What Does Organic Mean?

The word ‘organic’ is blasted all over the media, our food packaging, cosmetics and more. The problem is, there’s not much information around to answer the question “what does organic mean?” And can we really trust the labels on our products?

The Dictionary Definition Of Organic

The easiest place to start finding a trustworthy definition is with the dictionary. The website Dictionary.com describes organic as:

“11. pertaining to, involving, or grown with fertilizers or pesticides of animal or vegetable origin, as distinguished from manufactured chemicals: organic farming; organic fruits. […]”

There were 14 points in that dictionary definition, and only at point 11 do we get some idea of what ‘organic’ might mean for our food, clothing and household products.

What Does Organic Mean In Simple Terms?

When we hear the word organic in relation to the products we buy, it’s usually linked to organic farming methods. It means that chemicals have not been used to fertilize the crops (or as pesticides). It also means that the land used to grow crops is farmed organically.

The word organic also means that animals used for meat have to be kept completely organically: they can’t be injected with any kind of growth hormones or antibiotics, and must be fed organic feed.

In general, organic is to do with farming methods rather than animal welfare. It’s important to bear this in mind when you make any ethical decisions about the food you want to eat.

Organic Labelling

There are strict standards regarding which products can label themselves as “organic”. The USDA defines three levels of organic produce:

1) Products made completely from organic ingredients and methods may be labeled “100% organic” and display the USDA seal.
2) Products with at least 95% organic ingredients can use the label “organic” and display the seal.
3) Products containing at least 70% organic ingredients can be labeled “made with organic ingredients”.

(Full information can be found on the USDA website.)

Manufacturers who wrongly label their product as organic can be fined up to $11,000 for each violation. Note that every country has its own laws regarding the use of the term organic, and some may not regulate it so strictly.

Don’t Let Manufacturers Mislead You

Although there are regulations in place, at least in certain countries, over the use of the term organic on labelling, it can still be misleading. For example, organic doesn’t necessarily mean that the products are locally grown, or that the food is more nutritious (though there is evidence to suggest that avoiding the ingestion of chemical pesticides/ fertilizers is better for our health).

Similarly, don’t be misled by terms such as “natural” or “healthy” – these don’t come with strict standards like the term “organic”. In short, they mean absolutely nothing. A “natural” beauty product could still be full of harmful chemicals.

It isn’t always easy to know what’s good for our health or the environment, but asking questions like “what does organic mean?” will definitely set you off in the right direction.

Are You Dreaming Of A Green Christmas?

With the snow and ice that we have in the UK already we may well be dreaming of a White Christmas! However, I am sure that like us many people are also thinking about how to have a greener Christmas!

If you’d like to have a greener Christmas this year, you might not know where to start. Just what is wasteful and what isn’t? Is it more or less eco-friendly to have a live Christmas tree? What about lights? It can get confusing, so here are some basic instructions on how to make your Christmas greener.

1. Get a live or Real Christmas Tree. Trees with a root ball can be planted it in your yard or donated to a home-building project in your community for landscaping. A cut Christmas tree can be recycled as mulch, used as shelter for overwintering birds, or broken up for kindling.

2. Invest in light-emitting diodes, or LED, Christmas lights instead of conventional bulbs. These use much less energy and last a lot longer. You won’t be testing and throwing out strands of lights year after year if you use LEDs.

3. Make your own wrapping paper and gift packaging. Old maps, books, magazines, colorful newspaper, and other scrap paper can be used to wrap gifts.

4. Get the family involved in making your own Christmas decorations around the home. Make paper chains from cut-up holiday catalogues. Weave wreaths from evergreen cuttings. Glue pinecones to a foam circle to make a wreath or centerpiece.

5. Do your Christmas shopping at antique and second-hand stores, or charity organizations. Keep an eye out at yard and garage sales for items in good condition. Tea cups, mugs, framed pictures, scarves, books and jewelry are all used items that make good gifts.

6. Save the wrapping paper and packaging from your less-green friends. Use it again, or make decorations from it. Wrap empty boxes in used wrapping paper for decorative “gifts.” Make Christmas cards from cardboard packaging and wrapping paper. Packing peanuts can be strung on thread to make a pretty chain for your tree.

7. Make your own Christmas gifts. Homemade bath salts, baked goods, candy, herbal teas, etc. make great gifts. Children enjoy homemade puppets, play-dough, and other items.

8. Buy gift certificates to restaurants and local businesses for some of the people on your gift list.

9. Keep entertainment simple and fun. Rather than throwing a lavish, wasteful party, why not have a sledding or snowman building party? Gather your friends in a few vehicles and sight-see all the Christmas lights in your community. Or have a party that centers on local, organic foods and reusable tableware. Encourage guests to car pool, and send electronic rather than paper invitations.

Save Money With Dryer Balls

I have to admit that when some friends first told us about Dryer Balls I was more than a little cynical about the claims that they would help us to save money!

However, it’s now been several months since we started using them and so when people now query whether Dryer Balls really work, I can give a very definite yes as the answer!

What we have found is that they really do reduce the amount of time that we need to spend drying clothes, bedding and especially towels in the tumble dryer.

What is more is they really do seem to make things softer and easier to iron. There’s nothing quite like a soft fluffy towel when you step out of the shower or the bath is there?