Organic products and goods abound in today’s world, but not every consumer knows what the term “organic” truly means. In some industries, this term may even be used to indicate a wide variety of characteristics of a product that modern consumers value. So, what does it mean to be organic? Here are a few types of products that are considered organic and an explanation of how that label impacts the integrity and quality of the product.
What does it mean for food to be organic?
USDA-certified organic foods have very specific guidelines to ensure that the foods you purchase meet certain requirements. Organic vegetables can only be grown in soil that’s void of prohibited substances like synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. In regards to animal products that are labeled organic, they must live in environments that accommodate their natural way of life, all while providing them with organic feed and forage as well as avoiding hormones and antibiotics. Multi-ingredient foods that contain a range of organic ingredients have to ensure that they don’t contain artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors to receive this seal of approval.
But what might this look like in real life? One great example is organic chicken broth from Gourmend. Besides being low FODMAP certified for those with IBS and other digestive issues, this chicken broth only uses free-range chicken and responsibly-sourced organic vegetables to deliver the taste and nutrients that you need in your soups. This means that you won’t find any fillers, maltodextrin, stabilizers, or any other ingredients that don’t belong in natural products. If you’re looking for food that offers the nutrients you need without all the extra additives you don’t want, then going organic can help you find this in your diet.
What does it mean for skincare to be organic?
Clean skincare is absolutely everywhere, but it can be far more difficult for the average consumer to know what clean body care and cosmetics actually accomplish than with items like food. Continuing with the above example, a skincare brand can be USDA-certified, but there are four different levels. These include 100% Organic, 95% Organic, Made With Organic Ingredients (70% organic), and Less Than 70% Organic, which will not receive a seal of approval.
With this in mind, the best organic skincare brands will be transparent about their products. If they state that their products are vegan or cruelty-free, they will also include an ingredient list with further information about how and where these natural ingredients were made. Much like processed foods, organic skincare brands in the beauty industry will also avoid harmful fillers, preservatives, synthetic fragrances, and parabens so that your skin is getting the healthiest possible support. Always do your research when you’re buying these types of skincare products so you know that you’re getting what is advertised to you!
What does it mean for clothing to be organic?
Did you know that clothing can be organic? While this isn’t something that many consumers think about, organic clothing seeks to eliminate pesticides from our wardrobes by using fibers from cotton, wool, and flax that are grown without pesticides, fertilizers, and GMOs. They will often use low-impact dyes and focus on sustainability by sourcing materials from local farms and reducing their carbon footprint in the manufacturing and distribution processes. It may seem like an entirely new concept, but there are actually quite a few organic clothing lines out there that you can shop at today.
Shopping for organic products can be confusing if you’re not sure what it means in terms of the products you use. Reference the guide above whenever you’re looking for your next vegetable or lotion to make sure that you’re getting the right products for your needs.
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