Since the arrival of the 21st century, the demand for organic products, such as food, cosmetics, fabrics and household items, has increased exponentially. This change is mainly due to the growing concern for our ecology and its sustainability. When a product is labeled organic, it means that it was produced without the use of pesticides, artificial fertilizers, human waste, sewage output, food additives, or ionized radiation. In the case of meat, it means that the animals were reared without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones.

Better for you
Many products manufactured with ingredients from traditional farms, although having been rigorously processed, can still include pesticide residue. Even though our bodies are designed to eliminate many of the chemical toxins that we come into contact with on a daily basis, the task is insurmountable. There are toxins in the air we breathe, the food we ingest, the water we drink, the things we touch and the products we use. Due to this constant exposure, our bodies are unable to eradicate all the pollutants. Using organically-grown products can help to reduce the toxic overload. Current U.S. national organic standards declare that the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers and other artificial ingredients is strictly forbidden; therefore eating organically-grown food and using eco-friendly products is not only beneficial for the consumer, but also for the planet.

Better for us
Studies have shown that organic farms are more energy-efficient, using 30% less fossil fuels than conventional farms. The soil also tends to hold more carbon, thus reducing carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere and promoting an eco-friendly environment. Industrial farming, with its constant use of pesticides and herbicides, does not merely affect its workers and introduce toxins into the farmland itself, but it also inflicts mayhem on the surrounding regions. Pesticides released into the air can drift into non-farming communities and natural wildlife habitats. Synthetic fertilizers can float downstream and create dead zones in fragile ocean areas.

How to tell
Read food and product labels. A food or product that displays a certified USDA sticker is 95% (or more) organic, and meets the strict regulations put forth by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). These regulations dictate how such products must be grown, handled, and processed.