Organic 101

Ever wonder what Organic really means? Sure, it means that it's healthier, but why? When I was grocery shopping the other day, I had a chance to really hang out in the "Organic Section" of the grocery store and compare some things. Here is what I found out.

First, for a company to use the CERTIFIED USDA ORGANIC symbol their products have to contain 95% or more of organic ingredients. What does "Certified Organic" mean? It means that the item has been grown and processed according to strict uniform standard that are verified by USDA-accredited state or private certification organizations.

Organic seem a little overwhelming? Well here are 10 easy ways to start:

• Organic Milk
• Organic Potatoes
• Organic Peanut Butter
• Organic Baby Foods
• Organic Catsup
• Organic Cotton
• Organic Apples
• Organic Beef
• Organic Soy
• Organic Corn

Now that wasn't so bad, was it?

I just picked up this book to look into organic gardening a little more. I mean how hard can it be? Perhaps, I am doing it already. For one, I am not adding any pesticides to my vegetables and second, and I use my compost bin to replenish and maintain soil fertility. I would imagine most small (or even big) organic farms started the same way.

For more information on organic companies (and their farms) visit their websites: http://www.stonyfield.com/; http://www.organicvalley.coop/; http://www.vansintl.com/, http://www.horizonorganic.com/; http://www.clifbar.com/; http://www.ebfarm.com/; www. anniesnaturals.com; http://www.organicvalley.coop/; http://www.naturespath.com/