country for organic certification. The farmer/producer needs to qualify for certification and there are certain steps that must be taken, the farm is put under scrutiny, a.They keep strict records b.Soil and water samples are taken c. Plant growing schedule for the next year must be submitted d.An inspection is carried out each year e.They must also comply with rules saying they will use organic suppliers f.The certification process is paid for by the applicant on their way to being Organic certified.
This shows that not just any one can qualify as organic with the strict regulations and inspections, the authenticity of the organic certified is assured. There are several organic certifying labels, international, European and Australian ones, the USA has its own organic certified standards, there are labels from states and individual producers too, basically, they all mean the same thing the term organic generally means, free from artificial chemical, fertilizes, pesticides, antibiotics, food additives, and genetically modified organisms. These unnatural substances will end up in the water and/or soil, infusing their contaminant affect upon more plants and animals this is why soil and water samples are provided on organic farms requiring organic certified status. Organic can also mean the producer/farmer is more likely to follow fair trade and other environmentally friendly practices, but not required.
There all kinds of organic certified produce, from cleaning supplies to clothing and food.
Organic Food - The number of people buying organic food is on the rise, organic certified produce is better for your health and the environment. It is worth a little extra expense, to ensure you are not filling your body with contaminates here is the food "dirty dozen" that contain the highest levels of pesticides and other contaminants;
1. Meat
2.Milk
3.Coffee
4.Peaches
5. Apples/nectarines
6.Sweet Bell Peppers
7.Celery
9.Strawberries
10.Lettuce
11.Grapes
12.Potatoes/Tomatoes.
If going organic is too expensive at least avoid the foods in that list.
Organic clothes - Organic clothes play an important role in the environment as they are required to comply with the same strict rules that apply to organic food producers. There are some wonderful materials available including organic hemp and bamboo, these sustainable crops also are more environmentally friendly, as they require less chemicals and cause little water pollution when being manufactured. Most often, these garments are being produced within fair trade standards, Just look for the label showing it's organic certified. The overuse of antibiotics on farm animals decreases the effectiveness on humans these same animals are most likely to receive growth hormones and feed that could contain pesticides, the same is true for chickens and their eggs, also of course, cows milk. People who continually eat food containing in pesticides are at higher risk of suffering from health issues such as cancer, or nervous system damage, depending on a few variable factors. Children are of particular concern as their immune systems and organs are developing making them quite susceptible to the harm of none organic items, they can quite easily become affected by the unnatural substances put into growing crops and animals, it makes sense to buy organic baby food cloths and diapers. With all this in mind it would seem to be logical to check for the items being organic certified.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/organic-certified-healthy-for-us-and-the-planet-505008.html
About the Author:
Organic Certified produce is better for your health and the environment. Here is the food "dirty dozen" that contain the highest levels of pesticides and other contaminants; 1. Meat 2.Milk 3.Coffee 4.Peaches 5.Apples/nectarines 6.Sweet Bell Peppers 7.Celery 9.Strawberries 10.Lettuce 11.Grapes 12.Potatoes/Tomatoes. If going organic is too expensive at least avoid the foods in that list.
Organic certified products have labels proving their worthiness, if a business wishes to be organic certified, it has to first meet the standards of their country for organic certification. The farmer/producer needs to qualify for certification and there are certain steps that must be taken, the farm is put under scrutiny, a.They keep strict records b.Soil and water samples are taken c. Plant growing schedule for the next year must be submitted d.An inspection is carried out each year e.They must also comply with rules saying they will use organic suppliers f.The certification process is paid for by the applicant on their way to being Organic certified.
This shows that not just any one can qualify as organic with the strict regulations and inspections, the authenticity of the organic certified is assured. There are several organic certifying labels, international, European and Australian ones, the USA has its own organic certified standards, there are labels from states and individual producers too, basically, they all mean the same thing the term organic generally means, free from artificial chemical, fertilizes, pesticides, antibiotics, food additives, and genetically modified organisms. These unnatural substances will end up in the water and/or soil, infusing their contaminant affect upon more plants and animals this is why soil and water samples are provided on organic farms requiring organic certified status. Organic can also mean the producer/farmer is more likely to follow fair trade and other environmentally friendly practices, but not required.
There all kinds of organic certified produce, from cleaning supplies to clothing and food.
Organic Food - The number of people buying organic food is on the rise, organic certified produce is better for your health and the environment. It is worth a little extra expense, to ensure you are not filling your body with contaminates here is the food "dirty dozen" that contain the highest levels of pesticides and other contaminants;
1. Meat
2.Milk
3.Coffee
4.Peaches
5. Apples/nectarines
6.Sweet Bell Peppers
7.Celery
9.Strawberries
10.Lettuce
11.Grapes
12.Potatoes/Tomatoes.
If going organic is too expensive at least avoid the foods in that list.
Organic clothes - Organic clothes play an important role in the environment as they are required to comply with the same strict rules that apply to organic food producers. There are some wonderful materials available including organic hemp and bamboo, these sustainable crops also are more environmentally friendly, as they require less chemicals and cause little water pollution when being manufactured. Most often, these garments are being produced within fair trade standards, Just look for the label showing it's organic certified. The overuse of antibiotics on farm animals decreases the effectiveness on humans these same animals are most likely to receive growth hormones and feed that could contain pesticides, the same is true for chickens and their eggs, also of course, cows milk. People who continually eat food containing in pesticides are at higher risk of suffering from health issues such as cancer, or nervous system damage, depending on a few variable factors. Children are of particular concern as their immune systems and organs are developing making them quite susceptible to the harm of none organic items, they can quite easily become affected by the unnatural substances put into growing crops and animals, it makes sense to buy organic baby food cloths and diapers. With all this in mind it would seem to be logical to check for the items being organic certified.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/organic-certified-healthy-for-us-and-the-planet-505008.html
About the Author:
Organic Certified produce is better for your health and the environment. Here is the food "dirty dozen" that contain the highest levels of pesticides and other contaminants; 1. Meat 2.Milk 3.Coffee 4.Peaches 5.Apples/nectarines 6.Sweet Bell Peppers 7.Celery 9.Strawberries 10.Lettuce 11.Grapes 12.Potatoes/Tomatoes. If going organic is too expensive at least avoid the foods in that list.
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