#18 Certified Organic
Do you believe it is important to buy products that have been organically? Well, are you aware that a conventionally grown apple can be sprayed up to 16 times – with over 30 different chemicals? Or that conventional cotton uses only 2.4% of the world’s agricultural acreage – but its cultivation involves 25% of the world’s pesticide use? Items from clothing and furniture – to food and body care – are made from natural resources grown with the use of toxic chemicals.
Conventional or Organic?
Organic is defined as a category of products which, in the purest form, is grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides and sold without adding preservatives. Conventional is defined as using scientific and technological developments to grow products for human or animal consumption. Conventional may contain antibiotics, synthetic fertilizers, growth hormones, pesticides or herbicides. It is not only imperative for you to make an informed decision on what is best for both your own health and the health of your loved ones – it is also a decision that can greatly impact the health of our planet.
Facts on Conventional and Organic:
The cotton in one conventionally grown cotton t-shirt has been sprayed with over one-third of a pound of pesticides and fertilizers.
Pesticides from cotton can enter the human food chain via cottonseed oil – which is used in processed foods. Cows are fed cottonseed meal, which can end up in the meat and dairy products you consume.
Polluted groundwater from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides is a major issue in many agricultural areas.
An estimated 67 million birds in the US are unintentionally killed by pesticides annually.
Studies have shown that pesticide levels in children’s urine were significantly lower if they were on organic diets.
Buying certified organic guarantees that the product is Non-GMO.
Organic agriculture aids in reducing the greenhouse effect and global warming, through its ability to sequester carbon in the soil.
Depending on the dose, some pesticides can cause a range of adverse effects on human health – including cancer, acute and chronic injury to the nervous system, lung damage, reproductive dysfunction, and dysfunction of the endocrine and immune systems.
How Can I Make An Impact?
Action 1: Global Goodness
Buy USDA Certified Organic. Marketing strategists use terms referencing organic – but there are no regulations for many of these terms. A few examples are: organics, organix, all natural, and natural.
From clothing and body care products – to mattresses and cookware – certified organic can be found in many products. Research and support companies that utilize organic materials.
When purchasing new clothing and textiles, opt for more eco-friendly materials like hemp, organic cotton or bamboo. Organic fabrics are not only better for our planet – they last longer, and are more comfortable to wear.
Action 2: Planet Protector
All of Action 1.
If you have children, use cloth or eco-friendly diapers. Disposable diapers are a major environmental pollutant .
Support local. More and more local vendors, farmers markets and shops are using organic products in their goods.
Action 3: Earth Angel
All of Actions 1 & 2.
Shop mindfully. There are many products that are better for your health if consumed organically. If you are on a budget and can’t afford to buy all organic food, make sure you are at least purchasing the dirty dozen products organically.
Lobby your local government to protect the air, water and soil in your community – by regulating conventionally grown foods.
Choose to be an Ambassador for Change, and always Spread Love and Spread Light.
