Organic products are free from synthetic perfumes and colors as well as any harmful chemicals that could potentially irritate skin damage, while providing natural sources or botanical ingredients with healing properties that support skin health.
Organic products do not necessarily reflect healthiness; in fact, many with organic labels contain high concentrations of sugar, salt or fat. When shopping organic, read carefully!
Better for the Environment
Organic farming practices go beyond keeping harmful pesticides out of our water, soil and air; they also protect farm workers from exposure while protecting wildlife. Organic food production utilizes physical, mechanical and biological methods of pest and weed control rather than synthetic chemical agents for its production.
Organic regulations stipulate that organic meat must be raised under conditions that mimic their natural behaviors (grazing on pasture) without receiving hormones or antibiotics, while its cultivation uses no synthetic fertilizers or herbicides.
Opt for 100% organic foods when possible; this ensures all the ingredients have been certified organic. Products containing less than 70% certified organic ingredients may be labeled “made with organic” but cannot carry the USDA seal. When shopping for “made with organic” items, ensure it has been certified by an established organic certifier; look for their name on the package to confirm certification.
Fresher
While “natural” labels can appear on products without government regulation, organic food must meet specific standards regarding production, processing, packaging and transportation in order to be labeled organic.
Organic growers must adhere to stringent standards when it comes to crop rotation, weed management and processing operations; in addition to keeping detailed records that can be audited by an independent organic certifier.
Organic products can be labeled 100% organic to indicate all of their ingredients have been certified organic, and may display the USDA organic seal. Foods made with multiple ingredients may also be labeled “made with organic” if at least 70% of them are certified organic; when purchasing multi-ingredient food items, look for a list of certified organic ingredients on the main display panel and ensure it does not contain any prohibited materials (like GMOs) or synthetic additives that might compromise its integrity.
More Nutrients
Many people opt for organic food to ensure they’re getting enough vitamins and nutrients, with studies showing organic dairy and meat products contain more Vitamin C, iron and magnesium than conventional varieties; further studies also demonstrated lower pesticide residue levels on organic fruits and vegetables.
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is key for good health. When possible, purchase local organic products as it will support both your community’s economy and limit chemical exposure.
If you can’t afford to buy everything organic, prioritize purchasing items with high levels of pesticide residues, such as those listed in the “clean 15” and “dirty dozen.” Additionally, look for foods marked as organic (all ingredients certified as such); for processed food options that contain at least 70% organic ingredients (“made with organic”) may indicate at least that much. Finally, keep an eye out for products with PLU codes or USDA seals that indicate how much of each ingredient is organic.
Less Chemicals
Organic ingredients can help to limit your exposure to harmful chemicals. By definition, “organic” means that a product was grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides or bioengineered genes (GMOs). However, organic standards don’t necessarily define “chemical-free.”
Farmers who use only organic herbicides and pesticides during the growing process face additional challenges when dealing with nonorganic crops nearby; chemical residue from nonorganic crops sprayed elsewhere could still transfer through rain, wind or insects to organic crops sown elsewhere. To combat this threat, organic farmers use various natural methods for controlling weeds and pests like crop rotation, hand weeding and mulching.
Food products containing 100-percent certified organic ingredients can only be considered organically labeled products, while products containing less than 70% may be labeled “made with organic” and must list their percentage in their ingredient list. Synthetic chemicals (including preservatives) are banned from organic packaged food products.
