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Natural Family Living
Why Go Organic?
By Tammie Ortlieb
 Organics are in. Everybody from your small local grocer to nationwide chains has devoted entire shelves to these salt of the earth foods. Tomatoes, soymilk, chocolate, even some toilet paper is organic. Vegetarians shop for organics; so do meat eaters. Earthy crunchy environmentalists and mainstream moms alike load their carts with organic food products. Both young and old can be found purchasing brands such as Muir Glen, Mori-Nu, and Aubrey Organics. The folks at ScientificAmerican.com, in fact, state that organic food sales increase 20 percent each year. But, why?
Why will we spend as much as a dollar more for a can of beans simply because the label reads 'organic'? According to the USDA National Organic Program, "Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations." One key aspect of this process is the elimination of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. As consumers, then, it's not just a matter of pinto or black. When we spend a little more for the organic, we can feel confident that our choice is contributing to the health of the planet.
By supporting more environmentally conscious farming methods, we reduce the pesticides that pollute our land, water, and ultimately, our bodies. Farmers go through a three year process in converting land to organic status. During this time they focus on natural methods of building up the fertility of the soil, thus beginning to eliminate toxic repercussions to farmers and neighboring homes associated with pesticide use. According to a study in the British Medical Journal (Sept., 2005), these health problems can range from asthma attacks to skin rashes, neurological symptoms, liver disease, and complications with the immune system. But do these natural farming practices compromise taste and quality in the foods we put on our dinner plates?
On the contrary, enriching the soil with organic fertilizers can actually increase the nutrients in fruits and vegetables. The USDA maintains that healthy soils store and cycle nutrients in a manner that promotes strong and healthy plant growth. Traditional farming practices that rely heavily on chemicals have caused not only loss of soil, but loss of nutrients in the soil. Organic farming, on the other hand, according to the Organic Center State of Science Review, increases the antioxidant levels in food by thirty percent and provides safer and more nutritious fruit and produce.
In addition, pregnant and nursing mothers who consume organic foods avoid many of the pesticides that can potentially lead to ADHD, autism, behavioral changes, hearing deficits, and delayed puberty onset among others. A woman's body stores lifetime contaminants in fat tissues throughout her system. A great percentage of the fat in mother's milk is comprised of these reserves. La Leche League International suggests that much of the harm to baby from mother's exposure to pesticides occurs in the womb. Breastfed babies, as it is, have the advantage over formula fed babies in that milk from the mother has anti-inflammatory properties and provides a stronger immune system, factors that can limit damage due to contaminant exposure. In addition, soy-based and cow's milk based formulas are compromised by pesticide residue from the farmlands from which they are drawn. Limiting prenatal exposure by consuming organic foods, then, is one means of ensuring safer neurological and motor development in the infant.
Consumers interested in reducing exposure to noxious chemicals may also find organic product lines in linens, toys, clothing, cleansers, pet food, health and beauty care, and some furniture such as mattresses and sofas. While one could certainly shop for such products at natural health stores both online and in the neighborhood, organics now also can be found at nationwide chains and mainstream upscale department stores. And these organic products can be had from some of the biggest retail names such as Nike, Gap, Eddie Bauer, L.L. Bean, Crate and Barrel, and Carter's.
According to the Organic Trade Association's 2004 Manufacturer Survey, the organic fiber category alone grew about twenty percent in 2003 for a total of $85 million in sales. Consumers are looking to reduce pollutants to the land, water, and air as well as to limit personal exposure to toxic chemicals. The production of cotton, for example, touted as a pure and natural fiber, accounts for one quarter of ALL pesticides used in current farming practices. This number is pretty significant when you take into consideration the fact that cotton makes up the majority of clothing needs in the U.S. By purchasing organic cotton, you greatly reduce your chances of developing pesticide related health problems such as asthma and allergy symptoms and chemical sensitivities.
And don't forget to get the little ones involved in the organic movement as well. Kids can test their organic knowledge and measure their organic footprint at www.kidsfootprint.org . Did you know, for example, that organic oatmeal and fruit are a better choice for breakfast than frozen waffles? And would you have guessed that our food, on average, travels the distance between San Francisco and Denver before it actually lands on our plates? Children will learn what they can do to make an environmental difference, including taking lunch in reusable containers, riding bikes to school instead of driving, and eating organic whole grains and veggies.
Keeping them safe while they learn is simply a matter of choosing organic alternatives over the more popular brightly colored PVC toys that line the shelves of the retail giants. Get started at online sources such as www.naturebaby.com, www.tinybirdsorganics.com, www.sumboshine.co, Under The Nile, and www.naturaleco.com . As mothers know, toys often go into the mouths of babes as frequently as does food. Ensure that what they are putting into these tiny mouths will have no traces of nasty chemicals or noxious pollutants of any type.
Once the decision is made to go organic, getting started is simply a matter of doing some homework. Be sure to look for either the 'USDA Organic' label or the organic label of the certifying agency. Either label can be used and assures that farmers have followed regulated organic farming practices and have had their products inspected by USDA approved certifying agencies. If an item states merely 'organic' the product contains 95% or greater organic ingredients. The remaining ingredients are either items that cannot be obtained in organic form or are from an approved list. Food items can only claim '100% organic' if all ingredients are organically produced. Pen in hand, now, it's time to stroll the aisles of your local supermarket and health food stores.
Make a list of the items in your home that might be substituted with an organic alternative. Do price comparisons. Keep in mind that many retail centers now offer store brand organics, thus bringing the products into a more family friendly price range. Each week see if you can add one or two new organic products to your shopping list. Don't get discouraged, however, if you try a brand that you don't care for. Organics, just like their pesticide ridden cousins, differ from each other in both taste and quality. Shop around until you find one that you like. In the end, you will enjoy better health, richer nutritional content, and the knowledge that you are making a positive environmental contribution now and for future generations.
Sidebar: 10 Reasons to Go Organic
VegFamily Resources: Visit the VegFamily Shopping Guide for organic products companies that support VegFamily.
Tammie Ortlieb is a freelance writer with a Masters Degree in Developmental Psychology. Her work has appeared in VegNews, Veggie Life, Vegetarian Baby and Child Online Magazine, and Mothering.com. She resides in southwest Michigan with her omnivorous husband, three terrific teenagers- two veg, one wannabe-, and a you-tell-em-like-it-is-sister future green revolutionist fabulous fourth grader.
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