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ORGANICS 101

Buffy said May 3, 2006, 3:26 PM:

In December 2000, the National Organic Standards Board of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) established a national standard for the term “organic.” 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.

Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. The benefits of organics are that organic standards require that the land used to grow organic crops go through a three-year “transition period” to make sure the crops are free of synthetic pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. All organic agriculture prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, irradiation, sewage sludge, and growth hormones, and no genetically modified organisms can be contained in anything labeled organic. Organic food is less likely to contain pesticide residues than conventional food. Well-balanced soils grow strong healthy plants that taste better and contain more nutrients. Organic growers also often select varieties to grow for their flavor, not only for their appearance. The benefit to you is that organic food tastes and looks great. By eating organic you are helping to sustain a system which embraces and nurtures the human, animal and plant links of the food chain.

Have you embraced an organic lifestyle?

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Re: ORGANICS 101

Romiy [no longer around] said May 3, 2006, 3:52 PM:

We are vegetarians and I have found a real difference between organics and conventional foods. I have more energy and feel lighter with organics. Maybe it's my imagination but the more I buy organic the better I feel not only because I am doing good for the environment but also because of the lifeforce in the food. I love to eat and cook. We also use organic mostly homemade lotions, soaps and other hygiene products. We try to never buy any house hold products with chemicals in them it makes no sense to eat organic if you are filling up the house with toxic cleaning and hygiene products.

Re: ORGANICS 101

Muntz said May 4, 2006, 9:58 PM:

Hi Romily :)

I totally agree about trying to make it an organic lifestyle which is my main goal too. It all started for me a year ago when I was working casually at a bakery and a customer came in with gorgeous healthy natural hair down to her bum! I commented on this and this was a whole life changing point for me. The customer Marleene told me it was the shampoo she used which promoted her hair to grow so quickly. This small converstation opened a door and the next thing I knew Marleene had brought me in a cd to listen to about household chemicals in everyday things we use which are dangerous. She told me she thought that it was meant to be that we met and had that conversation. Now I use organic only cosmetics and beauty products, I go to an organic hairdresser, and it has become my passion! I find it difficult though to be able have the opportunity to eat organic food. I still live at home with a family who joke about toxins and how much I go on about it all. THey don't take me seriously! so frustrating. Gradually I am buying organic products for home though: dishwashing liquid (chemical free), soap, shampoo, bubble bath, tomato sauce, milk, teabags.

When I move out I will definitely try and achieve my goal of being as organic as possible. Did you find it an easy transition to change everything over to organic?

It is interesting you talk about the comparison. My boyfriend lives at home still also, and he told me last night about how his mum bought a chicken fillet from the local market that was a free range chicken. They didn't have enough chicken to feed the rest of the family so he popped down to the supermarket to get another fillet. He told me there was an AMAZING difference between the free range and supermarket. The free range chicken fillet was healthy and large compared to a small supermarket one. My boyfriend said that its interesting that his mum is happy to buy free range chicken and fully supports this, but then looks down on organic food and wouldn't consider buying it. hmmm just got me a thinkin!

How long have you been buying organic?

ciao
Muntz :)

Re: ORGANICS 101

Romiy [no longer around] said May 5, 2006, 3:55 PM:

Hi Muntz:

Re: ORGANICS 101

Romiy [no longer around] said May 5, 2006, 4:03 PM:

Hi Muntz:

It took about 3 years of gradually changing things. We started with fruits and veggies. Then I started making more and more homemade foods. We also try to buy fair trade products when we can. I then started questioning what we put on our bodies like shampoo, soap, etc. After that it was only a shop hop to chemical free cleaning products. Our next step is to buy organically made clothing. It is sometimes a struggle to change old habits but it is getting easier since more people are becoming aware of the dangers of chemicals in everyday life. Keep up the good fight. It is well worth it. The Earth will be grateful and so will the rest of us.