Showing up on everything from tomatoes to towels, the organic label has become well-known to American shoppers. Organic products include food and beverages, body care and household products, nutritional supplements and clothing. What makes them “organic” is that they’re manufactured without man-made chemicals like pesticides, fertilizers, growth hormones and antibiotics, and they’re minimally processed without artificial ingredients or preservatives.
Purchasing organic products is beneficial for both you and the environment. According to the Organic Trade Association, there’s mounting evidence that eating organically produced foods may be more nutritious. A four-year study called the Quality Low Input food project found that organic fruit and vegetables contain up to 40 percent more antioxidants and had higher levels of minerals such as iron and zinc than non-organic versions. Organic milk was found to have 90 percent more antioxidants than non-organic milk from cows.
The environment also benefits from organic agriculture. Conventional farming causes water contamination, ruins the soil structure and promotes erosion. Organic agriculture, on the other hand, respects the balance of the natural ecosystem and provides a healthy environment for all living things, from farm workers and animals to surrounding wildlife.
If you have a limited budget and can’t switch to “everything organic, right now,” focus on purchasing frequently eaten foods first, settling for conventionally grown for things you don’t consume as often. And remember, locally grown organic foods are best””they’re fresher, and you’ll be supporting local farmers and your local economy.