Health/Natural: What's All the Hype About Organic Products?

Arizona resident Cecilia Valenzuela fills us in on organic products, along with shopping tips to help consumers make better choices when purchasing with the USDA organic label.

It seems many are going organic these days, but are these products really that much more beneficial?

Organic products are defined by The Organic Trade Association as a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers. 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 increasingly 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 items other than foods, 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 ingredients within personal care products, most of these 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 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 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 where I live, 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 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, 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. This also includes farmers having to submit their farming system plans as well as documented records in order to keep compliant with the set forth rules. In addition, farmers are also required to allow inspectors inspect their goods at any given 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.

©Copyright 2008 by AlternativeApproaches.com

About the author: Cecilia Valenzuela is a full time entrepreneur and supporter of small businesses. Cecilia Valenzuela works with entrepreneurs striving to become successful like herself. Valenzuela supports other online business owners. 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.