Why Organic?
What is organic?Organic refers to the way agricultural products—food and fiber—are grown and processed. Organic food production is based on a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers. In the long run, organic farming techniques provide a safer, more sustainable environment for everyone.
What does "Certified Organic" mean?
“Certified Organic” products have been manufactured according to strict standards laid out by the National Organic Standards Board that are verified by independent organizations. Our certifying agency is Oregon Tilth (www.tilth.org). To be “Certified Organic” means that an independent agency has verified that: at least 70% of the raw materials used in a product are organically grown; no artificial colors, fragrances, petroleum byproducts are used. Non-organic ingredients are not treated with radiation, genetically engineered, or grown using sewer sludge. Certification includes ia complete evaluation of every raw material used to make sure they meet the certification standards, ongoing inspections of our manufacturing facility, and detailed record keeping system.
Who regulates the organic claims of body care products?
Nobody. While Federal laws regulate the use of the word “Organic” in the food industry, there are no laws that apply to body care and cosmetic products. Because of this, there are tens of thousands of body care products on the market that say they are “organic”, but use ingredients that are carcinogenic, derived from petroleum products, or are otherwise artificial. Some of the most popular are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate , and Fragrance Oils (usually listed as “Fragrance”).
However, some of us have chosen to adopt the Federal Organic Standards, and have become “Certified Organic”. If you are purchasing Organic body care products, make sure they are “Certified Organic”, or you may be getting something that is no better than the chemical filled products you are trying to get away from!
How will purchasing organic products help keep our water clean?
Conventional agricultural methods can cause water contamination. Beginning in May 1995, a network of environmental organizations, including the Environmental Working Group, began testing tap water for herbicides in cities across the United States’ Corn Belt, and in Louisiana and Maryland. The results revealed widespread contamination of tap water with many different pesticides at levels that present serious health risks. In some cities, herbicides in tap water exceed federal lifetime health standards for weeks or months at a time. The organic farmer’s elimination of polluting chemicals and nitrogen leaching, in combination with soil building, works to prevent contamination, and protects and conserves water resources.
Why do organic products cost more?
Prices for organic products reflect many of the same costs as conventional items in terms of growing, harvesting, transportation and storage. Organically produced products must meet stricter regulations governing all of these steps, so the process is often more labor- and management-intensive, and production to be on a smaller scale. There is also mounting evidence that if all the indirect costs of producing conventional products—cleanup of polluted water, replacement of eroded soils, costs of health care for farmers and their workers—were factored into the price of food, organic foods would cost the same or, more likely, be cheaper.
(Paraphrased from the Organic Trade Association website. For more information, visit the OTA website )