Organic?

So, I've been posting about healthier lifestyles and eating organic foods, but what does that mean? Organic.org is a great website for educating about organic and healthy eating.

First, what exactly is organic? The Organic.org FAQ pages says this:

"The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) defines organic as follows: Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled "organic," a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too."

So, how do you know if something is organic? Well, there's a labeling system, because there are actually a few levels of organic. There are products made with 70% and less organic, 70%-94%, 95%-99% and 100% organic. Check out this guide. Also, remember that right now, there is a lot of paperwork and expense that comes with being certified organic. So, just because something isn't labeled, doesn't mean it's not organic. This is especially true with small local farmers, so when you go to the farmers markets, make sure you ask!

And finally, why should you go organic? This article is a list of some of the reasons to consider, but ultimately, it is a personal decision. For me, it's about health - about my health and the health of my husband and the health of the environment. Genesis 1:26: "Then God said, "Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." I believe this creation was entrusted to us, by God, and we are to be stewards of it - taking care of the land so that it will not only support us and future generations, but that we can continue to enjoy our lakes and rivers and see wildlife return to places where pollution had once wiped it out.